TransCanada — Indigenous Relations at TransCanada

Summary

The transcript highlights the relationship between TransCanada and Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of strong language, culture, and land in defining their identity. TransCanada's commitment to working with Indigenous peoples is demonstrated through long-term engagement, support for local businesses, and active participation in environmental and cultural preservation. The company’s initiatives, including providing employment opportunities and collaborating on community-driven projects, have fostered a sense of trust and mutual respect. The narrative features success stories of individuals benefiting from these partnerships, showcasing TransCanada as a proactive and responsible partner to Indigenous communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indigenous communities emphasize the importance of strong language, culture, and land in defining their identity.
• 😀 TransCanada has a long history of engagement with Indigenous communities, emphasizing safe oil transportation and support for native cultures.
• 😀 Engagement with Indigenous communities goes beyond regulatory requirements; it focuses on ongoing, meaningful relationships.
• 😀 TransCanada aims to set the bar for consultation, prioritizing face-to-face interactions and fostering familiarity with local communities.
• 😀 The company takes environmental responsibility seriously, implementing mitigations to minimize land impacts and ensuring historical sites are preserved.
• 😀 TransCanada is proactive in community outreach, engaging both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in a variety of ways.
• 😀 The company’s contractors are required to have Indigenous participation plans to provide employment and support Indigenous businesses.
• 😀 Indigenous communities see real benefits from TransCanada’s involvement, including job creation and capacity building.
• 😀 The community decides which programs TransCanada will participate in, ranging from training programs to infrastructure project involvement.
• 😀 The collaboration between TransCanada and the Danava First Nation serves as a success story, illustrating the positive impact of community agreements and hard work.

Q & A

What key elements are emphasized by the speakers in defining their community?

The speakers emphasize the importance of having a strong language, a strong culture, and land to call home as essential components for defining their community.

How long has the community been involved in oil and gas production?

The community has been involved in oil and gas production since before the 1920s.

What kind of relationship has TransCanada established with indigenous communities?

TransCanada has established an ongoing and proactive relationship with indigenous communities, beyond the basic regulatory requirements for permits, focusing on community engagement and support.

In what ways does TransCanada go above and beyond in its engagement with indigenous communities?

TransCanada exceeds basic engagement by setting the bar for consultation, offering a personal and familiar touch with community members, and taking responsibility for environmental and cultural preservation.

What measures does TransCanada take to protect the environment during construction?

TransCanada ensures environmental protection by putting mitigations in place where potential impacts to the land cannot be avoided, and they also contact the Historical Preservation Office if any village sites or remains are encountered.

How does TransCanada support indigenous businesses during project construction?

TransCanada supports indigenous businesses by requiring contractors to have indigenous participation plans, ensuring that indigenous companies and communities benefit from job opportunities during construction.

What type of employment opportunities does TransCanada provide to indigenous communities?

TransCanada offers employment opportunities ranging from labor positions to full-time roles, and they also provide opportunities for training and development in the infrastructure and operations sectors.

Can you share an example of how TransCanada has positively impacted an individual's career?

An individual, who started working with TransCanada under a community agreement with Danava First Nation, advanced to a full-time role through hard work and dedication, showcasing a success story enabled by TransCanada's commitment.

How does TransCanada engage with communities on specific programs or initiatives?

Communities set their own priorities and decide which programs they want TransCanada to participate in. If the program fits within TransCanada's project framework or investment principles, the company is excited to support initiatives, which can range from educational programs to workforce training.

What makes TransCanada an attractive business partner for the community?

TransCanada is seen as an attractive business partner because of their proactive engagement, respect for indigenous cultures, commitment to environmental stewardship, and support for job creation and capacity building in indigenous communities.