In June we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day. Wilcox Door Service Inc., an Aboriginal-owned business, is proud to honour and celebrate the heritage, diversity, contributions, and achievements of Indigenous Peoples across Canada — First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
For centuries, many Indigenous communities have celebrated and honoured the summer solstice on June 21, the longest day of the year. It’s a day that has spiritual significance for many Indigenous Peoples and has been designated as National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Wilcox Values Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Responsibility
The Wilcox team recognizes the importance of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day. We have great respect for Indigenous Peoples and the contributions they’ve made to help Canada become the country it is today. Our owners represent a number of diverse backgrounds including First Nations. They appreciate the significance of celebrating the history and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.
At Wilcox, diversity and inclusion matter. We’re proud of the diversity in our team and our involvement with organizations that promote diversity in the workplace — including the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), and the Black North Initiative. We hold regular activities, like Culture Days, to share our experiences and learn from each other. We appreciate our employees’ enthusiasm for learning and contributing to meaningful change.
At Wilcox we also value social responsibility, and we support many organizations that do great work in the community. This includes organizations doing important work to support Indigenous communities:
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.
In the spirit of reconciliACTION, we’re excited to share that we’re transforming our boardroom into a Legacy Space. This Wilcox initiative is part of the DWF’s Legacy Spaces program. Our Legacy Space will be a safe, welcoming space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples work together to build connections and understanding while ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are represented and celebrated in our workplace.
Iroquois Roots Rugby
Iroquois Roots Rugby provides an Indigenous-led rugby program that honours Indigenous culture and recognizes the unique environments of First Nations communities in Ontario.
The Iroquois Roots Rugby program is in accordance with the calls to action related to sport in the 2015 report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada:
- reduce barriers to sports participation;
- promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being;
- increase the pursuit of excellence in sport; and
- build capacity in the Canadian sports system to be inclusive of Indigenous people.
Orange Shirt Society
Orange Shirt Day takes place annually on September 30 — the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s an important day for us at Wilcox as we honour the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools. We remember the survivors, those who never returned home, and their families.
Orange Shirt Day is a reminder of the devastating effects of the residential school system on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Learning, reflecting, and supporting the healing journey of survivors and the families affected is an essential part of our path toward reconciliation and a reminder that Every Child Matters.
Do Something
Gord Downie, solo artist and the lead singer and songwriter for the Canadian band the Tragically Hip, was also one of the founders of the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF). Gord and his brother Mike collaborated with the Wenjack family to forge a path toward reconciliation and inspire us to take action.
While Gord was fighting cancer, he was also championing Indigenous issues. He called out to all Canadians, “Do something.” We lost Gord to cancer in 2017, but he left an incredible legacy: music, films, art, and an important charitable organization that continues to champion Indigenous issues.
As National Indigenous History Month winds down, we echo Gord’s words: Do something.
Every person has the ability to create meaningful change. We encourage you to continue to learn about the history, contributions, and resilience of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples — First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Listen to their stories. Honour their achievements. Reflect; then forge your own path toward reconciliation. Do something.
The Journey Toward Reconciliation
There are many ways to honour Indigenous Peoples and to move forward on a path toward reconciliation. Consider these actions:
- Educate yourself about the diverse cultures and histories of Indigenous Peoples.
- Learn about the impact of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples.
- Learn about the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities.
- Read the 2015 report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
- Donate to and volunteer with an organization that helps improve Indigenous Peoples’ lives.
- Support Indigenous artists and cultural events.
- Read books by Indigenous authors.
- Support Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Create a legacy room in your office.
- Advocate for Indigenous rights.
- Insist on change. Make your vote count.
At Wilcox, we’ve taken important steps on our journey, but we recognize that reconciliation is complex. As we near the end of National Indigenous History Month, we look forward to opportunities to continue to learn and participate in change throughout the year.
About Wilcox Door Service Inc.
Wilcox Door Service Inc., established in 1912, is a certified Aboriginal-owned business and the industry leader in supplying, installing and servicing door, dock, and gate solutions for commercial and industrial facilities.
We specialize in the design, development, and manufacturing of commercial and industrial doors, dock equipment, cranes, gates, fencing, security, builders hardware, and fans. We provide innovative and reliable commercial and industrial products designed for harsh conditions.
When you choose Wilcox, you’ll get the high-quality solutions you need — and an installation process that ensures minimal disruption to your business operations. Our certified technicians will handle your installation efficiently and safely.
You can also count on us for planned maintenance and emergency services. Our skilled repair team includes master technicians, certified electricians, and welders. We can properly diagnose problems and quickly find solutions. If you need us, we’re available 24 hours/day — every day.
Connect with us today — We’ll help you find the best solutions for your company.
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