Company News | June 15, 2026
National Indigenous History Month – A Good Livelihood for All
Reflections from Milton Tootoosis, Chief Economic Reconciliation Officer, SREDA.
As we recognize National Indigenous History Month, we are called not only to reflect on the history of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, but also to confront the realities of the present and our responsibilities for the future.
This year carries particular significance. It marks the 150th Commemoration of Treaty No. 6, a sacred agreement founded on mutual benefit, peaceful coexistence, and the promise of a good livelihood for all peoples who would share this land. It also marks a decade since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and its 94 Calls to Action.
These milestones invite more than reflection. They demand measurement, accountability, and action.
For too long, reconciliation has often been measured by symbolism rather than outcomes. While symbolic gestures have their place, true reconciliation requires tangible progress that can be measured in improved economic participation, employment, business ownership, procurement opportunities, educational attainment, housing, health outcomes, and community well-being.
The time has come to elevate economic reconciliation from allyship to accompliceship.
Allyship expresses support. Accompliceship accepts responsibility. It requires governments, industry, institutions, and community leaders to move beyond statements and commitments toward actions that intentionally dismantle barriers and create opportunities for Indigenous peoples to participate fully in the economy.
The Treaty promise of a good livelihood was never intended to be symbolic. It was intended to create shared prosperity. 150 years later, we must honestly assess how well we have fulfilled that promise and establish meaningful metrics that measure progress toward its realization.
Similarly, 10 years after the TRC Calls to Action, Canadians should be asking a simple question: What evidence demonstrates that reconciliation is succeeding?
The next decade must be defined by measurable outcomes rather than aspirations alone. We need transparent benchmarks, public reporting, and shared accountability across all sectors. Success should be measured not by the number of acknowledgements delivered, but by the number of Indigenous businesses created, jobs generated, partnerships formed, procurement opportunities secured, and communities strengthened.
At SREDA, we believe economic reconciliation represents one of the greatest opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity in Saskatchewan’s history. By working together as partners under the spirit and intent of Treaty, we can create a future where reconciliation is not merely discussed but demonstrated through measurable improvements in the lives of Indigenous peoples and the strength of our economy.
National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to honour the past. It is also an opportunity to build the future.
Let us move beyond symbolism. Let us move beyond allyship. Let us embrace accompliceship, accountability, and action.
Most importantly, let us measure our progress against the promises made 150 years ago and ensure that the next generation inherits a stronger, more prosperous, and more equitable Treaty relationship than the one we inherited.
