Surrey Board of Trade Launched Indigenous Knowledge Learning Series

Indigenous knowledge and economic partnerships are a priority for all businesses as we all continue on the path towards reconciliation and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

“The Surrey Board of Trade was a leader again in launching a Surrey Business Leadership Learning Series last month that helped to ensure we understood the history, what UNDRIP really means, and how to build sustainable business relationships with Indigenous Peoples,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.

In Canada, implementation of UNDRIP is an opportunity to explore and reconceive the relationship between international law, Indigenous Peoples’ own laws and Canada’s constitutional narratives. This provides both opportunities and risks for businesses. Implementation requires an action plan. First, we must understand the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and the contemporary landscape of Indigenous Relations. Only then will there be true reconciliation and understanding as we partner on projects on Indigenous territories and respectfully receive consent from those communities. Second, we must continuously evaluate our relationship and understand, adjusting our approach through cyclical learning.

The Surrey Board of Trade contracted the team of Lyle Viereck Consulting Services Inc., SB Communications & Public Affairs Ltd. and C. Marshal and Associates to offer the (free) Digital Surrey Business Leadership Learning Series:

Module 1 – The Uncomfortable Truth – Colonization in Canada

This introductory session included:

• terminology and definitions;

• the history of Indigenous-crown Relations;

• the Indian Act, 1876;

• overview of membership, land and governance; and

• the history and legacy of residential schools.

Module 2 – Reconciliation and Building a New Future and Relationships – the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

This module covered the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action, the UNDRIP, and why both are important to businesses. It also included the background on each of the First Nations in the Lower Mainland.

Module 3 – How to Build Sustainable Business Relationships with Indigenous Peoples and the Tools and Action Items that You Need

The final session covered such items as

“best practices” in community engagement, business development, protocols (including for Indigenous employees, contractors, businesses and entrepreneurs) and meeting Corporate Social Responsibility requirements. Participants also received Action Plans and Tools to help them in these and other activities with Indigenous Peoples.

Another series will be held at a later date.