Measures and Standards: Key Indicators
2023-24 Highlights
Looking Ahead
Our Approach to ESG
President’s Message
About SaskEnergy
Environment
Prosperity
Our People
Governance
Engaging with Indigenous groups and communities SaskEnergy is committed to building meaningful, long-term relationships with Indigenous groups and communities. Relationships based on mutual respect, and focused on achieving common goals, will create positive outcomes for Indigenous communities and for SaskEnergy. We currently serve 57 First Nations across three Treaty territories. Commitment to reconciliation As an original signatory to the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Indigenous Engagement Charter in 2020, SaskEnergy is committed to the role we play in reconciliation and to enhancing engagement and collaboration with Indigenous peoples, businesses and communities. Part of this commitment is reflected in our Indigenous policy, which focuses on our dedication to developing relationships with, and opportunities for, Indigenous people and communities in Saskatchewan. The policy highlights strategic focus areas to improve Indigenous engagement, such as human resources, corporate relations, environment and community investment. Specific initiatives, many of which have been happening for years, are also included in the policy, including Indigenous ceremonies for our gas line construction projects, cultural awareness training for employees, and our Strategic Alliance Agreements. Engaging with Indigenous communities during our projects It is important to us to start conversations early when our construction plans may impact Indigenous communities and people. During our gas line projects, we often work with Indigenous Monitors and Elders to oversee and incorporate traditional land use, historical knowledge and sacred sites into our construction and reclamation activities. They also assist with citizen engagement, damage prevention and addressing any valuable cultural, environmental or heritage findings that occur during construction. In addition, SaskEnergy works closely with archaeologists when dealing with heritage sites or artifacts, such as those with Indigenous origin, so they are taken care of and respected.
FEASTS AND PIPE CEREMONIES MARK SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PROJECTS In September 2023, SaskEnergy co-hosted two feasts and pipe ceremonies on back-to-back days to mark the successful completion of two of our major gas line projects. The first feast was held on September 28 and was co-hosted by the James Smith Cree Nation, which provided a Monitor to observe and comment on SaskEnergy’s work as part our Melfort East Expansion Project. Chief Wally Burns of James Smith Cree Nation, Chief Robert Head of the Peter Chapman Band, and Chief Calvin Sanderson of the Chakastaypasin Band — along with members from those communities — joined SaskEnergy staff at the feast. The next day, we partnered with the Regina Indian Industrial School (RIIS) Commemorative Association to hold a feast at the former residential school’s cemetery, where nearly 40 unmarked graves have been discovered. SaskEnergy’s Regina City West Elevated Pressure Expansion gas line was close to this heritage site, and the RIIS committee was involved before and during construction to help protect the site. In addition, the feast recognized the children that never made it home from the RIIS. Elder Calvin Pelletier, who has participated in previous pipe ceremonies for SaskEnergy projects, attended the feast along with Chief Michael Starr from Star Blanket Cree Nation. Elder Diana Kaiswatum, from the Piapot First Nation, also attended the feast and participated with her pipe. These two feasts were the first of their kind for SaskEnergy.
2023-24 ESG Report
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