Indigenous Worldviews and Indigenous Workways
Work is a necessary part of life, contributes to the general social and economic welfare of people, and plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals and communities. In addition to its impact on social and economic welfare, work also provides individuals with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It allows people to utilize their skills and talents, fostering personal growth and self-esteem. Furthermore, work fosters a sense of belonging and connection within communities, as it often involves collaboration and teamwork. However, many complex historical, legislative, and economic factors mean some groups are less likely to experience these positive benefits of work. Studies suggest that these systemic obstacles are related to a significant attrition rate, low representation, and unhappiness among Indigenous workers in Canada. They report higher levels of bias and discrimination at work than their non-Indigenous counterparts. For Indigenous employees, these discriminatory behaviors impede their possibilities for career advancement and exacerbate sentiments of alienation. These issues are further complicated by the lack of cultural sensitivity and understanding in businesses; thus it is imperative that employers launch diversity and inclusion programs that cater to the unique requirements of Indigenous workers (Berg, et al., 2019).
To address these issues, organizations need to prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives, provide cultural sensitivity training, and create opportunities for Indigenous employees to voice their concerns and contribute to decision-making processes.
Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Call to Action #92, Business and Reconciliation, asks the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. Among other things, this call specifically asks Canadian organizations to:
- Ensure Indigenous peoples “have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector.”
- “Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples,” noting “This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.”
