b'TALENT RETENTIONprogram prioritizes Indigenous appli-cants and provides robust support Bouchier participates in road shows tothroughout the apprenticeship journey, Indigenous communities, introducing themensuringsuccess. Recognizing the vital role of Indigenous to the companys ethos and encouragingwomen, Bouchier launched a Female collaboration. Advertisements andEmpowermentInitiative.Itencom-passes quarterly events for female team promotional materials prominently featuremembers that include elements focused on empowering Indigenous women. Indigenous team members, reflecting theIndigenous female keynote speakers share their experiences, and Indigenous organizations commitment to Indigenousstorytelling highlights the crucial roles roots, teachings and languages that females have played and continue to play within Indigenous communities and the organization, Gardner shares.Denise Gardner, director of humana 2023 target of 18 per cent), and more,In addition to empowering Indigenous resources for Bouchier, explains howBouchier demonstrates its commit- teammembers,Bouchierbelieves the Seven Sacred Teachings serve asment to empowering its Indigenousin fostering a culture of Truth and the cornerstone of their value systemteam members and the communitiesReconciliation across the entire organi-and are intricately woven into the fabricin which they operate, Gardner says.zation. This commitment extends to all of Bouchiers identity. The introductionThis commitment results in positiveteam members, ensuring that everyone of Seven Sacred Teachings and howand lasting impacts on the communi- is included on the journey of Truth and they encompass and serve as our valueties where Bouchier works and resides. Reconciliation. The company provides system are explained in the [orientation]cultural awareness training and ongoing video, Gardner says of the companysTraining and talent development playteachings for its leadership team and any online orientation.a pivotal role in Bouchiers strategy forteam member who wishes to participate. retaining Indigenous talent. Bouchier These teachings provide a profoundrecognizes that some barriers may existSocial media platforms and intranet are frameworkthatguidesBouchiersto employment, such as licensing, andalso utilized to provide learning oppor-approach to Indigenous engagement.to address this, they offer support totunities on Truth and Reconciliation. The organization actively integrates thecandidates in obtaining the licences theyAlso on offer are courses and educa-Seven Sacred Teachings into orientations,need, opening doors to employmenttional opportunities to enhance aware-onboarding and their core absolutes,and development opportunities. Theirness and understanding, and, recog-reinforcing the importance of Indigenousleadership development programs, bothnizing the significance of connection culture in their daily operations. internal and external, equip Indigenousand networking, Bouchier plans to intro-team members with the skills and knowl- duce Annual Indigenous Engagement Bouchiers commitment to inclusivityedge they need to excel in their roles.Sessions. These sessions, hosted in and empowerment is also exemplifiedThis includes training in equipment oper- different communities each year, [will] through their Indigenous-focused attrac- ation, safety, Class 3 licensing support,focus on learning about the land and tion initiatives. The company participatesandapprenticeshipopportunities,traditions of the region, says Gardner. in road shows to Indigenous commu- Gardner explains. We actively engage[They will] provide opportunities for nities, introducing them to Bouchierswith First Nations bands and tribal coun- dinner, networking and storytelling, ethos and encouraging collaboration.cils to support training and employmentfurther strengthening the bond between Advertisements and promotional mate- opportunities. Bouchier and Indigenous communities. rials prominently feature Indigenous team members, reflecting the organi- One standout initiative is Bouchiers zations commitment to Indigenous roots,Apprenticeship Program, which is specif- In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachings and languages.ically tailored to empower Indigenouswhich has tested the mettle of organiza-team members. Currently, Bouchiertions worldwide, Bouchier, Cameco and In addition to attracting Indigenousemploys 10 Indigenous apprenticesESS exemplify the importance of aligning talent, Bouchier is deeply invested inin the trades, constituting an impres- corporate ethos with the evolving needs giving back to Indigenous communi- sive 44 per cent of the organizationsof a diverse workforce. They represent ties. Through employment opportuni- total apprenticeship ecosystem. Thisa commitment to fostering an inclusive ties, continuous contributions, collab- achievement underscores Bouchierslandscape where Indigenous talent is not oration, certified memberships withcommitment to not only creating oppor- just retained, but where Indigenous team CCAB,andNAABA(Northeasterntunities but also nurturing the growthmembers can thrive, become leaders, Alberta Aboriginal Business Association),and potential of its Indigenous teammentors and an inspiration for genera-Indigenous procurement initiatives (withmembers. According to Gardner, Thetions to come. 62A CCAB PUBLICATIONFall 2023'