Developing True Partnerships with Aboriginal People
At Nexen, our Aboriginal Partnership Strategy is designed to create mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal people, where they are encouraged to participate in our industry activities and share in the economic benefits of energy development near their communities. An important milestone has been reached as we have revised our existing ‘Statement of Principles for Relations with Aboriginal Communities’ into a formal company policy, which was approved by Nexen’s Executive Management in January 2007, with rollout planned for the fall.
Aboriginal Awareness Strategy
To raise employee awareness of Aboriginal people and their cultural identity, in 2006 we delivered a one-day Aboriginal Awareness Training session to more than 80% of our operations staff at Long Lake. We also deliver twice-yearly training geared to all employees. We also coordinated activities for Calgary Aboriginal Awareness week, which included a Showcase of Aboriginal Culture at Nexen, held June 21, 2006.
Continued Focus on Recruitment and Retention
Through efforts at the community level, we encourage Aboriginal people to apply for jobs at Nexen. Our recruitment activity focuses on universities and colleges in Western Canada where the population of Aboriginal students is higher. In addition, we target candidates from Aboriginal communities in proximity to our operations and ensure community partners are informed of opportunities. As an element of our delegated legal duty to consult, we work with First Nations to place community members in jobs on projects that most directly affect them.
Support for New Projects in Canada
Nexen supports sustainable initiatives in Aboriginal communities through employment and business development activities. In 2006, these activities centred around our Dilly Creek Shale Gas Project in northeast British Columbia, coalbed methane operations in north central Alberta and the Long Lake project.
Sponsorships Focused on Education
In 2006, Nexen contributed to a number of Aboriginal initiatives that focus on education, including:
- The Banff Centre, as Lead Partner for Aboriginal Leadership and Management Programs
- National Aboriginal Achievement Awards
- Support for Sunchild E-Learning (www.sccyber.net)
- Scholarships at post-secondary institutions in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
- Nexen Education Awards Program
Aboriginal Relations at Long Lake
With our joint venture partner OPTI Canada Inc., our comprehensive activities related to community consultation and regulatory affairs are managed out of the Long Lake office. Under the Athabasca Tribal Council Community Consultation and Long-Term Benefits Agreement, we provide funding, ongoing consultation, employment and business development to the local Aboriginal community.
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