I often think about what Indigenous reconciliation means for a large organization like BCLC. For me, it’s not a single moment or milestone; it is a long-term organizational commitment — one that requires humility, listening and meaningful action.
Reconciliation shows up in many ways: in how we build relationships with Indigenous Peoples, how we support Indigenous employees and Indigenous-owned businesses and how we reflect Indigenous cultures in our workspaces.
At BCLC, our vision is clear: reconciliation must be woven into every aspect of how we operate. We aspire to be a workplace where Indigenous Peoples see themselves reflected in the work we do and how we do it; where Indigenous communities and businesses benefit equitably from our operations and where our actions meet the highest expectations of respect, reciprocity and shared prosperity — whether through our two corporate offices, or at gaming facilities across the province.
Until now, this work — rooted in years of learning, dialogue and relationship-building — has lived across different teams, initiatives and good intentions.
Now, with the launch of our first Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), BCLC is bringing these efforts together under one clear, accountable framework; a roadmap to embed reconciliation in everything we do.
Our IRAP is guided by input from First Nations whose lands our offices and facilities are located within across the province. Their insight helped frame a plan that is grounded in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92. It is built on four key pillars that shape how we show up, how we work and how we measure our progress: Meaningful Relationships, Education, Economic Reconciliation and Employment Outcomes.
Meaningful relationships are the foundation of reconciliation. This pillar focuses on how we engage with Indigenous Peoples in ways that are respectful, consistent and reciprocal. It is about building and sustaining genuine partnerships that extend beyond strategic relationships — supporting Indigenous perspectives in our decision-making, policies and practices.
Reconciliation also requires education — not as a one-time exercise, but as an ongoing commitment. This pillar is about building understanding across our organization so that every employee has the knowledge and cultural awareness needed to support reconciliation in their role.
Economic reconciliation is another critical pillar that sees BCLC focus on creating more equitable systems, expanding procurement opportunities for Indigenous businesses across the province and working collaboratively to support Indigenous economic development. This work must be guided by Indigenous priorities and designed to create sustainable, community-defined benefits.
Finally, employment outcomes recognize that belonging matters just as much as representation. This pillar focuses on supporting equitable recruitment, professional development and advancement opportunities for Indigenous employees at BCLC. It asks us to look closely at our systems, policies and programs so we can better support Indigenous employees and create an environment where they feel respected, valued and empowered.
While we are proud to announce and celebrate this milestone, we also recognize that this plan is just the beginning of our continuous journey of reconciliation. This work is ongoing; a living commitment to embed reconciliation into every corner of our business — beyond what is required — as a core principle of everything we do at BCLC. We are committed to transparency in our progress and to ongoing listening, learning and adjustment of our approach as we move forward.
BCLC exists to create win-wins for the greater good; that means our organization’s success is tied directly to the strength of our relationships — and building trust with Indigenous communities is essential to who we are and who we want to be.
I’m grateful for the Indigenous partners and knowledge keepers who continue to guide this work, and for the employees who show up with curiosity and commitment every day. Reconciliation takes all of us — and I’m grateful to be a part of this work as we continue this path, together.
The full IRAP can be viewed here.
To learn more about BCLC’s commitment to establish and maintain good relations with Indigenous Peoples visit: corporate.bclc.com/who-we-are/indigenous-relations.
