Calls to Action

In 2015, 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, Oxpecker at Pile O’Bones has committed itself to supporting the work of reconciliation though meaningful action and education.

We committed measurable actions that have real meaning to both our guests and the way we do business. These actions are more than performative. We commit to engage Indigenous producers and suppliers, learn about Indigenous perspectives and culinary traditions, all in an effort to foster change in accordance with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

To this end, we will provide opportunities, resources and tools for our team members to become informed of and participate in this commitment to reconciliation. And, we will invite and amplify Indigenous perspectives where ever possible.

In the spirit of transparency and accountability, we’re publicly sharing our commitment. In doing so, we hope to encourage other private organizations to further their commitments to Indigenous communities as well.

Our Response

Oxpecker at Pile O’Bones has undertaken a number of initiatives that support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. These include:

• Unconscious bias training for our Team;
• A commitment to donating to Indigenous causes and organizations;
• Annual observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30); MMIWG+ and Red Dress Day (May 5), National Indigenous History Month (June) and Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)
• Land acknowledgments on the our company’s website and other digital properties, and in email signatures
• Leverage our restaurant spaces to showcase Indigenous culture, displaying Indigenous artwork, and showcasing Indigenous culinary professionals
• Ongoing partnerships with Indigenous networks and involvement/support for Indigenous-led events

For more information about Oxpecker at Pile O’Bone’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, please contact info@oxpecker.ca