Steel River Group had the honour of hosting our first Indigenous Cultural Learning Session of the year, led by Winona Lafrèniere, a recent addition to our team and an advocate for Indigenous education and empowerment. This session was particularly meaningful as it coincided with the onboarding of our new interns who joined us in January. The timing was perfect to strengthen our collective understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and the pathways toward reconciliation.
The session provided invaluable insights into key aspects of Indigenous knowledge and advocacy, which are integral to the work that we do at Steel River Group.
Here are the highlights:
Moral Responsibility and Learning
A core theme of the session was the moral obligation to address the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. Acknowledging historical and systemic wrongs is a first step, but meaningful change requires active engagement in learning about the Indigenous communities we work with and support.
Winona emphasized the importance of acknowledging gaps in knowledge, fostering relationships, and embracing opportunities for personal and organizational growth. These actions contribute to the larger effort of decolonization and create pathways for reconciliation.
Cultural Integration
Indigenous worldviews offer profound lessons on the interconnectedness of life and the value of traditional knowledge systems. These systems integrate spiritual, ethical, and practical elements and have proven essential in addressing ecological sustainability and cultural revitalization. By recognizing and applying Indigenous knowledge in our practices, we can contribute to preserving the balance between humanity and the environment.
Reconciliation and Advocacy
Winona introduced us to the concept of True Reconciliation as outlined in Jody Wilson-Raybould’s book True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change. Reconciliation requires three essential practices: learn, understand, and act. These principles are actionable for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments alike.
The session also explored actionable ways to build partnerships based on mutual respect, foster education, and promote advocacy to create lasting change. At Steel River Group, these principles guide our commitment to reconciliation in every project and partnership we undertake.
Indigenous Autonomy
A key topic of discussion was the importance of Indigenous autonomy and the capacity of Indigenous nations to achieve self-determination. Frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action serve as powerful instruments for advancing systemic change. Winona highlighted the need for organizations to affirm and implement these tools into their policies and practices, paving the way for meaningful collaboration and mutual growth.
Interconnectedness and Sustainability
Drawing inspiration from books like Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the session delved into the Indigenous perspective of interconnectedness. This worldview emphasizes reciprocity, gratitude, and responsibility in our relationship with the Earth. The principles of ecological sustainability, as rooted in Indigenous wisdom, call for a paradigm shift in how we approach our environment—moving away from exploitation and towards mutual care and respect for all life forms.
Looking Ahead
At Steel River Group, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where education and dialogue are valued and prioritized. This learning session was just the beginning of what promises to be a year filled with continued growth, understanding, and action.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Winona for sharing her knowledge and inspiring us to deepen our commitment to reconciliation and advocacy. Together, we will continue to learn, understand, and act to support Indigenous communities and advance reconciliation in meaningful ways.