Osoyoos Chief salutes credit union for way staff spent day off on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Prospera Credit Unions in the Okanagan were closed for the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as its approximately 750 employees were connected via Zoom for a time of reflection.

The keynote speaker for the video conference was Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie who spoke in depth about the origins of truth and reconciliation from his perspective, why it’s important for the conversations to happen and the extensive impacts of residential schools.

The credit union staffers then broke into smaller groups by department and held separate conversations which were led by their manager.

Finding a meaningful way for employees to spend National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – like the way the credit union approached it – is something every workplace should do every year on Sept. 30, Chief Louie said.

“I think most people are happy to get a day off with pay… Most people, native or non-native, take it off and don't think much about residential schools or why there’s these problems between Canada and native people.”

After listening to Chief Louie’s speech, and having the opportunity to brainstorm, Prospera employees shared ideas about the role they can play in reconciliation.

Prospera’s chief people and legal officer TJ Schmaltz said some of the ideas to come out of discussions included professional development within the organization for Indigenous employees, as well as using the company’s charitable foundation to give grants to organizations that help victims of residential schools, or employment programs that target opportunities for Indigenous people.

READ MORE: Osoyoos Indian Band Chief sees National Day of Truth and Reconciliation as 'baby step' in right direction

Schmaltz said the credit union wanted the day to have real meaning and impact.

“It was not simply a day off, we wanted it to be a day of reflection,” he said. “The news that comes out of truth and reconciliation is so devastating. How can we turn that into a positive impact for the communities that we love, work and play in?”

Beyond that single day dedicated to education and reflection, Schmaltz said it’s important for the team at Prospera to expand upon the engaging conversations throughout the year.

“It’s about honouring that this is a journey,” he said.

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