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A step towards reconciliation with indigenous peoples

Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 7:14 am
by mstlucky8072
Last year, I participated in a training course called The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation , which explores Canada's historical relationship with Indigenous peoples and the painful realities brought to light by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The course opened my eyes to many sobering truths. I was deeply touched by the experience and left enriched. My BDC colleagues and I were inspired to do more to increase our collective knowledge of Indigenous peoples and advance reconciliation across the country.

As a first step, we made The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation a permanent part of our training for all BDC staff. We have now partnered with the First Nations University of Canada and Reconciliation Canada to offer the training free of charge to business owners across Canada.

This unique course provides a foundational understanding of Canada’s Indigenous peoples and our shared history. I am confident that it will help business owners not only build bridges with Indigenous peoples and communities, but also create deeper, respectful relationships with Indigenous staff, suppliers and customers.

Follow the course
Why take the course The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation ?

Leo Hurtubise is a member of Nipissing First Nation and an doctor database entrepreneur. He believes this course can benefit all business owners in Canada, helping them better understand Indigenous peoples and communities and fostering an open discussion on issues.

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“There’s a lot to learn,” says Leo, co-founder and vice-president of business development at Laflesche, a BDC-backed company on the Kahnawake reserve near Montreal. “The more knowledge you have, the more comfortable you are asking questions.”

Leo co-founded Laflesche with Thawennontie Tomas. The company designs and manufactures high-quality plastic healthcare products. It is named after Dr. Susan Picotte La Flesche, the first Native American physician and a passionate advocate for the underserved.

He said the training will help business owners "open up to other cultures, recognize differences and acknowledge that everyone has a different point of view."

"It's all part of the healing process. It's important not to hide it and to talk about it."

Another step towards reconciliation
The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation is a three-hour multimedia course that you can complete at your own pace. Through 10 interactive modules , you will learn about the history and culture of Canada’s Indigenous communities, as well as the history of residential schools and treaties across the country. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

I believe that participating in this course is a step we can all take on our journey toward true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada. For business owners, this is an opportunity not only for personal growth, but also to strengthen their business.

You can easily start the course by clicking here .

Thank you in advance for taking the time to try this course and I hope you find it rewarding.