Inclusive Language for Reconciliation

Written by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business

It is important to use language that respects the sovereignty and diversity of Indigenous Peoples.  

The following is an excerpt taken from Sharing Prosperity: An Introduction to Building Relationships for Economic Reconciliation in Ontario. This introductory resource provides non-Indigenous organizations and businesses with an overview of opportunities to advance economic reconciliation, offering foundational knowledge and practical guidance for building mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous people, businesses, and communities.  

Respectful communication and inclusive business practices are essential to building meaningful relationships and we would like to share what we learned in developing this resource. 

1. To respect the diversity of Indigenous People, try to use specific Nation and/or community names (e.g., Kanienkahagen for the Six Nations of the Grand River).
   
   
2. We recommend capitalizing the words “Indigenous,” “Chief,” and “Council” and the names of Indigenous nations (e.g., Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation), people (e.g., Anishinaabek), and languages (e.g., Anishinaabemowin), as you would Toronto, Canadians, and English.

3. Accuracy is important, so be sure to include diacritical marks (e.g., Métis).

4. Plural language acknowledges the diversity of Indigenous Peoples (unless speaking about a specific community, person, etc.). The term “Peoples” is typically used when speaking about multiple groups (e.g., Anishinaabe, Chippewa, and Haudenosaunee Peoples); the term “people” is used when speaking about a specific group or individual.

5. The use of the present tense respectfully acknowledges the rightful, original and ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples (e.g., Toronto is home to many diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples).
   
   
6. The term “Inuit” means “People” in Inuktitut, so it is redundant to refer to “Inuit People” (as you would refer to “chai,” not “chai tea”). Therefore, one “works in partnership with Inuit communities and businesses” or “works in partnership with Inuit.” not “works in partnership with Inuit People.”

7. The use of possessive language (e.g., Ontario’s First Nations) when describing Indigenous Peoples does not acknowledge Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty. To avoid colonial identifiers (e.g., Indigenous Ontarians/Canadians), instead choose “First Nations in Ontario” or “Indigenous Peoples within Canada.”
   
   
8. Using the terms “partner” and/or “rightsholder” rather than “stakeholder” recognizes that Indigenous Peoples are more than stakeholders and have constitutional and treaty rights that must be respected.  

Language is constantly changing, and we encourage everyone to keep learning and growing in their efforts to communicate with inclusivity and respect.

Please visit our resource, Sharing Prosperity, to learn more about bridging gaps with Indigenous communities, businesses, and Peoples and explore our Economic Reconciliation Initiative.