Syncrude Pathways 2015
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
ISSUE NO VI · SYNCRUDE CANADA LTD. ABORIGINAL REVIEW 2015 Truth and Veteran Nicole Astronomer Firefighter NHL Reconciliation welder Bourque- shares Cynthia player Jordin Commission Joe Lafond Bouchier’s Aboriginal Courteoreille Tootoo scores recommendations saves horses family ties perspectives blazes new trails in life 08 14 24 26 30 38 Welcome There are many different pathways to success. It could these stories and connects with First Nations and Métis be sculpting a work of art, preparing dry fish and listening people making positive contributions in their communities, to the wisdom of Elders. It could be studying for certification, bringing new perspectives to the table and influencing a college diploma or university degree. Or it could be change in our society. volunteering for a local not-for-profit organization. Join us as we explore these many diverse pathways There is no end to the remarkable successes and and learn how generations young and old are working accomplishments among Aboriginal people in our region, to make a difference. our province and across our country. Pathways captures THE STORIES in Pathways reflect the six key commitment areas of Syncrude’s Aboriginal Relations BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT program: Business Development, Wood Buffalo is home to some of the As one of the largest employers of Community Development, Education most successful Aboriginal businesses Aboriginal people in Canada, Syncrude’s and Training, Employment, the in Canada. Syncrude works closely goal is to create opportunities that Environment, and Corporate with Aboriginal business owners to enable First Nations, Métis and Inuit Leadership. As a representation identify opportunities for supplying people to fully participate in of our ongoing work with the local goods and services to our operation. all aspects of our operation. First Nations and Métis communities to create and share opportunity, Pathways is one among many initiatives meant to foster dialogue and celebrate shared achievements. COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT Canada is a country rich in diversity We work with local Aboriginal and culture. Syncrude helps Aboriginal communities on such matters as EDITOR Mark Kruger communities celebrate success and end-land use and how we can continue to build capacity for further minimize the long-term impacts of EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Tara Abraham, Kara Flynn, Lana Hill, Colleen progress and achievement. our operations on traditional Legdon, Paul Manuel, Christine Simpson, land uses. Jamie Sullivan, Doug Webb WRITERS Tara Abraham, Drew Casford, John Copley, Maggie Grant, Stephanie Johnston, Mark Kruger, Mike Lupien, Paul Manuel, Chelsey EDUCATION LEADERSHIP Pynn, Leithan Slade PHOTOGRAPHY Learning unlocks the door to reward Leadership is found among young The Alberta Order of Excellence, Art Gallery and personal growth. Syncrude and old alike. As a member of many of Alberta, Todd Bigelow, The Canadian Press, works with Aboriginal communities regional and national organizations, Lori Cyprien, Darren Jacknisky, Ewan Nicholson, Bob Nyen, Chelsey Pynn, Roth & Ramberg, to explore and create diverse Syncrude works with business and Sagkeeng’s Finest, George Webber educational opportunities. governments to champion the DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION & PRODUCTION continued advancement of Aboriginal Karo Group Calgary people across the country. PRINTING Blanchette Press YOUR THOUGHTS FRONT COVER Through Pathways, we hope to bring you inspiring stories that capture Joe Lafond photo by Chelsey Pynn the heart, spirit and success of Aboriginal people and communities. INSIDE BACK COVER We invite you to share your opinion and tell us how we’re doing. Rob Cardinal photo by George Webber www.syncrude.ca/pwfeedback PATHWAYS | 1 ISSUE NO VI · SYNCRUDE CANADA LTD. ABORIGINAL REVIEW 2015 02 14 26 NORTHERN PRIDE JOE LAFOND SAVES HORSES FIRST LIGHT A small First Nation finds huge Veteran welder dedicates his Astronomer brings Aboriginal success in the oil sands. life to helping and protecting perspective to stars and sky. local horses. 8 TRC 10 On the 17 Honouring 20 Traditional 22 Revealing 24 Family Recommendations Move the Spirit Knowledge Colours Ties 30 Blazing 32 Career 34 Love for 36 Home Sweet 38 Scoring 40 Athlete to New Trails Guide the Land Home in Life Statesman Travelling Art Exhibit page 42 Indspire Awards page 44 Wood Buffalo Library page 45 Athabasca Delta Community School page 46 Fort McKay Top in Safety page 47 Acden Celebrates Success page 48 Local Debut of Sagkeeng’s Finest page 49 Scholarship Recipient Dreams Big page 50 Recognition for A.P.E. Maintenance page 51 New Program Champions Education page 52 Keyano Simulator Hits the Road page 53 Environmental Updates page 54 Aboriginal Scorecard page 56 Celebrating our People page 58 Aboriginal Relations Program page 59 Thoughts from the CEO page 60 A SMALL FIRST