Find out why reconciliation for Indigenous peoples progresses so slowly?
Most Canadians (including First Nations) will not like the answer.
Truth Before Reconciliation
Far too many Canadians still do not understand what reconciliation actually requires. This reflects decades of failure by Canada's education systems, governments, political leaders (at federal, provincial and First Nation government levels) and most Indigenous and non-Indigenous institutions. Canadians cannot be expected to understand what they were never taught.
True reconciliation begins with truth, not comfort. It is challenging because it forces people to confront the history and ongoing impacts of colonization, Aboriginal rights and title, systemic racism, and the realities of power. Those conversations can bring out both the best and the worst in people.
Too often, Indigenous cultural awareness training avoids the hardest conversations. It stays within the boundaries of what is comfortable and politically acceptable. I have done this myself. Speaking uncomfortable truths is difficult, but avoiding them delays meaningful progress.
Since Delgamuukw, governments and organizations have increasingly required Indigenous cultural awareness training. While that may raise awareness, it is not reconciliation. Cultural awareness is an introduction. Indigenous engagement is a much deeper discipline, informed by more than 160 years of Canadian law, policy, and Indigenous and Crown relations. It requires an honest examination of systemic racism, prejudice, privilege, Aboriginal rights and title, and the continuing effects of colonization.
Many municipalities, businesses, and organizations sincerely want to advance reconciliation, but too often they focus on symbolic actions rather than building the knowledge and relationships needed for lasting change. Every community in Canada has an Indigenous history and, in many cases, an Indigenous neighbour. Reconciliation should begin there.
Canada made profound mistakes during colonization. Those decisions continue to shape legal, economic, and social realities today. The consequences are no longer historical. They are unfolding in the present. The question is not whether Canadians will engage with these realities, but whether they will do so honestly and with the courage to move beyond awareness toward meaningful Indigenous engagement.
Most asked questions by non-Indigenous Canadians usually includes:
- Why do Indigenous peoples receive so much attention from federal, provincial, regional governments through Indigenous relations and reconciliation departments, ministries, agencies, and other reconciliation initiatives, yet so many problems still exist?
- What can I or my business do to further truth and reconciliation?
- Do traditional territory acknowledgements accomplish anything?
- What is the difference between Indigenous, Native, Aboriginal, First Nation, status Indian, Métis and Inuit?
- Why are so many First nation communities so dilapidated and run down?
A Call to Action
The opportunities are real, but reaching them requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. Mistakes have been made by all sides, yet First Nation communities are ready to build respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with organizations that are prepared to listen and learn.
This course will challenge your assumptions and, at times, make you uncomfortable. That discomfort is part of the learning process. Meaningful Indigenous engagement requires more than awareness. It requires commitment, critical thinking, and genuine effort.
If you're ready to move beyond the minimum and engage in honest dialogue, I'll help you navigate these conversations in a respectful, supportive, and safe learning environment.
25-hour Indigenous Engagement e-course app now available.
Indigenous Insight Blog
TRIGGER WARNING ...
Indigenous Engagement content developed by Indigenous Insight is not for the faint of heart. Much of the dialogue traces back to 2017, when the Advanced Business Match “Uncensored” model was first being developed.
Maynard collaborated with the ABM team during the creation of this initiative. At the time, it became clear that an uncensored forum was urgently needed to address difficult issues such as the Colten Boushie murder in Saskatchewan, the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), and many other sensitive Indigenous topics affecting Indigenous communities.
For many participants, particularly settler Canadians, engaging with this material can be challenging and emotionally confronting. That discomfort is intentional and necessary. Meaningful understanding in the Indigenous engagement space rarely grows in comfort. It emerges through honest examination, critical thinking, and a willingness to sit with difficult truths. The content presented here does not rely on opinion but instead prioritizes factual representation and lived realities.
This material is not directed at any specific individual in Canada. Rather, it offers direct and candid insights intended for leadership audiences, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. The purpose of this program is not to tell people what they might prefer to hear, but to focus on what must be understood in order to grow. These truths are not meant to burden the listener. They are meant to expand perspective and spark meaningful reflection.
- About
- Training Options
- COLONIZER REHAB
- Testimonials
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- Contact Us
- E-Course Landing Page
- Module 1: Intro & Basics
- Module 2: Colonization
- 2A: Indian Act
- 2B Indian Reserve System
- 2C Residential Schools
- 2D Band Office Colonial?
- Module 3: Land Question
- Module 4: Reconciliation
- Module 4A: Obstacles
- Module 4B: Examples