The Corporate Declaration on Truth and Reconciliation
Working Together Toward a Stronger, More Inclusive Future
The legacy of Canada’s colonial history, including the Indian Residential School System, has left deep and lasting impacts on Indigenous communities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has called upon all sectors of Canadian society to acknowledge this history and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. Among its 94 Calls to Action, Call to Action #92 specifically challenges the corporate sector to adopt the principles of reconciliation, recognize the rights and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, and engage in respectful and equitable partnerships to advance economic inclusion and prosperity. However, the responsibility of corporate Canada does not stop there. Businesses and organizations have a unique opportunity to contribute to the Calls to Action by supporting systemic change, investing in healing and capacity-building, and amplifying Indigenous voices and leadership.
Truth is the foundation upon which reconciliation must be built. Before meaningful change can take root, there must be a shared willingness to acknowledge the full history of colonialism, including the harms caused by the Indian Residential School System and the ongoing impacts experienced by Indigenous peoples today. Truth requires listening with humility, learning from Indigenous voices and lived experiences, and confronting the systems, policies, and practices that have contributed to inequity. For corporate Canada, embracing truth requires accountability: examining how our own decisions, policies, and practices perpetuate inequity, and acting to change them.
Reconciliation is not just a moral imperative—it is a strategic one. A future rooted in reconciliation fosters social trust, economic resilience, and innovation. Embracing reconciliation strengthens corporate relationships with Indigenous partners, communities, and customers while contributing to a thriving Indigenous economy. This, in turn, drives growth and innovation in the broader Canadian economy, building a stronger, more equitable marketplace where everyone benefits. Investing in reconciliation is an investment in an inclusive and sustainable future—one where the potential of Indigenous entrepreneurship and leadership is unlocked, and where businesses grow in alignment with the values of equity, respect, and collaboration.
The Commitment
We, the undersigned organizations, accept our responsibility to advance truth and reconciliation through sustained action, beginning now. Guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and other foundational frameworks, we commit to the following actions to advance reconciliation:
As a living document, this Declaration reflects an ongoing journey rather than a fixed endpoint; it will be revisited, strengthened, and renewed as organizations move from commitment to meaningful action.
Learn and Understand
Acknowledging the Past
We will educate ourselves and our teams about the history and ongoing impacts of colonialism, including the Indian Residential School System, through training, workshops, and other learning opportunities.
Building Cultural Awareness
We will foster an organizational culture of understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples, their histories, cultures, and contributions to Canada.
Engage and Collaborate
Strengthening Partnerships
We will build authentic and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, businesses, and organizations, ensuring their voices and expertise are central to collaborative initiatives.
Co-Creating Solutions
We will work alongside Indigenous communities to identify and address barriers to economic participation, co-creating opportunities that align with shared goals.
Act and Invest
Economic Empowerment
We will prioritize Indigenous procurement, support Indigenous entrepreneurs, and invest in community-driven initiatives to contribute to the growth of a robust Indigenous economy.
Policy and Practice Alignment
We will integrate reconciliation principles into our corporate policies, governance structures, and operational practices to create sustained, systemic change.
Equity and Inclusion
We will actively support hiring, training, and leadership development for Indigenous individuals across our organizations.
Measure and Report
Accountability for Progress
We will measure and publicly report on our progress, sharing successes and lessons learned to inspire broader corporate engagement in truth and reconciliation efforts.
Call to Action
This Corporate Declaration is not just a statement of intent—it is a commitment to action. By embedding truth and reconciliation into our businesses, we are not only addressing historical wrongs but also building a future where everyone can thrive. Together, as leaders in our industries and communities, we can help create an economy and society rooted in reconciliation, where trust, respect, and equity serve as the foundation for prosperity and innovation.
We call on Canadian corporations to sign this Declaration and demonstrate their commitment through the decisions they make, the resources they commit, and the changes they deliver.