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Language inclusive of people of colour ● Do not use the phrases “spirit animal,” “pow-wow” or “tribe”
unless you’re literally referring to those things. Similarly, re-
Creating a space that is safe for people of colour requires white frain from saying “circle the wagons” or using the totem pole
people to do signifcant self-refection on the ways they uphold as a metaphor for the corporate ladder.
whiteness, however inadvertently.
● Do you pride yourself on being the grammar police? Though Language inclusive of people with disabilities
textbook grammar is important in formal business commu-
nications, mocking or nitpicking someone’s grammar in Everyday language is rife with ableism. It takes a lot of effort
more casual communications is classist and often racist. to catch ourselves in the act, as words like “crazy” and “in-
● Capitalize the names of nationalities, peoples and cultural sane” tumble from our mouths without a second thought.
groups, such as Black, Jewish, Asian, etc. These words, and many others, are harmful to people living
● Call out microaggressions and tone-policing when you see with mental illness. There are also several terms and phrases
them. This work often starts with noticing these harmful be- we commonly use that are hurtful to those living with physical
haviours in yourself. disabilities.
◗ Microaggressions: These are the small but frequent in- ● Instead of “crazy,” use “wild,” “ridiculous” or “absurd.”
dignities (usually verbal) that people deal with. Over a ● Refrain from using the words “blind” and “deaf” when de-
lifetime, microaggressions can diminish and exhaust peo- scribing someone who is not actually blind or deaf.
ple of colour. Examples include asking someone “Where ● Do not use the words “handicap” or “cripple/crippled.”
are you really from?”, assuming someone’s ethnicity just ● Use people-frst language. Instead of referring to someone as
by looking at them or telling someone that their English disabled, refer to them as a person with a disability.
is really good (the implication being that other people of ● Wheelchairs and other assistive devices are not weaknesses
colour don’t speak English well or that a person of colour or items of pity, but tools of independence. A person is not
must not be a native English speaker). “wheelchair-bound”; they simply use a wheelchair.
◗ Tone-policing: This is a tool of conversational control that
white people often use during uncomfortable conversa- Language inclusive of people experiencing
tions about race, distracting from or shutting down the financial instability
issue being discussed when things get heated. Examples in-
clude phrases like “Let’s talk about this when you’re calmer” ● Refrain from using terms like “poor,” “disadvantaged” and
or “You’d get your point across better if you weren’t so an- “less fortunate.” Instead, use people-frst language and
gry.” What this inadvertently does is tell people of colour phrasing like “people experiencing homelessness.”
that your discomfort with the subject matters more to you
than the oppression they face every day. What’s Next?
Language inclusive of people who are Métis, Inuit or The above suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg when it
from a First Nation comes to reframing the way you and your legal department
communicate internally and with others. To become true
It’s important to remember that Indigenous communities and champions of inclusion within your organizations, and the
First Nations do not belong to Canada, and their autonomy larger legal and business communities, familiarize yourself with
should be refected in the language we use. the resources listed here and look for more. Also, remember
● Do not use the phrasing “Canada’s First Nations,” but in- that both language and our ideas around what constitutes in-
stead, “First Nations located in Canada” or “Indigenous clusive language (and what does not) are always changing. Keep
Peoples living in Canada.” This removes any colonial or pa- an open mind and never stop learning! ❚
ternalistic overtones.
● Wherever possible, refer to someone as being from their spe-
cifc band or First Nation, rather than describing them as Karen Sadler is the Marketing & Communications Coordinator at the CCCA.
simply “Indigenous.”

There are numerous resources and guidelines about inclusive language available
on the web. Here are some good ones to start with:
Inclusive
Language words matter (from the bC a progressive’s style guide Queen’s university inclusive
(from sum of us): https://
Language guidelines: https://
public service): https://www2.
Help gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/careers/all- s3.amazonaws.com/s3.sumofus. www.queensu.ca/styleguide/
employees/working-with-others/ org/images/SUMOFUS_ inclusivelanguage
words-matter.pdf PROGRESSIVE-STYLEGUIDE.pdf

22 CCCa MaGazINe | SuMMer 2019 ÉTÉ