Casting a stone in the water : an exploration of truth and reconciliation in the context of a public utility
Abstract
My partner organization for my research was FortisBC (FEI), a public energy utility in
British Columbia. My purpose in exploring truth and reconciliation in my organization was to
examine how the organization could respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of
Canada’s 92nd Call to Action, which addressed Canadian businesses and corporations. In
particular, I focused on the section that highlighted the need to build mutually respectful
relationships with Indigenous peoples. In chapter one, I provide context for how I arrived at my
primary research question and sub-questions: “How can FEI employees take action to build
respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia?” My sub-questions are:
what can FEI employees do to learn how the organization can become a more welcoming place
for Indigenous peoples. Moreover, how can FEI change its business practices to better support
Indigenous communities’ goals, as framed by Indigenous communities? Finally, I intended to
encourage other non-Indigenous FEI employees to learn more about colonization and our
collective responsibility in the truth and reconciliation process.
Additionally, I hope that non-Indigenous peoples will be curious about Indigenous
traditional governance, knowledge, and ways of knowing. In chapter two, I review literature
from Indigenous scholars to answer my question: which actions can FEI employees take to build
respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia? I explore two main themes
through literature (a) relationships and (b) relational accountability in the context of truth and
reconciliation. I also explore a number of subthemes, including Indigenous worldviews, settler-colonial
relations, gender and colonization, reconciliation, Indigenous resurgence, and the
responsibility of settlers in the truth and reconciliation process. Chapter three provides an overview of action research and speaks to how Indigenous research methodologies inspired my
research process.
Further, in chapter three, I provide insights into social constructionism and my
overarching methodology, including study design, data collection methods, participants, data
analysis, and trustworthy measures. In chapter four, I share my findings, conclusions, and
limitations to my study. The themes represented in chapter four speak to the need for settlers to
unlearn and re-learn Canadian history. Further, I discuss how non-Indigenous FEI employees
should understand the ongoing impacts of colonization before engaging with Indigenous
communities. At the same time, they should be open to learning about the value of Indigenous
governance and ways of knowing. In chapter four, I explore the themes shared by research
participants, including trust, transparency, and open communications as crucial steps for non-
Indigenous peoples who seek respectful relationship building with Indigenous peoples. Finally,
in chapter five, I include the organizational implications of my research, study recommendations,
and implications for future study. My study recommendations reflect the importance of ongoing
learning, change, and growth for FEI employees, including seeking Indigenous input on all
matters related to business and operations. The intention of my recommendations is to be woven
into corporate policy as to result in cultural transformation. Finally, in chapter five, I speak to
how FEI can support future inquiry by examining corporate priorities and localized engagement
with Indigenous peoples through a systems lens. The organizational change could be supported
by exploring ways Indigenous governance and ways of knowing can inform how FEI employees
build mutually respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples.