The Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta (WCB-Alberta) plays a critical role in supporting injured workers and employers across the province. In recent years, the organization has taken intentional steps to deepen its approach to Truth and Reconciliation, focusing not only on education but also on direct community support and internal culture change.
From Reconciliation to Reconcili-action
Launched on September 1, 2023, to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, From Reconciliation to Reconcili-action is a grassroots employee-led campaign designed to educate and engage WCB-Alberta staff while directly supporting Indigenous communities.
The initiative invited employees to purchase “Every Child Matters” buttons from IndigenArtsy, an Indigenous women-owned collective. All proceeds from the employee donations were directed to Indigenous-led support organizations in Alberta, including the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and Aboriginal Friendship Center of Calgary.
The initiative culminates each year on September 27, when employees are invited to wear orange shirts and their buttons in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Community-based giving, education-focused design
Committed to social responsibility, the program was simple but impactful. Employees were encouraged to donate in exchange for a button and wear it throughout September as a visible show of solidarity and remembrance. At the same time, WCB-Alberta launched internal communications to deepen understanding of residential schools, the 60s Scoop, and ongoing discrimination faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Key program features included:
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Buttons sourced from Indigenous artists via IndigenArtsy
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Donations directed to grassroots Indigenous organizations
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Internal learning opportunities linked to Truth and Reconciliation themes
Over two years (2023–2024), employees raised more than $1,000 for these organizations. More importantly, the initiative helped embed reconciliation into the day-to-day culture of the workplace.
Impact and outcomes
The impact of From Reconciliation to Reconcili-action extended far beyond the dollars raised:
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Created space for honest, inclusive conversations
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Boosted inclusion and engagement scores internally
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Sparked dialogue across teams through button visibility
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Promoted belonging and shared responsibility among employees
Staff expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to participate in a campaign that brought together education, visibility, and meaningful giving. The initiative strengthened employee connection to the organization’s values and reinforced WCB-Alberta’s commitment to equity and reconciliation.
A sustained commitment to inclusion
By connecting charitable giving with internal learning, WCB-Alberta has created a model other institutions can follow. One that prioritizes relationship-building with Indigenous communities while empowering employees to be part of the solution. From Reconciliation to Reconcili-action is a reminder that reconciliation is not a moment. It is a movement.
