Blog #6: Why Engage With First Nations Communities?

When I started to write my book “Walking Together: Engagement Lessons from my First Nations Learning Journey”, I was asked “why should I engage with First Nations people?” In my book I share what I was taught by the First Nations people and what I learned through my mistakes. Those lessons are relevant regardless of the sector you work in - health, education, research, tourism, or natural resource development.

In short, engaging with First Nations communities in a genuine and meaningful way is ethically sound and is essential to:

a) build relationships and trust, demonstrate respect for First Nations culture and values, and create a foundation for open dialogue, understanding, and collaboration;

b) manage risk and mitigate conflict by helping to identify and address mutual concerns, minimize misunderstandings, and proactively resolve issues collaboratively;

c) enable First Nations communities to assess their interest in supporting a project or activity, contributing their knowledge and perspectives, and their interest and level of project participation;

d) allow you to gain valuable insights and knowledge about the First Nations homelands, histories, and cultures relevant to your project or activity;

e) foster shared ownership and collaborative decision-making in the project or activity; and

f) uphold ethical and professional obligations and reconciliation.

Meaningful engagement with First Nations communities is NOT about ticking boxes or fulfilling legal obligations. It is about building meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships, working collaboratively to achieve shared goals, and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

January 15, 2025