By Cole Kennedy
Western Canada is no stranger to economic reconciliation. Many western industries follow a more advanced approach to reconciliation, weaving Indigenous communities and partnerships into their business practices. However, this may be the result of the west’s need to physically use Indigenous land, spawning these partnerships by necessity. Canada’s east may be more fragmented and scattered when it comes to economic reconciliation. Are there truly regional differences when it comes to reconciliation? John Beaucage sat down with Forward Summit to discuss the importance of reconciliation – past and future – and some of the differences between eastern and western Canada.
John is one of Canada’s most respected Indigenous leaders, with a tremendous depth of experience creating partnerships between corporations and First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. John is a Member of the Order of Canada, worked for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for over 15 years, and has a degree in English and economics from the University of Western Ontario. His experience developing projects includes large-scale partnerships, like the Henvey Inlet Wind Joint Venture.
East to West
John commented on the state of reconciliation across the country, outlining the benefits and why some industries may pay closer attention to it than others. To date, much of the driving force behind economic reconciliation in Canada has come down to policies created to incentive and encourage businesses to partner with First Nations and Indigenous communities, based on previous rulings from Canada’s Supreme Court over land use.
If these Supreme Court rulings and past court cases didn’t exist, would there be less emphasis on reconciliation? Of course. But there are many businesses who look at reconciliation, look at the 200 years of oppression, and recognize, beyond the provincial policies and incentives, beyond the competitive “points” gained by having Indigenous partners, that reconciliation is the right thing to do.
When asked about companies that are approaching partnerships with Indigenous people the right way, John brought up Pattern Energy. Pattern Energy is a renewable energy company that develops, constructs and operates wind and solar power plants, and was a partner in the Henvey Inlet Wind project he helped develop in 2015. Pattern Energy is a real partner in every sense of the word, making business decisions with a 50/50 mentality and ensuring outcomes benefit both sides.
Reconciliation Without Land Use Agreements
John also spoke to the differences between industries that require land use from First Nations and those who do not necessarily see those same tangible benefits, such as industries in banking or education.
While much of economic reconciliation to date has been focused on land use, there’s an emerging Indigenous middle class that is now becoming an economic force that other, tertiary businesses are interested in targeting.
Banks, for example, make money available for pension plans, trust funds, and investment opportunities to find synergy with First Nations. Banks who are looking to do business with the growing Indigenous middle class have been putting in effort to learn how to be good partners and how to create investment vehicles that will work for First Nations communities.
Health and wellness is another industry that’s making large strides with economic reconciliation and beginning to treat traditional Indigenous knowledge with respect. These organizations want to understand what they don’t know when dealing with their Indigenous neighbors.
Partnerships will continue to form as corporate interests continue to align with reconciliation, and as these partnerships form, First Nations must reach out and say “here we are, here’s our territory, here’s our traditional healing methods” that should be offered within Canada’s healthcare system.
John serves as director for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, so he sees the effects of medical services delivered in northern communities.
Looking Forward
Progress in reconciliation is not a simple “before and after.” Day to day, month to month, the progress of reconciliation in Canada hasn’t been dramatic, but as John stated, comparing a slice of time 10 years ago to today, right now, we can see a dramatic change. “It’s a slow process. At times, it seems glacial in its pace, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If it’s forced to be too quick, then it may not be real. A slow, gradual change will more firmly take hold and more strongly remain there.”
The success of these efforts is related to knowing people, becoming friends, and using the networking that’s available. Events like Forward Summit are so incredibly important to Indigenous communities and the businesses looking for partnerships and new projects. Over the past 30 years, there have been incredible, important presentations, but there are also things happening in the hallway over a cup of coffee, equally as important as the lectures on stage. Conversations and networking are critical components when forming lasting partnerships, contacts and connections.
So what does reconciliation look like for the decades to come? Across the country we can see separate economic zones within our cities, often called “Urban Reserves,” and we can anticipate more economic opportunities form within those landscapes. For example, there’s a gas station in Winnipeg built upon the Long Plain First Nation that doesn’t charge GST on their gas, making them one of the cheapest sources of gas in the province. This gas station is a shining example of where the interests of the broader public can align with reconciliation efforts, even in a purely capitalist environment. By lowering gas prices for customers and hiring people from the community, it’s a win-win.
A Good Economy Drives Good Things
The future of reconciliation means leveling the playing field. This means continuing to support the development of an Indigenous middle class, improving the rates of employment, incarceration and poverty. They all go hand-in-hand.
Economic reconciliation creates opportunities for families and, with corporate interests aligned, is creating major opportunities for shareholders as well.
As John so succinctly put it: “A good economy drives good things.”
More than provincial government incentives, more than past wrongdoings, more than tangible perks, reconciliation is the right thing to do. In many cases, reconciliation benefits the bottom line of businesses and industries, but even when it doesn’t, it will help families and communities.
Reconciliation is less tangible – more than a bottom-line benefit – and something every business, big or small, and every industry in Canada should think of.