Key themes from engagement sessions

This Reconciliation Strategy is the result of collaborative efforts by a dedicated and diverse group within FortisBC, united by a shared focus on advancing Reconciliation. The insights captured in this summary reflect the voices of Indigenous leaders and representatives who participated in engagement sessions with FortisBC executive leadership and community and Indigenous relations team members, helping to shape a strategy that is grounded in community priorities, cultural values, and shared aspirations. Below are the key themes that emerged from these important discussions.

  • Overall, expressed positive reception of the Reconciliation Strategy and a strong Vision.
  • Concern of whether FortisBC will be able to meet all aspects of the strategy across its large footprint.
  • Acknowledgment of the strategy as a proactive and evolving framework for engagement.
  • FortisBC’s leadership presence and direct engagement with community leaders, including Chiefs and Councilors, was valued.
  • Appreciation for the process for engagement on the strategy.
  • Acknowledgement that FortisBC is proactive and committed to ongoing engagement and relationship-building.
  • Actions will be important to make meaningful progress on the Reconciliation strategy.
  • Celebrate partnerships through storytelling and community visibility.
  • Emphasis on ensuring the Reconciliation Strategy complements, not replaces, detailed project-level engagement.
  • Tailored approaches are needed to reflect each community’s unique context and priorities.
  • Highlighted the importance of Section 35 and Treaty rights and importance of strategy to be grounded in UN Declaration articles.
  • Feedback that the focus should be on rightsholders (i.e. First Nations) in the BC context.
  • Recognition that access to energy is important for economic development and affordability.
  • Communities expressed interest in expanding access to natural gas and exploring ownership or revenue-sharing opportunities in energy infrastructure.
  • Support for youth-focused initiatives such as driver licensing, high school diplomas, land-based learnings and cohort hiring models.
  • Clearer career pathways and workforce supports for Indigenous youth were recommended.
  • Strong support for immersive cultural safety training led by Indigenous facilitators.
  • Emphasis on respectful use of Indigenous languages, knowledge, and place names.
  • Different views on Indigenous awareness training such as: increasing frequency, ensuring room for flexibility in training for those with lived experience and the need to shift training focus from historical trauma to modern reserve life and current realities.
  • Incorporating Indigenous artwork into existing facilities not just new.
  • Advancing economic Reconciliation is a key priority for communities.
  • Support for small Indigenous businesses and capacity-building was seen as essential.
  • Explore regional collaboration opportunities, including Climate Action Partner roles.
  • Opportunities for ownership, revenue-sharing, and capacity-building were emphasized.
  • Ensure there is transparency in business engagement, reporting and formalizing tools such as Indigenous procurement policies.