Launch of the pan-territorial symposium on EDI: A first day full of exchanges

Understanding and Building Inclusion in the North

The first day of the Pan-Territorial Leadership in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Symposium began live from Nunavut, offering a rich program full of exchanges and learning. From the outset, participants were immersed in deep reflections on northern realities of leadership within the very concrete context of EDI.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Understanding the Concepts to Better Use the Tool

The first conference, led by Amadou Ghouenzen Mfondi (he/him), Coordinator of Francophone Immigration EDI Initiatives at the Federation of Francophone and Acadian Communities of Canada (FCFA), set the foundation for the symposium by exploring the key concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion. He emphasized the importance of a clear and nuanced understanding of these ideas to better apply them in professional and community settings.

“Inclusion is an environment where everyone can participate and feel valued, and for that, we must anticipate needs and create a strong sense of belonging.” – Amadou Ghouenzen Mfondi (translated from French)

Highlights:

The discussions highlighted several key points for strengthening EDI in Francophone communities in minority settings. Among the standout ideas, it was emphasized that:

• EDI must be supported by a strong legal framework, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Multiculturalism Act, and the Employment Equity Act.
• Political coherence is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of inclusion principles.
• The ethics of living together require a full recognition of the humanity of each individual, beyond personal differences.
• Inclusion is a driver of innovation, creativity, and productivity, fostering more dynamic and resilient environments.

Amadou holds a PhD in conflict studies and is a lecturer at Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa. His teachings and research primarily focus on social justice, diversity policies, and identity conflicts in multicultural societies. In his community activities, Amadou Ghouenzen Mfondi works to promote governance and inclusive leadership essential for harmonious living together in a diverse context.

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Being a Good Ally to Inuit or Indigenous Communities on the Land We Live

Next, Helen Roos (she/her) discussed the role of allies in supporting Inuit and Indigenous communities. Her expertise in northern workforce development shed light on practical approaches to building respectful and lasting relationships.

“For me, authentic alliance rests on understanding the history and power dynamics between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.” - Helen Roos (translated from French)

Highlights:

The exchanges highlighted several crucial elements for becoming a true ally to Indigenous communities while acknowledging power dynamics and privilege at play. Some key concepts discussed included:

• Active Alliance and Tangible Support: An ally must actively support marginalized groups through tangible actions. This includes amplifying Indigenous voices and giving them space to lead. It is essential to recognize that an alliance is not just a passive stance, but involves using one’s privilege to support Indigenous community goals and advocate for their representation in decision-making spaces.
• Cultural Awareness vs. Cultural Safety: Cultural awareness is the first step in learning the histories, traditions, and impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples. However, true cultural safety goes beyond this awareness, ensuring active respect and validation of cultural identities without discrimination. In the North, this translates into integrating traditional practices into sectors like healthcare, education, and local cultural practices, such as harvesting, sharing food, or cultural days.
• Active Engagement and Power Balance: Commitment to true alliance requires recognizing and correcting power imbalances by integrating Indigenous knowledge and traditions into daily practices. An ally must consciously engage in learning and remain supportive, even in moments of discomfort. This involves a critical understanding of power dynamics and recognizing the privilege associated with one’s social status.
• Power and Privilege: Power and privilege linked to origin or race offer often invisible advantages, but their recognition is essential for understanding inequalities. Using one’s privilege may include denouncing injustices or advocating for better representation of Indigenous voices. Authentic alliance rests on understanding these power dynamics and their impact on social structures.

Helen Roos is the President and Chief Facilitator of the Ilinniapaa Skills Development Center. Helen specializes in workforce development, research, and program design for northern and Indigenous communities. With over 30 years of experience in designing and implementing programs for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, she has expertise in areas like alliance, decolonization, and worker orientation. A former federal manager of Inuit workforce development and Director of Canadian Heritage for Nunavut, Helen continues to work closely with northern clients, regularly traveling to implement projects.

Tunngarniq: How to Encourage and Support Linguistic Diversity

To close the day, Stéphane Cloutier (he/him) led a discussion on linguistic diversity, drawing on his work promoting Inuit and French languages in Nunavut. The importance of access to services and the recognition of Indigenous languages was central to the conversation.

“For me, anthropology is not a quest for the other, but a quest for oneself, as our identity and background shape our interpretation of the other.” – Stéphane Cloutier (translated from French)

Highlights:

• Tailored Solutions and Active Listening: Stéphane emphasized the need for language solutions tailored to the realities of communities, stating, “It takes tailored solutions, and that’s where we are really listening” to address the specific needs of local populations.
• Northern Francophonie as a Springboard: Stéphane pointed out that by becoming a true ally to Indigenous communities, he found a way to integrate northern Francophonie into a respectful approach, allowing for better community integration. However, he also warned against research becoming a dehumanizing, objective-based alliance, disconnected from the real needs of communities.
• Inclusive Communications: Stéphane recommended integrating Indigenous languages, French, and English into public communications (voicemails, emails, reception) to show openness from the first contact and foster true linguistic inclusion.
• Diglossia: Stéphane discussed the power dynamics and tensions between linguistic communities, emphasizing that the coexistence of official and Indigenous languages is often marked by inequalities in status and access. He advocated for a more balanced approach where linguistic diversity is valued without hierarchy.
• True Equality: The path toward true linguistic equality involves listening attentively to community needs and implementing concrete actions to promote linguistic inclusion. “Welcoming zone” and “being attentive” are key principles that should guide action in this area.

Stéphane Cloutier is from Islet-Sud, Quebec, and holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Laval University. From 1994 to 1996, he assisted Louis-Jacques Dorais with a study in Nunavut and became a community development officer for the Association francophone d'Iqaluit. Captivated by the territory, he settled there with his family. From 1996 to 1999, he worked with community media and the first Francophone websites in the territories. From 1999 to 2002, he contributed to major projects, including the Inuit art virtual museum inaugurated by Jacques Chirac. From 2004 to 2022, with the Nunavut government, he promoted Inuit and French languages. Now retired, he co-leads Qiliqti Inuktut, Linguistic Services Inc., supporting the Inuit language through technological projects and promoting Franco-Inuit heritage in partnership with the Quebec Maritime Museum.

The day concluded on an engaging note, paving the way for discussions the following day, which will focus on leadership and the deconstruction of stereotypes in the territories.