The Calgary Chamber is the voice of the business community. We double down on commerce and work with businesses to create catalysts for growth.
RECONCILIATION:
A journey for Calgary businesses
C
algary, known as Mohkinstsis in the Blackfoot language, has been a gathering place and hub of trade and commerce for generations.
The relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people far precedes our history as an incorporated city (1894) or as a province (1905). And while there are many examples of positive and productive relationships, decades of assimilation policy continue to impact Indigenous communities today. While many organizations have made reconciliation a priority, the path to reconciliation is complex and it is often difficult to know where and how to start. Through 94 Calls to Action in the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), among many other works, Indigenous voices tell us
how government, business and individuals can move toward meaningful reconciliation. Many trailblazers, including those in the energy sector, are heeding the call for change and starting to walk the path of reconciliation. THE PATH FORWARD Tim Fox is Calgary Foundation’s vice-president, Indigenous Relations & Equity Strategy. He says the journey for many is young. Reflecting on his early days with Calgary Foundation, Fox admits “There was no guide. When I started with Calgary Foundation, in absence of a clear roadmap, I was fortunately supported to do the learning and personal growth that would be needed to BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // AUGUST 2021
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