Frequently asked questions: Reconciliation in Practice Program for Executives

A1: Very little. The primary difference is administrative. IRA172 is now Phase 2 of the program.

Previously, Reflecting on Canada's Colonial History (IRA170) was a prerequisite for Building Meaningful Relationships with Indigenous Peoples (IRA172). IRA170 has now become Phase 1 of the program.

Phase 1 is virtual and typically takes place a few weeks before Phase 2, which is in-person and runs for four days, including a one-day experiential activity.

Phase 3 involves the implementation of a reconciliation project. Learners have 12 months to complete their projects, which culminate in virtual presentations to the group. A learner's deputy minister or the deputy minister's delegate will be invited to attend this presentation.

Another difference is that the program is cohort-based, which ensures continuity for participants. This notable improvement means that all phases are delivered to the same group of learners.

Finally, by offering the program on a request-only basis, the School aims to increase the likelihood that participants will complete all phases of the program.

A2: The program is divided into three phases and includes approximately 36 hours of learning, including four days in person, plus an estimated 30 to 50 hours of individual or group work on the reconciliation project over a period covering up to 12 months.

A3: Currently, Phase 2 takes place in person over four days in Ottawa. The School is working on making this program available outside the National Capital Region.

A4: An organization wishing to enroll participants in the program must first obtain approval, through its head of human resources, from its deputy minister or the deputy minister's delegate. Once the deputy minister or delegate grants approval, the organization's human resources unit must contact the School to proceed with registration.

The minimum acceptable level of approval is head of human resources. This ensures the organization will support executive participants as they implement their reconciliation projects.

Human resources advisors or learning coordinators are encouraged to contact the School early through their usual channels if they have any questions.

A5: Yes. It is likely that some organizations will be grouped together to reach the minimum cohort size of 15 participants.

A6: All travel costs and related expenses are the responsibility of the participants' organizations.

A7: Learners have full discretion to choose their reconciliation project.

They can complete a project individually or in collaboration with other members of their cohort. The project should be relevant to their organization's context and must be supported by their deputy minister or the deputy minister's delegate.

The entire program, including the reconciliation project, must be formally included in the learning plan of each learner's performance management agreement.

The deputy minister or their delegate will be invited to attend the learner's virtual presentation of their project at the end of the program.

A8: A learner who has already completed IRA170 should inform their learning coordinator, who will notify the School to verify the records. In such cases, the learner will not need to retake the course unless they choose to.

A9: According to the School's policy, learners must attend at least 80% of the in-class time to fulfill the participation requirement and complete the program.

A10: Only individuals who hold a substantive EX-01 to EX-05 executive position are eligible to register.

Names should be collected and submitted by the organization's learning coordinator or human resources advisor.

We also recommend that coordinators identify backup participants in case a participant withdraws at the last minute. These backup participants will be invited to attend Phase 1 (Reflecting on Canada's Colonial History, IRA170) to ensure they are prepared to join the cohort if needed.