CN’s Indigenous Advisory Board quits

In response, CN published a formal Acknowledgement of the historical role railways played as instruments of colonial policies, as well as the intergenerational economic, cultural, and social effects that these policies have had on Indigenous communities. CN operates within or adjacent to more than 220 reserve lands of nearly 130 First Nations and Métis Communities.

“CN is committed to its journey towards Reconciliation. That journey begins with a better understanding of history, and thoughtful commitments coupled with robust governance to measure our performance against those commitments,” said Olivier Chouc, CN’s senior vice-president, responsible for Indigenous Relations.

“On behalf of the CN Board and our colleagues, we wish to thank all of the IAC members for their significant and meaningful contribution as we envisage a path forward for our company,” continued Chouc. “Systemic changes require commitment and competency and Indigenous people with lived experiences provide an invaluable and essential perspective in leading that change. We are grateful for the IAC’s perspective.”

The IAC commissioned a 51-page 2022 IAC Impact Report that included recommendations for CN to improve their relationships with Indigenous Peoples. The report was based on feedback gathered during discussions with Indigenous community members.

Despite CN’s collaboration with the IAC on a framework for the work, the company’s ineffective use of the Council’s strategic input has led to the Council’s decision to resign, as outlined in their 2023 IAC Impact Report.

“As we step back from CN, we are earnest in our belief that CN has missed the mark on reconciliation,” said co-chairs Roberta Jamieson and Murray Sinclair.

“To repair their relationships with Indigenous Peoples, CN must acknowledge and embrace their distinct history and legacy, move beyond performative gestures, and commit itself to transformative change led by Indigenous leadership across all lines of business. Regardless of who was in charge, CN played a role in the oppression of Indigenous Peoples and there is no path forward without that acknowledgement.”

The work of the IAC was informed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 92 for corporate Canada, however, the council maintains that the rail entity’s complicated and dark history puts CN in a vastly different and distinct category from the rest of corporate Canada.

The CN Indigenous Advisory Council was formed in 2021. The IAC is an independent group of respected Indigenous leaders, comprising representatives from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in each province and territory. They work in an advisory capacity with the CN Board and CEO.

To further the work and recommendations of the IAC, CN said it has built a team of nine managers, including Indigenous and regional representation. This team is focused on developing and renewing respectful relationships with Indigenous communities across Canada and working on the development of CN’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), along with CN leadership.

In this first RAP, CN is building the foundation for its Reconciliation journey. A foundation that rests on five key pillars: (i) Cultural Awareness and Employee Engagement; (ii) People and Employment; (iii) Community Engagement and Relationships; (iv) Economic Reconciliation; and (v) Environmental Stewardship and Safety.

CN intends to release its RAP in 2024 which will include specific, measurable initiatives, and intends to report on a regular basis on its performance against its commitments.