NATION FINDS HUGE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OIL SANDS. BUT THE BENEFITS ARE MORE THAN JUST ECONOMIC. R T H E R N O N PRIDE It takes less than one minute to drive in Alberta’s growing economy. In the past the community of Goodfish Lake early 1980s, it was dry cleaning. on the Whitefish Lake First Nation, “They did their research, toured and a good 10 minutes for the dust dry cleaning plants in the U.S., and to settle down on the gravel road. realized it was something we could While it’s not well known, this sleepy do to get our people employed,” little hamlet holds many surprises for says George Halfe, GFLBC’s chief the first-time visitor. operating officer. First, there are acres They approached upon acres of farm large and small land and pastures that AS THE BUSINESS businesses in the area dot the landscape of EVOLVES,“ IT KEEPS to provide them with the reserve along the US TOGETHER. industrial dry cleaning Range Road that leads ” services, and looked you to Goodfish Lake. Then there north to the oil sands for potential are the two large buildings in the clients. Syncrude signed on 37 years centre of the community, home to the ago and since then the list of clients successful Goodfish Lake Business has grown to include Suncor, Imperial Corporation (GFLBC). Oil, Canadian Natural Resources There’s definitely an entrepreneurial and Husky Energy. spirit in this community. While the dry cleaning business It can be traced back to the signing grew, a community sewing club was of Treaty 6 in 1876 and Chief Pakan’s having success with project work creation of schools so his people including manufacturing western could be educated and prepared for wear. “Our leaders thought, ‘If we’re the changing world. Over the years, doing the dry cleaning for Syncrude, the Whitefish Lake First Nation has they must be buying their coveralls looked for opportunities to participate from somewhere,’ so we approached MILDRED Memnook MILDRED Memnook PATHWAYS | 4 120 OF 2,000 DRY CLEANING plant PEOPLE LIVING ON RESERVE ARE GOODFISH EMPLOYEES them,” says George. The garment Deborah Favel wants to start her own manufacturing business was launched business one day and her mother and today the protective blue coveralls inspires her to pursue this dream. and winter wear manufactured by Deborah left the reserve and returned Goodfish Lake is a top-of-the-line after getting a diploma in business 37 industry standard. administration. She is an office administrator for GFLBC. YEARS AGO But dry cleaning and garment manufacturing aren’t the only business Her mother worked in manufacturing SYNCRUDE SIGNED ventures in this community. There’s while Deborah was growing up and ON WITH GOODFISH also a laundry business in Edmonton she saw what it was like for families that handles linens from the northern who didn’t have money coming in. camps, a trained wildland firefighting “My mother showed us that if you’re EARNINGS FLOW BACK TO THE crew, a vehicle and rig service not going to school, you need to work,” BAND MEMBERS THROUGH: providing rental equipment and says Deborah. “If she didn’t show me repairs, and a cattle ranch operation how things can be, I don’t think I 1 with plans to expand to 300 head. would be where I am today. I’m proud IMPROVING COMMUNITY that she encouraged me to do better.” “We’re always on the lookout for new INFRASTRUCTURE ideas,” says George. The benefits of having a community- 2 owned business extend beyond The dry cleaning and garment employment. In fact, the business is EDUCATION ENDOWMENT manufacturing companies directly really just a way to further empower employ about 120 of the 2,000 people 3 its residents. GFLBC’s earnings flow who live on the reserve. But, for some, REINVESTMENT back to Band members in three a job there is just the beginning. PATHWAYS | 5 JEANNETTE Breast LARRISA Halfe KATHLEEN Jackson (left) and ANGELA Favel (right) CINDY Jackson ways: community infrastructure the maintenance and location of a improvement projects, an education fleet of trucks that pick up and endowment, and reinvestment. deliver garments here and in Edmonton. She sees first-hand how For Band members this means security, the corporation benefits the entire stability and – above all – opportunity. community. “We’re working for each Just ask Jeannette Breast. She’s just other,” she says. “As the business three weeks into a new position as a evolves, it keeps us together.” transportation assistant. She manages PATHWAYS | 7 The opportunities are endless. Shaleen Cardinal left the reserve several years ago but returned to a job in the dry cleaning operation. She soon found her niche as the corporation’s health and safety/ EMS coordinator. “If you look at other Nations, there aren’t a lot of job opportunities. A lot of members have to venture off the reserve and leave their families,” says Shaleen. “They are gone for a long time to provide for their family, “ WE’RE ALWAYS unlike here where they ON THE LOOKOUT can see their family FOR NEW IDEAS.” every night.” Everyone takes pride in a job well done.