What is Indigenous Economic Reconciliation?
While the definition varies depending on context and perspective, economic reconciliation commonly refers to the full inclusion of Indigenous individuals, communities, and businesses in all economic activities and includes active efforts to eliminate the multiple barriers that reduce their equal participation in those activities.
How Can a Small Business Make a Difference?
No business is too small to make an impactful contribution to Indigenous economic reconciliation in Canada! Here are a few suggestions for those businesses beginning to explore the reconciliation space.
Reciprocity Trusts and Paying as a Land Tenant
Try out a new reciprocity experiment or “pay the rent to an Indigenous community”. Your business can reciprocate for decades of rent-free living (often on unceded territory).
Annual contributions often go directly to participating Indigenous Nations, who have control over where they accept payments from and what priorities they go towards.
Resources:
Honoring National Truth and Reconciliation Day
On September 30th, dedicate business resources to reconciliACTIONs (learning, outreach, fundraising, advocacy) that your business can take to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Resources:
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/rea-ibd
Find an Indigenous Business Partner, Vendor, Supplier
Resources:
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/rea-ibd
Organizations listed are listed as suggested resources, but are not endorsed by Cedar Creek CPA Inc.. Every reconciliation plan should be based on first hand research performed by your own business to determine best-fit partners before moving forward.
Cedar Creek CPA 