Indigenous Relations
Building Strong Relationships
Superior Propane works with more than one-third of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada, helping to reduce dependency on diesel fuel by being the trusted propane supplier for heating and power solutions that fit economic and environmental needs. We believe it is important to support initiatives that help cultivate prosperous First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, with a focus on education and employment opportunities.
Our Journey
Steps we are making on our corporate journey to reconciliation include:
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Enhancing Superior’s Indigenous supplier networkWe work with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) and Advanced Business Match (ABM) to strengthen Superior’s connections with Indigenous businesses and communities and develop relationships focused on partnering for mutual success.
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Opening doors to education, skill building and employment opportunities for Indigenous youthSuperior is investing in the future of Indigenous youth with awarding 14 annual education bursaries through its partnership with Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program, as well as its national sponsorship of the Outland Youth Employment Program’s (OYEP) annual Indigenous summer life skills and employment training camps.
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Developing recruitment strategies to grow Indigenous employmentThree percent of Superior Propane’s staff self-identify as Indigenous, and we continue to work closely with many Indigenous communities in an effort to create awareness of employment opportunities.
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Conducting mandatory Indigenous awareness trainingAll staff must complete Indigenous awareness training and all new employees must complete an online training module as part of the onboarding process. Topics include: why it is essential to acknowledge the territory and history of Indigenous peoples of Canada, including the impact of treaties, residential schools, the Indian Act, land management, multigenerational trauma, Indigenous rights and title, cultural, ceremonial and spiritual traditions and reconciliation.
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Increasing awareness among our stakeholdersThrough social media and internal communications, Superior Propane shares inspiring stories of Indigenous peoples across Canada, highlights best practices for working with Indigenous communities, and acknowledges National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day to raise awareness of the history and impact.
OUR COMMITMENT
Our Impact
Recipients of Superior Propane’s Bursaries for Indigenous Students share their stories. Learn more about Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program and apply this academic year.
Logan from Saulteau First Nation
"Being Indigenous, my ancestry and culture have always taught me to give back and help wherever I can. I plan to work within the criminal justice system one day and implement Indigenous healing and cultural practices for Indigenous offenders. I am super grateful to be recognized and receive this [Superior Propane] bursary."
Logan from Saulteau First Nation, BC
Collin from Eel Ground First Nation
"As a two spirit, I felt the need to leave my territory to find myself and how I can best serve my people when I return. Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures Program and the Superior Propane Bursary allow youth like myself the opportunity to gather knowledge outside their local range and generate creative solutions to problems when returning home."
Collin from Eel Ground First Nation, NB
Crystal from Cape Dorset
"The support from the [Superior Propane] bursary has helped me stay focused on my education instead of worrying about financial obligations. I am going into my third year of social work with a double minor in Indigenous Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. I would like to work with other Inuit and our community in the social work field."
Crystal from Cape Dorset, NU
Leanne from Acadia First Nation
“I would like to support the education systems to be more aware of Indigenous culture. This Superior Propane bursary means a lot to me because it allows me to continue school without added stress of finances. I am so appreciative of your support for Indigenous students.”
Leanne from Acadia First Nation, NS
Brady from Métis Nation British Columbia
“Using the Superior Propane bursary, I was able to pay for the tuition required for my last semester and graduate on time. Thank you very much for your support as it has enabled me to pursue my passion and goal of helping individuals enhance their health and well-being in positive ways.”
Brady from Métis Nation British Columbia, BC
Tania from Blood Tribe
“Pursuing my post-secondary education has opened up doors for me that I would have never even imagined. The Superior Propane bursary has helped me continue to pursue my goal. With assistance along the way, it makes the journey so much less stressful and rewarding.”
Tania from Blood Tribe, AB
Iako from Mohawks of Kahnawá:ke
“I love my programs so much and I’m planning on continuing my studies at the graduate level in the coming years. I’d love to continue in both the disciplines of art history and anthropology. The Superior Propane bursary has allowed me to not worry so much; thank you so much!”
Iako from Mohawks of Kahnawá:ke, QC
Christina from Sweetgrass First Nation
“I have plans of being a support person for other Indigenous people who face struggles daily. I am extremely grateful for Superior Propane’s bursary. My family and I cannot thank Indspire and Superior Propane enough for the support they have given us this educational year.”
Christina from Sweetgrass First Nation, SK
Norlynn from Red Rock Indian Band
“I am pleased to say that with programs like Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures and Superior Propane’s significant contributions to those programs, I am able to pursue my education goals and continue building a better future for myself and my children.”
Norlynn from Red Rock Indian Band, ON
Linda from Cree Nation of Wemindji
“I am very grateful to Superior Propane for their support in my studies. It has always been my desire to be a team player as Indigenous communities continue to work towards building vibrant healthy communities. Thank you, Superior Propane, for your commitment to education and for being a partner with Indspire to bring support to countless students that need it.”
Linda from Cree Nation of Wemindji, QC
Zoe from Red Pheasant
“Being a student athlete brings numerous challenges, but thanks to the [Superior Propane] bursary, I was able to focus on what’s important. I plan on becoming a social worker as I am very interested in working with Indigenous youth or in Child and Family services. I want to help people and make a difference in my community and Indigenous communities as well.”
Zoe from Red Pheasant, SK
Donovon from NunatuKavut
“Receiving the [Superior Propane] bursary has motivated me to achieve my educational goals. I am in my fourth and final year of studying Computer Science. There are plenty of job opportunities for me to explore with my education.”
Donovon from NunatuKavut, NL
Indigenous Employment at Superior
“As a Métis employee, I am proud to be part of Superior Propane. The attention and focus on Indigenous culture, and the understanding and willingness to work with each individual community shows Superior’s commitment to this promise on a personal level. I do not know of any other business that would, or has, taken on this objective the way Superior has.”
Ted Lavallie, Territory Sales Representative, Superior Propane
Our Partnerships
