Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ history and stories
Join us in acknowledging, appreciating, and celebrating the rich, diverse cultures of Indigenous Peoples during National Indigenous History Month and beyond.
Illustrations by Jasmine Bernard, member of the Madawaska Maliseet
First Nation, also known by the traditional name, Wolastoqiyik.
The Seven Sacred Teachings
To celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, we invite you to experience a version of the Anishinaabe story, The Seven Sacred Teaching, as interpreted by illustrator Jasmine Bernard, member of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, also known by the traditional name, Wolastoqiyik. Storytelling is a vital and vibrant part of Indigenous culture. The many different versions of the Seven Sacred Teachings told by Indigenous Peoples around the world reminds us of the diversity and rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Communities. This month we encourage you to celebrate and learn from Indigenous culture.
We acknowledge and honour that from coast to coast to coast, we are all standing on the traditional territory of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. Scotiabank is committed to reconciliation and furthering our connection with the Indigenous communities across our footprint.
Supporting Indigenous communities through education
“Every Child Matters” by Phyllis Jack Webstad
In 2023, Scotiabank was honoured to support Medicine Wheel Publishing and Phyllis Jack Webstad, on the release of her book “Every Child Matters”. The children’s book tells the story of Webstad’s first-hand experience as a child in the residential school system. Scotiabank purchased and distributed 2,500 books with the focus on all Indigenous schools and Indigenous educators across Turtle Island.
1,500 students educated on the shared history of residential schools
In June 2023, for the second year, Indigenous Financial Services and the Indigenous Network Employee Resource Group, in partnership with MLSE and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund hosted 1,500 elementary and middle school students from the Greater Toronto Area at Scotiabank Arena to hear from Indigenous Elders, performers and artists, who shared their work and knowledge. Students had the honour of learning about the lasting impacts of residential schools, Indigenous perseverance, and pride in Indigenous cultures.
Spaces to learn about the impacts of the residential school system
In partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), Scotiabank has four dedicated Legacy Spaces to bring attention to Chanie Wenjack’s story, a 12-year-old Indigenous boy who died while fleeing a residential school. The Legacy Spaces provide an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians to engage and learn about the history and legacy of residential schools.
Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada
Scotiabank supports Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada (formerly Teach For Canada) to help improve the educational outcomes for over 6,000 Indigenous students in remote First Nations communities.
Indspire
Scotiabank supports Indspire to increase economic prosperity for Indigenous youth, by helping ensure a smooth transition into post-secondary education and the work force.
Connected North
Scotiabank supports Connected North, a program that provides immersive and interactive education services to over 30,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students and 1,000 teachers in remote communities across Canada.
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Scotiabank supports Native Child and Family Services of Toronto to provide emerging Indigenous youth leaders with culture-based leadership, education and employment opportunities.
The Moose Hide Campaign
Scotiabank stands with the Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led movement to stand against violence against women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. As part of a multi-year partnership with the organization, 20,000 moose hide pins have been distributed to employees nationwide to help drive awareness with our clients and spur action to support the Campaign.
Supporting Indigenous employees
Employment Equity Plan
Since 2020, as part of our comprehensive Employment Equity Plan, we’ve developed several measures to increase the representation of Indigenous Peoples at all levels of our bank. That includes targeted recruitment campaigns, candidate readiness initiatives completed with Indigenous community partners, an Indigenous Mentorship program, and a professional development series for all Indigenous employees.
Updated employee benefits
As of April 1, 2023, employees enrolled in the Canadian Benefits plan can submit expenses related to Indigenous ceremonies, language learning, materials for cultural crafts, and traditional medicine through the Wellbeing Account.
Traditional Indigenous Practices Leave Policy
Scotiabank’s Traditional Indigenous Practices Leave policy provides five paid days off for Indigenous employees to participate in Indigenous cultural practices and events.
Platforms for Indigenous employees to share their experiences
The Indigenous Network Employee Resource Group (IERG) is spearheaded by Indigenous employees and allies within the Bank. Its mission is to mentor, celebrate and educate employees on Indigenous cultures, histories, and traditions. In September 2022, they received the Workplace Culture Impact award at Seramount’s ERG Impact Awards celebration for their contributions to increasing awareness for allies and supporting the voices of Indigenous employees.
Mandatory Indigenous cultural competency course for all employees in Canada
Scotiabank’s Indigenous cultural competency program provides all employees with an introductory course to build awareness of the diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada and apply this understanding to advance inclusion and belonging. The course connects historical and contemporary Indigenous experiences to present-day relationships with Canadian governments, communities, and financial institutions and is mandatory for all employees in Canada and all global employees serving Canadian clients.
Benefits for Indigenous Employees
Through Telus Health AbilitiCBT, one of our employee benefits suppliers, the Bank offers an online story-based mental health resource supported by Indigenous wellness providers to all Indigenous employees. Telus Health AbilitiCBT Indigenous is a Bank-provided mental health resource in partnership with Telus Health for employees who self-identify as Indigenous. AbilitiCBT Indigenous is an online story-based mental health resource supported by Indigenous wellness providers.
Supporting Indigenous clients
Member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Scotiabank is a proud member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. This third-party certification recognizes companies that have demonstrated effective programs and policies to maximize involvement with Indigenous communities.
Helping Indigenous clients turn systemic constraints into economic opportunity
Scotiabank’s Indigenous Financial Services group creates sustainable financial relationships based on trust and respect to help achieve prosperity and honour our commitment to future generations. We listen to understand our client’s challenges, whether it’s legislative constraints to raising capital, operating enterprises in remote places, or a historical legacy of distrust of non-Indigenous parties.
Canada’s first on-reserve bank branch
More than five decades ago, Scotiabank became the first non-Indigenous Canadian bank to open a branch in a First Nations community – signifying our desire to understand, respect and work with Indigenous individuals, communities, and businesses on their traditional lands.
Indigenous communities
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace based on respect, support, and equality for every future.