COVER FEATURE
Advancing IndigenousFirst Diversity and Inclusion in an Era of Truth and Reconciliation By Rebecca Chartrand and Michelle Boivin
s Canada strives for economic and A social reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, businesses and organizations must align leadership with the opportunities that gave all Canadians the opportunity to live, work and prosper on Canadian soil. By adopting an Indigenous-first approach to employment equity, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians can benefit from greater economic reconciliation, improved opportunities for financial stability, and equitable and inclusive workplace environments.
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rom where we are situated, Winnipeg (Manitoba) is located within the territory of the first Canadian Indian Treaty, known as Treaty One Territory. It was signed in 1871, a few short years after confederation when newcomers declared Canada a new country. From a sovereignty and historical lens, the Canadian Indian Treaties were created a few short years after
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confederation. They were necessary agreements between Indigenous Peoples and a newly formed government that made it possible for newcomers to settle within our territories and homeland. When one hears the statement “we are all treaty people,” it is meant to acknowledge this history and the treaty responsibilities that all Canadians have in upholding those agreements. With that, non-Indigenous peoples must recognize the opportunities afforded to them by the Canadian Indian
