October 22,2024

Micro-credential Explores Truth, Reconciliation, and Indigenous Perspectives to Improve Cultural Competency in the Workplace

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Canada is facing an unprecedented labour market crisis. The dual impacts of the current labour shortage and rapidly aging workforce are being felt across the country, and in all industry sectors. Here in British Columbia, the shortage of skilled tradespeople is threatening the province's ability to meet current and future critical infrastructure demands.

A report published June 24th, 2024, by the BC Building Trades cited an "urgent need" for the BC construction industry to hire about 52,600 tradespeople in the next ten years. It also forecasts that about 30 per cent of labour supply for construction alone will need to come through immigration between now and 2032. Recently published reports from other industry sectors have raised similar concerns.

While governments and industry groups are working hard to encourage more young people to consider a trades career, make apprentice programs more accessible and efficient, and entice tradespersons from other provinces or countries to fill the void, it is certain that the representation of Indigenous people in BC will be critical to filling the existing labour gap. To do that, organizations and those seeking to employ or work with Indigenous peoples must provide equal access, embrace cultural safety and humility, and ensure a safe and welcoming workplace for Indigenous colleagues.

To this end, Royal Roads University has developed a Truth and Reconciliation at Work micro-credential. It is meant to address the need for organizations to understand and integrate Truth and Reconciliation practices into their existing corporate systems.

According to the University's Associate-Vice President of Professional and Continuing Studies, Zoë MacLeod, the course, which was developed in partnership with the First Nations Technology Council, will equip experienced tradespersons, contractors, business professionals and owners with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement systemic change by fostering inclusive environments.

"It addresses the need for organizations to integrate Truth and Reconciliation practices into their corporate systems by adopting the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It also responds to broader demand for reconciliation and decolonization in workplace settings across all industry sectors," explains MacLeod.

The importance of the micro-credential lies in the growing recognition of the need for reconciliation by non-Indigenous peoples with Indigenous peoples, as well as the urgency to address systemic discrimination and acknowledge privilege in the workplace, wherever it exists. The program will equip learners with practical skills to promote equity, cultural competency, and inclusivity in the workplace, while challenging colonial practices and advancing reconciliation efforts.

This micro-credential aligns with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by recognizing that decolonization and reconciliation are essential components of creating equitable workplaces. Expected outcomes include a deeper understanding of Truth and Reconciliation, the development of actionable plans for decolonizing workplaces, and the promotion of equity and justice within organizations. Graduates of the program will be empowered to analyze the impact of colonial practices on organizational structures, cultivate inclusive leadership practices, and foster intercultural relationships.

More than ever before, customers, clients, employees, and investors are seeking to align themselves with companies and organizations that embrace the fundamental principles of Truth and Reconciliation. Zoë believes that experienced tradespersons, and those who employ them, should consider enrolling because the trades are not exempt from the need to participate in meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.

"Continuing education is critical for tradespeople as industries evolve rapidly, and the focus on inclusivity, cultural competency, and reconciliation becomes more prominent. This Micro-credential allows trades professionals to stay current on societal changes, advance their careers, and enhance their transferable skills like leadership and communication, ensuring that they are not only skilled in their trade, but also leaders in creating inclusive and equitable workplaces."

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