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RECONCILIATION

ROADMAP

FOR SMALL BUSINESS

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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

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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. 
     

  • Think about your workplace culture and ways it could be more welcoming, comfortable and attractive to Indigenous workers.
     

  • List any lessons learned when you were successful/unsuccessful in attracting and retaining Indigenous workers. 
     

  • 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.
     

  • Partners and Resources:

Indigenous Works 

ACS Aboriginal Consulting 

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STEP 2:
Identify Milestones 

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  • Look at baseline statistics to determine where you’re starting from:

    • Current % of self-identified Indigenous employees 

    • Current % of Indigenous people on management/leadership team

    • Current # of Indigenous business partnerships

    • Current # or % of Indigenous vendors, suppliers and/or contractors

    • Current # or % of employees who have participated in Indigenous Awareness training 
       

  • Determine what your initial goals or key milestones will be.
     

  • Set timeframes and check back times for progress review. 
     

  • Create a simple strategic plan to guide your efforts.
     

  • Partners and Resources:

Saskatchewan Chamber 

Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.

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MAP YOUR JOURNEY
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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
     

  • Set annual targets for employee inclusion and diversity training.
     

  • Partners and Resources:

Saskatchewan Chamber Indigenous Awareness Training 

University of Alberta Indigenous Canada Course

Indigenous Awareness Canada

Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Lyndon J Linklater (Traditional Knowledge Keeper and Storyteller)

Aboriginal Consulting Services

Milton Tootoosis (Chief Economic Reconciliation Officer)

Office of the Treaty Commissioner: Speakers Bureau

Gabriel Dumont Institute: Métis Culture

Métis Nation Saskatchewan

International Indigenous Speakers Bureau

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STEP 4:
Learn the Customs

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  • Each Indigenous nation is unique and has its own set of customs, beliefs, and practices.
     

  • Not all Indigenous people are the same. Specifically, First Nations and Metis people have different customs and cultural backgrounds that are important to understand.
     

  • Partners and Resources:

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Authentic Engagement (Wicihitowin Conference Committee)

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EQUIP YOURSELF
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HELP OTHERS
MOVE FORWARD

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STEP 5:
Engage Indigenous Suppliers

  • Indigenous-owned businesses need to have opportunities to build and grow their operations the same as any other business.
     

  • Actively source or purchase Indigenous products.
     

  • When tendering materials, supplies, inputs or services, indicate your interest in connecting with Indigenous (First Nation or Metis) suppliers.
     

  • 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

Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Saskatchewan 

SaskMetis Works Business Directory

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HELP OTHERS MOVE FORWARD
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STEP 6:
Onboard Indigenous Employees

  • Commit to developing a workforce that is representative of Saskatoon.
     

  • Encourage Indigenous self-declaration on resumes, applications and cover letters.
     

  • Add a statement on your application forms or job postings indicating your commitment to Indigenous inclusion and diversity in your workplace.
     

  • Utilize Indigenous workforce organizations when recruiting employees
     

  • Partners and Resources:


7 Saskatoon Tribal Council First Nations/Career Resources:

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation

One Arrow First Nation

Yellow Quill First Nation

Kinistin Saulteaux Nation

Mistawasis First Nation

Muskoday First Nation

Whitecap Dakota First Nation

STC Career Centre

Saskatoon Tribal Council (Labour Force Development) – 306-381-4385

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Métis Nation

Métis Nation Saskatchewan - Governance  

Saskatchewan Métis Economic Development Corporation


Post-Secondary Institutions:

SIIT Career Centres

SIIT Job Connections

U of S Career Services

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Employment Services

SBC College

Gabriel Dumont Institute (Training and Employment) – 306-657-2237

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Additional Employment Resources: 

Eagle Feather News

Indigenous Times

Aboriginal Job Board

Indigenous Link

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WIDEN THE PATH

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STEP 7:
Sponsor and Volunteer

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  • Build relationships with Indigenous communities by finding ways to support their social and economic development.
     

  • Support may include sponsorship opportunities or volunteering to support communities. 
     

  • Volunteer on Chamber’s Call to 92 Committee. 

  • Sponsor Call to 92 Events aimed at connecting Indigenous and non-Indigenous business leaders 
     

  • Partners open to sponsorship opportunities :

Wanuskewin Heritage Park 

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

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WIDEN THE PATH
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STEP 8:
Model the Way

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SUPPORTERS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

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Forest Path
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