Dear Mr. White,
As Chairperson of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, I am writing you in regards to the events that occurred on December 20, 2019 at a Bank of Montreal branch in Vancouver, British Colombia. While we realize that this event has passed and steps towards resolution have occurred, we want to emphasize the importance of having financial institutions participate in reconciliation.
The members of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board are appointed by the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada to provide the Government of Canada with policy advice on Indigenous economic matters. The Board is made up of Indigenous leaders and business owners from across Canada. Many of us have established relationships with BMO and other major banks in Canada, so we were deeply troubled when we heard of the incident that occurred at the BMO branch in Vancouver.
The Board is aware that this is not an isolated incident and that these events are part of a larger problem in the relationship between many Canadian institutions and Indigenous people. The Indigenous Advisory Committee established by BMO is a first step in building education and awareness and addressing policies and practices that impact Indigenous businesses, peoples, and communities.
Since 2006, thousands of Indigenous peoples have received large settlements for the atrocities they have faced throughout the last half of the millennia due to colonization. Residential schools, the 60’s scoop, day schools and modern day child welfare have all had major impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities. As Canada continues to sign settlement agreements with Indigenous peoples, you may continue to see an increase in your Indigenous customers accessing services. It is imperative that every employee in your organization understands this history so that the events of December 20, 2019 are never repeated.
Indigenous peoples and communities have strong and vibrant economies and many of them are the cornerstone of their regional economies. Today, there are over 57,000 Indigenous owned businesses in Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Call to Action #92 directs Corporate Canada to provide professional development and training 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. This Call to Action outlines that training must include skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti -racism. Historically, education on Indigenous issues has lacked significantly, which has contributed to many culturally incompetent workplaces. Implementing the TRC Call-to-Action 92 will ensure that all current and future employees engage with Indigenous employees, partners, and patrons in a culturally sensitive manner.
There is still a long way to go to close the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous people in Canada. In the 2019 Indigenous Economic Progress Report, our Board outlined that if all opportunities were equal and the Indigenous labour force was fully mobilized, the result is an increase of $27.7 billion annually to the Canadian GDP. We all need to do our part in ensuring Indigenous peoples in Canada have the same opportunities as non-Indigenous peoples.
Our Board is available to meet with you to discuss these matters further.
Respectfully,
Chief Clarence Louie
Chairperson
National Indigenous Economic Development Board