At RISE Results Business Services, we recognize the importance of acknowledging our presence on Indigenous lands and the significance of the relationships we've been honoured to develop with Indigenous communities across various provinces. Our team lives and works in Unama’ki, which is a region within Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaw People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi'kmaw and Wolastoqiyik people first signed with the British Crown in 1725. We are all treaty people.
While land acknowledgments show that the land we occupy is owned by the Mi’kmaq in the past, present and future, we believe that they must be followed by actions that reflect our genuine respect and gratitude for the relationships. We are continually working to strengthen these partnerships and strive to express our gratitude through meaningful actions.
We work to decolonize our ways of doing business, learning from the Indigenous communities in which we do much of our work. We foster a culture that prioritizes life before work. We celebrate the diversity of the Indigenous communities we collaborate with and seek to deepen our understanding of their cultures, histories, and contributions.
We are settlers, who are privileged to call this land home, and we respect and value the ancestral territories on which we live and work. Individually, each member of our team shares a deep appreciation for the values that Indigenous communities hold dear. We recognize the importance of respect, connection, and stewardship in our relationships with the land and the people who call it home. Our team lives across Unama’ki / Cape Breton in different regions:
As part of our commitment to reconciliation, we have completed Indigenous Cultural Training from Indigenous Treaty Partners. We continually work with our Mi’kmaw special project partners to learn, grow, and remain respectful as we enter community.
Together, we strive to build a future that respects and honors Indigenous rights, cultures, and traditions. We value the bonds we've formed with the Indigenous communities we work alongside and commit to continue learning and growing in our understanding of the land and its peoples.
Etuaptmumk, often referred to as Two-Eyed Seeing, is a principle gifted to us by Mi'kmaw Elder Dr. Albert Marshall. It encapsulates the belief that better outcomes can be achieved when we embrace multiple perspectives - when we see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledge and ways of knowing.
Just as the Mi'kmaw people have long understood the importance of seeing the world through two eyes, we too value the power of diverse viewpoints. We believe that true innovation and progress emerge when we bring together different worldviews, fostering a harmonious balance that enriches our work and relationships.
Netukulimk is a cornerstone of Mi'kmaw beliefs and practices. It teaches us to deeply respect and honor the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment. This profound concept emphasizes taking only what is needed while preserving the balance for future generations, symbolizing a commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship.
In our work, we embrace the spirit of Netukulimk by recognizing the delicate web of connections that bind us all. We seek to foster harmony, not only among people but also between humanity and the environment. We're committed to promoting practices that leave a positive impact for the generations to come, carrying forward the message of Netukulimk with respect and reverence.
As a team, we are dedicated to upholding the values of Etuaptmumk and Netukulimk in all that we do. These principles guide us toward collaboration, respect, and a profound understanding of our place in the world. We believe that by living out these values, we contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
At RISE, we take pride in our enduring partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations that align seamlessly with our core values. Over the years, we have cultivated these relationships based on shared principles and a mutual commitment to effecting positive change.
We understand that many of these organizations, particularly those with a strong emphasis on community welfare, face unique challenges in their endeavors. Our purpose is to equip them with the essential tools, strategies, and expertise required to navigate these complexities effectively.
Whenever possible, we prioritize collaborating with Indigenous service providers like Eastern Woodland in Millbrook, Petroglyphs in Membertou, and Mi’kmaw and Wolastoqiyik crafters and service providers. This choice reflects our commitment to supporting and empowering Indigenous communities and acknowledging the expertise and unique perspectives they bring to the table. By working together, we foster an environment of mutual respect and cultural understanding, ensuring that our projects are culturally sensitive, sustainable, and aligned with the values and aspirations of the communities we serve. These partnerships enrich our work and enable us to create meaningful, lasting impacts that benefit both our clients and the Indigenous providers with whom we collaborate.
These valued partnerships have given us the privilege of working alongside organizations that share our dedication to making a meaningful impact on the well-being of individuals and communities. It is an honor to collaborate with these like-minded entities, as together, we contribute to creating a brighter future for all.
Collectively, we are driven by a shared mission to foster collaboration, celebrate diversity, and advance the principles of equity and inclusion. By aligning our values with those of Indigenous communities and offering our support to organizations dedicated to bettering society, we hope to create a more just, respectful, and interconnected world.