In Canada, it is a new time to cultivate Truth and Reconciliation. We can create more inclusion in the structure and the benefits of inclusion with Indigenous peoples. There are many challenges to reaching the outcome of Indigenous parity. It starts with confident leaders’ willingness to take the lead in having uncomfortable conversations.

Is there a standard approach for implementing the calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) within the context of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG)?

Visionary leader and former Chief of the Cowessess First Nation, Cadmus Delorme moves forward in cultivating Indigenous economic growth and sustainability and brings forth innovative ideas that benefit being a Canadian today. There is an untapped market in having an opportunity to include Indigenous peoples.

Through Cadmus’ work, he actions meaningful lessons from the education he received from his earlier years. His education seated around a family kitchen table started by carefully listening and learning from his parents’ stories—both residential school survivors. From this table to today, with his strong business acumen and business education, he provides a new outlook on how to step forward in reconciliation.

Currently, Indigenous peoples do not hold parity with other Canadians. They are right holders, not stakeholders or shareholders. To understand this better, he encourages more time spent on the Truth. He draws specific attention to the TRC calls to action #57, setting a foundation in Truth, and #92, business in reconciliation, social and governance, with stronger inclusion of Indigenous peoples.

For businesses to have meaningful reconciliation, leaders need to lead uncomfortable conversations. These actions tie back to ESG in current corporate structures with the inclusion of Indigenous peoples. The new story is to make a better today and tomorrow — such as including an Indigenous pillar in ESG and there to be consideration for ESGI. The exciting news is that he offers steps to action this work through farming and agriculture.

Cadmus works toward harvesting the fruits of allyship in Indigenous economic growth and development within Canada. Understanding relationships is imperative for today and tomorrow. There will be many challenges when moving forward with a fresh perspective and new insight into relationships. Nurturing the relationships between the Indigenous and Western Canadian worldviews will strengthen the alliance, resulting in Indigenous parity. Cadmus confidently explains the challenges in the journey and recognizes the disagreements about how to get there. Disagreements do not mean division because there are many benefits to inclusion. Going through these conversations will be seen, heard, and felt by the next generation of leaders. The end goal is for Indigenous peoples to have parity. For now, we can enjoy the journey to get to that commonplace.