Indigenous Relations

We are committed to maintaining positive and respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities and groups in the past and present traditional territories where we operate.

Our Approach

Build Jobs

We aim to create meaningful work and training opportunities for Indigenous youth and within Indigenous communities.

Remove Barriers

We remove roadblocks preventing Indigenous people from working in the nuclear industry.

Mitigate Risks

We mitigate risks and minimize our impact on the environment whenever possible. We support Indigenous programs that help to monitor species at risk (SAR), populations at Neyaashiinigmiing and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Territory (Saukiing Anishnaabekiing).

Collaborate

We regularly consult with Indigenous communities to ensure our strategies succeed and build on our understanding.

Support

We align our action plans in consultation with our Indigenous communities of interest.

Inclusivity

We demystify the nuclear industry and encourage Indigenous youth to work in our sector with the intent to create “Nuclear Ambassadors.”

ABL1 Organization Mike Ruysseveldt

Mike Ruysseveldt

Indigenous Relations & Nuclear Account Manager Canada

Acknowledgement of Traditional Land

We respect and appreciate the traditional land where we work. As an important step in the process of raising awareness and building lasting relationships with Indigenous groups, Acknowledgement of traditional land helps us set the right perspective and guide rationale for change and mutual understanding.

Our head office is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe.

Our Commitment

  • Maintain a positive long-term relationship with local Indigenous groups based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust
  • Help employees understand Indigenous history and culture and the role Indigenous groups play in Canada and our business
  • Work closely with Indigenous communities to avoid or mitigate any negative effects our activities may have on their rights and interests
  • Find ways to increase our knowledge of the local environment and work together with Indigenous groups to preserve or enhance the environment
  • Support the interests of Indigenous Peoples and Kinectrics, we develop strategies in employment, economic development, education, training, and community sponsorship
Outdoor photograph of a tall totem pole

CCAB Membership

A proud member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) since 2015.

We increased our involvement to the “Committed” level of the CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations program (PAR) and we are currently working through the strategic planning and action steps needed to acquire our “Bronze” level status.

Indigenous Vendors

We use Indigenous suppliers to the greatest extent possible in order to help strengthen partnerships and develop local communities.

In addition, we consistently look to engage with registered Aboriginal Businesses under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) at CCAB and companies registered with the Ontario Aboriginal Business Directory.

Partnerships & Memberships

We partner with First Nations Engineering Services Ltd., an Indigenous-owned engineering company established in June 1995 and based in Ohsweken, Ontario on the Six Nations of the Grand River. With a majority of Native staff, they currently employ 5 Native professional engineers. The company is licensed and registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario.

We engage with Creative Fire, a 100% Indigenous-owned company that, for 20 years, has delivered engagement plans, communication strategies, and creative solutions for Indigenous communities from coast to coast and across Corporate Canada.

We are active members of the Bruce Indigenous Relations Supplier Network (IRSN), having assigned senior individuals to work within the communities to support education, environmental protection and general business development opportunities.

We support OPG’s Indigenous Opportunities in Nuclear program (ION), a unique initiative designed to increase the number of Indigenous people working in the nuclear industry.

Banner image for national day for truth and reconciliation

Our Standards & Policies

We understand and are committed to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission: Call to Action #92 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

We apply the principles, norms, and standards of these declarations to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This includes:

  • Commit to meaningful consultation.
  • Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities.
  • Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples.

We use this as our guide to future engagement with First Nations.

Photograph of the team during nawash habitat for humanity house build

Nawash Habitat for Humanity House build

Photograph of team during Saugeen habitat for humanity house build

Saugeen Habitat for Humanity House build

Featured Project

Nawash & Saugeen Habitat for Humanity House build

On August 24, 2021, Team Kinectrics joined with Team OCNI to support Habitat for Humanity’s house build on Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in Neyaashiinigmiing. The community really appreciated our support and participation — and though the temperature reached 30°C, a great time was had by all. We are working on this summer’s date for a new home in the community.

On July 13th, 2022, Team Kinectrics again joined with Team OCNI to support Habitat for Humanity’s house build on Saugeen First Nation.

Engagement Programs

We have been a significant supporter of the Neyaashiinigmiing Species at Risk (SAR) program of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation for the monitoring of critical species at risk populations at Neyaashiinigmiing and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Territory (Saukiing Anishnaabekiing). The project for 2021–22 builds on an established program of surveys, monitoring, habitat protection, outreach, and education activities for the 33+ SAR found at the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and its vicinity.

We are working on an engineering scholarship program for Indigenous youth to support an Indigenous candidate to continue their studies at a university, as well as intern for the summer at our facilities in either Bruce County or Toronto. When they graduate, they are also rewarded with a full-time position with us.

In August 2021, our Director of Indigenous Relations, Mike Ruysseveldt, presented a company-wide lunch-and-learn session titled “Understanding our First Nations and the Importance to All of Us”.

For Indigenous Day 2022, we invited Mr. Bob Watts to present a Cultural Awareness Training Introduction. Bob Watts is the Vice-President of Indigenous Relations and Strategic Programs at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. He has worked on a broad range of Indigenous issues at the regional and national levels for many years, including working to establish the historic Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Mr. Watts is also an adjunct professor at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont.

Photograph of group of people during Bob Watts' indigenous day presentation

Bob Watts Indigenous Day Presentation

These events are all part of our CCAB PAR Committed program.

Let's Work Together

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Indigenous Relations

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