As industry development in our province advances in various areas, we as a First Nation have opportunities to engage with the developers to best guide decisions that will affect our next seven generations.  While some see Indigenous participation as sign of approval of harmful environment process, it’s the opposite. We feel a responsibility to take seats at these decision-making tables that we have far too long been excluded from to ensure Indigenous knowledge and values shape innovation in ways that lead to responsible developments.

Economic Reconciliation is giving Indigenous people the opportunity to participate in employment and training to advance our communities. It allows us to be included and valued not just as employees but as employers and key stakeholders in our economy.

In a time when government is prioritizing diversity and inclusion in their procurement policies, we see a rise in something that is known as “Rent a Feather.”  This term is used when a non-indigenous company exploits an Indigenous person to make them a “partner” when procurement policies give priority to businesses that have a minimum 51% Indigenous ownership.

For generations, Indigenous people seeking employment were most often discriminated against. Now that governments have finally implemented mechanisms to balance the scales to allow those who have been victims of oppression the ability to participate, we see non-indigenous people finding ways to by-pass these strategies to take opportunities from those that for far too long, have had none.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can work together as business partners, but this must be meaningful, mutually respectful, and beneficial. To take advantage of someone in this way is shameful and we must educate our youth to safeguard them so they can avoid this type of harm.

As Indigenous people, we all have a responsibility to honour our heritage, and this means that we must stand up to injustices that continue to oppress and take advantage of vulnerable populations.

Qalipu First Nation understands the frustration of those that have been impacted by the effects of colonialism and the Indian Act. There are few that have not been affected, including my own family. We will work to advocate for our people and for their right to participate in meaningful Economic Reconciliation. We will continue to support our members through our education efforts and remind all levels of government and industry of the importance of setting strict guidelines for respectful inclusion and opportunities for the advancement of our future leaders.

Relevant Link: Qalipu Business Network,  http://qbn.qalipu.ca/