Indigenous Relations Program & Leadership Training Certificate

Indigenous Mural Foothills Campus

A fundamental step in the journey to truth and reconciliation is understanding Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, connecting and being; the historical context of Indigenous people in Canada; and how to build fruitful relationships with Indigenous communities. This knowledge and skill set are invaluable for job-seekers and professionals in all disciplines. The Indigenous Relations Training Program (IRTP) contributes to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action by teaching participants the history and legacy of residential schools and treaties and Indigenous rights, as well as sharing success stories of building respectful relationships.

Since 2009, IRTP has provided professional and personal development to students, professionals and community members. This unique program engages Indigenous program facilitators and Elders to offer a truly immersive learning experience. Individuals seeking to understand the issues facing Canada’s Indigenous population today and how to effectively build relationships with Indigenous communities are welcomed.

ATCO Group’s generous support allowed IRTP to be offered nine times between November 2020 and August 2022, including an online course in November 2020 and 2021, and a condensed one-day version in October 2021. Participants who completed all eight modules of the IRTP received formal certificates verifying they had completed 24 hours of non-credit professional development. Out of the 289 participants from November 2020 to August 2022, 40 were ATCO Group employees.

Below are some survey comments from recent participants:

Tipi

This was a very informative course. It gave me better insight into the current situation for Indigenous peoples, Métis and Inuit in Canada today, and how to improve these relationships.

Participant testimonial

Incredibly impactful and powerful. I liked the mix of input from Elders and more-traditional sources for some information and younger speakers for others. It felt true to the importance of knowing history, respecting traditions, and being aware that Indigenous peoples and their skills and knowledges are contemporary and relevant.

Participant testimonial

This is a necessary training for any person living and doing work here. It really emphasizes the need for practices that acknowledge the people and the land in a way that is digestible, and it was delivered in a way that motivates you to follow through on it.

Participant testimonial