OUR COMMITMENT TO RECONCILIATION

Territory acknowledgement

First West Credit Union recognizes that we operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples across British Columbia.

We acknowledge the deep and enduring relationships that Indigenous communities have with these lands and commit to fostering reconciliation through meaningful action, education and economic empowerment.

Taking action

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey—one that requires humility, accountability and a commitment to listening, learning and adapting.

We are dedicated to building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples, organizations and businesses by:

  • Advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation through equitable access to financial services, resources and opportunities
  • Investing in Indigenous communities by supporting initiatives that promote financial sovereignty, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth
  • Educating ourselves and our members to deepen our understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and the impacts of colonization
  • Embedding reconciliation into our policies and practices by aligning with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Call to Action #92

As part of our commitment, we specifically embrace Call to Action #92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

This calls upon the corporate sector in Canada, and we are committed to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework by:

  • Involving Indigenous voices early and throughout decision making processes
  • Building meaningful and respectful relationships
  • Ensuring Indigenous peoples have equitable access to jobs training, and education opportunities at First West
  • Providing education for all team members on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations
  • At First West we embed intercultural competency, trauma informed training, human rights, and anti-racism in our approach to learning and education

Together, with Indigenous communities

As a financial institution, we recognize the role we play in fostering an inclusive and equitable economy.

We are committed to walking this path alongside Indigenous communities with respect, integrity and a shared vision for a future where all people flourish.
This statement is just the beginning—our actions will define our commitment.