b'CCAB RESEARCHK e y f i n d i n g s f r o m C C A B s r e c e n t r e p o r t o n c r e a t i n g i n c l u s i v e e n v i r o n m e n t sInclusive Workplaces for By Lucas AlexiouINDIGENOUS LEADERSI ndigenous representation, voices,CCAB. By examining the career jour- Contextually speaking, Indigenous ideas and ideals in leadership andneys of Indigenous individuals who havewomen have always been leaders in on boards will benefit businessessuccessfully navigated these environ- their communities. This, however, is not and organizations while advancingments regardless of the existing barriers,reflected or respected in some work economicreconciliation,andwe see a path for greater opportunitiesenvironments. Indigenous women CanadianCouncilforAboriginalfor Indigenous representation in lead- leaders highlight the importance of Business (CCAB) is developing a toolership and on boards. their roles as caregivers and leaders to help achieve this. but often feel as if both roles cannot CCABs Skills for Inclusive WorkplacesKEY FINDINGSbe fulfilled when employed by large and the Advancement of IndigenousThe report resulted in a number of keycorporations. With the proper resources, Peoples report surveyed 25 Indigenousfindings, outlined below.freedom and support, Indigenous business leaders between Februarywomen can take their place as leaders and March 2023. The intention was toIndigenous women leaders while still prioritizing personal duties.leverage the information as a tool that There is a stark difference between Indigenous entrepreneurs and corpo- the experiences of Indigenous womenThe importance of board rate leaders can reference along theirleaders compared to male Indigenousparticipationjourneys, and non-Indigenous leadersleaders, highlighting the need for anBoard involvement is a way for leaders can use to inform their workplaceintersectionalapproachtounder- to make meaningful change, and the actions when seeking to create inclu- standing the experience of Indigenouspromotion of diversity on boards allows sive environments.people in the workplace. Indigenousfor different perspectives and neces-This report aims to promote the impor- women face both gendered and racialsary structural change. tance of Indigenous representation insystems of disadvantage that can be leadership in Canada and the need forperpetuated by workplace bias. SeveralBoard involvement is a means of increased diversity in senior and exec- women in the sample pointed out thatgrowth. Some Indigenous leaders are utive roles, as well as on boards, withinthey may not be taken as seriously asharnessing board training or directors non-Indigenous organizations, saystheir male counterparts or may beeducation as a pathway toward personal Maesynne Walsh, research associate atsubject to higher standards. and professional development.82A CCAB PUBLICATIONFall 2023'