Prioritizing collaboration with Indigenous businesses, particularly in areas where our infrastructure intersects or on major project developments is an ongoing journey. "Our emphasis extends beyond contract allocation; it seeks inclusivity by actively introducing more Indigenous businesses to FortisBC," Anasuya Kesavan, our community and Indigenous initiatives manager, shares.
“We have to remember that in the past, Indigenous businesses and Indigenous Peoples were kept out of the economic world of Canada,” she reflects. “To actively move toward Reconciliation, we must work together and share economic opportunities.”
Initiatives like Indigenous business-to-business (B2B) engagement events allow us the opportunity to develop relationships and explore ways to work together.
Networking opportunities and capacity building
Recognizing areas needing improvement in our business development, we're committed to providing opportunities for Indigenous businesses to connect with project managers and contractors. Our goal is holistic capacity building, spanning employee, employer, business and Indigenous communities.
A significant example of our commitment was our recent B2B event organized in collaboration with xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Band. Co-hosting this event enabled us to facilitate connections, foster collaboration and provide invaluable networking opportunities.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to cohost the Indigenous B2B event at the impressive Musqueam Cultural Centre. Working with the Musqueam Capital Corporation helped us understand our audience and deliver an event that enabled valuable connections between the Indigenous community member-owned and -affiliated businesses and FortisBC. This event demonstrates how we can successfully work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Indigenous community partners. This is the way forward,” Anasuya adds.
Preparation for future projects
In anticipation of upcoming projects like the Gas Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project and the Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion, we're actively expanding our Indigenous business contacts. We're integrating principles of Indigenous involvement into our hiring practices, aligning with our dedication to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Working with Indigenous communities around the province, our goal is to host two Indigenous B2B events in 2024, one in the Fraser Valley and the other in the interior of British Columbia. These events aim to further facilitate collaboration and partnership opportunities between Indigenous contracting businesses and FortisBC project managers.
We encourage Indigenous businesses to register with us to receive updates on our upcoming Indigenous B2B events and the procurement opportunities that are available on our projects.
Economic Reconciliation: A shared responsibility
As FortisBC advances on the path towards Reconciliation, we feel deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity to learn from Indigenous partners about how we can become a more equitable business. Understanding that we’re on the right path, we humbly achieved a Silver Certification in the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Certification Program established by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). This is a program that guides Canadian businesses forward in the path to improving organizational performance in Indigenous relations.
Demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving Indigenous relations, we remain on our journey in supporting businesses, communities and individuals. Anasuya concludes, "Through this commitment, we aim to be a good partner, reliable energy provider and employer to Indigenous Peoples, contributing to the well-being and prosperity of the communities we serve.”
