Petro-Canada’s Aboriginal Relations Framework is based on open, two-way communication, with the desire to understand local issues and concerns. We are aware of the unique sensitivities concerning traditional lands, local ways of life and economic development opportunities. Through open house events, person-to-person meetings, workshops, presentations and participation in various regional initiatives, we inform communities of our development plans and engage them in our work.
“Petro-Canada has always been one of the top performers in the area of communication and relationship building. They were the first to sign off on a Co-operation Protocol document with the Fort Nelson First Nation. This document lays the framework for how we are going to work together, how we will co-operate for the benefit of both parties, and how Petro-Canada can be a partner in our community’s development.”
— Chief Liz Logan, Fort Nelson First Nation
Petro-Canada seeks to engage those communities in and around where we operate in meaningful collaborative consultation. In Alberta, we are working with Aboriginal communities where our operations may have an impact on their culturally significant traditional sites. Although the Government of Alberta’s recent First Nations Consultation Guidelines have seen implementation challenges, Petro-Canada strives to be consistent in its discussions and consultation with all Aboriginal communities.
For more information please visit http://www.aboriginal.alberta.ca/1.cfm  (Opens a new browser window)
In Northeast British Columbia, we consult under the Oil and Gas Commission’s First Nations Consultation Operating Guidelines with a view to building long-term collaborative relationships. Petro-Canada is one of the few oil and gas companies operating in the area to have signed co-operation protocols with three local Aboriginal communities.
For more information on FN Consultation Operating Guidelines please visit https://www.ogc.gov.bc.ca/pubdoc.asp_view=9.html (Opens a new browser window)
As a result of highly successful negotiations with two communities in the Northwest Territories, Deliné and the K'ahsho Got'iné, Petro-Canada was able to sign Access and Benefits Agreements with these groups. Through numerous meetings and visits between communities, significant relationships were developed and continue today.
One of the cornerstones of our Stakeholder and Community Engagement Policy is to be sensitive to local social and cultural factors in the communities where we operate. This is particularly important in communities where we recruit and employ Aboriginal people. Over the past few years, John Young, manager of aboriginal affairs, has held workshops for more than 1,000 Petro-Canada employees and contractors to increase their understanding of the unique culture and traditions of our Aboriginal communities. Going forward, cultural awareness training will continue to be a key part of our internal stakeholder engagement training and capability development program.
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