The truth is, this company is run by a non-Indigenous person. It started as "PQA" (which apparently no longer exists but was still listed as my employer on payroll) until the current CEO, Keith, decided to exploit the system, using actual Indigenous people to generate profit. To be recognized as an Indigenous business, 51% of the ownership must be Indigenous. Keith used his former Indigenous co-worker, Denis, from PQA, to launch "PLATO." It's sickening that Denis has little to no involvement with the company, while these two manipulate the system, underpaying Indigenous employees and profiting from government incentives tied to "training programs" and "Crisis hotline centers." (with no professionals to oversee the program for the crisis center, no one working in that section is trained properly)
PLATO advertises itself as "Indigenous-led," holding cultural symbols high to attract both clients and employees, yet the majority of management is made up of white employees—many with longstanding ties to the former company, PQA (you can see this clearly on their website).
There’s no acknowledgment of Truth and Reconciliation Day. No regard for employees’ personal matters. No opportunities for real advancement. What we have are lies, a toxic culture, and a power-hungry leader who accepts accolades on behalf of real Indigenous people, while underpaying and undermining them.
