Blog

TDE Observes National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

30 сентября, 2022

At TDE, we are committed to inclusion, and to developing strong partnerships that provide economic prosperity, social well-being, and respect for the people and land on which we work. This commitment is exemplified in our Indigenous Peoples Policy, which is guided by the foundational principles of:

Recognizing the inherent and constitutionally protected rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada as well as a respect for their history, culture, knowledge, and beliefs
The support of fair and equal access to employment and business opportunities for Indigenous communities in which we operate
Encouraging Indigenous awareness within our workforce
Commitment to working with Indigenous Peoples to achieve sustainable benefits, including opportunities in training, education, and employment opportunities.

True reconciliation goes beyond empathy and understanding. Sincere and intentional strategies and practices to meaningfully engage with indigenous people and indigenous-owned businesses will be the key to long-term sustainable benefits and the opening of equitable opportunities for indigenous participation in the Canadian economy.

TDE is proud to be a member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), an organization dedicated to building relationships between both indigenous and non-indigenous businesses and communities that will serve to foster a prosperous indigenous economy nationwide. In aligning with CCAB goals, TDE seeks to work harmoniously with multiple indigenous-owned companies for vendors and clients on indigenous-owned land through the effective and respectful implementation of our policy.

In further support of these goals, and our own commitment to forging mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous peoples, our Indigenous Engagement statement pledges to:

Educate employees through courses, policies, and practises
Recognize and respect indigenous peoples’ rights, values, and beliefs
Get involved with indigenous programs & memberships
Encourage opportunities for indigenous suppliers and contractors
Implement measures to enable indigenous people to become part of our permanent workforce

Our commitment to these principles is a shared responsibility between TDE’s clients, employees, and contractors. TDE recognizes the history, uniqueness, and diversity of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Communities, and aspires to be an industry leader for Indigenous inclusion. We strongly believe in our people and our capacity to build lasting, positive relationships rooted in mutual respect and trust.

In that spirit, on September 30, 2022, TDE will observe the first federally recognized National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities. By commemorating this day, we are expressing our commitment to the ongoing process of reconciliation, and to being part of the change that creates a future of tolerance, understanding, and equality for all.

On Friday, September 30, our staff is encouraged to wear an orange shirt, or other orange clothing, in symbolic observance of the bright orange shirt that was taken from residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad upon her arrival at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in September of 1973. The orange shirt has since become representative of the personal losses suffered by all residential school students and their families. You can read more of Phyllis’s story here.

We believe that the human process of healing and reconciliation begins with education. Our staff, clients, and colleagues are invited to learn more about our national history, and how the dynamics of the past still impact us today. To read more about the origins of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please click here.