As we approach the third observance of the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation here in Canada, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to bring active allyship into daily practice in our workplaces and our lives.?
As important as observing the day with the solemnity it deserves, being an ally to Indigenous people, and by extension to any other marginalised group, starts with understanding that being an ally requires action.?
Note: Though we specifically refer to Indigenous people and communities in this article, we do not intend to exclude other BIPOC individuals, groups, and communities. All of these actions can and should be applied to allyship for all marginalised groups.
So, what actions can you take to be a (better) ally? Read on for ten ways you can carry your efforts as an ally beyond September 30.
- Be proactive - For many of us, our first step into acting in support of Indigenous people comes in the form of reactive allyship. We see, hear, or read about a negative interaction, experience, or event that affects Indigenous people, and we are moved to take action in some form. Proactive allyship refers to actions that occur without a catalyst. Especially in our workplaces, acting to design workspaces and organisations that consider the most marginalised groups removes the barriers that affect everyone.?
- Use your privilege - Whatever your position in your organisation, learning to recognise and acknowledge your privilege in the context of your workplace will help you understand how you can put your privilege to work. Use your privilege to create inclusive spaces, conversations, policies, or processes.
- Be a champion - Use your privilege and credibility to endorse the knowledge and competence of Indigenous team members in your workplace and ensure they can use that endorsement to take on more visible and impactful responsibilities, such as leading presentations or projects.?
- Be a sponsor - Provide recommendations, written recognition, and public affirmation when needed for promotions, salary increases, workplace opportunities, etc.?
- Include diversity at the table - Look around - who sits on your board? Who attends your high-level meetings? Who makes decisions? If these tables lack diversity, strive to include it at every level.?
Being an Ally Everywhere Else
- Do your own research - Do not rely on the labour of Indigenous people to educate you on the issues that confront their communities or the historical oppression they have faced. There are countless resources available to help you expand your knowledge, including:University of Alberta Indigenous Canada courseNational Centre for Truth & Reconciliation ArchivesRespect Ability Equity & Inclusion ResourcesCBC’s Interactive Residential School Map
- Put your money where your mouth is - Buy Indigenous-made products. Support Indigenous-owned businesses. Hire Indigenous professionals for events, training, and panels. Read books by Indigenous authors - and try to find ways to buy directly from them rather than through Amazon or big box stores.?
- Vote - Examine your options with the perspective of how Indigenous peoples may be affected by political parties, platforms, and leaders - especially from a systemic context. Strive to understand the issues that are important to Indigenous communities and consider voting in solidarity with their concerns.?
- Get uncomfortable - You won’t always get it right, and there will be times when you have to admit to being wrong, accept feedback, or apologise. Listen, learn, and grow from that place. Don’t avoid important conversations or difficult situations.?
- Don’t be a saviour - Remember that being an ally is not about Indigenous communities, groups, or individuals lacking the resources, intelligence, or determination to advocate for themselves. Look at your privilege as a resource you can add to an already resource-filled effort, not one that is needed to make the effort whole.?
When we actively practice being allies to communities that we are not part of, we ultimately improve the experiences of life and work for all.
I’d love to hear about the ways you include being an ally at work and at home. Please share them in the comments, or connect with me to chat!
