In conjunction, the company makes $20,000 donation to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation
Today, Bruce Power introduces an Indigenous Champions Program for its managers, which will promote cultural awareness, advocate for increased employment opportunities for Indigenous candidates and businesses, and encourage involvement at community events and activities. This compliments the company’s Indigenous Suppliers Network that focuses on economic development, job creation and helping form new business ventures.
Bruce Power managers will act as advocates and increase participation in the pillars that support the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Call to Action 92 and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Program. The Indigenous Champions Program will aim to increase supports for managers and their teams with a particular focus on cultural awareness and employee support, while program outcomes will be delivered through an annual report.
“Indigenous communities have endured profound injustices through the residential school system, and advancing reconciliation will require education, understanding, and action,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s President and CEO. “Reconciliation can take many forms, but most importantly, it requires meaningful action. Bruce Power remains committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect, and managers from across the company will participate in this process.
“To honour the children who didn’t make it home from residential schools, and to provide support to survivors, Bruce Power will make a $20,000 donation to The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund,” Rencheck continued. “We encourage all Canadians to learn about and understand the legacy of residential schools and take steps to advance reconciliation.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) provided those directly and indirectly affected by the legacy of the Indian Residential School system with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. The TRC’s final report outlined 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.
“I want to commend Bruce Power for its commitment to the TRC calls to action, and fostering strong relationships with Indigenous communities across the province,” said Hon. Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “Bruce Power continues to develop meaningful partnerships with Indigenous businesses and communities across the province, helping to build a robust nuclear industry and supply chain here in Ontario.”
In 2020, Bruce Power was recognized for the third time with Gold certification for the PAR Program from the CCAB, which is the pre-eminent standard for businesses in Indigenous Relations. The company is one of only 18 in Canada to have received the designation.
“Bruce Power continues to demonstrate its commitment to Indigenous prosperity and economic reconciliation supported by our PAR Program,” said Tabatha Bull, President and CEO, CCAB. “The company has received Gold certification for its dedication to Indigenous relations through all aspects of their business.”
PAR is a comprehensive initiative offered by CCAB that supports improvement and best practices in Indigenous relations. A Gold-certified company means the PAR criteria is ingrained at all levels of the business, driven through policy, strategy, mature processes and innovative enhancements over a number of years. A Gold organization has a high level of appreciation of the significance of positive Indigenous relations. They are a role model for Indigenous relations with a continuous-improvement philosophy, with positive results and good support from Indigenous communities.
In 2019, Bruce Power and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation entered into a collaboration agreement to jointly market new isotopes in support of the global fight against cancer while also working together on creating new economic opportunities within the SON Territory by establishing new isotope infrastructure.
About Bruce Power
Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
