Illustrations created by Ojibwe graphic designer Joshua Hunt from Migisi Sahgaigan (Eagle Lake) in Treaty 3.
At Scotiabank, we acknowledge and honour that from coast to coast to coast, we are all standing on the traditional territory of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. We are committed to reconciliation and furthering our connection with the Indigenous communities across our footprint.
The Indigenous Network Employee Resource Group (ERG) plays a crucial role in advancing these values by supporting the banks overall commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The ERG provides a forum for Indigenous Scotiabankers and employees who are passionate about the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples by celebrating resiliency, advancing Indigenous cultural competency, and fostering an inclusive community, for every future.
We had the opportunity to speak with members of the Indigenous Network ERG to learn more about the group and their recent developments.
Could you please tell us about the Indigenous Network ERG and how it has progressed in recent years?
Scotiabank Indigenous Network ERG: "The Indigenous Network Employee Resource Group (IERG), since its inception in 2009, has embraced Indigenous employees and our allies. The approach for the IERG has been maintained as providing competency resources, Indigenous awareness, and celebratory events, and supporting information sharing around the Indigenous experience across Canada. The IERG has grown since its inception in 2009 and currently has a full team of Directors and active members.
Although it started out small, in the fall of 2022, the IERG received the Workplace Culture Impact Award at Seramount’s ERG Impact Awards celebration. The IERG received this external recognition for their work with multiple business lines and focused events and leaders within the Indigenous space to increase awareness for allies and support the voices of Indigenous employees.”
What is the Indigenous Network ERG's goal, and how does it benefit employees?
Scotiabank Indigenous Network ERG: “The mission of the IERG is to create a space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees to learn, grow, and connect. It creates a medium for connecting with other Indigenous Peoples across the Bank, where there is bravery in honouring the Indigenous identity. Some employees may work in departments without any other Indigenous employees, and the IERG seeks to connect people on a fundamental level.
Additionally, through the monthly “All our Relations sessions” meeting, employees have a shared space to gather. Hosted on Microsoft Teams, “All our Relations” welcomes Indigenous employees and active allies across Canada to connect. It takes place on the third Wednesday of the month and acts as a gathering space, a sharing circle, and a demonstration of the healing of community. The IERG provides a space where employees can gather and be Indigenous in a welcoming environment.”
What activities/events does the ERG plan for its members?
Scotiabank Indigenous Network ERG: “As part of the IERG, “All our Relations” is an Indigenous-led virtual monthly gathering space for Indigenous employees and their allies across Turtle Island. It is an opportunity to meet with other Indigenous employees, share cultural knowledge, support each other, and chat. The monthly gathering circle takes place virtually on the third Wednesday of every month.
And, today, Scotiabank not only recognizes June 21st as National Indigenous Peoples Day across Canada, but also June as National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.”
How does Scotiabank support the Indigenous ERG?
Scotiabank Indigenous Network ERG: “The Enterprise Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team provides support and is closely connected to the IERG. The IERG is provided budget and is also part of a new recognition program on Applause whereby ERG leaders can award points to its members. This budget is part of the DEI budget and is rooted in recognition of the hard work of ERG volunteers.
The IERG is part of the larger ERG Council of Chairs, a monthly meeting with governing members of the IERG and other ERGs across the bank in partnership with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team.”
Why is Scotiabank a great employer for Indigenous Peoples?
Scotiabank Indigenous Network ERG: “Although there is a small population of Indigenous Peoples at Scotiabank, it is a unified and powerful group. The IERG has many Indigenous employees and active allies who are strong advocates for the community.
Scotiabank also has a variety of benefits for Indigenous employees, including 5 paid cultural days per year, extra bereavement time, Telus Health AbilitiCBT Indigenous, and the inclusion of traditional medicines and healing services within the Canadian Benefits Plan. Through these initiatives and more, the Scotiabank Indigenous Network is actively driving diversity, equity and inclusion across the Bank and actively supporting the Indigenous community.”