Closing the gap: How DEI enriches the fabric of an organization

By Madeleine Bote for Industry West Magazine

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are values that every business should uphold and strive for when it comes to the inclusion of different groups. The TIPI Group of Companies, an Indigenous-owned and led economic development engine, understands this necessity to make not only Indigenous voices heard in business, but to create spaces where everyone can thrive. DEI doesn’t stop at just gender equality but extends to consider how individuals from different backgrounds and abilities are included and represented across all layers of an organization.


Representation matters


At TIPI, it is believed that DEI doesn’t stop at gender or race equality but must extend to Indigenous engagement and reconciliation in a meaningful way.


“DEI is about enriching the fabric of an organization through focused efforts on preparing a safe, respectful environment that aims to reduce barriers to success,” says Janice Gladue. “This means that leadership must be committed to examining systems, policies, and practices to identify these barriers. They must be open to challenge the status quo and to develop new ways of being and doing things. Change must be real to be impactful.”

Gladue is the chief operating officer (COO) of the TIPI Group of Companies, an Indigenous-owned economic development engine that drives capacity, manages risks, and enables transformation for its communities and clients. The group of companies currently employs nearly 100 people and has operations across the country.


Corporate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts often focus on addressing gaps in representation through recruitment and then fall short in retention. One of the pitfalls an organization may experience is that they do not dig deep to define what successful DEI and Indigenous Engagement looks, feels and means for their organization. Not adjusting their culture and practices and not having clarity on what equity means often results in their efforts running flat. Setting goals that amount to filling quotas will not amount to longevity and success.


“Truth and Reconciliation is foundational to successful corporate Indigenous Engagement initiatives. Committing to learning the truth of the history and experience of Indigenous people should be a starting point for Leadership in order to drive success within their teams and organizations,” Gladue says. “At TIPI we understand what it takes to truly drive change in this regard. TIPI was initially created in 1999 for the sole purpose of closing the gap in representation of Indigenous people as insurance professionals and to change the experience and access of Indigenous communities to insurance coverage.”


Building something new


“There weren’t a lot of Indigenous people in the industry at that time, so we had to build them up. This meant we had to find good people who had core skills, abilities, and some business acumen and then we invested in their training and development through mentorship and support,” says Gladue. The investment of time and the active work put towards their partners and employees is why TIPI created an industry space for Indigenous communities.


Today, TIPI has grown beyond its insurance offerings and has expanded its services to include human resources consulting, talent acquisition services, group benefit administration, and a Truth and Reconciliation for business initiative. Who they are and what they do are grounded in principles that honour and advance Truth & Reconciliation in their work and relationships.


Leading the way


In a world where there are many companies who need help on Indigenous inclusion and engagement through DEI, TIPI fills a niche and bridges a gap within other companies and industries. Legacy Bowes, another organization within TIPI Group of Companies, has Indigenous staff as well as staff that are experienced within Indigenous communities. “The value of leaning in to build our workforce that is at our feet and that is representative of particularly Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, only makes good business sense,” says Gladue.


TIPI works to talk about how to include the impacts of trauma and mental health in employees. This is important when it comes to their work with DEI, as the perspectives of their staff primarily reflect Indigenous ideas and perspectives on diversity that currently are still emerging and developing in a corporate dialogue. TIPI innovates the industry standard for establishing DEI amongst their companies because they are by and for Indigenous and minority groups, thus making their work integral the building blocks of diversity, equity, and inclusion.


Showing up


The meaningful and intentional application of DEI within business and policy is what brings minority voices forward and allows employees to thrive, and also allows for groups to express themselves with integrity and authenticity within business. That is what makes the work of companies like TIPI integral to our evolving business world. By building themselves up with integrity and setting an example, TIPI not only closes the gap, but builds a strong bridge for voices to be elevated in the industries they work in.

