Indigenous Treaty Partners (ITP) is a new and innovative firm with a significant influence on the Canadian business scene. In the spring of 2021, Indigenous Training Partners (ITP) was founded by Indigenous businesspeople Houston Barnaby and Corey Mattie to fill a need for a comprehensive but accessible Indigenous cultural awareness training program for the Board of Directors, Corporate Directors, Management, and General employees. Their training courses are adaptable and are conducted either virtually or physically.
Facilitating Reconciliation by Meeting Groups Where They Are
ITP’s Indigenous Treaty Partner Program is designed to meet individual businesses where they are in the journey of reconciliation and bring them to a point where they feel comfortable acting as an ally to their Indigenous neighbours. ITP believes that mutual understanding is the bedrock of positive working relationships. The program shares knowledge and insight into what it means to be Indigenous in Canada and how businesses can be better allies.
Assessing the Needs of Each Organization
ITP works with each organization to assess their needs and ensure that their materials are geared towards the appropriate audience. This is done through a written assessment and/or a phone call. ITP offers various curriculum packages that cover topics such as history, business, and governance, to name a few. Upon completion of the ITP course, organizations receive an ITP certificate.
Benefits of ITP Training
Organizations that attend ITP’s Indigenous Cultural Ally Training benefit from their intensive format. Attendees leave the sessions with a wider worldview and a desire to engage on these important topics, which foster self-enrichment and workplace interaction leading to overall improved employee morale. Businesses that attend ITP’s Indigenous Cultural Ally Training are better equipped with the knowledge and other tools to meaningfully and confidently engage their Indigenous neighbours.
Goals and Intentions
ITP’s goals and intentions are to transform awareness, attitudes, and knowledge into competence, become more active allies in support of reconciliation by building confidence to engage with Indigenous communities and learn how to attract and maintain Indigenous talent in the workplace.
Houston Barnaby and Corey Mattie- The Co-Founders
Houston Barnaby is an Indigenous Rights attorney, originally Mi’kmaw from Listuguj, Quebec, who has worked on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. He has learned the ropes of the business and honed his negotiation skills while working with provincial proponents on Impact Benefit Agreements. Houston also volunteers his time as a member of the Board of Directors for the Nova Scotia Community College Foundation, whose goals include providing aid to financially disadvantaged students and expanding their access to higher education.
Corey Mattie, a Mi’kmaw/Settler from K’jpuktuk, is a member of the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada and co-founder of Indigenous Treaty Partners (ITP). He is a professional keynote speaker to international audiences and a strong advocate for the importance of environmental enhancement, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. A local from Mi’Kma’ki (Atlantic Canada), Corey strongly values the adoption of Indigenous practice and a triple bottom line for corporate Canada.
ITP’s Indigenous Treaty Partner Program is a valuable resource for businesses and organizations seeking to foster positive relationships with Indigenous communities. Their approachable and flexible training programs, assessment process, and customizable curriculum ensure that each organization receives a unique and tailored training experience. With the leadership of Houston Barnaby and Corey Mattie, ITP is making a significant impact on Canada’s journey of reconciliation.
If you’re looking to ally with the Indigenous Treaty Partner for the training program or their course, then log onto their official website at https://www.treatypartners.ca/.
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