Victoria-based technology company Redbrick is marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by educating employees on issues impacting Indigenous Canadians.
Earlier in September, the company hosted a learning session around present and future initiatives to advance truth and reconciliation measures. Employees are also taking part in a local powwow today, providing them with an opportunity to reflect on the impact of Canada’s residential school system.
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The company’s truth and reconciliation journey isn’t limited to one day in September, says Basil Onyia, senior people and culture specialist at Redbrick. “We’re working on . . . building community partnerships with a few organizations that are geared towards bridging the knowledge gap, like the Indigenous Prosperity Centre and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.”
A new survey by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources B.C. & Yukon found the majority of B.C.-based human resources professionals said their organizations have a significant amount of work to do in providing reconciliation training to their employees.
When asked where they are on their reconciliation journey, most respondents ranked their organization at five, on a scale of one to 10. Many respondents also indicated they need help knowing where to start, as well as which best practices to employ.
Read: Truth and Reconciliation: Employer awareness growing but more action required, says expert
Regarding its benefits offerings, Onyia says Redbrick is currently reflecting on its employee population and potential gaps in coverage. The company intends to work on its community partnerships, because it can’t build benefits tailored to Indigenous employees without first having these conversations.
“We want to understand how our benefits can support and acknowledge cultural initiatives in First Nations communities and [cultural days of significance] and how we can create accessibility through our work schedules. We want to be able to lay the groundwork on what’s needed before we start to assume what benefits Indigenous people need.”
In addition, Redbrick is focusing on its talent pipeline to bridge the labour market gap with underrepresented communities, including Indigenous Canadians, notes Onyia.
“We have a responsibility to communities [and] it also involves doing our part in education around what happened in the country’s past. Employers can enlighten their population through [diversity, equity and inclusion] programs and fostering natural reconciliation and representation. The day itself is really a catalyst for an ongoing conversation. As my colleague said, ‘Real truth and reconciliation begins with the truth.’”
Read: How employers can mark first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation