Reconciliation Action Plans - What are they and how can they help Planners?

 
Let’s start at the beginning (a very good place to start).  Only those over 40 will probably get that reference. 
 
What is Reconciliation? 
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) defines reconciliation as “an ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships”.
 
What is a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)?
RAPs are referenced in both the TRC Calls to Action, and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).  While there is there is no one definition of what a RAP is, most definitions have similarities including that it is a formal statement, framework or roadmap to support organizations in documenting their plans to support and advance reconciliation. 
 
What do Reconciliation Action Plans include?    
RAPs generally include goals/targets, key actions or commitments and timelines.  RAPs should have inward and external facing components, but it is not one size fits all. Some topics to consider including:

• Training and Education
• Procurement and Partnerships
• Recruitment – Hiring, retention and advancement
• Acknowledging past mistakes
• Reviewing existing Policies to remove barriers and add support – DEI, HR, ESG&I, Ops, zoning, Development applications, engagement plans, etc.
• Accountability and transparency – monitoring, reporting and updating

 
What are some best practices for preparing Reconciliation Action Plans?
In order to be effective and support meaningful steps to advance reconciliation, RAPs should be co-created with insights from internal staff, and the Indigenous Nations, Communities, organizations and Peoples that your organization works with.  Any time provided by Indigenous Peoples to support this work should be compensated as they are sharing of their time and expertise to support you and you cannot place the burden on them to educate you.  You will need to undertake research and honest reflection at the beginning and consider if you need to hire someone to support you in this process. Good RAPs are supported at all levels within an organization, create changes in both policy and behaviour, and are specific to local needs. RAPs need to be live documents that are reflected upon and updated regularly in order to reflect lessons learned and changes in the needs for an organization and Indigenous Peoples.  RAPs are typically made public so that everyone can see what is included to help with accountability.
 
Why are Reconciliation Action Plans important for organizations? 
It sets the intention for an organization and the course of action that they plan to take to support reconciliation.  It takes good intent and turning it into action.     
 
How can Reconciliation Actions Plan help Planners? 
As planners, our policies, designs and decisions will impact all our relations for generations.  This mindset reflects people who are aware that everything in the universe is connected including the elements, land, animals, plants and people.  RAPs can support meaningful engagement and consultation, continued relationship building or guidance for building new relationships with Indigenous communities and Nations whose land we are located on and/or work within.  I have heard from many Planners that they want to do better but do not have a clear understanding of where their organization stands on Reconciliation and what they are doing to move reconciliation forward.  I have heard frustration when professional planning advice is ignored for political purposes, or because it will take time and money. A RAP can help provide planners with a framework they can point to as they work on Reconciliation through their planning practice in the Public Interest.