Indigenous Relations

Since 1951, Superior Propane has been a long-standing, trusted energy partner of Indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada.
People dancing and holding hands in a circle

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:

  • Enhancing Superior’s Indigenous supplier network
    We 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.
  • Opening doors to education, skill building and employment opportunities for Indigenous youth
    Superior 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.
  • Developing recruitment strategies to grow Indigenous employment
    Three 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.
  • Conducting mandatory Indigenous awareness training
    All 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.
  • Increasing awareness among our stakeholders
    Through 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

We are committed to creating dialogue and exploring opportunities to be stronger together.
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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.

"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

"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

"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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

Current Job Opportunities

We are always looking for ways to attract and retain qualified employees from Indigenous communities to assist in meeting our workforce needs. Browse current opportunities for one that’s right for you. Job Opportunities

Our Partnerships

At Superior, we value our relationships with Indigenous businesses and communities. We are committed to working with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) to enhance our Aboriginal supplier network. With the help of the CCIB, our goal is to strengthen our connections with Indigenous businesses and support economic development.
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Superior Propane is a proud supporter of the outland youth employment program

Superior Propane is proud to support the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) by donating the propane required to operate all of the camps that facilitate the training and employment. In 2018, almost 100 Indigenous Youth from 58 communities across Ontario and British Columbia participated in the OYEP. We are excited to help support the growth of this important Program.
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Advanced Business Match Logo

Superior Propane is always looking to create partnerships with Indigenous communities and businesses. As a proud supporter of the national Advanced Business Match (ABM) network, Superior Propane attends business-matching forums hosted by ABM in an effort to connect with community and company representatives to develop business relationships focused on mutual success.
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Indspire Logo

Superior Propane has partnered with Indspire to assist twelve Indigenous students each year with their post-secondary education in the program of study of their choice. Superior’s investment in Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarship and Awards program will help First Nations, Inuit and Métis students achieve their greatest potential.
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“Our partnership in providing the Superior Propane Indigenous Student Bursary has been making a difference in helping Indigenous students to pursue their education.”
Mike DeGagné, President & CEO, Indspire
"As a National Partner, Superior Propane provides a generous cash contribution in addition to in-kind propane services to OYEP sites across Canada. Partnerships that provide easy access to prosperous and meaningful employment opportunities for Indigenous youth are the type of partners OYEP loves working with."
CHIANTI BROWN, OPERATIONS MANAGER & EDUCATION LEAD, OYEP
"Superior Propane's understanding of Indigenous people in Canada is ahead of most corporations. Superior has internal and external programs in place which shows a commitment to Indigenous positivity. We feel comfortable doing business with Superior because we can see an alignment of values."
Jarid Taylor, Founder, Brandigenous
“Superior Propane’s commitment to Indigenous communities is second to none. We have interactive relationships with neighbouring communities in all areas of our operation. We provide Indigenous employment opportunities, sponsor various community events and partake in educational training.”
Ted Lavallie, Indigenous Employee, Superior Propane