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Beyond the Checkmark: A New Era in Indigenous Inclusion
& Indigenous Works 25th Anniversary Celebration
Indigenous Inclusion Leadership since 1999
Vancouver Island Convention Centre
Nanaimo, British Columbia - October 8 to 10, 2024
PRELIMINARY Program
Join us for a 3-day in-person management learning event with topics suited for leadership, talent acquisition managers, and Indigenous relations professionals.
Tuesday, October 8
Setting the Stage Day 1 of Inclusion Works ’24 will focus on a review of the current state of relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities. A focus of the event is Indigenous employment and building the management and organizational skills needed to develop and guide your strategies in a landscape which has grown in its complexity in recent years. Many new developments have taken place in recent years and a reminder of the significant legal, social, economic, and political changes will provide Inclusion Works delegates with a common framework to ‘move beyond the checkmark’. Learn what these changes have been about, and the trends and insights into the current landscape. Also, what new states of organizational readiness are needed to build more effective and authentic engagements, relationships, and partnerships in Canada today? What expectations and aspirations do First Nations, Métis, and Inuit currently hold about their goals for sovereignty, self-determination, nation-to nation relationships, and reconciliation? At this juncture, what should non-Indigenous organizations be doing to learn more about Indigenous people and their communities and to prepare themselves and their organization for a new era in Indigenous inclusion? On Day 1, the opening plenary, the facilitation exercise, and the breakout sessions are all designed to fine-tune your understandings of the current landscape as well as to engage you in discussion and reflection about your organization’s state of readiness to develop exemplary Indigenous/non-Indigenous engagements and relationships. Inclusion Works ’24 is both a look back and a look forward at the world of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations with a deep focus on human resources and organizational development. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Indigenous Works is pleased to be working with its Employer Partners and other guests for this learning event which will be sure to be memorable, instructive, and pivotal in your professional and organizational development. Indigenous Works’ senior management and leadership will be your hosts and guides in this important event as will a team of speakers and experts. Among the experts you will meet at Inclusion Works ’24 will be Kelly Foxcroft-Poirier, a gifted graphic artist and storyteller who will be documenting your learning with a running illustration which will graphically depict the themes and insights of your three-day journey. At the end of Inclusion Works she will share her graphic artistry with you providing a unique record of your three-day learning and transformation. Your emcee for Inclusion Works ’24 will be Victoria LaBillois who currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB). Victoria comes from Listuguj, Quebec and has earned honours and awards as a small business entrepreneur. Over the years Victoria has developed her own national network of leaders and experts who have provided her with remarkable cross-country insights into the world of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations. She will be sharing these insights throughout the event while keeping the program flowing with a wide cast of experts and speakers. Bob Chartier will be your facilitator guide throughout the three days of your Inclusion Works learning journey. Bob has over 45 years experience as a facilitation expert. On each day of Inclusion Works Bob will be working with you to ensure that your participation in Inclusion Works and your 3-day learning journey translates into practices that you and your organization can use when you return to your workplace. Bob’s sessions and action agenda over the three days will be themed around Practices, Storytelling, and Promises. |
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8:30 - 9:30 am |
Registration Opens / Coffee & Networking |
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9:30 - 10:30 am |
Opening Prayer / Greetings / Welcome |
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10:30 - 11:15 am |
Opening Plenary Kendal Netmaker is one of Canada’s leading entrepreneurs and speakers. Growing up in poverty, raised by a hard-working single mother of 4, against the backdrop of a bleak economic landscape, Kendal rose above his circumstances and became one of Canada’s leading entrepreneurs. Author of ‘Driven to Succeed: From Poverty to Podium’, Kendel will share his personal journey which mirrors and weaves in the larger socio-economic narrative which he will be sharing and commenting on in his keynote address. His own past and his bright future has much in common with the past, present, and future state of Indigenous relations and reconciliation for his First Nation as well as for other Indigenous communities. Keynote Speaker: Kendal Netmaker, Award Winning Entrepreneur and Author, and member of the Sweetgrass First Nation, SK |
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11:15 am - 12:45 pm |
The Practice - Your Indigenous Inclusion Management Scorecard Exercise: Getting Ready to go Beyond the Checkmark Facilitated Exercise Participants will be introduced to Your Indigenous Inclusion Management Scorecard Exercise: Getting Ready to go Beyond the Checkmark and will be invited to share their own reflections on the changes they have seen in recent years in the evolving landscape of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations. Bob will also draw from the audience examples of tools and practices that your peers have been using to go beyond the checkmark. Facilitator: Bob Chartier |
