Event Recap: Creating Equitable Partnerships

Last Thursday, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) proudly hosted a panel discussion on the importance of integrating inclusive policies to help accommodate Indigenous employees and promote economic reconciliation within the workplace.

The event, held at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in the St. James region –– proudly owned and operated by Long Plain First Nation, featured a panel of successful Indigenous and non-Indigenous women from diverse backgrounds.

Among the speakers included ICC President and CEO Renee Greyeyes, Katherine Davis, Instructor of Indigenous Business Relations at the Asper School of Business, Rhonda Sumner, Sales Director at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, and Melinda Moch an articling student at MLT Aikins and board member of the Indigenous Bar Association.

The panelists were able to share their unique insights about navigating the workforce landscape as Indigenous women and, importantly, why they believed inclusive policies are not just desirable but necessary for accommodating Indigenous employees.

In the most recent census from 2021, the national share of the Indigenous population sits at around 5%, within Winnipeg that number rises to around 13%, and in Manitoba roughly 18%. Despite the sizeable and rising shares, Indigenous employees continue to be underrepresented within the workforce.

According to a 2023 report by Statistics Canada, employment rates for Indigenous compared to non-Indigenous individuals differed significantly, at approximately 61% and 74%, respectively. Introducing inclusive Indigenous procurement policies, said the panel, can help mitigate this discrepancy.

Of note, the panelists stressed the importance of actionable decisions as opposed to mere rhetoric. Both Moch and Davis commented that, while still in need of improvement, they have witnessed their workplace environments transform for the better by embracing concrete policies such as Indigenous hiring initiatives and cultural accommodation practices.

Sumner, speaking about her managerial role within the Wyndham Garden Hotel, said that “we aim to have over 50 per cent of our workforce be Indigenous employees. We offer accommodations, such as free meals, help with transportation, and opportunities for continuous learning. It’s not perfect, but a step in the right direction.”

Toward the end of the event, the panelists responded to a set of audience questions about building more inclusive workspaces for Indigenous employees. “You can learn from your employees,” Greyeyes said, “it’s a reciprocal relationship, asking for their input can be incredibly insightful.”

Continuing with the ICC’s training series, the next installation is set to be held in early September and will focus on Empowering Indigenous Leadership. In the coming weeks, registration will open with limited seats available. We look forward to accommodating all participants as we continue our journey of building a better and more inclusive workforce together.