In real estate, we deal with land every single day. We market it, we price it, and we transfer ownership. But before a title changed hands or a street was named, this land belonged to and was stewarded by Indigenous peoples for millennia. The Land Remembers and So Must We.
The path to buying or selling a property is, fundamentally, a path through history. Acknowledging this history is not just a moral imperative, it is a professional responsibility that lies at the heart of genuine Truth and Reconciliation. As realtors, we must move past simple land acknowledgments and commit to tangible action.
This is a journey, not a destination. Here are four foundational steps for starting your personal and professional commitment to Truth and Reconciliation within the real estate world.
Step 1: Foundational Education – Understanding the “Truth” | Truth and Reconciliation in Real Estate
You cannot begin reconciliation without first knowing the truth. This initial step requires deliberate learning and a willingness to confront difficult historical facts.
This is your due diligence before anything else:
- Read the TRC Calls to Action: Familiarize yourself with the 94 Calls to Action released by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Pay special attention to those related to business, education, and social justice.
- Local Indigenous History: Research the specific Indigenous Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities whose traditional territory you operate on. This goes beyond the formal acknowledgment; learn about their culture, history, and current land claims or issues.
- Decolonize Your Vocabulary: Be mindful of the language you use when discussing land, territory, and history, especially when marketing properties. Commit to understanding terms like “treaty land,” “unceded territory,” and “sovereignty.”
Step 2: Researching the Land – Beyond the Deed | Truth and Reconciliation in Real Estate
As real estate professionals, we focus heavily on the legal deed, but the history of the land goes back far further than the last municipal transfer. Integrating land history into your professional practice is a powerful step.
How to incorporate this into your practice:
- Treaty Knowledge: Know which specific treaty governs the area where your clients are buying or selling (if applicable), or if the territory is unceded. Understand the promises and the current status of that treaty.
- Sharing with Clients: When presenting a property, be prepared to share the relevant land acknowledgment and, if appropriate, historical context. This models responsible land stewardship and encourages clients to think beyond their immediate transaction.
- Indigenous Mapping Resources: Utilize online tools and maps (like Native-Land.ca or local Indigenous resource centres) to accurately identify traditional territories and share that information respectfully.
Step 3: Ethical Engagement and Partnership | Truth and Reconciliation in Real Estate
Reconciliation requires active engagement that goes beyond internal education. It means shifting your business practices to be inclusive and supportive of Indigenous communities.
Practical engagement strategies:
- Consultation & Guidance: If your business is involved in development, land use, or community building, seek out Indigenous consultation or guidance before plans are finalized. Do not assume you know what is best.
- Supplier Diversity: Actively seek out and hire Indigenous-owned businesses for services related to real estate (e.g., photography, staging, home maintenance, legal services).
- Support Indigenous-Led Housing: Research and support organizations focused on solving the Indigenous housing crisis in your region. This could involve volunteering time or providing professional expertise pro-bono.
Step 4: Moving from Acknowledgment to Consistent Action
The true test of commitment is consistency. Reconciliation is not a one-time donation or a single land acknowledgment; it is a commitment to continuous learning and advocacy.
Ways to sustain the commitment:
- Annual Budget Allocation: Commit a portion of your annual commission or marketing budget to supporting local Indigenous education, cultural centres, or housing initiatives.
- Advocacy: Use your platform to advocate for policies (local or provincial) that support the rights and housing needs of Indigenous peoples, such as advocating for affordable housing and addressing systemic barriers.
- Share Your Learning: Use your blog, social media, and client interactions to respectfully share what you are learning and encourage others in your industry and network to join the journey.
The Land Remembers and So Must We. | Truth and Reconciliation in Real Estate
Starting your journey of Truth and Reconciliation requires humility, education, and, most importantly, action. It challenges the status quo of how we view and trade land. By integrating these steps into your professional life, you not only become a more ethical and responsible realtor but a true partner in building a better future.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s commit to learning and acting together.