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12:45 - 1:45 pm |
Lunch |
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2:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
Concurrent Sessions - Getting Ready to Go Beyond the Checkmark Choose from three sessions to explore different aspects of management and organizational readiness to position your organization for a new era in Indigenous inclusion. Session 1 looks at the standards developed by human resource professionals and their efforts to grow the management and organizational practices you will need as you deepen your inclusion efforts. Session 2 does a deeper look at Indigenous legal victories and how they have been profoundly shaping today’s Indigenous relations. Session 3 looks at how organizations are seeking to decolonize and grow more bridges with Indigenous communities. To do so is to undertake an organizational journey that is transformative and enabling. Choose one or more sessions depending on how many from your organization are attending Inclusion Works. As you can only attend one session, you will have the benefit of the others when you receive the post-event learning program summary. |
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Session 1 Your Indigenous Inclusion Competitive Edge: Expanding Indigenous Inclusion Professional Competencies In the past few years, the CPHR Associations have adopted increasingly more rigorous standards with a new framework that builds the professional competencies of human resource professionals. These new standards were introduced in recognition of the increasingly complex needs of today’s employers that need to build diverse and equitable workplaces, empower, and engage employees, grow skills and learning and leverage innovation. Indigenous Works developed a framework for the IW Employer of Choice program based on the Inclusion Continuum, the seven-stage road map to becoming an employer of choice. CPHR and IW have been examining the professional needs of today’s HR specialists (including HR, DEI, ESG) and the specialized competencies focused on Indigenous employment, inclusion, and human resources. This session will focus on Indigenous-specific human resource competency framework, systems, and new approaches. Moderator: Craig Hall, Chief Operating Officer, Indigenous Works Speakers: Anthony Ariganello, President and Chief Executive Officer, CPHR BC&YK and CPHR Canada Anne Marie Pham, MPA, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion |
Session 2 Taking Indigenous Relations, Reconciliation, and Inclusion to the Next Level: Strategies for Change Many large organizations have dedicated Indigenous Relations specialists who are struggling with the rapid pace of change they are seeing in the Indigenous landscape. The impacts of judicial wins have achieved their tipping points and Indigenous organizations continue to fight new and innovative cases based on rights and self-determination. Indigenous organizations are uniting and seeking equity positions in major projects. Expectations are increasing on the part of Indigenous people and governments. In this changing environment non-Indigenous settler organizations need new approaches based on co-design and a better sense of what Indigenous communities are wanting to achieve for the long term. At what point are organizations evolving their approach to Indigenous relations? What are the trigger points for change? How can Indigenous relations be aligned with our Indigenous engagement and employment strategies? Moderator: Stephen Lindley, Principal, Stephen Lindley Consulting, and Board Co-Chair, Indigenous Works Speakers: Shaun Soonias, Director, Indigenous Relations, Farm Credit Canada and Board Member, Indigenous Works Dana Martin, Director, Indigenous Financial Services, Scotiabank
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Session 3 Decolonizing and Indigenizing Post-Secondary Institutions Indigenous youth need to be encouraged to attain post-secondary credentials to qualify for the jobs in demand and jobs of the future. Unfortunately, Indigenous enrollment and graduation rates have not yet reached parity with Canada’s non-Indigenous rates of attainment. Furthermore, Indigenous students report that their experiences with their post-secondary programs and attendance comes up short. Curricula are still largely western-oriented and Indigenous students continue to face barriers caused by inequities in post-secondary systems. Some post-secondary institutions have plans in place to decolonize and Indigenize all aspects of their curricula, their enrollment and attraction strategies, Indigenous student support systems, and Indigenous staff hiring ratios, to name just a few aspects of some of the comprehensive institutional overhauls being sought. Learn how some post-secondary leaders are struggling to prepare their institutions for the changes that are needed and why these changes are so important for Indigenous people and for Canada. Moderator: François Bastien, PhD, Assistant Professor, Academic Director – MBA Advancing Reconciliation, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria Speakers: Florence Glandfield, PhD, MEd, BEd, BSc, Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming & Research), Provost & Vice-President Academic, University of Alberta Jacqueline Ottmann, President, First Nations University of Canada Kory Wilson, Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, British Columbia Institute of Technology (invited) |
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Inclusion Festival The number one inclusion festival in Canada unites our spirit and common mission through the strength of you – the people. Amazing culinary delights, artists and networking. Join us for games and prizes! |
Wednesday, October 9
