Facilitators: Shelley Saje Ricci Shelley, Lindsay Poll & Colette Pryslak

Reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem; it is a Canadian one. It involves all of us.” These words from Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, underscore the collective responsibility of reconciliation.

This transformative workshop combines Indigenous methodologies with modern strategies to equip job stewards with the knowledge and tools to effectively support Indigenous workers while fostering more inclusive, equitable, and culturally safe workplaces. Through a blend of reflective practices and practical applications, participants will deepen their understanding of historical narratives and contemporary realities.

The workshop provides opportunities to critically examine colonial structures within organizational systems, helping participants identify and begin addressing practices that hinder equity and inclusion. They will also develop ecosystems of allyship by building meaningful relationships, embracing diverse perspectives, and strategically using union tools such as collective bargaining, grievance procedures, and equity-focused policies. These efforts encourage reconciliation within communities, workplaces, and unions.

Balancing personal growth with professional development, the workshop recognizes and values the diverse experiences participants bring. Indigenous-led practices—including ceremonial circles, smudging, and traditional drumming—ground the learning experience in cultural significance and mutual respect. Together, we will work toward transforming unionized environments and workplaces into spaces of equity, solidarity, and meaningful reconciliation for all.