TIPI Group of Companies: Empowering Indigenous Communities through Financial Security

December 23, 2024
The innovative wholesale pension plan model is central to TIPI’s strategy, which optimizes financial savings through low investment management fees, leveraging its Indigenous identity. This unique approach fosters savings and champions independence within the framework of a collaborative plan design, offering its clients the best of both worlds. TIPI’s group insurance plans are dedicated to empowering its First Nations clients with industry-specific knowledge, fueling proactive conversations, and inspiring healthier lifestyles within communities. The company offers the TIPI Care Plan, which distributes different benefit lines across multiple insurance carriers as part of its commitment to personalized services. The TIPI Care Plan exemplifies personalized service by offering comprehensive benefits across multiple insurance carriers, ensuring affordability by offering the lowest possible rates per benefit line, and addressing critical health challenges, including substance management and the national doctor shortage. It has partnered with a program based in British Columbia to offer clients substance management services virtually, removing barriers and stigma associated with seeking help. TIPI provides access to healthcare providers with top-notch care, and members can access these services discreetly from their homes or during their lunch breaks in the office. In 2020, TIPI Group of Companies embarked on a strategic expansion, signifying its commitment to addressing the complexities of human resources by acquiring Legacy Bowes, a renowned HR consulting firm. This acquisition marked a milestone in TIPI’s journey toward enhancing its service offerings and underlining its dedication to meeting its clients’ evolving HR needs. Understanding the pivotal role of human resources in organizational success, TIPI introduced Legacy Bowes’ HR-On-Call service to clients on the TIPI Care Plan. This initiative provides plan administrators indispensable guidance, ensuring that clients receive the tailored support necessary to navigate the intricacies of human resource management effectively. Illustrating its commitment to talent’s professional growth and development, TIPI provides access to Legacy Bowes’ meticulously developed leadership and development training programs alongside executive search and recruitment services designed to nurture talent and promote organizational growth. Among these initiatives, its training division proudly offers a ‘Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness’ program and Truth2Action: Reconciliation for Business, a truth and reconciliation awareness program, overseen by dedicated vice presidents. Beyond pension and benefits, TIPI operates another line of business in the property and casualty division, prioritizing Indigenous employment. This division extends comprehensive services from property coverage and community asset protection to commercial liability and Directors & Officers insurance. This positions TIPI as a distinguished brokerage that helps its clients manage risks and protect their most valuable assets. Recognizing the power of data, TIPI implemented its own CRM program to collect valuable data such as resolved claims, outstanding claims, and any complaints received. This data collection is essential to better-serving clients. TIPI believes in the power of teamwork when it comes to serving its clients. Its team members come from diverse insurance backgrounds, providing prompt and knowledgeable client assistance. 100 percent of TIPI’s pension and benefits team of nine brokers identify as First Nation, reflecting its dedication to supporting and providing opportunities to Indigenous professionals. TIPI’s personal care for its clients and plan members cannot be overstated. In one instance, the company assisted a member who had tragically passed away in an accident. During this challenging time, TIPI personally helped facilitate the accidental death claims and pension claims processes. This involved the timely completion of claim forms, liaising with the medical examiner’s office to submit the necessary information to the carrier, and advising the client on managing the funds received. Additionally, the company guided the widow in handling the remaining pension assets. TIPI’s pension and benefits division is a testament to its expansive reach. By prioritizing the empowerment of its members and fostering strong relationships with First Nation partners, TIPI expands its presence across the country and champions a more inclusive and informed approach to retirement planning and benefits management. This article was original published in the Top Benefits Administration Services Providers in Canada 2024 by Manage HR Magazine.
plugged-in extension cords on fire.

Top fire safety tips for your home

By Kendra Hinton • November 29, 2023
Learning how to prevent fires is one of the most important things you can do for your home and your community. Read on for some fire safety tips to help you protect your home and communities from preventable fires.

