Reconciliation and Relationships

2 minute read

The IOG’s new suite of courses

By Ross Holden – Vice President – Indigenous Governance & Self-Determination

The IOG is pleased to announce that it will soon launch a new suite of courses on reconciliation, and working effectively with Indigenous peoples, communities, and organizations.

Reconciliation 101: Students will take part in a blanket exercise before participating in a discussion about their perceptions and experiences, and the impact of the blanket exercise on them personally. This will be followed by an in-depth examination of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples and culture, the history of Indigenous-Crown relations (including the history and legacy of residential schools), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and present-day Indigenous-Crown relations.

Building on the learnings from Reconciliation 101, the IOG will offer a series of distinctions-based courses on working effectively with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities and organizations. Working Effectively with First Nations Communities and Organizations, Working Effectively with Metis Communities and Organizations, and Working Effectively with Inuit Communities and Organizations will delve deep into the history of the relationship between the Crown and each constitutionally recognized Indigenous peoples by examining their unique experiences under colonialism and present-day socioeconomic, political, and cultural considerations. The course will then examine strategies and best practices for working effectively with their communities and organizations including protocols; working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers; regional, cultural, and political distinctions; and aspirations, challenges, and opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

Finally, the IOG will introduce courses specifically for public and private sector executives and human resources professionals. Working Effectively with Indigenous Communities and Organizations for Executives will begin with a review of the history of Indigenous peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Indigenous-Crown relations. It will then explore Indigenous political and service delivery organizations and structures to gain an understanding of roles and responsibilities, accountability, challenges facing Indigenous organizations, and effective strategies for working with them at a strategic level.

Indigenous Recruitment, Retention and Advancement for Human Resources Professionals will begin with a review of the history of Indigenous peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Indigenous-Crown relations. The course will then examine the state of Indigenous employment in the public and private sectors; challenges to Indigenous recruitment; retention and advancement; and effective strategies for promoting greater participation of Indigenous peoples in the public and private sectors. The course will also explore skills and strategies for conflict resolution and anti-racism.

All of the courses will be delivered by highly qualified and knowledgeable First Nations, Metis, and Inuit facilitators with extensive experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The courses will also be supported by Elders and/or traditional knowledge keepers.

Stay tuned for announcements on course dates and facilitators in the coming weeks.