Thursday, October 10
Again today, we invite you to watch celebrated graphic artist and storyteller Kelly Foxcroft-Poirier as she documents the last day of Inclusion Works ’24 capturing the themes and ideas of the dialogues, insights and facilitated sessions which highlight the day. Don’t miss Kelly at lunchtime when she will present her artwork and take participants through a summary of IW24. |
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7:45 - 10:00 am |
Registration |
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7:45 - 8:45 am |
Networking Breakfast |
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8:45 - 9:00am |
A Review of the last 2 days and Setting the Stage for Day 3 Emcee: Victoria LaBillois, Entrepreneur, Recipient of the 2024 Indspire Award in the Business and Commerce category, and Vice-Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board |
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9:00 am – 10:00 am |
Plenary - Deputy Ministers Panel Discussion Gina Wilson, Deputy Minister, Indigenous Services Canada (invited) |
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10:00 am - 11:30 am |
Concurrent Sessions - Beyond the Checkmark Roundtable Conversations Indigenous Career Professionals and Employers: Examining Your Workplace Inclusion Challenges and Pain Points - “What is Working and What is Not” |
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Session 10 Remote Work… Attracting and Retaining Employees When Covid hit, employers were forced to experiment with new workplace strategies and systems for remote work. These strategies worked surprisingly well in many ways, and it created an appetite among workers for different approaches to workplace design and work arrangements. Among the Indigenous workforce there are not many studies that have looked at whether remote work arrangements were received favourably and whether expectations have changed as the ‘new normal’ has continued to reset workplaces today. In some cases, remote work has been keenly adopted by Indigenous workers while for others productivity and engagement have dropped due to a lack of connection to the workplace, lack of meaningful communications, and a seeming erosion of relationships with one’s immediate supervisor and senior management/ leadership. Some employers have gone back to how workplace arrangements were pre-covid while others continue to offer flexible work arrangements. Given the media attention about office vacancies, it may be assumed that remote work arrangements are still in use and perhaps even on the rise as employers and employees continue their adjustments. Some organizations promote remote work arrangements to Indigenous communities for several reasons. Indigenous people living in remote communities do not want to be uprooted from their communities. Some living in remote or rural communities do not have the resources or supports needed to make a transition to an office or work site if they are in larger centres. Such moves can interfere with Indigenous employment. Where does your organization fit on the issue of remote office arrangements? Is the ability to work remotely promoted as part of your organization’s workplace value proposition? Have you found that Indigenous candidates and employees respond differently to remote working arrangements and your workplace value proposition? It is these kinds of considerations which employers today are contemplating as they move beyond a checking the box approach to Indigenous workplace design.
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Session 11 Working with Unions to Advance Indigenous Inclusion Acknowledging Canada’s colonial history and its ongoing impacts is the first step to having concrete forward movement towards inclusion. Unions play a vital role in ensuring that all workers, have equal opportunities and fairness in the workplace. Indigenous workers want and deserve the same things as all workers: safe work, decent wages and to be treated with dignity and respect. This session will better equip you to understand how collective bargaining is a powerful tool for change, how voice and representation can support an inclusive workplace, and how a culturally sensitive approach can make people feel safe and welcomed, and challenges for consideration. Collective power and bargaining: • Negotiating better working conditions: Unions can collectively bargain for improved wages, benefits, and safety standards, directly benefiting Indigenous workers and addressing historical disparities. • Fighting discrimination: Unions have legal tools and experience to challenge discriminatory practices faced by Indigenous workers, ensuring equal treatment and opportunity. • Advocating for policy changes: Unions can lobby for policies that support Indigenous workers, such as land rights, resource sharing, and access to training and education. Voice and representation: • Amplifying Indigenous voices: Unions provide a platform for Indigenous workers to raise concerns, participate in decision-making, and influence workplace policies. • Building solidarity and support: Unions foster a sense of community and collective action, empowering Indigenous workers to advocate for themselves and others. • Leadership opportunities: Unions can encourage and support Indigenous members to take on leadership roles, ensuring their perspectives are represented at all levels. Culturally sensitive approach: • Understanding specific needs: Unions can develop culturally sensitive strategies to engage with Indigenous communities and address their unique challenges. • Promoting cultural respect: Unions can foster a work environment that respects Indigenous traditions, languages, and cultural practices. • Building trust and long-term partnerships: Collaboration with Indigenous communities is crucial for developing effective and sustainable solutions. Challenges and considerations: • Historical mistrust: There is a history of tension and mistrust between some Indigenous communities and unions. Building trust requires genuine engagement and addressing past wrongs. • Internal diversity: Indigenous communities are diverse, so ensuring representative leadership and addressing their varying needs is crucial. • External factors: Systemic barriers like racism and discrimination need to be tackled alongside union efforts for lasting change. Overall, working with unions can be a powerful tool for advancing Indigenous inclusion, but it requires commitment, cultural sensitivity, and addressing biases. The key is building meaningful partnerships and working together to achieve equitable workplaces for all. Speakers: Candice Pete, Director, kihci-okâwîmâw askiy Knowledge Centre, University of Saskatchewan Jennifer Cooper-Stephenson, Senior Manager, Employee Relations, BC Hydro |
Session 12 Growing the Talent Pipeline In today’s labour market Indigenous people have increased options to identify and follow the career choices of their own choosing. Growing numbers of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit with work experience and credentials are quickly snapped up by employers. Indigenous people also have more opportunities to join the growing number of Indigenous- owned and operated organizations whether in the Indigenous government, Indigenous not for profit, or for profits sectors. Employers with longer term horizons and labour force needs would benefit by putting into place strategies which further grow the Indigenous talent pool and the talent pipeline. There are many considerations. Employers that make these long-term investments will not realize immediate benefits since strategies may need to adopt a ten-year horizon to develop much longer-term career awareness, skills, and learning among Indigenous people who are attending primary and secondary schools. In some sectors of employment lack of Indigenous presence is attributable to lack of preparation and academic pursuits which open new opportunities. The few numbers of Indigenous people who have pursued or had opportunities for STEM training is a chief reason we see such a lack of participation in the IT sector. Join the discussion as speakers tease apart the many factors which could contribute to increases in the Indigenous talent pool and pipeline. What can employers do on their own and collectively? How could large scale initiatives be organized and implemented which grow and expand the future make-up of the Indigenous labour force? Deeper longer-term strategies are needed which address current labour market dilemmas. Moderator: representative tbc, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) Speakers: John DeGiacomo, Executive Director, Anishinabek Employment & Training Services (invited) |
11:30 am – 12:30 am
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Facilitated Plenary Session - The Promise Days 1 and 2 of Inclusion Works has advanced discussion, reflection and exchange about the many new developments that have taken place in recent years and a new era of inclusion now defines the landscape of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations. New legal, social, economic, and political realities have defined this landscape, and organizations now need to approach these relationships in more robust ways. A new framework is needed which is guided by principles such as reciprocity with non-Indigenous organizations taking more time to learn about Indigenous cultures, peoples, and communities and by Indigenous people forging new opportunities for social, economic, and political development and participating more fully in the Canadian economy. Inclusion Works provided delegates with a common framework to ‘move beyond the checkmark’ and has explored new states of organizational readiness and the newest strategies to move beyond a checkmark approach and to build are needed to build more effective and authentic engagements, relationships, and partnerships. The true success of these gatherings is always in the follow through. What we take home and how we apply new learning and strategies are the truest measure of an event. What are the take-aways, promising practices, tools and strategies that you will take back to your organizations to ensure that you can/have “Moved Beyond the Checkmark?” In this third and last facilitated session, Bob Chartier will lead an exercise to document your learning insights from Inclusion Works by revisiting the Indigenous Inclusion Management Scorecard which was introduced on Day 1 of the event. Bob will also lead participants in a unique exercise pulling together what was learned, what you can apply in your workplace, and how. The promise of stronger and more authentic Indigenous/ non-Indigenous engagements and relationships is presented for a new era in Indigenous inclusion. Facilitator: Bob Chartier |
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12:30 pm - 2:00 pm |
Lunch - Graphic Art Presentation Graphic artist Kelly Foxcroft Poirier will make closing comments and present the storyboards she has created which illustrate and document the discussions and themes of Inclusion Works ’24. Afterwards the audience will be invited to sign the storyboards as a souvenir of their attendance. A pdf digitized version of the storyboards will be sent to participants as part of their follow-up package from the event. Presenter/Artist: Kelly Foxcroft-Poirier |
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2:00 pm - 2:30 pm |
Closing Remarks Reflections on Inclusion Works ’24 and a thank you to all participants, team members, and sponsors. Key takeaways and final reflections on a very special event which also commemorates Indigenous Works’ 25th Anniversary. Kelly Lendsay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Works |
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2:30 pm |
Closing Prayer |