Commonly asked questions about disability insurance

June 21, 2023
By TIPI Staff Disability insurance helps protect your economic wellbeing. If you’re unable to work because of illness or an accident, this coverage can replace some of your earnings with a monthly benefit to help you pay your expenses. But how does it work exactly? Read on for some frequently asked questions our team receives from clients! Frequently asked questions What is the purpose of disability insurance? What does disability insurance cover? How do I apply for disability insurance? How do I submit my disability claim? How much do I receive from disability insurance? How long can I stay on disability insurance once I’m approved? My family member is sick, and I need to stay home to take care of them. Can I use disability insurance for this purpose? My spouse is on my plan and is unable to work, can they apply for disability under my plan? Why is my case manager asking for medical information? Do the short-term disability insurance premiums continue once an employee is approved for short-term disability? When completing forms what do I put as the last day worked and first day absent? Will I receive my benefits on the same pay schedule as my job? What is the difference between "own occupation" and "any occupation" in disability insurance? Answers to your questions about disability insurance What is the purpose of disability insurance? Disability insurance is a wage replacement benefit. Its purpose is to support employees if they are unable to work due to illness or accident while they recover with a goal of them returning to work. Disability insurance is not meant to be used as a lifetime support. What does disability insurance cover? There are many illnesses and injuries covered through disability, but it is important to determine whether the illness or injury prevents you from performing the duties of your job. In order for your coverages to be approved, you must meet the definition of disability as defined in your group policy. This information can be found in your benefit booklet, which can be obtained from your employer’s Plan Administrator, or by accessing the Plan Details section of the TIPI Care Plan Portal . How do I apply for disability insurance? If you are unable to work due to an illness or injury, you can start your disability claim by calling our office and speaking to one of our disability client service representatives. They will guide you through the process of applying for disability through your disability insurance provider. There are typically three forms that need to be submitted as part of your claim: an employer statement, an employee statement, and an attending physician’s statement. Some providers may require additional forms. How do I submit my disability claim? You can submit your claim through our office by emailing [email protected] or by faxing your claim to 204-949-3503. How much do I receive from disability insurance? The amount of income replacement you would receive depends on your group benefit plan and your regular salary. It is a specific percentage of your pre-disability earnings determined according to your group benefit plan. This information can be found in your benefit booklet, which can be obtained from your employer’s Plan Administrator, or by accessing the Plan Details section of the TIPI Care Plan Portal . How long can I stay on disability insurance once I’m approved? Once approved for disability, you will continue to receive benefits provided you continue to meet the definition of disability. This is determined by your condition, severity of symptoms, and the provisions of your group benefits plan. Short-term disability and long-term disability both have a maximum length of time you can receive benefits. This varies from plan to plan, and this can be found in your benefit booklet, which can be obtained from your employer’s Plan Administrator, or by accessing the Plan Details section of the TIPI Care Plan Portal . My family member is sick, and I need to stay home to take care of them. Can I use disability insurance for this purpose? No, disability insurance can only be used when the employee is sick or injured. Compassionate care may be an option and is available through the federal Employment Insurance program. My spouse is on my plan and is unable to work. Are they able to apply for disability under my plan? No, the disability insurance provided under the group plan only applies to the employee. Why is my case manager asking for medical information? After your claim has been approved, a case manager will be assigned to you. As you go through your recovery process, they may request additional medical information to assess your progress, determine whether you continue to meet the definition of disability, and determine whether additional supports can be provided. Do the short-term disability insurance premiums continue once I am approved for short-term disability? Yes, the premiums for short-term disability are charged throughout the short-term disability period. Once the employee is approved for long-term disability, the premiums for short-term disability are waived. When completing forms what should I put as the last day worked and first day absent? Your last day worked is the day that the employee was last performing the duties of their job. Your first day absent is the first day they were scheduled to work but were unable to work because they had become disabled. If your employer paid you sick or vacation time after you were last at work, there is also a place to enter this date. Will I receive my benefits on the same pay schedule as my job? Your payment schedule is determined by the date you became disabled and your waiting period according to your plan. What is the difference between "own occupation" and "any occupation" for long-term disability insurance? On most benefit plans, for the first two years of disability, you are insured based on the " own occupation " definition, which means your specific job duties that you had been performing up to the time you became disabled . After two years , pending medical evidence, the insurance provider will assess if your disability prevents you from being gainfully employed in any job which provides you with an income of at least 50% of your monthly earnings before you became disabled. Your disability claim may be extended if you cannot do any job as noted above within a pre-determined distance from your home city, as determined by your benefit plan and/or provincial legislation. Don’t see your question here? Reach out to our team by email at [email protected] , or by phone at 1-855-266-TIPI (8474).
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