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The IKEA Canada Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy

The Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy presents a long-term vision for IKEA Canada that respects the needs, values, and perspectives of Indigenous communities. Reconciliation is fundamentally about building positive and respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. Building trust, understanding, and cooperation takes time and ongoing engagement. IKEA Canada understands this and will continue to work towards Reconciliation in all levels through ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and relationship-building efforts.  

IKEA Canada Reconciliation Strategy

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) published a series of 94 Calls to Action that governments and all Canadians can do together to repair the harm caused by residential schools and to advance reconciliation. Rooted in TRC Call to Action #92 – Business and Reconciliation, which speaks to Canada’s corporate sector, in 2021, IKEA Canada launched an Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy. Our strategy was developed in alignment with our Equality Plan and paired with our commitment to increase ethnic, racial, and national diversity at all levels of leadership. This strategy will continue to unfold under three key pillars: learning and teaching, conversation and amplification, and reciprocity with the Indigenous community. All initiatives will include meaningful consultation with each community and citizen experts.  

IKEA co-workers in a field during a sage-picking ceremony.
IKEA Winnipeg medicine picking.

Our Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy unfolds under three key pillars: 

IKEA Canada partnered with 4 Seasons of Reconciliation to provide IKEA co-workers with education on Canada's colonial history and the legacy of residential schools.

Learning and Teaching

We are creating educational and learning opportunities for leaders and co-workers on Indigenous stories and the history of Indigenous Peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools.  

IKEA Canada partnered with the Canadian Library Project to use BILLY bookcases as a platform to educate and raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

Conversation and Amplification

Reconciliation must move beyond inclusion and requires the acknowledgement of specific histories, experiences, and lived realities associated with and impacted by colonialism. We are conversing with Indigenous partners and working towards acknowledging Indigenous Peoples and their experiences in our units and on IKEA owned channels in a meaningful way.  

IKEA Canada and Setsuné Indigenous Fashion Incubator.

Reciprocity

Beyond just being informed of Canada’s history, we must also be engaged in putting words and knowledge into action. We are working towards implementing change across the business through social entrepreneurs, access, mentorship, training, recruitment, and employment.  

National Reconciliation Program

We recognize that not all children’s rights are equally realized in Canada, and those most deprived of their rights are First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children. For children not to exercise their rights equally has devastating impacts on them, their families, communities, and nations. That’s why we are focusing our programs in Canada on reconciliation through a child-centred approach.

IKEA Canada Solidarity Statement

IKEA Canada stands in solidarity with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in their journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. We recognize the profound and enduring impact of residential schools and the ongoing struggle for equity faced by Indigenous communities. We are committed to amplifying Indigenous voices, celebrating Indigenous cultures, and fostering a deep respect for Indigenous Peoples and the environment. By incorporating Indigenous design elements and partnering with Indigenous communities, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society. IKEA Canada is dedicated to the process of Indigenous placekeeping and honoring the traditional unceded territories on which our stores operate. We believe that by working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples, we can create a future where all Canadians thrive.  

Mural in the IKEA Ottawa store by Stephanie Babij.
IKEA Ottawa store mural by Stephanie Babij.

Designed to reflect the unique cultural identity of the Indigenous homes

We are taking a significant step towards greater representation in our stores by collaborating with Indigenous designers. Through the creation of several contemporary Indigenous room settings, customers get a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and design traditions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The collaboration is rooted in the concept of Indigenous placekeeping and design. Each room featured in the IKEA stores is carefully curated to reflect the unique cultural identity of the Indigenous community it represents. The design process is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions, incorporating elements like storytelling, symbolism, and sustainable practices. By showcasing these Indigenous homes, IKEA Canada hopes to inspire customers and foster a greater understanding of the diversity of Indigenous communities in Canada. 

A picture collage wall with a display cabinet in a room setting.
A living room space with colourful textiles and art on the wall.
A corner reading area of a room setting.
A colourful painting over a display cabinet.
A picture collage over a sofa with cushions and throws.
Contemporary Indigenous showrooms, designed by talented artists: IKEA Edmonton – Lance Cardinal from Bigstone Cree Nation, IKEA Calgary – Lana Manyfingers (Blackfoot and Cree), and IKEA Halifax – John Sillyboy (Eskasoni and Millbrook First Nations).

Showcasing Indigenous art in our stores

IKEA Canada is proud to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action #83 by showcasing Indigenous art in our stores. By featuring the works of talented Indigenous artists, we are working to raise awareness of Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives. This initiative not only celebrates the beauty and diversity of Indigenous art but also contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society. 

IKEA co-workers and community members standing in front of a mural in the IKEA store.
Mural in the IKEA Halifax store.
Lorne Julien is the creative force behind the incredible artwork in IKEA Halifax’s community space. Embracing the spirit of Millbrook First Nation.

The IKEA Beauharnois Distribution Centre/Customer Distribution Centre (DC/CDC) commissioned local Indigenous artist Robin Tekaiakenhtha Marquis to transform an empty space in the warehouse into an impactful display of Indigenous art for co-workers and visitors to appreciate.   

Robin Tekaiakenhtha Marquis created a stunning 26-foot by 8-foot mural featuring waters, the phases of the moon, plants, and trees—some of the many important elements highlighted in the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen (Thanksgiving Address). She also incorporated IKEA colours to represent the start of their partnership, which has since resulted in a deeper understanding of the culture, values, and contributions of the Kahnawake community. 

The IKEA Beauharnois Distribution Centre/Customer Distribution Centre (DC/CDC) commissioned local Indigenous artist Robin Tekaiakenhtha Marquis to transform an empty space in the warehouse into an impactful display of Indigenous art for co-workers and visitors to appreciate.

Our Indigenous outreach projects

IKEA Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous communities and their cultural initiatives. Through our Indigenous outreach projects, we are utilizing our products and expertise to contribute to sustainable and culturally relevant projects. By working closely with Indigenous communities, we aim to foster stronger relationships, promote economic development, and support the preservation of Indigenous heritage.

Group of people on the stairs.
Girl walks in the IKEA store with a smudging pot.
Group of people standing in an IKEA store with a smudging pot.
IKEA co-worker participating in the smudging ceremony.
Woman singing and drumming.
IKEA Winnipeg has taken proactive steps towards reconciliation by creating a roadmap, hiring an Indigenous advisor, and participating in cultural activities like sage picking and pipe ceremonies. The recent smudging ceremony, conducted with Indigenous youth and elders, symbolizes a fresh start for IKEA Winnipeg's relationship with the Indigenous community and a commitment to ongoing learning and reconciliation.

Learn more about IKEA Canada and Indigenous communities