Building relationships with Indigenous communities and youth
Since 1999, Indspire has been excited to work with the Suncor Energy Foundation as a National Lead Partner instrumental in transforming Indigenous education in Canada. This partnership has fundamentally been possible due to Suncor’s continued work investing in the social and economic improvement and sustainability of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
In recent years Suncor has set out their first long-term social goal which recognizes the value of relationships, and includes a focus on partnering with Indigenous youth to develop their leadership potential through meaningful connections. “Our partners and youth have taught us that programs rooted in culture and reconciliation lead to pride in self and heritage, and help create pathways toward success,” says Eric Axford, Suncor’s Chief Sustainability Officer and SEF Board chair. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, which is why we’re focused on building stronger connections with Indigenous youth.”
Suncor and SEF support Indigenous youth and communities through programs like Soaring, the National Gathering, the Indspire Awards and Building Brighter Futures. A significant investment in research projects has also created a repository of successful practices for communities and educators to use for improving the classroom outcomes of Indigenous K-12 students across Canada. Suncor has demonstrated time and again their important leadership role in corporate Canada by supporting and championing Indigenous youth leadership and achievement through education.
