Truth & Reconciliation: Is Your Business on the Right Side of History?

Last month, I stood frozen in front of a piece of art at the Vancouver Art Gallery. It was an exhibit by Indigenous artist Demian DinéYazhi, and one piece in particular, stopped me in my tracks. It was a giant installation with three statements, written in bold, neon tubing:

We deserve dignity over solidarity

We desire survival over statements

We demand resources over acknowledgements

For five minutes, I couldn’t move. The glowing words seemed to pulse with a weight I hadn’t felt in a long time. Here they were, brilliant and unignorable, encased in neon light within this grand, iconic Vancouver landmark. Ironically, the Vancouver Art Gallery, built during the heyday of the Indian Residential Schools was originally intended to deliver justice as the city’s courthouse. Its presence represents a time when Canadian governments, with our ancestors watching - or worse, looking away - robbed Indigenous communities of their children, their language, and their dignity.

As I stood there, the power of those words took hold of me. In 2024, they still ring true. Dignity over solidarity. Survival over statements. Resources over acknowledgements. In those few lines, DinéYazhi captured what every person, organization, and government should understand as we approach September 30th - the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day isn’t simply a day of remembrance. It’s a call to action. But are we truly listening?

The Weight of Our History

Canada is built on a foundation that most of us do not like to acknowledge. When we say, “this land is home to many nations,” we’re not only referring to the diversity of the people here today but also to the rich cultures that thrived long before colonization. Indigenous communities had their own languages, laws, economies, and systems of governance. They were the original stewards of this land.

But as we expanded, industrialized, and prospered, we allowed our leaders to commit atrocities that have echoed through generations. The residential school system was not an isolated mistake - it was a deliberate policy of cultural erasure and control. Children were taken from their homes, forced to abandon their languages, traditions, and identities. Many never came home.

It’s important to note that this isn’t ancient history. The last residential school closed in 1996. Many survivors are still with us, carrying the scars of a system designed to erase their culture. We must recognize that these events are not simply part of our past; they are woven into the very fabric of our present.

And now, as we move forward, it’s time to ask ourselves: what are we, as a business community, prepared to do?

The Role of Business in Truth and Reconciliation

For some, the idea of businesses playing a role in reconciliation may seem strange. What does a company have to do with events from the past? The answer is everything. Businesses, like governments, are pillars of society. They shape culture, influence public perception, and - most importantly - have the resources to affect real change.

We live in a time where organizations are expected to stand for more than just profit. They are expected to reflect the values of the society they serve. For businesses in Canada, part of that responsibility is acknowledging the pain that still lingers from the residential school system and the broader policies of colonization.

But acknowledgement alone is not enough. In the same way that a statement of solidarity or a well-crafted social media post won’t heal wounds, performative actions won’t bring true reconciliation. That neon art installation was right: what Indigenous peoples deserve is dignity, what they desire is survival, and what they demand are resources.

The question is: Are we willing to provide them?

Moving Beyond Words: Practical Steps for Businesses

So, how can businesses – both big and small - contribute to the ongoing process of Truth and Reconciliation in a way that is genuine and impactful? It begins by moving beyond surface-level actions and deeper into meaningful change.

Here are some steps your organization can take:

1. Educate Your Staff

The first step is knowledge. Understanding the history and legacy of residential schools, the intergenerational trauma it has caused, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action are essential. Host workshops, invite Indigenous leaders to speak, and ensure that your team is educated on these issues. The more we know, the more empathy we can foster, and the less likely we are to repeat the mistakes of the past.

2. Review and Implement the TRC’s Business-Specific Calls to Action

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released 94 Calls to Action, several of which apply directly to businesses. These include recommendations related to corporate policies, equitable hiring practices, and consultation with Indigenous communities. Take time to review these calls and see where your organization can make meaningful contributions.

3. Support Indigenous Entrepreneurs and Businesses

One of the most impactful ways businesses can contribute is by supporting Indigenous-led enterprises. This can be through partnerships, procurement, mentorship programs, or investing in Indigenous-owned businesses. Financial empowerment is a critical element of reconciliation, and businesses have the power to uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.

4. Recognize September 30th Thoughtfully

If your company plans to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, do so in a way that is respectful and authentic. Closing your doors for the day without any internal reflection or external action is simply performative. Instead, use the day as an opportunity to foster dialogue, reflect on your organization’s role in reconciliation, and encourage your employees to engage with the community in meaningful ways.

5. Fund Reconciliation Efforts

If there’s one thing businesses understand, it’s the power of resources. Indigenous communities are asking for more than words - they need the financial resources to support healing, cultural revitalization, and economic development. Contributing to funds, scholarships, or community projects aimed at reconciliation can have a lasting impact.

Being on the Right Side of History

As leaders, we are often faced with difficult choices. But some choices shouldn’t be difficult. Recognizing the harm that has been done and working to repair it isn’t radical - it’s human.

Truth and Reconciliation isn’t a checkbox to be ticked off. It’s not a corporate responsibility that we can fulfill with a few gestures or a land acknowledgement in an email signature. It’s a commitment to acknowledging the full, unvarnished truth of our history and actively participating in healing the wounds it has caused.

On September 30th, I invite you to take a moment and ask yourself: Is my organization on the right side of history?

We may not be able to change the past, but we are responsible for how we shape the future.

About the Author: Kristi Searle, FCPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPC is a distinguished human resources professional with over three decades of experience and a proven track record of implementing successful HR strategies. A proud Métis business leader and CEO of Peoplebiz Consulting Inc. since 2002, Kristi has delivered strategic HR solutions to a diverse range of clients including numerous Indigenous organizations, employers and governments across the country.