RECONCILIATION
ROADMAP
FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Small steps can lead to big change.
For generations, Indigenous people on the Prairies were deliberately excluded from participating in our community and economy. First Nations and Metis people were suppressed, abused and ignored in the name of “progress” while experiencing unimaginable harm to their families and communities.
This history is difficult to face. It’s impossible to undo. But we can carve a path to a better future. We can put Saskatoon on a path to prosperity where everyone can participate in our economy, provide for their families, build our community, and realize their potential.
It starts with each one of us – and the courage to take a first step.
This roadmap has been developed to guide small and medium size business owners looking to support economic Reconciliation in our community. It offers clear, actionable steps for any business to take, with links to partners and resources to help them along the way.
There are many paths to any goal. Our hope is that this roadmap kick starts a conversation in your business, inspires you to action, and leads to a more prosperous and inclusive Saskatoon.
Step-by-step, we can get there. Together.
MAP YOUR JOURNEY
STEP 1:
Scan the Terrain
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Review your operations, specifically your approaches to hiring and procurement, to identify any gaps or barriers to Indigenous inclusion.
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Think about your workplace culture and ways it could be more welcoming, comfortable and attractive to Indigenous workers.
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List any lessons learned when you were successful/unsuccessful in attracting and retaining Indigenous workers.
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It can be hard to conduct a self-assessment. Consider engaging a facilitator or advisor who can conduct an independent review and/or recommend an objective assessment tool for you to use.
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Partners and Resources:
STEP 2:
Identify Milestones
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Look at baseline statistics to determine where you’re starting from:
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Current % of self-identified Indigenous employees
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Current % of Indigenous people on management/leadership team
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Current # of Indigenous business partnerships
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Current # or % of Indigenous vendors, suppliers and/or contractors
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Current # or % of employees who have participated in Indigenous Awareness training
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Determine what your initial goals or key milestones will be.
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Set timeframes and check back times for progress review.
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Create a simple strategic plan to guide your efforts.
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Partners and Resources:
EQUIP YOURSELF
STEP 3:
Understand the History
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Schedule opportunities for employees to learn about Indigenous history and culture to improve understanding
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Set annual targets for employee inclusion and diversity training.
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Partners and Resources:
Saskatchewan Chamber Indigenous Awareness Training
University of Alberta Indigenous Canada Course
Lyndon J Linklater (Traditional Knowledge Keeper and Storyteller)
Aboriginal Consulting Services
Milton Tootoosis (Chief Economic Reconciliation Officer)
Office of the Treaty Commissioner: Speakers Bureau
STEP 4:
Learn the Customs
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Each Indigenous nation is unique and has its own set of customs, beliefs, and practices.
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Not all Indigenous people are the same. Specifically, First Nations and Metis people have different customs and cultural backgrounds that are important to understand.
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Partners and Resources:
HELP OTHERS
MOVE FORWARD
STEP 5:
Engage Indigenous Suppliers
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Indigenous-owned businesses need to have opportunities to build and grow their operations the same as any other business.
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Actively source or purchase Indigenous products.
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When tendering materials, supplies, inputs or services, indicate your interest in connecting with Indigenous (First Nation or Metis) suppliers.
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Partners and Resources:
Saskatchewan Chamber’s Indigenous Business Directory
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Directory
Government of Canada’s Indigenous Business Directory
SOAR kihiw paskîyâkêwin Indigenous Entrepreneurship Competition
Saskatoon’s Totally Locally Market Hub
STEP 6:
Onboard Indigenous Employees
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Commit to developing a workforce that is representative of Saskatoon.
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Encourage Indigenous self-declaration on resumes, applications and cover letters.
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Add a statement on your application forms or job postings indicating your commitment to Indigenous inclusion and diversity in your workplace.
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Utilize Indigenous workforce organizations when recruiting employees
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Partners and Resources:
7 Saskatoon Tribal Council First Nations/Career Resources:
Saskatoon Tribal Council (Labour Force Development) – 306-381-4385
Métis Nation
Métis Nation Saskatchewan - Governance
Saskatchewan Métis Economic Development Corporation
Post-Secondary Institutions:
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Employment Services
Gabriel Dumont Institute (Training and Employment) – 306-657-2237
Additional Employment Resources:
WIDEN THE PATH
STEP 7:
Sponsor and Volunteer
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Build relationships with Indigenous communities by finding ways to support their social and economic development.
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Support may include sponsorship opportunities or volunteering to support communities.
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Volunteer on Chamber’s Call to 92 Committee.
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Sponsor Call to 92 Events aimed at connecting Indigenous and non-Indigenous business leaders
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Partners open to sponsorship opportunities :
Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre
Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated
St. Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre
Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI)
Saskatoon Aboriginal Professionals Association
306-250-2883
STEP 8:
Model the Way
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Embody true participation and model the way forward.
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Participate in B2B – attend Chamber’s You and 92 networking events
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Celebrate progress by nominating your business or another for the Mistahi Mamîcîhîtowin SABEX Award
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Participate in Orange Shirt Day/ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30
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National Indigenous Peoples Day - June 21
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Explore more Saskatoon based steps towards reconciliation
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Learn how to become an ally
"FCC is honoured to support the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce “You and 92” series. These teachings will help build awareness and partnerships to advance our reconciliation opportunities across diverse business sectors. The TRC’s Call to Action 92 is the cornerstone from which to build our reconciliation efforts and broaden our shared understanding of the broader Calls to Action. This event will contribute to how the business sector and Indigenous Peoples will reconcile and support Indigenous socio-economic well-being."
Shaun Soonias, FCC
"SaskTel recognizes the important role we play in truth and reconciliation. We will continue to take responsible action and ignite change as we move forward with respect for the past and hope for the future."
Doug Burnett, SaskTel President and CEO
"Morris Interactive is a proud sponsor for the “you and 92” inaugural Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce event that is leading the transformation of the truth into reconciliation and that unites our corporate sector to TRC call to action #92 as a core operational activity. We encourage our greater business community to continue to lead the way and actively engage and chart a new path forward that supports the economic sustainability and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples.”
Mathew Cey, CEO Morris Interactive
