Commitment Statement
TCU Place is committed to developing and sustaining positive relationships with local Indigenous people and communities. The objective of the Indigenous Relations policy is to ensure that TCU Place substantively incorporates, and proactively explores ways to continually improve upon our reconciliation with local Indigenous communities throughout a broad spectrum of our daily business activities.
Policy Statement
The foundation of the TCU Place Indigenous Relations Policy is to build and sustain positive relationships with Indigenous communities Nationally and within the Province of Saskatchewan where we operate. TCU Place believes in the value of collaborating with and involving local Indigenous people and communities in our business. This business perspective fits within our organization’s values, and as part of reconciliation, is the right thing to do. Our efforts and actions will mutually benefit TCU Place and Indigenous peoples and their businesses in terms of opportunity growth.
Our company’s investment in this policy will contribute to greater regional economic development and the unlocking of greater employment and business potential. TCU Place will fulfill the commitments outlined within this policy with sincerity, integrity, transparency, and visibility in the public space.
This policy applies to TCU Place, its employees, representatives, and contractors.
Land Acknowledgement
At TCU Place, we acknowledge that we are gathered on First Nations Treaty 6 territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis Nation. For generations, Indigenous people were deliberately excluded from participating in our community and economy. We acknowledge and respect the histories, languages, and diverse cultures that continue to influence our vibrant community. We are grateful for the traditional knowledge keepers and Elders who are still with us today, and those who have gone before us. With our team, we recognize this history and commit to advancing Indigenous reconciliation in our city and beyond.
TCU Place is committed to:
Maintaining long lasting and grounded relationships with our local Indigenous people and communities.
Employing a leadership team and workforce that endorses these commitments and strives to engage local Indigenous people and communities such that TCU Place becomes a primary example for other organizations to follow.
Employing a diverse workforce that is representative of Indigenous people, reflective of the overall populations of Saskatoon and area (17%) and is educated about local Indigenous communities.
Sourcing and aligning the direct procurement opportunities, as well as the indirect procurement opportunities of TCU Place contractors, to local Indigenous businesses with a goal of further developing local Indigenous business capacity for long term mutual benefits of the local Indigenous communities and TCU Place.
Supporting community investment opportunities that align with the values of local Indigenous communities and of TCU Place.
Inclusion of Indigenous People, Protocol and Moving Toward Reconciliation
TCU Place acknowledges our role in Truth and Reconciliation. Our commitment to ensuring territorial protocol is acknowledged and sustained through our actions, partnerships, events, and economic development initiatives also extends to our partners and clients. To assist our clients with the inclusion of Indigenous People, protocol, and practices, we have developed local partnerships that can offer services and experiences to enhance your event.
For more information contact Tammy Pshebylo, Premium Experience Manager at tpshebylo@tcuplace.com or 306.250.8286
Services and availability vary – generally honorariums range from $250-$1000
Elder or Knowledge Keeper Greeting / Opening
If you wish to begin your event with good intentions and in the spirit of reconciliation, you may want to include a greeting from an Elder or Knowledge Keeper. They may share stories, songs, or language that connects your event attendees to the rich cultural heritage. Working with an Elder or Knowledge Keeper typically requires an honorarium which may take the form of cash, a blanket, a piece of artwork, or Indigenous-made gift, or tobacco. A conversation in relationship with Indigenous partners is required in advance to ensure clarity and intentions. Our team can assist with making connections and can help you incorporate this special moment into your event.
Land Acknowledgement
On our path to reconciliation, one of the simplest ways of acknowledging commitment is to begin your event with a land acknowledgment. Acknowledging the land is the process of deliberately naming that this is Indigenous land and Indigenous people have rights to this land. It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our relationship with the land and the journey of reconciliation. TCU Place team can assist you in creating your unique and personal land acknowledgment or connect you with an Elder to assist you.
Smudging
Traditional First Nations and Indigenous peoples have performed smudging ceremonies for thousands of years. Smudging, an important part of Indigenous culture and spirituality that is performed for spiritual purposes, is a cleansing ritual that uses plants to create smoke that helps free participants from any negativity, anxieties, or dark moods or emotions they may be experiencing. In short, it clears negative energy; when you smudge, you call upon the Great Spirit or Creator to help rid participants and their surroundings of impurities. TCU Place can coordinate the details of incorporating smudging into your event.
Blanket Exercise
The Blanket Exercise is based on using Indigenous methodologies and the goal is to build understanding of our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by walking through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, and resistance. Everyone is actively involved as they step onto blankets that represent the land and into the role of First Nations, Inuit, and later Métis peoples. By engaging on an emotional and intellectual level, the Blanket Exercise effectively educates and increases empathy.
Indigenous Custom Menu
TCU Place has worked with local experts to craft and present a local Indigenous Menu. Ingredients like bison, berries, squash, corn, and bannock complement the custom menu. Please work with your Event Manager for specific menu requests & pricing.
Drumming
In Indigenous culture, the drum is sacred. Whether it is a hand drum or a large pow-wow drum, it is sacred, it is alive and must be treated as such. Incorporating drumming into your event can add a special and memorable element, and there is important protocol with drums. There should never be alcohol brought around a drum or the drummers. If there is alcohol being served at your event, you may be asked to pause sale or distribution of alcohol as the drum enters the room and while drum songs are being sung. Our team can connect you with a headman to make arrangements for your event. Note that honorariums and tobacco are typically presented to the drummers.
Some things to keep in mind if you wish to add drumming to your event:
- Make sure that there is water readily available and presented to each drummer as they enter your event.
- Confirm that dinner or any food is available to the drummers prior to their songs or after they are finished.
- Invite them to attend the event in full should they wish.
- If any family members or children are accompanying the drummers, please ensure they are accommodated with seating, water, and food.
- Discuss the honorarium amount and protocol with the headman prior to the event.
Offsite Immersive Experience
Saskatoon has one of the world’s most renowned immersive Indigenous experiences a short drive from TCU Place. Wanuskewin Heritage Park has been a sacred site and gathering place for more than 6,400 years and provides an opportunity to delve into the past and discover what life was like pre-contact for the first peoples of the Northern Plains, along with how Indigenous cultures are still connected and represented here today. The theme is one of interpretation—exploring and sharing Plains cultures to gain a better understanding of ourselves, Saskatchewan’s Indigenous peoples, and our common heritage. Prices will vary depending on the experience offered.
For more information contact Tammy Pshebylo, Premium Experience Manager at tpshebylo@tcuplace.com or 306.250.8286