Reconciliation Isn’t Remembered Once a Year

Too many organizations treat reconciliation as a communications exercise. They issue statements, post graphics, or sponsor events, but nothing changes in their governance, procurement, or decision-making.

Reconciliation is not about symbolic gestures. It’s about recognizing Indigenous Nations as partners and rights holders. That means embedding Indigenous voices in leadership tables, not side committees. It means structuring projects with equity ownership and long-term benefits, not one-off donations. And it means shifting from “inclusion” to shared authority.

The risk of reducing reconciliation to symbolism is clear. Stakeholders see through it. Indigenous Nations call it out. And employees notice when their organizations choose performative acts over meaningful change. Reconciliation done poorly doesn’t just miss the point — it undermines trust.

The organizations that get it right don’t wait for September 30. They live reconciliation in how they govern, hire, invest, and decide. They build meaningful relationships—long before consent is requested. And in doing so, they build stronger partnerships and more resilient reputations.

The CORE Take

Reconciliation isn’t a campaign. It’s a commitment. Leaders who treat it as a checkbox will fail the test. Leaders who live it every day will earn the trust to succeed.