Indigenous cultural awareness and sensitivity training
“Under a regime where murder is officially sanctioned, there can be no regret and no apology.” from Kevin Annett’s ”Unrepentant: Disrobing the Emperor”).
From my perspective, the vast majority of Canadians understand very little about Canada's dark history when it comes to its Indigenous peoples. They understand very little about the Canadian institutions (RCMP, churches), legislation (Indian Act) and systems (court, corrections) used for 150+ years, specifically to:
- forcibly segregate 'Indians' from the rest of Canada
- to monitor, count by assigning band numbers & status numbers) with the help of Indian agents
- to assimilate by destroying hundreds of Indigenous languages and cultures
These tools were used only so Canada could access natural resources. one of the results was genocide.
Some questions:
- Have you ever wondered why cultural awareness and sensitivity training is a part of your job? Or why most corporations and governments (municipal, regional, provincial, federal) are required to develop and maintain 'Aboriginal Relations'/'Indigenous Engagement' departments, agencies, ministries? Or why all major natural resource extraction projects are required to meaningfully 'consult' with Indigenous communities prior to getting a approval from provincial and/or federal governments?
- Ever wonder why very few elected 'leaders' at federal, provincial, municipal and even Indigenous levels understand how to get rid of Canada's race-based systems and legislation.
- Is systemic racism prevalent in Canada?
Is your business interested in a true, honest and practical perspective? Having open, honest and direct dialogue around these questions is possible and quite likely, rewarding. My approach to presenting Canadian facts may not be the right fit for your organization. This being said, I have found the most rewarding experiences are from those situations where conflict was evident. I understand the importance of balancing Canada's harsh reality with experience and practicality that help build bridges and hope.
If your organization is courageous enough to explore topics such as: systemic racism in Canada; Canada's continued enabling of 'white privilege'; and the land question, please contact Maynard.
ABM DIALOGUE
ABM UNCENSORED
Uncensored has been a staple networking opportunity at ABM for years. ABM Uncensored aims to connect you meaningfully with other ABM Clients and is designed to take the conversation below the surface of political correctness in a confidential and generous environment. This is why we call it “Uncensored”. Cringing is part of the experience.
Participants gain a deeper understanding of each other’s roles, backgrounds, priorities, and motivations, which later supports productive business development during their meetings. ABM Uncensored is based on the belief that differences contribute to the success of a relationship rather than prevent it and that a commitment to truth is essential.
The ABM Network is unique as it is comprised of professionals who understand the historical context of Indigenous business and its foundational value for healthy economies and society at large. ABM decision-makers therefore examine the topics chosen by each group in courageous conversations with the explicit goal to continuously improve the way Indigenous and non-Indigenous people do purpose-driven business together.
We make sure that the experience is a positive one.
Next Uncensored session: Monday,January 10, 2022
ABM Journey for Corporate Teams
ABM Journey is a dialogue forum for corporate teams to engage in meaningful conversations about company culture and how individual as well as collaborative action can promote positive relationships with Indigenous partners, suppliers and employees. ABM Journey aims to open the door. It is a facilitated dialogue forum that tackles real issues, not their politically correct versions, and helps unpack many sensitive issues and challenges relevant to Indigenous communities (the Indian Act, Indian Reserve System, Indian Residential Schools, Reconciliation, and Aboriginal Rights and Title). The facilitation includes historical facts that set groundwork for the development of understanding. It provides a forum to foster real conversations, creating a deeper understanding of Canadian history and the legacy of Indigenous peoples.This knowledge supports the creation of a work environment that is positive, inclusive and respectful, resulting in better relationships, higher productivity, retention and enhanced safety.ABM Journey can strengthen the foundation of your company’s Indigenous cultural awareness. Mainstream businesses wanting to develop positive working relationships with Indigenous communities must start with this strong understanding of Canadian history.
The goal is for every member of your team to be able to confidently represent themselves and your organization in the complex business settings that require a solid understanding of Canadian history and the legacy of Indigenous peoples.
General core Indigenous topics outlined below:
- The Basics
- Life pre-contact (way of life, warfare, traditional territory v. Indian Reserves)
- Life at-contact
- Post-contact challenges, including disease, forced implementation of new systems (i.e., learning of alien languages, justice, social, education, community
- Indian Act
- amendments;
- impacts (i.e., 60’s Scoop)
- Indian Reserve System
- History
- Indian Reserve Pass System (1885-1945)
- Indian Agents
- Impacts
- Aboriginal rights and title
- Court decisions
- Indian Residential School System
- History
- Impacts
- Reconciliation
- 2003 and 2018 City of Powell River - Tla’amin Nation Community Accords