Reaffirming Enbridge’s commitment to reconciliation, fulfilling new and renewed commitments, and building vital economic relationships
Enbridge introduced its Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP) in 2022 and described it then, in part, as the first leg of an important journey. Engage. Listen. Learn. Identify actions for consequential change. And keep moving forward.
Just over two years later, our IRAP Refresh highlights progress and accomplishments—but, importantly, it reaffirms our commitment to what is now an enduring, entrenched process.
In other words, we’ve learned that when it comes to seeking truth, advancing reconciliation and walking the path, our focus on the voyage is, for today, as important as the destination.
“At Enbridge, we are deeply committed to reconciliation . . . our inaugural 2022 IRAP and its 22 commitments served as a guiding light in our company-wide commitment to advance reconciliation. . . . But the work is not done,” Enbridge President and CEO Greg Ebel says in Enbridge’s newly published IRAP Refresh.
“While we recognize there is still a long road ahead, we remain focused on fulfilling both our new and renewed commitments. We are dedicated to early engagement and meaningful, respectful dialogue and we remain steadfast in our responsibility to empower and build vital economic relationships as we move forward together.”
In line with the Enbridge 2022 IRAP, the IRAP Refresh is organized into six key pillars, and within each are new or refreshed commitments. The pillars—including People, Employment and Education (No. 1) and Economic Inclusion and Partnerships (No. 3)—represent our priorities, each developed with Indigenous input.
Commitments, meanwhile, include various tools and mechanisms that help us advance these priorities. When these are communicated publicly—like in the IRAP Refresh and also in our annual Sustainability Report—we are held accountable.
Enbridge’s inaugural 2022 IRAP included 22 commitments and associated actions. It has served as a powerful tool—for alignment within Enbridge on reconciliation, and also with Indigenous groups on shared interests.
Embedded in our corporate culture today, and highlighted in the Refresh as achievements, are some of the following original IRAP commitments:
- ensure 100% of Enbridge’s employees complete Indigenous awareness training
- establish an Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG)
- develop an incremental formal mechanism for Indigenous groups to provide feedback to Enbridge
- ensure executive sponsorship and commitment to achieving IRAP goals
- ensure IRAP implementation and support mechanisms are established and aligned across the company
Importantly, the Refresh includes new commitments. An example within the People, Employment and Education pillar is to annually host an Indigenous-designed and -facilitated cultural session for the Enbridge board of directors and executive leadership team. Within the Economic Inclusion and Partnerships pillar, a new commitment is exploring ways to further support Indigenous contractors, specifically removing the barriers that affect participation.
Zeroing in on education and learning, Enbridge employee Shelby Kennedy, who is from the Kikino Métis Settlement in northern Alberta, says it means a great deal working for an industry leader that encourages and allows time for employees to learn more deeply about truth and reconciliation.
“It’s even more comforting when meaningful learning includes a plan and accountability anchoring the overall approach,” says Kennedy, who works in our project development group.
“I’ve watched awareness, and a recognition around the need for awareness, become embedded in our culture. Creating Indigenous space and valuing Indigenous perspectives and contribution are recognized here. They’re being affirmed through our IRAP—and our IRAP Refresh.”
