Big Ideas in IDEA

In 2021, the country observed the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) held on September 30th coinciding with Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day, initiated in 2013, serves as a campaign to promote awareness and education of the residential school system and its impact on Indigenous Canadians. The orange shirt became a symbol of awareness because of the bravery exhibited by Phyllis Webstad - a residential school survivor. When Phyllis was taken to residential school, her new orange shirt was taken away from her and was never returned. This became a symbol of the forced assimilation and abuse of Indigenous children in residential schools (Orange Shirt Society, 2023). This year marks the eighth anniversary since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) six-volume final report. With the third NDTR upon us, it is time more than ever to move from a place of intention to a place of action, for which the TRC refers to as Reconcili-ACTION.  

Getting involved in taking action and reconciliation is an important step toward healing and addressing the impacts of the residential school system. Here are some ways to get involved.  

1. Educate yourself: Start by taking the opportunity to educate yourself and learn about the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. Read books/articles like the “Reconciliation Manifesto” by Arthur Manuel and Ronald Derrickson (2017), watch documentaries/movies like Bones of Crows (2022), or listen to podcasts like “Warrior Life” by Pamela Palmater. 
2. Engage with TRC Events: Make sure to offer employees an opportunity to attend TRC events. This could include conferences, workshops, public hearings, experiential learning opportunities, or webinars. 
3. Support Indigenous Organizations: Take the opportunity to support Indigenous organizations. This means finding Indigenous-led organizations or groups working on reconciliation and supporting their initiatives. This can include volunteering, donating, or participating in their activities. 
4. Advocate for Change: As our journey towards learning continues, it is important to take what we have learned and advocate for change. This can mean writing letters to your local government representatives or engaging in advocacy campaigns to express your support for the TRC Calls to Action.  media to share resources or engage with educational events in your community. 
5. Support Survivors and Families: Make sure to support survivors and their families by learning about support services available to survivors and offering assistance if appropriate. 
6. Engage with Indigenous Traditional Knowledge:  It is also important to learn about Indigenous traditional knowledge by engaging in respectful dialogue with Indigenous individuals and communities. Seek opportunities to learn from Indigenous knowledge, cultures, and traditions. Participate in cultural events or initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and respect.   
7. Practice Sustainable Allyship: Becoming a meaningful ally to Indigenous peoples involves ongoing education, active listening, and taking action to support Indigenous rights, cultures, and well-being. It means we must be our own scholar in learning about the rich diversity, histories, and contemporary issues encountered by Indigenous peoples. It means to advocate and champion Indigenous causes/events and to seek out opportunities to listen to Indigenous perspectives and experiences. Amplify Indigenous voices and support their initiatives for self-determination. You can also provide recommendations by being a sponsor, or in the case of building relationships and trust, be a confidant to Indigenous colleagues/individuals. Recognize that Indigenous peoples are not a monolithic group and that allyship will require different actions depending on the specific context and needs of the community you are supporting. Remember, being an ally is an ongoing process, and it is important to be receptive to feedback, adapt your approach, and engage in allyship in a respectful and humble manner.
8. Challenge Stereotypes and Microaggressions: It is also important to challenge stereotypes and microaggressions by being an upstander. This means being aware of and challenging stereotypes and microaggressions that perpetuate harmful narratives about Indigenous peoples. Speak up against racism and misinformation when you witness it, whether it is in your personal relationships, workplace, or the broader community. 

If you are interested in continuing your learning, check out a list of resources below or for more information about CCDI Consulting Inc.’s Indigenous Inclusion 2.0 and 3.0 sessions that focus on incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and assisting organizations with writing/implementing engagement and TRC strategies. Contact us at info@ccdiconsulting.ca today.

