Aboriginal inclusion in the workplace is a crucial part of the overall discussion that is taking place around diversity and inclusion in the current Canadian jobs scene. At Jobpostings, we commend those companies that support workplaces where everyone' especially those within the Aboriginal community'can be their authentic selves. These organizations have realized that diversity can help maximize the potential of all employees. We've profiled a sample of Canada's most Aboriginal-friendly workplaces to show you how they take Aboriginal inclusion seriously.

 

Cameco

Cameco is one of the world's largest uranium producers, accounting for approximately 16percent of the world's production from its mines throughout North America. Cameco is also a leading provider of processing services required to produce fuel for nuclear power plants, and generates 1,000 MW of clean electricity through a partnership in North America's largest nuclear generating station located in Ontario. 

Commitment to diversity

Cameco is also Canada's largest industrial employer of Aboriginal people. Through an array of programs to support students, schools, and communities, as well as on-the-job training and targeted recruitment and retention programs, Cameco has continually and successfully increased its Aboriginal workforce. Cameco is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, barrier-free work environment which allows all employees to perform their jobs at an optimal level, says Kaylynn Shroeder, Cameco's VP of human resources. We appreciate the contributions of every employee. We understand the true value of a diverse workforce and we embrace, encourage and support workplace diversity.

Supporting Aboriginals at work

Cameco recognizes the importance elders play in Aboriginal communities and provides the same support to its employees through a site elder program at its northern Saskatchewan sites. Members of a diverse workforce bring new ideas, perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the company, says Schroeder. This allows Cameco to continue to innovate, manage change, and grow as a respected industry leader and employer of choice. A diverse workforce helps Cameco to succeed. The program is a means of confidential and bilingual support and guidance for employees.

What does it take to succeed at Cameco? 

Shroeder advises recent grads to be confident, be effective team players, show initiative, and be open to constructive criticism. Do that and you will have a rewarding career! Remember you are a valuable asset to any organization because the diversity of ideas, traditions, and experiences you bring is what makes any organization successful.

 

TransCanada

TransCanada builds and operates the energy infrastructure that North America needs. With more than 60 years of experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible, reliable, and safe development and operation of North American energy infrastructure.

Commitment to diversity

TransCanada builds positive relationships with Aboriginal communities by participating in initiatives designed to include Aboriginal people and give back to their communities.TransCanada is committed to a long-term approach to increasing Aboriginal employment and career advancement, says Deborah Goodfellow, TransCanada's director of HR client services. TransCanada believes that providing opportunities benefits both our organization and that of the Aboriginal and Native American communities we recruit from. 

Supporting Aboriginals at work

For example, the newly formalized Aboriginal and Native American Employee Network encourages communication, community, and a sense of belonging amongst the 69 Aboriginal employees currently employed by TransCanada. The network sees mentorship and sponsorship of students as a key strategy for recruiting future graduates. TransCanada awards millions of dollars through scholarships, contributions, and donations to Aboriginal students and post-secondary institutions. By encouraging education, TransCanada increases the number of Aboriginal professionals and trades people in the workforce. TransCanada is proud to have hired 14 Aboriginal students this summer alone.

What does it take to succeed at TransCanada? 

Ask lots of questions and provide feedback to your employer. There are many opportunities available to young graduates and it is important that you are positioned to succeed!

 

Northwestel

Northwestel services the largest operating area of any telecommunications company in the western hemisphere over the most remote and rugged terrain in Canada. It provides a complete range of voice, video and data solutions to residential and business customers in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia, and Alberta.

Commitment to diversity

"We have the pleasure of working and serving a diverse customer base, of which approximately 50percent are Aboriginal peoples, says Lee Vincent, Northwestel's assistant VP of human resources. We believe very strongly that our employee base should mirror our customer base . This makes us better at designing and delivering products and services that meet our customer needs.

Northwestel also believes strongly in investing in its communities, focusing on building capacity in northern communities, and working collaboratively to support and grow northern students, with a very specific target of hiring northern Aboriginal students as employees. By employing Aboriginal Employees throughout our organization, we are creating role models for other Aboriginal people ÔÇô most specifically students, which helps us continue to grow our communities and employee base, says Vincent.

Supporting Aboriginals at work

Some of the many programs that Northwestel currently offers within its Aboriginal Relations area include: dedicating 50 percent of its Northern Futures Scholarships to Aborigional recipients; operating an Inuktituk speaking contact centre to provide services in the primary language of Nunavut; and providing mandatory Aboriginal Relations Diversity training for all employees.

What does it take to succeed in Northwestel?

Aboriginal grads accept a position that matches their career path, their passion, and their interest, says Marni Delaurier, Northwestel's manager of human resources operations. While in the workforce, work hard and focus on learning and understanding the business. Take the time to meet people and ask questions and learn as much as possible as the possibilities are endless." 

 

Newalta

Named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers in 2011 and 2012, Newalta provides engineered environmental solutions that enable customers to reduce disposal, enhance recycling, and recover valuable resources from industrial residues. Newalta serves customers onsite directly at their operations and through a network of 85 facilities across Canada and the U.S. The company's innovative processes and technologies make it the first choice provider of sustainability enhancing services to oil, natural gas, petrochemical, refining, lead, manufacturing, and mining markets. 

Commitment to diversity

Newalta aims to attract and retain top talent, says Dalene Friesen, Newalta's managing director of human resources. In order to do so, we remove all boundaries that may prevent us from hiring based on skill and potential. Having a richly diverse work-force, supported by a respectful and inclusive work environment, enhances our innovation, and drives continued business growth. 

Supporting Aboriginals at work

Diversity is not something we 'do', says Friesen. Diversity, she says, is woven into the fabric of Newalta's culture by establishing company values that create a welcoming environment regardless of demographics. In order to ensure employees are strongly aligned with our core values, Newalta provides Aboriginal Awareness Training for managers who work with Aboriginal employees or who are responsible for building and maintaining relationships within aboriginal communities where we operate. Another important step Newalta has taken is working in partnership with an Aboriginal consultant who helps create a respectful and engaging work environment.

What does it take to succeed at Newalta?

When working in this industry, start by seeking advice and learning from a mentor. The benefits are invaluable. A mentor provides a young graduate with the opportunity to learn from the trials and errors of someone more experienced. A mentor can offer guidance through the graduate's professional and self journey in order to achieve greater success.

 

SaskPower

SaskPower supplies electricity to more than 470,000 customers in Saskatchewan. As a growing company, SaskPower strives to revitalize SaskPower's infrastructure and augment existing generating and network facilities with the goal of ensuring a sustainable energy supply ÔÇô one that is safe, reliable, and enhances the quality of life and economic competitiveness in Saskatchewan. 

Commitment to diversity

SaskPower believes it's important to encourage an inclusive work environment for Aborigional employees. Aboriginal employees share a strong sense of responsibility to make things better for the next generation, says Laurie Gosselin, of SaskPower Aboriginal relations. As ambassadors, they will pave the way to help SaskPower become a more welcoming organization for Aboriginal youth.

Supporting Aboriginals at work

Last June, SaskPower held the 2012 Indigenous Leadership Forum for employees. The event was intended to develop solutions to strengthen Indigenous leadership within SaskPower and to engage Indigenous youth in our business. SaskPower also has an Indigenous Network that is intended for employees of aboriginal descent. Its purpose is to cultivate indigenous values and wisdom through their vision: ÔÇÿSuccess through Understanding.' 

As SaskPower continues an exhaustive evaluation of future electrical supply options, the company is investigating potential hydroelectric developments and partnerships with First Nations communities.