Economic Reconciliation

Economic Reconciliation is not just about our 'own source revenue', it is so much more than that. The foundation of well-being is a child/family centred approach to wellness. It means bringing balance back into our lives, spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally through healing and forgiveness, acceptance, and grounding in our cultural values.

-Sxwpilemaát Siyám, Chief Leanne Joe (Squamish), Transformative Storyteller for Economic Reconciliation

Transformative Stories

 Current writings and teachings about economic reconciliation. 

Transformative Storyteller for Economic Reconciliation

sxwpilemaat_siyam@sfu.ca

What is Economic Reconciliation?

Economic reconciliation has different meanings to different people. For the SFU CED Program it has several meanings: righting the historical wrongs of colonialism, ensuring and improving the total well-being of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and changing ourselves and our institution to better contribute to the flourishing of future generations.

In joining with CED alumna and Transformative Storyteller for Economic Reconciliation, Sxwpilemaát Siyám, Chief Leanne Joe of the Squamish Nation, we hope to support economic reconciliation across British Columbia through the following activities:

  1. Leading a public conversation regarding the need for meaningful and lasting economic reconciliation.
  2. Engaging partners in the development of a framework for economic reconciliation that can motivate change in economic development practices across the province.
  3. Delivering economic reconciliation programming in communities to support the change of local government, financial, and community approaches to Indigenous economic development.
  4. Providing direct entrepreneurship and community economic development programming with First Nations across the province to increase sustainable prosperity and human well-being.
  5. Indigenizing SFU CED’s educational programs and hiring practices to ensure that our actions reflect our principles in all of our work.

SFU has chosen the Economic Reconciliation Program as a Strategic Initiatives Priority Project (SIPP) for the University. This selection is accompanied by a generous two-year, $200,000 award for hiring Indigenous staff and engaging in direct community work for reconciliation.

SFU CED is grateful to the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations for allowing us to engage in these important activities on their unceded lands. We are also thankful for SFU’s support and belief in this program. We look forward to doing transformational work in the years to come.