b'TALENT RETENTIONThis commitment translates into a proac- skills for potential future employment. InandtheGabrielDumontInstitute tive effort to involve Indigenous commu- 2022, work experience positions wereScholarship for Mtis students. nities in shaping workforce developmentadded for individuals who completed strategies. Input from Indigenous repre- most of the classes, Burnouf recounts,Meanwhile Camecos summer student sentatives is actively solicited, ensuringnoting that Cameco hired 12 individualsemployment program, which targets Camecos initiatives resonate with thefrom local communities in 2022. RSNs, provides university and technical unique perspectives and needs ofschool students with the opportunity to Indigenous communities.Recognizing the importance of higherwork at mine or mill sites, gaining invalu-Cameco representatives search outeducation, Cameco also offers scholar- able experience. The objectives of the and consult with Indigenous leader- ships to Indigenous RSNs at the collegeprogram are threefold: 1) provide expe-ship, schools, community membersand university level. This includes theirrience to students in a variety of disci-and professionals for input on ourCameco Northern Scholarship, theplines; 2) match the students abilities workforce development efforts, saysBernard Michel Scholarship, the Camecoand interests with mine site occupations; Darrel Burnouf, Camecos manager ofCorporate Scholarship in Engineering,and 3) encourage students to pursue Northern business development and communityrelations.Northern leaders wanted more resi-dents of Saskatchewans north (RSNs) employed at our mine sites, which led to Cameco establishing a minimum require-ment of Grade 12 for all entry-level posi- As a proud member of CCAB, TARA Energy Services is committed to improving tions, Burnouf explains. This changenot just the products and services we offer, but all aspects of the wider enabled hands-on training and facili- communities where we live and workalways focusing on making a positive tated employee progression, aligningimpact and being accountable for all our social responsibilities.Camecos practices with the aspirationsIt is also a priority at our organization to understand and respect the cultures of Indigenous communities. and needs of the local Indigenous peoples with whom we interact. Their voices are valued, heard, and carefully considered at every step because we believe Thecompanystalentacquisitionthat forming strong relationships and partnerships is the key to mutual success.program prioritizes diversity as a coreWe have fully executed Joint Ventures with Blueberry River First Nation in NEBC, value. A diverse workforce supportsand Alexander First Nation in Alberta. These partnerships create a space for our companys vision by bringing newopen communication and mutual growth between Tara Energy Services and the ideas, innovation, and a wide range ofIndigenous communities in which we work and reside. experience to the company, Burnouf says. Qualified candidates from sectorsOur emphasis on sustainability and quality control at every level of our of the society that are underrepresentedoperations makes it possible for our customers to drastically reduce emissions, in the workforce [are] actively recruitedimprove wellsite safety, reduce risks, and exceed regulatory requirements. from the respective communities whereOur Canadian operating hubs in Grande Prairie and Fort St. John are frequently we operate.searching for suitable candidates to help continue to grow our team. We are always looking for service technicians, shop assistants, operators, truck drivers, Thecompanyscommitmenttoand more. If youre ready to be a part of a team that is paving the way on GHG Indigenousemploymentisfurtherreduction and green innovations, send your resume with your intended position solidified in their preference for quali- in the subject line to careers@taraenergyservices.com.fied RSNs for positions at their northern Saskatchewan worksites, in alignment with their surface lease agreements. Cameco actively posts job openings on job boards and employment data-bases to encourage qualified Indigenous members to apply. As well, community liaisons with satellite offices located in the First Nations or Mtis communi-ties under the companys collaboration agreements work directly with Cameco members to assist with creating job profiles and resumes. The company also created 15 online training courses tailored for Northern communities, offered free of charge. This allows community members to develop Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT 59'