The Samuel Group of Companies is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, on the traditional unceded Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. We also maintain offices on the traditional and unceded Territories of the Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqiyik Nations.
We acknowledge the original inhabitants of the land of Canada on which we now live and work and honour our ongoing historical relationships—past, present, and future—with all Indigenous peoples.
Progress through reconciliation is the responsibility of all Canadians, their businesses, and their governments.
In line with the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), the Samuel Group of Companies understands that the private sector has a responsibility to advance meaningful reconciliation with the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who together comprise the Indigenous population of Canada.
In particular, we take guidance from the TRC’s Call to Action #92 which calls upon the corporate sector to recognize the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a framework for reconciliation. The Samuel Group applies the UNDRIP’s principles, norms, and standards to our corporate policies and in the development and administration of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
In 2021, the Samuel Group acknowledged the importance of opening new doorways in our work with Indigenous organizations. We began developing a structure to bring qualified business and economic opportunities to Indigenous communities with an eye on the Government of Canada’s plans to implement a 5% Indigenous procurement requirement for all federal agencies and departments.
In 2022, the Samuel Group signed a Memorandum-of-Understanding (MOU) with Millbrook First Nation to establish a progressive relationship between a private firm and a First Nation government. The MOU enabled us to introduce existing and potential clients to Millbrook First Nation for the purpose of exploring direct business relationships or joint ventures. In turn, Millbrook gained access to more business opportunities across Canada to enhance economic benefits for its community members.
As a firm operating in the 21st-century knowledge economy, we strongly affirm and value Indigenous skills, cultural dignity, and intellectual property. Our employees are educated on the First Nations principles of OCAP®: Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession, as developed by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC). The Samuel Group promises to use and share data to maximize benefits to Indigenous communities while respecting their rights to information sovereignty.
To this end, we are committed to genuine engagement and sincere interaction with Indigenous communities and organizations. In all our business undertakings, we adhere to a strict code of ethical behaviour as expressed through the Samuel Group’s Code of Ethical Conduct policy.
We know that Indigenous peoples have a crucial role in building a more robust, interconnected economy, and we abide by principles of non-discrimination in our employment and business practices. Our success is anchored in relationships based on shared trust and mutual respect. The Samuel Group will do its part to support the growth of the Indigenous economy and help develop the Indigenous business leaders of tomorrow.
Through consultations with our Indigenous partners at Millbrook First Nation and community liaisons, the Samuel Group of Companies has created a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which will inform our corporate activities and initiatives throughout the 2022 to 2025 business years. Moving forward, we will periodically update and renew the RAP to align it with the national reconciliation agenda.
Building awareness amongst our employees, associate consultants, clients, and Industry partners on Indigenous history and current issues.
Awareness, Understanding and Respect
Awareness of First Nations peoples and their culture in Canada is the first step, and with understanding grows respect. Ongoing communication with our Indigenous partners helps the Group identify areas of improvement in our corporate and social lives as we mutually benefit from a respectful working environment
Engaging and promoting partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations with an emphasis on enhancing relationships, scaling capacity, and deepening trust through economic development and Indigenous employment opportunities.
Importance of Attentive Communication
Opening lines of communication to diverse communities is essential. Whether it is employees, clients, stakeholders, community members or Indigenous partners, we take the time to listen, absorb and thoughtfully communicate with each other to create mutually beneficial opportunities.
Developing emerging Indigenous leaders through dedicated internship programs and partnered arrangements. We will foster real-world skills-building exercises and knowledge transfer to and from Indigenous youth to develop the economic potential of the future workforce.
Commitment to Progressing Lasting and Positive Change for All
The Samuel Group of Companies commits to the ongoing reconciliation of history, culture, community and commerce between organization and our Indigenous partners for generations to come. The organization will track its progress and produce reports reflecting the milestones.
Involving Indigenous organizations and programming in our events to strengthen the Canada-Indigenous intercultural bridge.
Clear Vision and Direction for All
Through active communication, learning and implementing respectful corporate policy, our goal is to create an organization that mutually benefits our communities. We are achieving this by creating sustainable employment, a respectful work environment, and learning from and promoting different cultures and practices in our work, corporate products, and industry reach.
The Samuel Group of Companies is committed to advancing the reconciliation process of history, culture, community, and commerce between our organization and the Indigenous peoples of this land for generations to come. The Group pledges to:
We look forward to collaborating with Indigenous communities, clients, and partners to fulfill the goals established in our 2022-2025 Reconciliation Action Plan.
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