Spring 2019 HRmatters 9 TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN BUSINESS Since the fall of 2017, a consortium representing nine committed Winnipeg corporations has been meeting to engage in educational activities and share experiences for mutual learning, as each grapples with how Call to Action #92 can best be implemented in their particular workplace. Just recently, a second Employer Consortium for construction companies came together. WPRC also reached out to 10 community organizations that train Indigenous youth for jobs. These organizations, which include the Momentum Centre and Urban Circle Training Centre, are working hard each day to provide youth with necessary job and life skills in a culturally appropriate and supportive environment. They are anxious to engage with employers who can provide opportunities for the participants once they finish training. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS An important principle for TRC92: Youth Employment is “building relationships” – relationships between employers in the consortium, between employers and the community organizations, and between employers and Indigenous job-seekers. With relationships comes trust and increased understanding for everyone involved. As part of relationship-building, WPRC has organized several opportunities for Employer Consortium participants to meet with Indigenous job-seekers on-site, at the community training organizations. They sit in circles of about 10 people, with employers and job-seekers participating equally, asking each other questions like, “What is important to you in a work environment? What can employers do to make you feel welcome? How does your company respond to racism in the workplace?” These conversations go a long way toward building relationships and changing perceptions. Job-seekers respond with surprise and appreciation that employers care about what they think. Employers gain a new understanding for the strong desire that youth have to succeed in the employment world. BUT WHAT ABOUT JOBS? As relationships grow and employers figure out what the possibilities are in their workplaces, some have moved toward developing Indigenous employment strategies. As of January 2019, four companies have engaged Indigenous job-seekers. Other employers recognize that there is still work to be done within their workforces, to build awareness and understanding, before launching a dedicated Indigenous employment strategy. The “journey toward truth and reconciliation” that Angus envisioned is different for each company. They learn from each other while also implementing their own strategies in their own timeframe toward the ultimate goal of employment for Indigenous job-seekers. Private-sector employers who may be interested in participating in the TRC92: Youth Employment initiative are invited to reach out at www.wprc.ca, wprc@unitedwaywinnipeg.ca, @winnipegprc and 204-924-4228. Check out the TRC92: Youth Employment video at wprc.ca/current-focus/. The Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council is an initiative of United Way Winnipeg. Erika Wiebe is employed at United Way Winnipeg / Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council as Collective Impact Facilitator. Take your career to the next level. Learn more at CPHRMB.CA Register now for the Fall 2019 National Knowledge Exam The National Knowledge Exam® (NKE) assesses your understanding of HR knowledge and skills. Once you pass the exam, you will become a CPHR Candidate and be one step closer to receiving your CPHR designation. Arrive Prepared To prepare in advance for the exam, CPHR Manitoba offers an online and in-person prep course for the NKE. Write the Fall NKE on October 31 or November 1, 2019, at one of our designated locations across Manitoba. Registration deadline is September 2, 2019.