b'COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPSFor Sodexo, 2021 has been a milestoneWhen goose year. The company has participated in CCABs PAR program since its incep- hunting season tion, and this year it celebrated its 20th year of Gold level certification. Achievinghappens, everyone Gold level certification is no simple task and 20 years is nothing short of a monu- leaves work, and mental achievement. When we say that were Gold members, we can say thatwe have to adjust. we are walking our talk, says Jonathan Kruger, director of Indigenous relationsWe learn that every with Sodexo Canada.culture is different Kruger attributes Sodexos success to the PAR programs foundation and whatfrom every Nation he calls the Four Rs: respect, recogni-tion, revenue sharing and representation.that we work with. Previously Chief of the Penticton Indian Band for two terms until 2016, Kruger hasIts not one size been instrumental in developing successful and progressive Indigenous relations atfits all Sodexo. To date, the company has built relationships with 25 partner communi- Jonathan Kruger ties and 84 Indigenous-owned enterprisesSodexo Canadaacross Canada, and this number continues to grow every year.Sodexo Canada commits nearly $11 millionThe end goal for a healthy relationship isprior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite per year to Indigenous relationsaboutfor both parties to learn and grow, ratherthe challenges of repeated lockdowns, a eight per cent of their yearly budget. Whilethan one simply providing a service.global downturn and persistent uncer-this paints a broad picture of engagementAccording to Kruger, Sodexos end goaltainty, Sodexo maintains over 50 per cent across Canada, the company also getsfor community relations is to maintainIndigenous representation on its projects.to understand each nation as a uniquerespect and transparency and a real rela-partner. This involves getting to knowtionship, not just a joint venture. A goalIn Krugers own words, representation details that might often be overlookedof 63 per cent Indigenous representa- means shovels in the ground all the way in traditional business relationships buttion on the companys projects was setto the boardroom. Sodexo Canadas that are integral to building meaningful collaboration. When goose hunting season happens, everyone leaves work, and we have to adjust. We learn that every culture is different from every Nation that we work with. Its not one size fits all, Kruger recounts about one Nation thatExcellence is the company partners with. custom-made, BUILDING UNDERSTANDING and custom-made Recognizing the breadth of diversity among Indigenous Nations across Canadais personal.is a vital part of building effective commu-nity relationships. Indigenous people areDedicated to excellence not a monolith that can be approached asin engineering and a single group from coast to coast. Krugerproject management, our emphasizes the importance of taking theseasoned team has the expertise to tackle almost time to understand the communities andany project, and we care their culture. Cultural exchange betweenenough to do it right.Sodexo and the Indigenous communities the company works with builds long-lasting relationships. Indigenous communitieskgsgroup.com Peter Sutherland Sr. teach Sodexo their culture, their prayersGenerating Stationwithin the workplace, and thats amazing, Kruger says.Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT45'