Economic reconciliation is more than a buzzword—it’s a commitment to repair historic injustices and build genuine, lasting partnerships between Indigenous nations and Canadian businesses. As we approach June 21—National Indigenous Peoples Day—it’s essential to reflect on what meaningful economic reconciliation looks like, why June 21 holds deep significance, and how corporations can move beyond token gestures to sustained, impactful actions. This blog outlines best practices, calls to action, and practical steps for large Canadian organizations seeking to align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92 and foster authentic Indigenous inclusion.

1. Understanding “Meaningful Economic Reconciliation

Simply put, economic reconciliation involves creating equitable avenues for Indigenous communities to participate in and benefit from Canada’s economy. Rather than one-off donations or performative marketing, it requires systemic changes in procurement, governance, and partnership models. Key elements include:

1. Equitable Procurement & Supply-Chain Integration

• Prioritize procurement from certified Indigenous businesses (e.g., through CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations or provincial certification bodies).
• Embed Indigenous vendors in Tier 1 and Tier 2 supply chains, ensuring they aren’t limited to subcontracting low-profit-margin work.

1. Capacity Building & Joint Ventures

• Co-invest in training, infrastructure, and mentorship programs that help Indigenous entrepreneurs scale up.
• Structure joint ventures so that ownership and profits flow to Indigenous partners, rather than solely to the corporation.

1. Long-Term Revenue Sharing & Profit-Sharing Models

• Move beyond flat-fee contracts. Establish royalty or profit-sharing agreements that recognize Indigenous contributions (land rights, cultural knowledge, or intellectual property).
• Ensure transparency in revenue-sharing metrics—publish annual reconciliation reports showing how much revenue was shared with Indigenous partners.

1. Governance & Decision-Making Inclusion

• Invite Indigenous leaders to sit on decision-making boards or advisory councils, ensuring their voices shape corporate strategy.
• Implement co-governance frameworks for projects on or near traditional lands, recognizing Nation-to-Nation relationships.

1. Cultural Protocols and Respect for Indigenous Knowledge

• Adopt cultural protocols (e.g., territory acknowledgments at board meetings).
• Compensate Indigenous knowledge-keepers fairly when their expertise informs product design, environmental assessments, or marketing strategies.

2. The Significance of June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 marks the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—and has been celebrated by many Indigenous nations for millennia as a time of renewal, ceremony, and community. In 1996, Canada officially designated June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day to honor the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

• Symbolism of the Summer Solstice:
• For Cree, Anishinaabe, Dene, Inuit, and many other nations, the summer solstice is a sacred time when families gather, ceremonies are held, and teachings are shared. It represents light, life, and connection to the natural world.
• Awareness and Respect:
• Observing June 21 reminds Canadians that Indigenous cultures are dynamic and resilient. Businesses can join by hosting events that highlight Indigenous art, music, and storytelling—moving beyond token acknowledgments to genuine cultural exchange.
• Economic Significance:
• Many Indigenous communities host powwows, craft markets, and cultural festivals around June 21, drawing visitors and stimulating local economies. Corporations can participate by sponsoring events, purchasing Indigenous-made goods, and sharing proceeds to support Reconciliation initiatives.

“Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day is both a gesture of respect and an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue. It’s a day to reflect on our collective history and recommit to building equitable economic relationships.” — Bear Standing Tall

3. Aligning with TRC Call to Action 92

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92 specifically addresses corporate Canada:

Call to Action 92: “We call upon 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. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:

a. Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and informed consent, as defined by UNDRIP.

b. Ensure that Aboriginal Title and Rights are recognized and respected.

c. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties, and Aboriginal Rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations.

d. Commit to joint-decision-making processes for projects affecting Indigenous lands and resources.

e. Provide sustainable funding for reconciliation initiatives.

Best Practices for Corporations

1. UNDRIP in Corporate Policy

• Publicly affirm support for UNDRIP; embed its principles into procurement policies, community engagement frameworks, and environmental assessments.
• Ensure that Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is obtained before undertaking any development on or near traditional lands.

1. Consultation & Consent Protocols

• Move beyond “consultation” as a checkbox. Invest in early-stage engagement with Indigenous Nations to shape project scope.
• Document and publish consultation outcomes, including how Indigenous concerns influenced project design.

1. Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

• Require all employees—especially management and procurement teams—to complete Indigenous cultural safety and historical education.
• Engage certified Indigenous trainers (e.g., Bear Standing Tall Inc.) to tailor sessions to your industry.

1. Funding & Governance

• Allocate a fixed percentage (e.g., 2 percent of annual profits) to community-driven Reconciliation funds.
• Establish an Indigenous Advisory Board to co-govern how those funds are spent.

