Responsible Meetings: Building Indigenous Business Relations

Last week during MPI’s the Event held at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa, attendees had the opportunity to participate in an Introductory journey towards cultural competency through the lens of an Indigenous event planner. Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, Founder and President of TAP Resources, provided what has been referenced by attendees as a "powerful presentation that helped delegates build a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous peoples and their values, traditions and belief systems." 

In traditional Indigenous fashion and in line with the event theme, Origin Stories, Tuesday delivered a workshop that took people on an emotional roller coaster. Participants experienced an emotional and intellectual experience – meaning what they heard had an impact, there was laughter, there were tears, and there was new awareness and appreciation.

So, what did she share? Tuesday weaved a story that drew people in immediately, sharing personal experiences that showed her vulnerability and resilience as well as her love for Indigenous culture. Key take-aways included:

• Understanding the rich diversity of cultures amongst Indigenous Peoples and their contemporary realities
• Understanding what and why Reconciliation is important
• Learned about cultural protocols and ceremonies
• Experienced a traditional ‘brushing off ceremony’
• Building a deeper understanding and appreciation on key concepts such as cultural appropriation, pretendians, economic reconciliation
• Tips and advice on actioning some due diligence on critical aspects

Liz Stewart from CBC shared, "We so enjoyed and were incredibly moved by your presentation on Monday. We appreciated how open and vulnerable you were, which couldn’t have been easy, and were so impressed at what you are achieving with TAP Resources."

Julie Clement shared, "You are so inspiring and incredibly resilient and strong. Thank you for sharing with us, it’s a story that needs to be told."

Listening and hearing Indigenous stories opens the doorway to learning and understanding the challenges that Indigenous people have faced and the continued constant battle that occurs.

By building a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous people, it fosters respect and recognition, leads to meaningful relationships and allyships and a step towards healing and reconciliation.   Having these conversations, discussions, and presentations can help build bridges and contribute to a more respectful and informed dialogue.

For more information, click here to reach out to Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald.

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Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, CMP, CMM
Moderator & Author
President, TAP Resources
MPI 2023-2024 Communications Committee