National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th marks the national day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to not only reflect on historic injustices faced by the indigenous people of Canada, but also an opportunity to work towards meaningful reconciliation. At New West Public Affairs, we are committed to ongoing learning and purposeful action today, and throughout the year.

As a leading government relations and public affairs firm, we understand the importance of integrating reconciliation into our work. We have worked directly with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations to help build partnerships with First Nation’s communities and industry. As part of our work, we undertake consultations and help clients connect with relevant indigenous stakeholders to advance cooperation between private, public and indigenous communities. This work is in direct response to the 92 Call to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Call To Action 92) i.

“Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.”

We will continue to work with our clients, indigenous stakeholders, and the government to ensure that economic development projects respect indigenous communities and allow them to prosper.

In addition to this work, we are taking a step today to ensure we have a more intentional acknowledgement of the land we reside and work on. This will be reflected on our website, and in other communications going forward. Land acknowledgements are an important act of reconciliation which recognizes the role indigenous people have historically played in stewarding this land while also highlighting our role as settlers here. In addition, we are working with our partners at Inclusion by Libra to provide our employees with access to indigenous awareness and inclusion programming.

We acknowledge that these are small steps in the process of reconciliation and understand that this is an ongoing journey. We are committed to continued growth, learning, and action.