Thanks to you all, the response to last WorkFirst Wednesday’s post was fantastic. In particular, I want to thank Graham Andrews, Jennifer Pereira-Ashawasegai, Bernard Shepherd, Gregory John, Edmund Bellegarde, Deanna Burgart, Kevin Wilson, and David Merralls for sharing their stories on LinkedIn.
They, too, have experienced discriminatory treatment in the workplace, and they also shared their list of what NOT to say to Indigenous employees and colleagues.
- “Well, you don’t look like it.”
- “You guys should get over it. We conquered you, so that means we get control of history.”
- “Hey, Chief.”
- “I’ve had a VP tell me that I’m lucky I got so far in oil and gas because of my diversity.”
- “Gas on First Nations is cheaper, but I refuse to get gas there because there’s no reason why one group should be getting an edge in an industry.”
Great points were raised regarding how Indigenous people are on their own learning journey and are not born with a cultural and knowledge base because it was stolen. There was also an acknowledgement of incredible frustration when a person’s accomplishments are reduced “to the colour of your skin.” Others reflected on their own behavior with their Indigenous colleagues, wondering if they had crossed any lines in the past.
Keep them coming!
And now, back to our list of “Ten things NOT so say to Indigenous employees.”
- “I thought you would feel more comfortable” sitting with other Indigenous people at a banquet.
The pre-seating to which I am referring occurred during a large banquet which had all the Indigenous people seated at the same table. Please do not do this without asking. In my own story, I did not know ANY of the people at my table, but I did know a good portion of the larger crowd and I would have enjoyed sitting with them. My placement, ultimately, was a win for me because they were amazing people. Upon reflection of the evening, I also realized a great opportunity was squandered by not seating the Indigenous people with other community and business leaders. So many new relationships could have been started. As well, in my opinion, the Elder should have been at the head table, especially if he/she is part of the program for the evening.
- Don’t assume their prior employment was the result of an equity program.
Some people assume that an Indigenous person’s success has been easy and not earned. A small group of us started an oil and gas exploration company several decades ago. We were asked to advise a First Nation that were making a decision about allowing an oil company to drill three exploratory wells on their reserve. In addition to our visits to the community, our CEO and I met with a senior executive in the appropriate government department. After the meeting, as we walked through the office, I could not identify ANY Indigenous employees, so I asked the executive if they had any. I was always looking for role models to visit schools and thought they would have Indigenous employees in their organization.
The executive turned to me and said, “You are already taken care of, aren’t you?”
I had the strong feeling he assumed that I was asking him for an equity position for myself, and that I was the beneficiary of a social program that “takes care” of Indigenous engineers in some way. I do not know what he meant exactly, but I could definitely feel the condescension. It was belittling.
When we arrived at the parking lot, my CEO could not apologize enough for putting me in the position to have to withstand the executive’s attitude and remarks. I assured him I was fine, and we decided that we would not be including him in further discussions.
In that moment, I just thought this person was probably in the wrong job. I did not confront him or notify his organization. His demeanor was that of a bully, and I was convinced that he would hurt the First Nation’s cause if he were called out for his behavior. Unfortunately, that kind of statement was common in that era.
I am sure there are more examples from your lives that I hope you can share. Be brave. Do not name names. We look forward to your stories.
Stay safe, everyone, and we’ll be see you next week!
~ Gary and the staff at BPC
