Story shared by Mila Mezei

What are we doing today for a better tomorrow?

At Rise, we are constantly evaluating: What are we doing today for a better tomorrow? It’s a powerful question that reminds us that the actions and decisions we make today shape the world our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will inherit. 

As an Indigenous-owned consulting firm grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, we know that sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are as core to our work as they are to Indigenous worldviews. With the clients and communities we work with, we are bridging Indigenous knowledge systems and modern ESG frameworks to support a future where our land, resources, businesses and economies are inclusive and resilient.

Storying with Clients in Sustainability and ESG

Indigenous Peoples have practiced land stewardship and sustainable development since time immemorial. The teachings we’ve received emphasize balance, reciprocity, and respect for the land, water, air, and all living and non-living things, and highlight that everything is interconnected. These teachings are proven systems of sustainability.

We work with clients across industries to bring Indigenous perspectives into sustainability planning, ESG strategy and business operations. For example, we collaborated with the First Nations Market Housing Fund to develop an ESG Policy and a corresponding Policy Scorecard. “Working with Rise was a very valuable experience. The outputs of our work together have supported an ongoing positive impact in our practice, including accountability with our Trustees,” Travis Seymour, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Market Housing Fund. 

By integrating Indigenous knowledge, we’re helping organizations see sustainability not just as compliance and something to reduce risk and increase ESG scores, but as a relationship with the earth that must be nurtured and protected.

Advancing Equity through ESG

ESG isn’t just about emissions or environmental impact; it’s about people. At Rise, the “S”(Social) in ESG is deeply important. We work with organizations to advance equity for Indigenous Peoples and communities through inclusive procurement, hiring practices and community engagement.

For example, we worked with Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) to enhance the visibility and participation of Indigenous businesses in their Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program.

From supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in accessing procurement pathways to helping organizations build inclusive workplaces and foster long-term relationships with Indigenous communities, we guide our clients to increase equity in their organizations.

Strengthening Governance and Leadership

The “G” in ESG – Governance – is often the most overlooked, but for Truth and Reconciliation work, it’s critical. Strong governance means creating space for Indigenous voices in decision-making, including on boards and leadership teams.

We support clients to reflect Indigenous inclusion in their governance frameworks. This includes co-developing inclusive policies, ensuring alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and embedding Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) into corporate policy. We also encourage clients to take accountability by setting targets, measuring their progress, reporting transparently, and evolving their approach as they receive feedback and input from Indigenous communities.

For example, we worked with ATB Financial to co-create their Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan, which includes an Accountable Leadership pillar that focuses on creating an integrative, enterprise-wide approach to foster meaningful relationships, supported by leadership, community engagement and community support.

Effective governance means bringing the whole organization along and grounding in accountability. We’ve worked with many companies over the years, and the ones that are most successful in advancing Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion are those that include all levels and functions across the business in the journey. 

Walking the Talk

At Rise, we lead by example. We are a company that reflects our values, is aware of our environmental footprint, fosters an inclusive workplace culture, and governs in a way that is accountable, transparent and centers Indigenous voices.

We minimize our environmental footprint by operating as a remote-first organization and limiting travel to when it’s necessary. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we adhere to a Virtual Office Stewardship Policy that offers practical tips and recommendations for setting up an environmentally responsible home office – from choosing efficient electronics and unplugging devices to reduce phantom power, to purchasing office supplies from environmentally and socially responsible vendors. 

Our commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility is also guided by our Reconciliation and Indigenous Inclusion Policy, which outlines our principles and commitments to support the rising presence of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and embrace Two-Eyed Seeing. As of June 2025, 43% of our team identifies as Indigenous. We support inclusivity and retention for all employees through initiatives such as a professional development allowance, flexible work arrangements, inclusive health and wellness program and clear pathways to leadership and career growth. Additionally, integrating Indigenous knowledge systems and worldview into our ways of working is a goal within our strategic plan, supported by dedicated resources (time and budget for use with honourarium and protocol, to share with those who share with us). 

We uphold wise governance principles by centring the voices and guidance of our Indigenous Advisory Circle, ensuring our work and decisions reflect Indigenous knowledge, priorities, and perspectives. As an organization founded and led by Annie Korver, a citizen of the Métis Nation, we are committed to walking the talk through authentic Indigenous leadership. 

ESG principles are embedded into all aspects of Reconciliation, and we are proud to walk alongside our clients as they navigate their sustainability, ESG and Reconciliation journeys. Whether we’re helping a financial institution consider Indigenous inclusion in their sustainable investing fund or helping an energy company develop a Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan, we center Indigenous voices and are guided by Indigenous values. We have a responsibility to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems and worldview into the methodologies we develop and use; and act with integrity, accountability, transparency and respect.

At Rise, we walk the talk and recognize that the work we’re doing today, centring Indigenous voices, building authentic relationships and respecting the land, is essential for a better tomorrow.