1. Monitoring & Reporting

• Publish an annual reconciliation progress report detailing:
• Percentage of procurement spend with Indigenous businesses
• Number of joint ventures or revenue-sharing agreements
• Training hours completed by staff
• Outcomes of community investments (e.g., jobs created, programs funded)

4. CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Program

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) offers the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program—a certification and awards framework that recognizes organizations demonstrating genuine Indigenous relations:

• PAR Certification Levels

1. Committed: Establishing foundational policies and practices for Indigenous inclusion.
2. Solid: Demonstrating sustained engagement with Indigenous stakeholders and measurable outcomes.
3. Progressive: Achieving high standards in governance, economic participation, social responsibility, and cultural awareness.
4. Transformative: Leading the field by driving systemic change and scaling Indigenous economic benefits.

• Benefits of PAR Certification
• Enhanced reputation and stronger credibility among Indigenous stakeholders.
• Access to CCAB’s network of certified Indigenous suppliers.
• Benchmarking against peers, guiding continuous improvement.
• How to Get Started

1. Self-Assessment: Use CCAB’s online tools to evaluate your current Indigenous relations.
2. Action Plan: Partner with Indigenous advisors (e.g., Bear Standing Tall Inc.) to develop a multi-year reconciliation strategy.
3. Application & Audit: Submit documentation and undergo an independent audit of policies, procurement data, and community investments.
4. Continuous Improvement: Use PAR feedback to strengthen your program, aiming to advance from “Committed” to “Transformative.”

5. Celebrating June 21: Actions for Corporations

When June 21 arrives, corporations can transform symbolic gestures into substantive actions:

1. Host (or Sponsor) Cultural Events

• Sponsor local powwows, dance presentations, or craft markets in partnership with Indigenous communities.
• Ensure event proceeds support community-identified priorities (e.g., youth education, language preservation).

1. Launch a Reconciliation Pledge

• On June 21, publicly pledge to meet specific economic reconciliation targets—like increasing Indigenous procurement by X percent within 12 months.
• Publish the pledge on your website and social channels, inviting accountability.

1. Employee Engagement Activities

• Organize an all-staff virtual/in-person session on Indigenous history and the significance of June 21.
• Invite an Elder or Knowledge-Keeper to share traditional teachings about the summer solstice.

1. Indigenous Vendor Showcase

• Feature local Indigenous-owned businesses in your lobby or cafeteria on June 21.
• Encourage staff to purchase Indigenous-made goods and learn about their significance.

1. Community Investment Announcement

• On National Indigenous Peoples Day, announce a new economic reconciliation initiative—such as a scholarship fund for Indigenous youth or a multi-year procurement commitment.
• Partner with Indigenous organizations to co-design programs that address local community needs.

6. Moving Beyond Symbolism: Sustained Commitment

While June 21 provides a focal point for awareness, authentic reconciliation demands consistent effort:

• Annual Reconciliation Roadmap
• Develop a living document outlining quarterly milestones, responsible departments, and community-led priorities.
• Share progress updates with Indigenous partners for feedback and co-governance.
• Integrate Reconciliation into Core Business Strategy
• Tie executive compensation to Indigenous inclusion metrics (e.g., percentage of profit-sharing agreements, Indigenous employee recruitment).
• Incorporate Indigenous relations into your ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) reporting framework.
• Employee Training & Career Pathways
• Offer internships, co-op placements, and mentorships for Indigenous students, building a talent pipeline.
• Create a leadership development program for Indigenous employees that leads to senior roles.
• Data Collection & Transparency
• Track spending with Indigenous suppliers and report it publicly.
• Survey Indigenous partners annually to measure satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.

7. How Bear Standing Tall Can Support Your Economic Reconciliation Journey

At Bear Standing Tall Inc., our mission is to guide large corporations in Canada through every step of authentic, impactful economic reconciliation. As an Indigenous First Nations woman-owned digital awareness business, we specialize in:

1. Custom E-Learning & Digital Toolkits

• Reconciliation Toolkits: 100+ industry-specific toolkits (e.g., Oil & Gas, Finance, Retail), each including eBooks, interactive modules, and Call to Action 92 resources.
• AI-Powered Copilot (IndigiLink Pro™): A conversational AI that helps your teams navigate Indigenous cultural protocols, UNDRIP principles, and procurement pathways.

1. Face-to-Face and Virtual Training

• Leadership Workshops: Executive-level seminars on UNDRIP, FPIC, and Reconciliation best practices.
• Employee Cultural Sensitivity Courses: Tailored for procurement, HR, and project management teams—covering history, treaties, and Indigenous worldviews.

