In Canada, the month of June recognizes National Indigenous History Month and June 21 marked National Indigenous Peoples Day. Both are a celebration of the rich heritage, traditions and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous history and experiences and recognize the more than 630 Indigenous communities across Canada.
Throughout the month, cultural celebrations are happening online in communities across Canada, and many are open to everyone. It is also an important opportunity to underscore intolerance of racism and our commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Journeys, a network of more than 700 Suncor employees who support reconciliation through increased understanding of Indigenous culture and history, hosted virtual ranging from a Q&A with the producers of Fox Chaser to a discussion on the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
Martha Hall Findlay, chief sustainability officer, reflects, “Indigenous cultures have known for thousands of years the importance of people and relationships. Now, more than ever, we have much to learn from Indigenous Peoples and communities. I am excited to continue to learn and celebrate with employees across the country.”
Increasing awareness and helping advance Indigenous awareness and inclusion at Suncor is something the company strives to do all year long through training courses, members of the Suncor team also sharing ReconciliACTION moments – short presentations that help advance Indigenous awareness and inclusion at Suncor, and employee and company donations to advance Indigenous awareness and inclusion at Suncor.
Taking Suncor’s Aboriginal Awareness web-based training
At Suncor, the work we do directly affects Indigenous communities, and we are committed to building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.
The course looks at the diversity and resilience of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, the impact of European arrival and colonization on Indigenous Peoples, and how Suncor works to build a strong sense of community and collaboration in the areas where we operate.
Interested? This accessible, 40-minute course is available to anyone on our website. Check it out here.
Donating SunCares dollars to a charity or non-profit organization that’s devoted to the well-being and advancement of Indigenous Peoples
SunCares, supported by Suncor and the Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF), inspires team members to contribute to communities and support the causes that are important to them. SunCares amplifies employee contributions to communities through volunteering, matching, SunCares Community Giving Networks (SCGNs) and Changemakers.
Indigenous Peoples is also one of three funding priorities for the Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF). In 2019, Suncor and SEF invested more than $4.9 million towards the goal of learning from and with Indigenous Peoples.
Want to learn more about what we’re doing? Check this out!