In an era where many individuals find themselves balancing the demands of children at home, often adult offspring, and aging parents in need of care, the complexities of gender inequity reach beyond the workplace. As we reach senior positions in our careers, managing teams or even larger leadership roles, we wear many hats, and the accumulation of these responsibilities compounds an already complex issue. In today's world, individuals often find themselves juggling a multitude of roles and responsibilities outside of their workplaces. These roles, while fulfilling, can compound the complexities of gender inequity. Let's delve into some of the key factors outside of the workplace that contribute to the inequity faced by women in Canadian society, factors that affect their ability to fully take part in the workforce at a level that would allow for equitable pay. 

The Caregiver's Dilemma
Many individuals in the "sandwich generation" are tasked with caring for both their children and aging parents simultaneously. This caregiving role, often assumed by women, can be emotionally rewarding but also incredibly time-consuming. Balancing the needs of both generations can lead to reduced availability for career advancement and personal development. 

The Gendered Burden of Domestic Work
Despite progress in gender roles, women still bear a disproportionate share of domestic responsibilities. Household chores, childcare, and eldercare often fall more heavily on women's shoulders, leaving less time and energy for career-related pursuits. This unequal distribution of domestic work can hinder women's career progression and impact their earning potential. 

Maternity and Parental Leave 
While Canada has made significant strides in parental leave policies, women continue to face challenges related to maternity and parental leave. The choice to take time off for caregiving responsibilities can impact career continuity and advancement. Moreover, the stigma often associated with extended leaves can hinder women's career trajectories. 

Lack of Affordable Childcare 
Access to affordable, quality childcare is still a significant challenge in Canada. The high cost of childcare can discourage women from returning to work after maternity leave or pursuing career opportunities. It can also limit their ability to work full-time, affecting their earning potential. 

Women's Health and Well-being 
Women's health issues, both physical and mental, can impact their careers. Conditions such as pregnancy complications, postpartum depression, or menopause can affect work performance and may necessitate time off or workplace accommodations.  

Intersectionality: Compounded Challenges 
It's essential to recognize that the impact of these factors can be compounded for women with intersecting identities, such as racialized women, Indigenous women, and women with disabilities. These individuals often face more barriers and inequities outside of the workplace, which further affect their career opportunities and earning potential. 

The Struggle for Work-Life Balance 
Achieving work-life balance can be particularly challenging for women who are juggling multiple responsibilities. Striving to excel in both their professional and personal lives, they may experience burnout and stress, affecting their overall well-being and career trajectories. 

Societal Expectations and Cultural Norms 
Societal expectations and cultural norms continue to influence women's roles and responsibilities outside of work. These norms can shape decisions about family planning, caregiving, and career aspirations, reinforcing traditional gender roles. 

Addressing Gender Inequity Beyond the Workplace 
Effectively addressing gender inequity beyond the workplace requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies and considerations: 

• Supportive Workplace Policies:
  Advocate for workplace policies that support work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements and paid family leave. 
  
• Accessible and Affordable Childcare:
  Advocate for improved access to affordable and high-quality childcare services to ease the burden on working parents, particularly mothers. 
  Encourage employers to provide childcare support or subsidies as part of employee benefits. 
• Raising Awareness:
  Raise awareness about the importance of fair distribution of domestic responsibilities and challenge traditional gender roles within families. 
  Promote discussions around caregiving and work-life balance to reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue. 
  
• Intersectional Approaches:
  Recognize and address the unique challenges faced by women with intersecting identities and develop policies and support systems that consider their specific needs. 
  
• Mental and Physical Health Support:
  Promote mental health awareness and access to resources for women facing mental health challenges. 
  
• Advocacy and Legislation:
  Advocate for policies and legislation that support women's rights, including fair parental leave, equal pay, and affordable healthcare. 
  Engage in community and national advocacy efforts to raise awareness about gender inequity beyond the workplace. 
  
• Empowering Change:
  Gender inequity extends beyond workplaces and affects various aspects of our lives. As we navigate the complexities of caregiving, family responsibilities, and societal expectations, it's crucial to address these factors collectively to build a fairer future. By advocating for supportive policies, fostering inclusivity, and challenging traditional norms, we can drive positive change that benefits not only women but society.