Reflecting on Our Role as a Public Sector Partner 

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada—a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, diverse cultures, resilience, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It is also an opportunity to reflect, listen, and deepen our collective understanding of Indigenous experiences, both past and present. 

At Accerta, our focus is on continuing to develop meaningful and trusted relationships with the diverse communities we serve, so that our business practices align with our commitments to building strong partnerships, enhancing learning and continuous improvement. 

Strengthening Indigenous Relations Through Partnerships and Advancing Economic Reconciliation  

Accerta is a member of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) and an active participant in the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program—a nationally recognized framework that assesses organizational performance in Indigenous relations. 

We are currently at the Committed stage of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (PAIR) certification process with a focus on building foundational governance, internal awareness, and structured approaches to Indigenous relations. 

Participation in the PAIR program provides recommendations on Indigenous relations across key areas, including leadership, employment, business development, and community relationships. It also reinforces the importance of accountability in how we operate as a partner organization. 

Accerta is actively building strong partnerships with Indigenous businesses by incorporating Indigenous businesses into procurement and vendor relationships where appropriate: 

• aligning business practices with broader objectives related to inclusion and economic participation, 
• embedding Indigenous relations considerations into governance and operational planning, and 
• supporting internal awareness and training related to Indigenous relations and cultural competency. 

These practices support a consistent, organization-wide approach to Indigenous relations and strengthen how we work in partnership with Indigenous communities. 

Supporting Services That Reflect Community Needs 

As a program administrator delivering services on behalf of public-sector partners, Accerta is committed to providing high-quality, accessible, responsive, and respectful services to the diverse communities we serve.  

To support this, we aim to: 

• have ongoing dialogue and relationship-building through forums, industry initiatives, and partnership networks,  
• incorporate partner and stakeholder feedback into service design and delivery, 
• adapt services to reflect different community contexts and needs, and 
• maintain a consistent focus on accessibility, respect, and service quality. 

We recognize that effective partnership requires consistency, transparency, and a willingness to listen—particularly in complex public sector environments. This approach supports practical, inclusive, and aligned program delivery.  

Looking Ahead 

National Indigenous History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the role organizations play in building trusted, effective and sustainable partnerships with Indigenous communities. 

We recognize the importance of ongoing learning and engagement. This month is an opportunity for all of us to take time to learn, reflect, and consider how we can strengthen our collaboration with Indigenous communities.