In October 2017, a survey with over 500 Canadian medium and large businesses revealed an alarming finding: that 85 per cent of Canadian businesses are in no way engaged with Indigenous communities. Survey data indicated an average Partnership Index score of only 13/100. 

The new report commissioned by Indigenous Works and prepared by R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd. 

“Researching Indigenous Partnerships: An Assessment of Corporate-Indigenous Relations” comes at a time when shortages of skilled workers dominate the news and when federal public policy has charted a clear course toward reconciliation. The survey results are troubling.

While some partnership successes have been realized in the resource sector, in other areas of the economy there is virtually no interaction between businesses and Indigenous organizations. Four profiles emerged from the research. The disengaged majority (85 per cent of corporate Canada) are passive and unaware of Indigenous partnership value. Engagement novices (nine per cent) believe that engagement will help grow their businesses but they lack the skills and competencies to take the next steps. Relationship builders (four per cent) and committed partnership builders (only two per cent) are motivated by access to Indigenous labour markets, business and community development and creating long-term, ongoing relationships.

The general picture which emerges from the research is that businesses across most sectors need help with their Indigenous partnerships, Indigenous people will continue to struggle socially and economically until they are able to participate more fully in the Canadian economy, and that means more social, business and employment partnerships need to be developed and awareness needs to increase. For example, only one in four companies are aware of the 2016 Truth and Reconciliation Commission call to action to businesses.

“This challenge also represents an opportunity for both corporate and Indigenous leaders,” says Stephen Lindley, the Corporate Co-Chair of Indigenous Works. “Nearly 70 per cent of the ‘disengaged majority’ say they need at least one form of support to move forward with specific guidance needed from Indigenous communities and engaged businesses.”

Patricia Baxter, Indigenous Co-chair of Indigenous Works believes there is a new opportunity to create new linkages and provide tools and guidance. As an example, she explains that in early 2018 Indigenous Works will be releasing a new partnership learning video and guide to help orient new companies to the merits of corporate-Indigenous engagement. A two-day forum called Inclusion Works ’18 will be held in Kelowna on April 17-18, which will showcase how companies, Indigenous economic development corporations and employment centers are tackling partnership readiness, design and execution. “Corporate-Indigenous partnerships for employment, business and social development is reconciliation in action,” says Baxter.

Brent Bergeron, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Goldcorp Inc. chaired Indigenous Works’ national advisory committee for its recent research on partnerships.

“Businesses in other sectors can learn a lot about the partnerships which have been successfully developed with Indigenous communities,” Bergeron says. “Over the years, companies in the resource sector have developed new standards and innovations in their engagement practices. While we are still a long way from achieving full partnerships with Indigenous communities, there are lessons and knowledge which businesses in other sectors can derive benefit.”

Kelly Lendsay is one of Canada’s foremost innovators of workplace inclusion and partnership building. He is currently the President and CEO of Indigenous Works, formerly the Aboriginal Human Resource Council.