1. Strategic Advisory & Policy Development

• Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs): We help you craft and implement a RAP aligned with CCAB’s PAR standards, ensuring credible certification.
• Procurement Roadmaps: From identifying certified Indigenous suppliers to setting revenue-sharing benchmarks, we guide you in building an inclusive supply-chain strategy.

1. Ongoing Support & Accountability

• Annual Audits & Reporting: We conduct third-party assessments of your reconciliation progress and provide strategic recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Community Liaison Services: We facilitate introductions, govern joint-venture negotiations, and ensure FPIC processes reflect Indigenous priorities.

“True reconciliation isn’t a one-time event—it’s a sustained partnership. Our role is to help Canadian corporations transform good intentions into impactful, measurable outcomes that honor Indigenous rights and sovereignty.”

— Bear Standing Tall, President, Bear Standing Tall Inc.

8. Call to Action: Commit Today, Act Every Day

June 21 is our collective reminder that Indigenous cultures have thrived for millennia—guiding us in respect for land, community, and reciprocal relationships. For corporations, it’s a powerful opportunity to reaffirm commitments and launch new initiatives. Yet, the real progress happens when every boardroom decision, every procurement policy, and every community interaction is guided by genuine respect, co-decision-making, and shared prosperity.

How to Get Started:

1. Schedule an Executive Briefing by June 21

• Invite Bear Standing Tall Inc. to deliver a 60-minute briefing on Call to Action 92, UNDRIP, and economic reconciliation best practices.
• Use this session to set public reconciliation targets and generate internal buy-in.

1. Launch a Reconciliation Pledge

• Publish a public pledge on your website committing to:
• Increase procurement spend with Indigenous businesses by at least X percent in 2025.
• Establish two new profit-sharing or joint venture agreements with Indigenous partners.
• Provide mandatory Indigenous cultural safety training to 100 percent of your executive team by Q4 2025.

1. Engage CCAB’s PAR Program

• Complete the PAR self-assessment.
• Work with Bear Standing Tall Inc. to address gaps and move toward “Progressive” or “Transformative” certification.

1. Celebrate June 21 with Substance

• Host an Indigenous vendor market at your headquarters.
• Use part of your marketing budget to amplify Indigenous artists and knowledge-keepers.
• Announce a new scholarship, bursary, or community-driven fund.

1. Publish Your First Reconciliation Progress Report

• By September 2025, release a report showcasing:
• Indigenous procurement figures
• Completed training hours
• Outcomes of community investments (e.g., jobs created, infrastructure funded)

Suggested Visual Elements (Images)

1. Header Image:
2. A panoramic shot of an Indigenous Elder and corporate leader shaking hands on a summer solstice setting—symbolizing partnership under a rising sun.
3. Infographic: Call to Action 92 Pillars
4. A clean, four-column graphic illustrating:

• UNDRIP Alignment
• Consultation & FPIC
• Capacity Building & Procurement
• Reporting & Transparency

1. Photograph (June 21 Powwow)
2. High-resolution image of a community powwow on National Indigenous Peoples Day—highlighting traditional regalia, drummers, and dancers, captioned “Honoring Culture, Building Bridges.”
3. Flowchart: PAR Certification Path
4. A step-by-step flowchart showing how to progress from “Committed” through “Transformative” within CCAB’s PAR program, with milestones and average timelines.
5. Case Study Highlight
6. Side-by-side visuals:

• Before/After comparison of a supply chain where Indigenous businesses were integrated—showing percent-spend statistics.
• Smiling Indigenous entrepreneurs at a corporate vendor showcase.

9. Conclusion

Meaningful economic reconciliation demands vision, humbleness, and unwavering commitment. National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) presents a powerful moment to celebrate Indigenous cultures, reflect on our shared history, and chart a path forward for equitable partnerships. By aligning with TRC Call to Action 92, engaging in CCAB’s PAR program, and embedding Indigenous inclusion into procurement, governance, and community investment frameworks, corporations can move beyond performative gestures toward lasting, generative relationships.

Bear Standing Tall Inc. stands ready to guide your organization every step of the way—through digital toolkits, in-person training, advisory services, and co-governance support. Let’s use June 21 not just as a day of celebration, but as a launching pad for sustained action. Together, we can build an economy that respects Indigenous rights, uplifts communities, and forges a more just and prosperous Canada.

Contact Bear Standing Tall Inc.

📧 Email: jcarter@bearstandingtall.com

🌐 Website: www.bearstandingtall.com

📞 Phone: (289) 634-7739

“Reconciliation is the work of today, not tomorrow. Let’s start building together.”

— Bear Standing Tall