MPI commits to truth, reconciliation with improved services for Indigenous Peoples

Manitoba Public Insurance announced Friday it is taking steps to advance truth and reconciliation, including improved services for Indigenous Peoples.

The Crown corporation published a statement of commitment to truth and reconciliation, while unveiling its first Indigenous action plan, after receiving input from Indigenous communities, staff, customers and others.

MPI said it expects to expand road-safety initiatives, review Indigenous employment and representation within the corporation and improve driver licensing and identification services for remote and northern communities in the first year of the five-year action plan.

“This work represents a significant milestone for our organization, but more importantly, it reflects the voices and experiences shared with us through engagement with Indigenous communities across Manitoba,” MPI president and CEO Satvir Jatana said in a news release.

Jatana pledged respectful partnerships and culturally safer spaces, guided by input from Indigenous Peoples.

“While this plan establishes a foundation for action, we also view it as a living document that must continue to evolve through ongoing collaboration and guidance from Indigenous Peoples and communities in the years to come,” she said.

MPI said it will design and develop comprehensive cultural education training for employees, which includes teachings such as tobacco offering, smudging, the seven sacred teachings and the historical and ongoing impacts of residential schools and the ’60s Scoop. The training will be delivered in-person and virtually.

The public auto insurer also pledged to improve Indigenous hiring and leadership development processes to increase Indigenous representation.

The 20-page action plan said the corporation will find ways to improve mobile driver testing in remote and northern communities. Mobile ID clinics will also be held.

Information will be offered in Indigenous languages. Road-safety campaigns will be tailored to Indigenous communities.

MPI said it will offer culturally safer and trauma-informed support for Indigenous Peoples who submit claims, and it will provide collision survivors with information about spiritual care providers and/or elder care services.

MPI’s statement of commitment to truth and reconciliation states: “Manitoba Public Insurance commits to continue building and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba, fostering an inclusive organization that promotes economic reconciliation, raising awareness, and increasing representation among employees, while ensuring culturally safer spaces and barrier-free access to the products and services offered.”

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca