WHAT IF…?

September 2, 2024 in Responsibility by Ben Borne

As we step into September, a month that brings us closer to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, it’s a good time to pause and reflect. Sometimes, the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) can feel distant or hard to grasp, especially if we struggle to imagine what fulfilling them could truly look like. But what if we took a moment to wonder, “What if all 92 Calls to Action were completed?” Or, more personally, “What if we, as businesses and communities, did our part?”

Here’s something you may not have known about me – I’m a bit of a Marvel Comics/DC Comics/Star Wars/Star Trek/Doctor Who fan. There is something about how these comic-booky/sci-fi shows spark my imagination. Anyway, the Marvel show What If…? comes to mind here. It’s a series that takes us into alternate realities, showing how a single changes in characters and stories can lead to different outcomes. It’s a fun and creative way to explore possibilities in the Marvel universe, but what if we applied that same imagination to the real world, to reconciliation?

Brené Brown talks about the concept of “paint done,” where we clearly visualize what the finished product looks like before we even start. This idea is powerful when we think about reconciliation. By painting a picture of what success looks like, we make it easier to take meaningful steps toward that vision.

So, what if we used our imagination to paint a picture of what it looks like to fulfill all 92 Calls to Action? I invite you to imagine with me.

  • What if… Indigenous communities had full economic control, with businesses that thrive and sustain our people? Imagine the pride and prosperity that would follow.
  • What if… schools embraced Indigenous languages and cultures, creating an environment where every Indigenous student felt seen, heard, and empowered? Picture the leaders and innovators that would emerge.
  • What if… businesses actively sought partnerships with Indigenous suppliers and entrepreneurs? Envision a market enriched by diverse perspectives, driving sustainable growth.
  • What if… every Indigenous person had equal access to education and training? Visualize a workforce where our talents and knowledge propel the economy forward.
  • What if… First Nations, Metis or Inuit communities had the infrastructure need – like clean drinking water – so we could focus on growth and connection? Think of the doors that would open for our people.

As we move through September and approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I invite you to think about, and ask others, ‘what if?’. Imagining the possibilities helps us see the path forward. It makes reconciliation feel within reach, something we can actively work toward together. When we can picture the future we want, the steps to get there start to make sense.