Welcome to This Space: A Community for Corporate Natives and Allies
by Dean Beresford | December 20, 2024
When I began my journey with our Indigenous Peoples Employee Resource Group (ERG) eight years ago, our mission was simple: to create a space for Indigenous professionals inside our company—a place where we could connect, support one another, and share our unique perspectives. What began as a small initiative grew into a global, virtual chapter, bringing together nearly 2,000 members, most of whom were allies.
I am immensely proud of what we built, but as our group evolved, I began to notice a significant difference between our experience and that of other segments. While we worked tirelessly to carve out our space, many other ERGs benefited from the presence of executive leaders who shared their lived experiences. They had greater numbers, and their size allowed them to distribute the workload more evenly across their organizations. These factors gave them opportunities to engage more broadly, gain visibility, and amplify their impact in ways that were often challenging for us.
Over time, I realized that while we were appropriately focused on creating space inside our own company, there was untapped potential in engaging across organizations. Indigenous professionals—what I call Corporate Natives—share many common experiences, regardless of the companies we work for. And yet, we often operate in silos, navigating challenges that others may not fully understand.
Recently, I’ve been given the mixed blessing of some time on my hands due to a corporate restructuring. While this transition is not without its challenges, it has also provided me with the opportunity to focus on launching this initiative—something I have envisioned for years. My intention is to create a community where Corporate Natives and ERG leaders can come together to learn, share, and grow. A space where we can support one another and benefit from the collective wisdom and experiences of others who have walked similar paths. I envision this as a place where we can find the connection, guidance, and inspiration that other segments often enjoy, and in doing so, amplify the impact we can have in our workplaces and beyond.
Whether you’re a Corporate Native seeking connection, an ally looking to support ERGs, or a leader working to build inclusive spaces within your organization, you are welcome here. Together, we can create a network that transcends organizational boundaries and drives meaningful change.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s make this space a source of strength, learning, and shared purpose for all who come here.
