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Indigenous Relations

Indigenous Knowledge & Economic Partnerships

4 Seasons of Reconciliation

Through a partnership with BDC, Canadian business owners have free access to the “4 Seasons of Reconciliation” training by the First Nations University of Canada that provides the foundational knowledge on the relationship between Canada, Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

4 Seasons of Reconciliation provides foundational knowledge on the relationship between Canada, Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). It promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation.

To Register and view more details, click here

A Surrey Business Leadership Learning Series

(This series took place in the Spring of 2021. Another series will be held at a later date.)

Indigenous knowledge and economic partnerships are increasingly one of the key priorities in Canada today, as we all continue on the path towards Reconciliation and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

This provides both opportunities and risks for businesses as well. Both require an understanding of the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and BC and the contemporary landscape of Indigenous Relations.

In recognition of this, the Surrey Board of Trade has contracted the team of Lyle Viereck Consulting Services Inc., SB Communications & Public Affairs Ltd., and C. Marshal and Associates to offer (Free) Digital Surrey Business Leadership Learning Series:

Module 1 – The Uncomfortable Truth – Colonization in Canada 

This introductory session will include:

  • terminology and definitions;
  • the history of Indigenous-Crown Relations;
  • the Indian Act, 1876;
  • overview of membership, land, and governance; and
  • the history and legacy of residential schools

*Note: This module must be taken prior to the other two.
The modules are meant to be taken as a series. Once registered for one of the Module 1 sessions,
all participants will be automatically registered for Modules 2 & 3. 

**Important – These sessions will not be recorded and made available after. Please save the dates and times in your calendar to benefit from these learning opportunities.

Module 2 – Reconciliation and Building a New Future and Relationships – the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

This module will cover the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action, the UNDRIP, and why both are important to businesses. It will also include background on each of the First Nations in the Lower Mainland.

Module 3 – How to Build Sustainable Business Relationships with Indigenous Peoples and the Tools and Action Items that You Need 

The final session will cover such items as “best practices” in community engagement, business development, protocols (including for Indigenous employees, contractors, businesses, and entrepreneurs), and meeting Corporate Social Responsibility requirements. Participants will also receive Action Plans and Tools to help them in these and other activities with Indigenous Peoples.