Pathways to Reconciliation
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How Indigenous peoples and employees at Natural Resources Canada are forming new relationships across generations
A new generation signs a new path forward
It was an event like no other, as Natural Resource Canada’s (NRCan) headquarters in Ottawa shook with the beat of drums and a chorus of voices to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Close to 1,000 NRCan employees, both in person and virtual, attended the celebration and festivities, including pow-wow dancers from the Algonquin Nation, Inuit ajaja drumming by a mother and daughter, a Métis jig performance, and a hoop dance performed by Mariah Miigwans.
Elder Heather Poitras, Elder in Residence and NRCan employee, gathered with NRCan Deputy Minister Michael Vandergrift, Associate Deputy Minister Jeff Labonté and their entire senior management team to launch the Pathways to Reconciliation Action Plan.
This project supports UN Declaration Act Action Plan measure SP 16. This measure is about encouraging federal employers to work with their employees and Indigenous peoples to make sure that their workplaces are equitable and inclusive, while raising awareness of Indigenous cultures and issues.
NRCan’s Pathways to Reconciliation Action Plan is the first of its kind at the department. It’s a foundational document that outlines NRCan’s commitments to place truth and reconciliation at the centre of its culture and operations, including how it thinks, acts, communicates and works. By continuing a journey of transformation internally, this Plan will guide NRCan in making reconciliation a reality on the ground across its policies, programs, and services.
Joined by hosts from the Nòkwewashk sector, Elder Heather, the Deputies and NRCan’s senior management team members signed the Pathways to Reconciliation Action Plan one by one, affirming their unwavering commitment to reconciliation.
“This day means so much to me because my late father, Homer Poitras, witnessed the actual signing of the National Aboriginal Day proclamation in 1996,” said Elder Heather. “I’ve been one of the few Indigenous employees involved since it was declared.”
First to sign the document was Elder Heather, accompanied by her granddaughter Carmella, who signed with an “X” to honour the four directions, making it a spiritual agreement with the Creator.
Elder Heather explains that, following oral traditional practices, her culture encourages children to be involved in ceremonies and important events.
“Their energy helps to bless the gathering,” she said. “They are our future leaders. We are responsible for the future generations and Mother Earth.”
A momentous occasion
The Pathways to Reconciliation Action Plan is nothing short of transformative. It was created through collaboration and with accessibility in mind. It includes five pillars to change NRCan’s culture and the way it works with Indigenous peoples:
- Building awareness and understanding
- Engaging to foster relationship building
- Having a voice where it matters
- Increasing our flexibility
- Transforming how we work
Together, these pillars map how the department will walk the path of truth and reconciliation for the generations ahead. All NRCan employees, no matter their job description or level, have a role to play.
Elder Heather Poitras, her granddaughter Carmella and NRCan’s senior management team.
Deputy Minister Michael Vandergrift signs the Pathways to Reconciliation Action Plan.
Contributed by: Natural Resources Canada
- Find out more about this day and the Proclamation that Elder Heather’s father witnessed in this article from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Department of Justice Canada
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