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“Diversity is who you are. Inclusion is what you do.”
– Past Workforce Forward Speaker
HR resource professionals and businesses challenged by Workforce Forward’s Leadership Council to be more culturally safe and more representative of an Indigenous workforce.
(Oct 12, 2021, Calgary Alberta) — Less than one-quarter (22%) of Western Canadian organizations currently have an Indigenous strategy for recruitment, and only one-in-ten (9%) are currently developing one. – CPHR Alberta HR Trends Report. April 2019.
Workforce Forward, a summit being held this year virtually on Nov 30, 2021 – aimed at HR professionals and businesses across Canada looking to build or improve their Indigenous inclusion strategy for recruitment, training and retention – is set to improve the statistics with a series of conferences that will bridge the indubitable gap in Canada’s workforce.
“I’m a content creator for HR professionals on issues that matter to them. I wasn’t surprised at the lack of knowledge our industry has on Indigenous workforce inclusion strategies. I was surprised (and impressed) however with the surmountable desire to learn, get informed and make change to be more inclusive.” Andrea Adams, HR Influencer & Producer of HR Shop Talk.
Industry thought leaders have been carefully selected by the Workforce Forward Leadership Council to take part in the panels and workshops for those in the beginning stages of their strategies to those who are in the advanced stages – ensuring the commitment to continuous learning for all levels is available. See full list of speakers and topics here: https://workforceforward.ca/
“There is a trend and a movement in this space to do better and Workforce Forward meets a need for those looking to improve on existing strategies or make a change to include one. Due to the pandemic, this in person event was changed to be held virtually last June and now will continue as a series on Nov 30, 2011– the fourth event of its kind so far to take place in a series of many to come. The work on truth and reconciliation doesn’t stop because we are dealing with a pandemic crisis. It most certainly changed how we do things and the priority on this did not stall for many companies. Organizations have used this time to work on corporate inclusiveness and are showing a more genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion – so much so that we’ve seen a movement with companies that now mandate it as a metric for their bottom line,” says Katie Comb, Co-Founder and Event Producer at the Connect Partnership Group – Workforce Forward.
What are Workforce Forward workshop/panel speakers saying about Indigenous Employees & working with Indigenous Communities?
I’ve learned that in any Indigenous Inclusion activity, early and active listening to the Indigenous perspective is critical to success, which ultimately leads to greater respect, understanding and meaningful connections – Scot Durward, Manager, Operations and Woodlands Human Resources – TOLKO Industries
“My piece of advice for those looking to be more diverse and inclusive is very simple: Approach community [and Indigenous Employees] with genuine interest and an open mind. Indigenous people are naturally relational, so building respectful relationships is key. Every community has a champion working for the betterment of community by making connections with industry. Find this person and listen to what the community’s needs are. Every community is not the same and each will have their own aspirations for their people.” Kirsten Ryder, Director Training & Development, Stoney Tribal Administration
“Working with Indigenous communities requires respectful, meaningful dialogue in order to form genuine, beneficial relationships. Take the time to learn about Indigenous history, and the Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as this will form the foundation for a mutually beneficial and trusting relationship” Tim Laronde , National Director, Indigenous Strategies, Chandos Construction, Mississauga
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To learn more, schedule a media interview or to become a media partner contact:
Ruby Gill
Marketing & Communications Manager
778-888-0514
r.gill@theconnectgroup.ca
Workforce Forward
www.workforceforward.ca
Date: November 30, 2021
Time: 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM Mountain Daylight Time
About: The Indigenous Workforce Summit for HR Professionals and Business Owners: Workforce Forward delivers a full day of panel discussions and educational workshops focused on Indigenous inclusion training, employment strategies and hiring best practices for HR professionals and business owners.
2019 Workforce Forward Learnigs Report: https://workforceforward.ca/
Other statistics of relevance: workforceforward.ca
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