Truth & reconciliation
As a law firm in Canada, we recognize the importance of acknowledging the historic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. MLT Aikins is committed to the work and importance of truth and reconciliation, as well as promoting Indigenous perspectives and representation throughout our spheres of influence. We work to foster a learning environment that supports Indigenous success in the business community and beyond.
Indigenous practice area
Our Indigenous practice group works collaboratively across sectors to advocate for Indigenous rights and interests – ensuring a comprehensive approach to legal representation and consultation.
Call to action
In its report, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada outlined 94 calls to action to “redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.”
Call to action #92 specifically urges Canada’s business community to actively engage in reconciliation:
“We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.
- Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.
- Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.”
Our commitment
In response, MLT Aikins has committed to supporting the work of reconciliation though meaningful action and education.
From our guiding principles: “Our actions will have meaningful significance both within the firm and to our clients, and be more than performative. They will engage Indigenous perspectives and strive to foster change in accordance with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.”
In collaboration with our Indigenous practice area and members of the Indigenous communities we serve, we will provide opportunities, resources and tools for all firm members to be informed of and participate in this commitment to reconciliation. We will invite and amplify Indigenous perspectives.
We’re publicly sharing our commitment and progress in the spirit of transparency and accountability, and to encourage other private organizations to further their commitments to Indigenous communities.
How we’ve responded in our work:
- Client work that supports communities engaged in economic development
- Sharing Indigenous client success stories internally and with our audience
- Leveraging our office spaces to showcase Indigenous culture by commissioning and displaying Indigenous artwork
- Maintaining ongoing partnerships with Indigenous networks
- Involvement and support for Indigenous-led events
Land acknowledgement
Our offices are located on the territories of Indigenous peoples who have occupied these lands since time immemorial, including the First Nations of Treaty 1, the National Homeland of the Red River Métis (Winnipeg), Treaty 4 (Regina), Treaty 6 (Edmonton and Saskatoon), Treaty 7 (Calgary), the Coast Salish peoples (Vancouver), as well as other non-Treaty First Nations and Métis.
We recognize that we benefit from the lands. We are dedicated to ensuring that the spirit of reconciliation is honoured and respected.
Truth & reconciliation in action
MLT Aikins has undertaken a number of initiatives that support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. These include:
Diversity, equity and inclusion committee
Our DEI Advisory Committee is comprised of a cross-section of lawyers, staff and the managing partner. They spearhead the firm’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace, which includes addressing Indigenous issues and highlighting Indigenous celebrations.
Unconscious bias training
MLT Aikins provides firm-wide unconscious bias training for all lawyers and staff to help identify and mitigate potentially unknown biases. The aim is to improve understanding and interactions with Indigenous peoples by promoting respect and reducing prejudiced behaviours within the workplace.
Annual Indigenous Scholarship
We’re proud to offer the MLT Aikins Indigenous Scholarship, awarding $6,000 to one second-year law student in Canada, annually. Students across Canada can apply with a reference from the Indigenous community.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In addition to closing our offices, annual observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation includes firm-wide activities teaching the history and celebrating the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada, along with takeaways sourced from Indigenous-owned businesses.
Intranet resource centre
MLT Aikins provides an intranet resource centre with recommended reading, films, podcasts and courses, suggested activities and lists of local events for commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, MMIWG2S+ and Red Dress Day, National Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Land acknowledgments
We provide a land acknowledgment at all events and training sessions. It is also clearly displayed on our website and other digital properties, such as email signatures of each team member.