First Nations, Métis and Inuit alike a driven by relationships based on mutual respect and the values espoused by their rich and diverse cultures across Canada.  When it comes to doing business, transforming those relationships and enabling partnerships are an important part of working with Indigenous peoples.

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) understands this better than anybody.  Their approach to relationships and partnerships is a key driver in working with the Indigenous business community.  Their commitments and accomplishments are highlighted in their latest edition of “A Chosen Journey”: the RBC Indigenous Partnership Report 2020.

Translation of the RBC Indigenous Partnership Report into Inuktitut and Cree was provided by Nations Translation Group Inc.  RBC generously featured NTG/TGN within their report citing the company as “a proud First Nation-owned corporation. NTG is a leader in the field of translation, with 28 years’ experience in providing translation services in over 93 languages, 20 of which are Indigenous.”

According to RBC: “We are proud to partner with NTG for the translation of this year’s A Chosen Journey.”

According to their report, for more than 25 years, RBC has been committed to the reconciliation journey, specifically in the last few years while honouring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92 – to work with Indigenous Peoples to create long-term, sustainable economic development, employment, social impact and procurement opportunities.  This is evident in the pages of the report and the stories that are told from their Indigenous clientele.

NTG-TGN is also a dedicated and grateful partner with RBC and their work in Indigenous partners.  To be considered a partner by them in celebrating the best of First Nation, Métis and Inuit business is an accomplishment.

“As a First Nations business, we honour RBC’s commitment to continued partnership with Nations Translation Group and with Indigenous business across Canada.”

SCOTT PATLES-RICHARDSON, CHAIR OF NTG

“The dedication of RBC to sharing their successes with Indigenous peoples in their own languages is commendable,” said Scott Patles-Richardson, Chair of Nations Translation Group.  “As a national First Nations owned and operated business, I honour their commitment to continued partnerships with our company and with Indigenous business across Canada. We are truly honoured to be considered a partner by RBC.”

NTG-TGN provided translation services in both Inuktitut and Cree, which are two of the three largest language groups in Canada.  (The other is Anishinaabemowin, or the Ojibwe language.)  Localization of these translations can be quite varied as there are a great number of regional and local dialects depending on which part of the territory the translators are from.

“Given the different dialects, we worked collaboratively with RBC to ensure the broadest audience of Indigenous speakers could understand the RBC report in their mother tongue.  The Nêhiyawêwin language (Cree) have more speakers and dialects than any other Indigenous language in Canada,” explains Mr. Patles-Richardson.  “At NTG, we go above and beyond to translate and localize the specific dialect that will reach a given audience. Although most of our translation services are in French, we were very proud to collaborate with RBC on an initiative that supports Indigenous languages as well. Our company’s core values as Indigenous shareholders is to promote our language speakers and encourage their use and preservation.”

“This report balances these dialects to ensure it was readable and understandable by as many Inuit and Nehiyaw readers as possible,” added Mr. Patles-Richardson.

In this year’s edition of the RBC report, they showcased the first-hand stories of various Indigenous women. RBC describes them as “inspiring leaders are helping foster sustainable communities, driving economic growth and innovation, and creating positive change on critical issues throughout the country, including mental health, gender-based violence and youth skills development.”

NTG-GTN too are celebrating recent partnerships.  The company is firmly committed to collaboration with Indigenous partners, including the Little Red River Cree Nation (LRRCN) who recently announced the completion of the acquisition of a 49 per cent equity share in the company.  As a result of this new partnership, NTG-GTN is now a 100 percent First Nations owned business.