As of 2025-11-10, decolonization remains a live business, policy, and community imperative. This brief connects three timely threads: a new UN-level signal condemning colonialism in all its forms, an Indigenous-led tourism model rooted in Miyo‑pimatisiwin (the Cree philosophy of “the good life”), and practical relationship-building through Circles for Reconciliation. Together, they outline risks to ignore and actions leaders can take now.
Condemning Colonialism Today
The UN Fourth Committee recently adopted a resolution to establish an International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations—formal recognition that decolonization work continues (Source). China’s deputy UN envoy underscored that ending colonialism extends beyond military occupation to include ideological, political, economic, and cultural domains (Source).
Leaders should watch for contemporary manifestations: structural and legal legacies tied to governance and self‑determination debates (Source); denial and narrative erasure that reframe systemic dispossession as isolated incidents (Source); and ongoing suppression of Indigenous cultural and spiritual life (Source). Practical steps include aligning public commitments with the UN agenda, supporting truth‑telling and cultural preservation, and protecting Indigenous heritage and religious expression (Source; Source; Source; Source).
Miyo‑pimatisiwin: Implications for Indigenous Tourism
Miyo‑pimatisiwin (Cree for “the good life”) positions Indigenous tourism as cultural transmission—not product packaging—balancing emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing through story, food, land‑based practice, and ceremony. A CBC First Person account details how Cree North Adventures uses tipi stays, traditional foods, and family knowledge to share Miyo‑pimatisiwin while strengthening community pride and healing (Source).
The sector’s momentum is material: nearly 3,000 Indigenous tourism businesses now operate in Canada, with continued growth, advancing economic sovereignty and cultural preservation (Source). Destination marketers also report a shift toward authentic, community‑led experiences (Source). For leaders, priorities include: routing investment and bookings to Indigenous‑owned operators (Source); centering cultural protocol and consent; building long‑term partnerships; measuring impact beyond revenue; and investing in pre‑visit education for staff and guests.
Circles for Reconciliation: What They Are and How to Engage
Circles for Reconciliation are structured small‑group dialogues designed to build trusting relationships between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous participants, aligned with reconciliation efforts and local partnership principles (Source). Circle practice draws on Indigenous methods of shared speaking and listening, with facilitation for equal participation; many programs describe clear purposes, components, and use cases for healing and community connection (Source; Source).
Reported outcomes include emotional wellness and strengthened relationships, reflected in local sharing circles facilitated by community organizations (Source). To find or co‑host opportunities, monitor calls from arts centres, family resource centres, and co‑ops that partner on Circles for Reconciliation and related gatherings (Source; Source; Source). Action steps for organizations: confirm local demand, co‑design with Indigenous partners or Elders, publicize clear participation criteria, provide culturally safe spaces, compensate knowledge‑holders, and offer follow‑up supports (Source).
Sources
Across policy, markets, and community practice, the through‑line is clear: decolonization requires confronting legacies and mindsets while investing in Indigenous leadership, culture, and relationships. Leaders can start by aligning to UN decolonization signals, partnering with Indigenous tourism operators on community‑defined wellbeing, and co‑hosting reconciliation circles that build trust and capacity. The payoff is not only ethical alignment—it’s organizational resilience and relevance in communities you serve.
