A Journey towards Truth & Reconciliation
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
Advancing reconciliation through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action
At the heart of Calgary where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet— is a site rich in historical and spiritual significance for Indigenous peoples in Treaty 7 since time immemorial. At the confluence, the rivers have been recognized as medicine and the land as a gathering point for centuries.
The Inglewood BIA team and business community are committed to becoming a partner in Truth & Reconciliation with Indigenous communities. We have a lot to learn, and we continue to build staff, businesses, and Board participation in incorporating Indigenous learning opportunities. Through building awareness with educational learning, working with Indigenous partners, and building relationships towards deepening our understanding, we wish to connect with Indigenous colleagues and communities across Treaty 7.
Business and Reconciliation: Call to Action #92
We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt UNDRIP as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources.
i. Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.
ii. Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.
III. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, and UNDRIP, treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.