S2:EPISODE 2 Reconciliation: How to Build Trust & Genuine Relationships with Sandi Boucher
This episode is released in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th. I’m grateful to Sandi Boucher for sharing her wisdom and insights, and for being part of this important conversation.
In this episode of the "Workplaces That Work" podcast, Sandi Boucher and I come together to share our personal journeys in reconciliation and discuss the importance of building trust and creating safe spaces for open conversations about Indigenous engagement. From understanding cultural expectations to embracing humility, we dive deep into what it means to foster genuine relationships with Indigenous communities and how non-Indigenous individuals and organizations can make a meaningful impact.
Key Takeaways
Start with Trust: Building relationships with Indigenous communities requires genuine engagement, not checklists. Trust comes first, then collaboration.
Humility Over Confidence: Let go of the need to have all the answers. Approach reconciliation with humility and vulnerability, focusing on listening and learning.
Safe Spaces Matter: Creating environments where people feel comfortable asking questions—even uncomfortable ones—is key to better understanding and respect.
Acceptance Before Understanding: When building relationships, non-Indigenous people should focus on acceptance, rather than trying to understand everything about Indigenous culture right away.
Involve, Don’t Decide: Engage Indigenous people directly when developing engagement strategies—nothing about us, without us.
To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation, connect with Sandi:
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