Indigenous engagement

 

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We strive to build strong and lasting relationships with Indigenous Peoples built on mutual trust, respect and prosperity. This effort is grounded in a commitment to listen deeply and act collaboratively as we work together to develop energy solutions for future generations.

Many of our operations and development opportunities are located close to Indigenous communities or on their Traditional lands and we recognize that our company and our employees have an important role in progressing Reconciliation.

900+

Indigenous employees and contractors have self-identified at our upstream assets

$6 billion +

More than $6 billion invested with Indigenous businesses since 2008 

50

Esso retail and cardlock sites across Canada owned or operated by Indigenous businesses or on Indigenous land

Imperial's four pillars of Indigenous engagement

Our goal is to collaborate with Indigenous communities on a common vision for progress, environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

  • Pillar 01

    Consultation
     
     

    • Engaging early and often to enhance transparency and understanding
    • Incorporating lessons learned

  • Pillar 02

    Career readiness and workforce development

    • Understanding community vision for success
    • Growing a workforce representative of our communities
    • Enabling a culture of belonging

  • Pillar 03

    Economic development
     

    • Focused on capacity building
    • Indigenous content valued in procurement contracts

  • Pillar 04

    Engagement
     
     

    • Building meaningful relationships
    • Understanding community needs and priorities
    • Participating in community-centric social investment

    The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business offers the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations certification program to recognize positive relationships between businesses and Indigenous groups. There are varying levels of certification depending on the maturity of the company’s Indigenous policies and outreach. Our efforts in our upstream operations are recognized with silver level certification, a designation supported by independent and third-party verification.

    Learn more about our collaboration

      Picturing progress

      Learn more about how a live mural created during Imperial’s Kearl Operations reclamation planning session captured Indigenous voices, hopes and environmental themes, transforming a technical meeting into a meaningful experience.

      Learn more

      Indigenous internship and scholarship programs

      Internship programs are a great way for students to learn more about our industry and company while completing their education.
      Learn more about these programs

      Pimee Well Servicing: A commitment to quality, safety and the community

      Community relations and community investment

      Being in a relationship means being in the community together - not just when we need something. It means being there for our neighbours. It means we keep talking and working together, even when the conversations are difficult.

      We actively participate in Indigenous community events and learn about Indigenous history, ceremonies and traditions. We also develop or fund programs that help Indigenous communities thrive.

      Here are some of the programs we support:

      Indspire Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program

      Imperial has provided more than $2 million to First Nation, Inuit and Métis post-secondary students through the Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program since 2003.

      Actua – STEM outreach for Indigenous youth

      Indigenous youth are under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers. This program, developed by Actua, aims to increase the number of Indigenous youth in STEM education and careers.

      Science Education Employment Development Scholarships program (SEEDS)

      SEEDS is a partnership between Imperial and the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Ontario, which provides scholarships for Six Nations students in pursuit of post-secondary education.

      Certifications and memberships