Building respectful and mutually-beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities has long defined how we do business. And whether we are working together to develop world-class infrastructure such as Alberta Powerline, or supporting First Nation, Inuit and Métis students across Canada through our Indigenous Education Program, we are committed to understanding their unique perspectives.

In June, we joined people across Canada in celebrating National Indigenous History Month. This was a recognition of the historic contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the development of Canada, as well as the strength of present-day Indigenous communities and their promise for the future.

With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting our face-to-face interactions, our employees enjoyed an incredible month of learning, including educational lunch and learn events, a beading workshop with Amy Willier from Moonstone Creation and an inspiring and thought-provoking session with self-proclaimed “Indigeneer” Deanna Burgart, on how corporations can include Indigenous perspectives in the workplace in an ethical and meaningful way. 

We also celebrated and highlighted some of our own Indigenous employees, who shared their own insights:

Nicole Minde, Advisor, Indigenous Relations and member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation​: “Indigenous Peoples have and continue to make significant contributions to Canadian society. We are like anyone else--we care and worry about our families and Elders but unfortunately, many of our stories are blurred by negativity. We are judged too quick by the color of our skin or where we are from, which further adds to the cycle of racism and discrimination. Considering everything happening around the world we need to learn of our diversities that make us all unique. The relearning of Indigenous Peoples is not easy and can be overwhelming, engaging in dialogue and listening will be challenging but is also necessary. As we increase our understanding and learn how our differences influence each other, perhaps we can find that common ground to move forward together.”

Morgan Reynolds, Clerk, Transmission Capital Maintenance in Projects & Construction and member of Dene Tha’ First Nation: “It is important for Canadians know the real, untold history of Indigenous peoples, who were here long before settlers and understand the effects of their first contact with Europeans. This may help people understand why Indigenous people do certain things and why they have some disadvantage in society. Increased knowledge also helps clarify some of the misconceptions depicted about Indigenous people that paint a very misleading picture of who we are.”