June 21, 2024 |
For National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, we are lifting up the voices of Indigenous team members at First West. This story is contributed by the Indigenous Peoples Circle Employee Network Group
In today’s diverse and dynamic workplace, fostering an inclusive environment is more crucial than ever. Employee Network Groups (ENGs) at First West play a pivotal role in achieving this goal, offering team members a platform to connect, share experiences, and drive positive change within their organizations.
Among these, Indigenous Employee Network Groups hold a unique and vital position.
What are Employee Network Groups?
ENGs at First West are voluntary, team member-led groups that aim to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with our organization’s values and goals. They are usually organized around shared characteristics or life experiences, such as race, gender, or sexual orientation. ENGs provide support, enhance career development, and contribute to personal development in the work environment.
The role and impact of Indigenous Employee Network Groups
The Indigenous Peoples Circle at First West strives to celebrate, uplift, and nurture culturally safe spaces through learning, advocacy, and awareness – greater impacting the local communities; land, and people.
The Indigenous Peoples Circle works to prioritize and raise Indigenous voices to ensure Indigenous perspectives are always at the table. We work in compassionate, intentional, and authentic ways to create a sustainable Indigenous centered community that advances Indigenous thought leadership at all levels.
We invite thought provoking conversations to create and foster Indigenous relationships. We venture open-mindedly and courageously outside of our comfort zones, acting with dignity and respect. Our approach is not based on pan-Indigenous identities but rather focused on highlighting and understanding the many varied experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples.
Our circle is team member-run; self-propelled by members who believe in and strive for growth and change.
Here’s what guides us
- Visibility: Advocating for Indigenous folks to influence, participate, and lead in personal, professional, and community roles and initiating the conversation for increasing the number of Indigenous People in those roles.
- Cultural Diversity: Understanding the varied traditions, experiences, and ways of knowing that exist within communities. Supporting social and cultural activities that align with our vision.
- Cultural Safety: Making a personal and professional commitment to learning and unlearning through shared connection, respect, meaning, and knowledge.
- Intentionality: Acting purposefully in a mindful way at the right time, after careful consideration of the impacts of our actions and intentions.
Indigenous Employee Network Groups are not just beneficial for Indigenous team members; they enrich the entire organization. By promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigenization, IENGs help create a more dynamic, innovative, and respectful workplace. Supporting and nurturing these groups is an investment in the future, ensuring that all team members can flourish and contribute to their fullest potential.
If you’d like to work for an organization that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, see what opportunities are available today.