Truth Before Reconciliation: Resources for Businesses

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

Indigenous leaders often point out that when reaching out to and building partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, businesses must be willing to put truth first before engaging in reconciliation.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92 calls on the corporate sector in Canada to provide education for management and staff on the history of Indigenous Peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law and relationships with the Crown. It is an important step forward in working to build respectful intercultural relationships and demonstrate that upholding human rights and supporting policies that work against racism are a priority.

Participating in events around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30^th), National Indigenous History Month (June), and local events hosted by Indigenous communities who extend invitations to outside guests can also be a great way for businesses to show that they are interested in taking the time and making the effort to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples, businesses and communities.

The following is a list of free resources available to corporations to help promote awareness and respect in their journeys of reconciliation:

• The Guidebook on Business Reconciliation in Canada, developed by Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, is a great practical resource for community protocol, understanding Indigenous culture and political systems, and first steps for companies of all sizes.
• The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation course is offered by Reconciliation Education. Through BDC, this course is available for free to entrepreneurs.
• The Nisitohtamowin eLearning course by First Nations University of Canada provides an introduction to understanding Indigenous perspectives. Through a partnership with BMO, it is available for free to the public until September 2025.

For business leaders looking to dig deeper, the following documents speak to both the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the rich history, culture and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.

• The Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996) investigates the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown. It makes practical recommendations on various issues, including autonomy, healing, economic development, and the creation of Indigenous institutions.
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report (2015) includes 94 Calls to Action for Canadian industries, institutions and individuals to address the historic and ongoing injustices against Indigenous Peoples. These critical recommendations, including Call to Action #92, are crucial foundations for creating respectful relationships and engaging with Indigenous communities.
• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) (2003) affirms the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples to ensure their survival, dignity, and well-being. In 2021, the Government of Canada formally adopted UNDRIP into law. Corporations can also consider reading the Canadian Government’s Action Plan, which sets out how to implement this document.
• The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), which provides 231 Calls for Justice directed at government, institutions, social service providers, and all Canadians to reclaim power and place.
• The National Indigenous Economic Strategy (2022) contains key recommendations for government, Corporate Canada, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to advance economic reconciliation.

Please visit the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’ and resource, Sharing Prosperity, to learn more about bridging gaps with Indigenous communities, businesses, and Peoples and explore our Economic Reconciliation Initiative.