The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is paving the way for a more inclusive and mindful working environment. The release of two new training modules offered by JEDI will share education on Two-Eyed Seeing and Anti-Racism.
With the help of Nisa Kennedy (Workforce Development Manager) and Tiger Levi (Indigenous Reconciliation Awareness Module Coordinator), these modules will be available to employers across New Brunswick who are looking for ways to implement safe spaces and encourage different learning perspectives in the workforce. “Etuaptmumk” is the Mi'kmaq word for Two-Eyed Seeing, a term that was coined in the 1990s by Elder Dr. Albert Marshall and his wife Murdena Marshall. The idea of Two-Eyed Seeing is to be able to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing with Western practices in order to see the world through both perspectives. The work of Two-Eyed Seeing is currently being done through science and research, but JEDI hopes to see the same work done in the corporate industry as they soft-launched the module on Two-Eyed Seeing in the Workplace at their Indigenous Workforce Summit hosted with WTCI (Wolastoqey Tribal Council Inc.) in early June 2024.
“Understanding the differences in worldviews, in turn, gives us a starting point for understanding the differences that colonialism poses for social control and how this is articulated into the workplace. Advancing the ability of Two-Eyed Seeing within Non-Indigenous New Brunswick employers will be the catalyst for a regenerative process that is intended to support and mitigate (Indigenize and decolonize) the current difficulties surrounding the many barriers related to Indigenous employment and assist in the navigation of this clash of worldviews that denies Indigenous people harmony and balance within the colonial workforce and their daily lives”
– Innovation 7, Indigenous Reconciliation Employer Action Plan (IREAP) Report
The Anti-Racism Module highlights a concept that actively challenges the types of racism that have been endured by Indigenous peoples, the black population, and people of colour. It is a form of activism, and understanding of history, definitions, and ways to be pro-active in an ever-changing society. The Module shared by JEDI provides education for management and staff on the history and concept of Anti-racism for Indigenous Peoples, as well as types of racism concerning current contexts. This gives organizations a solid grasp on the concept of Anti-Racism, and how companies and individuals can start to work towards allyship and anti-racism for Indigenous Peoples in the workplace.
“After taking our IRAM program, we were happy to hear that people wanted to know more and were asking for “next steps.” We are proud to be sharing the Two-Eyed Seeing Module along with the Anti-Racism Module, and hope that people continue to learn and educate themselves on the history of First Nations Peoples.”
- Stanley Barnaby, CEO of the Joint Economic Development Initiative
Booking for these trainings will be available January 10th, 2025. For more information on these modules and to learn more about how your organization can take part, please contact the Joint Economic Development Initiative.