Indigenous engagement

We strive to build strong and lasting relationships with Indigenous peoples built on mutual trust, respect and shared prosperity. This effort is grounded in a commitment to listen, understand and collaborate as we work together to develop energy solutions for future generations.

Many of our operations and development opportunities are located close to Indigenous communities or on their traditional lands and we recognize that our company and our employees have an important role in progressing reconciliation.

1,200+

Indigenous employees and contractors have self-identified at our upstream assets

$4.6 billion

Invested with Indigenous business since 2008 ($761 million invested in 2022)

45

Esso retail sites across Canada owned, operated by Indigenous businesses or on Indigenous land

Pillar 01

Consultation

• Open and continuous dialogue

• Value traditional practices, decision-making processes, culture and language
Pillar 02

Workforce development

• Investing in education

• Focused on recruitment, progression and retention

• Internal training, development and mentoring programs
Pillar 03

Business development

• Focused on capacity building

• Indigenous content valued in procurement contracts
Pillar 04

Community relations

• Relationship building

• Support and participate in community events

• Effective grievance management

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business offers the Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification program to recognize positive relationships between businesses and Indigenous groups. There are varying levels of certification depending on the maturity of the company’s Indigenous policies and outreach. Our efforts in our upstream operations are recognized with the award of a silver level certification, a designation supported by independent and third-party verification.

A growing partnership

Learn more about a recent visit with our Indigenous reclamation planning group at Muskeg Lake, on our Kearl oil sands operation lease.

Learn more

Indigenous internship and scholarship programs

Internship programs are a great way for students to learn more about our industry and company while completing their education.

Learn more about these programs

Pimee Well Servicing: a commitment to quality, safety and the community

Community relations and community investment

Being in a relationship means being in the community together - not just when we need something. It means being there for our neighbours. It means we keep talking and working together, even when the conversations are difficult.

We actively participate to Indigenous community events and we learn about Indigenous history, ceremonies and traditions. We also develop or fund programs that help Indigenous communities thrive.

Here are some of the programs we support:

Indspire Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program

Imperial has provided more than $1 million to First Nation, Inuit and Métis post-secondary students through the Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program since 2007.

ACTUA – STEM outreach for Indigenous youth

Indigenous youth are the fastest-growing population in Canada, yet they are sharply under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers. This program, developed by Actua, aims to increase the number of Indigenous youth in STEM education and careers.

Mount Royal University’s Medicine Trail Program

The Medicine Trail Program provides cultural support to staff and students of the Iniskim Centre and throughout Mount Royal University Campus.

Science Education Employment Development Scholarships program (SEEDS)

SEEDS is a partnership between Imperial and the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Ontario, which provides scholarships for Six Nations students in pursuit of post-secondary education.