Diversity & Inclusion

An Abundant Community

Racial and cultural diversity are hallmarks of our society, something the Allison Martinello Group believes should be celebrated. The contributions that all cultures bring to our workplaces, education, and personal lives directly coincide with a life lived well and filled with abundance. An integrated and diverse community promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity – all quantifiable benefits, of course – but the less tangible reward, a respect for the dignity of every human, is the bedrock of any healthy community. 

We believe the way to experience and enhance the benefits that a diverse cultural society provides, starts with education around our past history, present day understandings, and future to strive for - which is why we've dedicated this page to provide learning and educational pieces (see right column) around our society as Canadians.

 

RBC Commitments & Support

RBC has a long history of partnering with Indigenous nations – from The Cost of Doing Nothing, a landmark study published almost 30 years ago highlighting the impact of the Indigenous economy, to their more recent commitment to economic reconciliation and support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92. RBC recognizes the need to work together to create long-term, sustainable economic development, employment, and social impact and profiles their progress through the annual report, A Chosen Journey. In addition to its efforts, the company recognizes there is certainly more to be done to build understanding, reflect on the past and create positive social change.

https://www.rbc.com/indigenous/

Know the Land Territories

WHAT IS A LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT?

A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. 

WHY DO WE RECOGNIZE THE LAND?

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. It is important to understand the long standing history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation. It is also worth noting that acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol. 

WHOSE LAND ARE WE ON?

In Windsor-Essex we are on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy: the Ojibwa, Odawa, and the Pot-awa-tomi.

HOW DO WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE LAND?

“We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy: the Ojibwa, Odawa, and the Pot-awa-tomi peoples” 

MOVING BEYOND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Although it is important to acknowledge the land, it is only a first step. We are all treaty signers, and are thus responsible and accountable for the violence that Indigenous people face. Allyship is a continuous process; it is not a designation that one can earn and hold forever. It is also not a label one can give themselves, but one you earn from your actions and commitment to standing in solidarity.

Allies must continually engage in self-reflection, and must consistently work at being an ally (through learning, acting in a de-colonial manner, and sustaining relationships with Indigenous Peoples, etc.) 

Here are some simple ways you can begin the ongoing and continual process of acting in solidarity with Indigenous folks in Canada:

• Learn: About oppression and privilege. About the history of colonization. About Indigenous peoples and cultures. About the land you live on. To listen. There are many books, blogs, documentaries, Independent media sites, plays, and songs that Indigenous people have written and performed that are great places to start learning.

• Build relationships: Building relationships is a very important aspect of standing in solidarity. 

• Act: Be accountable towards Indigenous people and communities by affirming the importance of what they’re saying, aligning oneself with the struggle, and speaking up when something problematic is said.

 

Want to learn more? Sources and Resources:

http://native-land.ca

http://whose.land/en/

http://caldwellfirstnations.ca  Acting Chief Robin Perkins

http://narf.org Native American Rights Fund

http://niwrc.org National Indigenous Women's Resource Center

Before you state a Land Acknowledgement, Mean It

 

**Content and territory information was gathered in collaboration with the Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG)**