What is Indigenous culture?

Indigenous Peoples are a culture that shares ancestral ties to the lands and resources where they live. More than 1.8 million people in Canada identify as Indigenous. Canada’s three groups of Indigenous peoples are First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, all with unique histories, cultural practices, languages, and spiritual beliefs. Every aspect of their life can define culture, including mannerisms, clothing, religion, rituals, language, and art. Generation after generation continues to pass these beliefs and traditions to the next, keeping their identifying ways of life alive. Although these groups in Canada are distinct, they share similarities, including historical injustices committed against them by colonists.

Celebrating Indigenous culture

For over a decade, the Assembly of First Nations wanted to establish a national Aboriginal solidarity day on June 21st of each year to recognize and celebrate Indigenous culture and contributions of the Inuit, Metis, and First Nations people of Canada. In 1996, Romeo LeBlanc, the Governor General of Canada, declared June 21st National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. June is also Canada’s National Indigenous History Month, which originated in 2009 as National Aboriginal History Month. Indigenous Peoples Day is a way to honour and learn about their cultural and historical contributions and celebrate their heritage and resilience.

How to support Indigenous culture in the workplace

Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments typically require employers to have policies addressing and preventing harassment, racism, and bullying. Employers can create safe spaces that promote cultural sensitivity specific to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada using the following tips:

Incorporating cultural awareness training

Cultural awareness often involves recognizing similarities and differences during communication or interaction. This sensitivity, which includes understanding and accepting other cultures and their identities, is also a typical requirement. This training can ensure a safe and respectful workplace by eliminating stereotypes and learning about the historical backgrounds, traditions, and current struggles of Indigenous Peoples.

Creating employee resource groups

Employee resource groups (ERGs) are voluntary associations led by employees who promote diversity and inclusivity within their organizations. These groups typically include employees who share ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, lifestyle, or interests and can provide support, mentorship, a sense of community and enhanced career and personal development.

Hiring and promoting

Building relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations can help you better understand the perspectives and needs of Indigenous Peoples. This can lead to community partnerships and initiatives to support Indigenous employment and advancement. Developing recruitment strategies can help attract Indigenous candidates. This may involve partnering with Indigenous organizations, attending job fairs in their communities, or advertising positions in media outlets that reach Indigenous audiences.

Recognizing traditional lands

Acknowledging the traditional territories where businesses operate can demonstrate respect for Indigenous Peoples’ land, culture, and history. You can make this announcement before company-wide meetings, sponsored events, or with signage throughout the building. Some of Canada’s NHL teams embrace this practice as part of their commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion, particularly before games, where large audiences are present.

Celebrating Indigenous heritage

Employers can honour Indigenous heritage by recognizing and celebrating Indigenous holidays, hosting cultural events and workshops, and inviting Indigenous speakers or performers to share their knowledge and experiences.

Respecting land stewardship

Businesses can adopt environmentally responsible practices at every level to ensure their activities are respectful and sustainable. These can include minimizing energy consumption by investing in energy-efficient technologies, recycling, creating waste reduction initiatives, and implementing sustainable sourcing and procurement practices.

Offering flexible holidays

Allowing employees to take days off for traditional cultural practices is a thoughtful way to demonstrate respect for Indigenous heritage and promote inclusivity in the workplace. Employers can establish clear policies and procedures for requesting time off for cultural practices, ensuring all employees have equal opportunities to participate in their traditions while maintaining productivity and meeting business needs.

Incorporating Indigenous wisdom

Incorporating Indigenous perspectives into business decisions can be beneficial, mainly when those decisions affect Indigenous communities or territories. You can start by asking for input from Indigenous consultants, engaging in discussions, and respecting Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Using their perspectives in decision-making processes can ensure your actions align with their values, priorities, and interests. This practice can demonstrate respect for Indigenous wisdom and enhance sustainable and ethical business strategies.

Providing spaces for rituals and practices

Some Indigenous employees may perform cultural or spiritual practices during the day. Providing a safe and quiet area can help promote inclusion and cultural understanding.

Supporting Indigenous businesses

Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses through partnerships or procurement policies can positively impact Indigenous communities while highlighting a genuine commitment to Indigenous economic development. Your company may consider creating employment opportunities and driving entrepreneurship within Indigenous communities to strengthen the local economy and social wellbeing while reducing poverty. Supporting these businesses can promote cultural preservation and self-determination since Indigenous entrepreneurs often incorporate traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, and values into their products and services.

Celebrating Indigenous culture typically involves an ongoing commitment to understanding, respecting, and inspiring Indigenous voices and experiences. From observing National Indigenous Peoples Day to incorporating Indigenous perspectives into workplace policies and practices, there are several ways to promote cultural awareness, reconciliation, and inclusivity in the workplace.