altogether for business leaders like Mark Little to turn those words into action,” says Gladu. “That’s why our Champions are so important to this program. We’re asking them to help Aboriginal businesses that have been certified through our CAB (Certified Aboriginal Business) program find opportunities within their supply chains and to actively encourage other companies and governments to do the same so we can get everyone pulling in the same direction.” For Little, agreeing to co-chair CCAB’s Procurement Champions program was a natural next step in Suncor’s decades-long effort to engage local Aboriginal communities in its Canada- wide projects. Over the past 20 years, the energy leader has spent over $4 billion on contracts with Aboriginal businesses. It spent $500 million with nearly 200 Aboriginal businesses in 2017 alone. “When we first started working with Aboriginal communities over 40 years ago, our early efforts were focused on trying to address challenges and issues. We have evolved and now realize that including Aboriginal businesses in Suncor’s supply chain helps us build stronger relations – and allows Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities the opportunity to participate in and benefit from our operations. Today, we engage with more Aboriginal organiza- tions through sharing ideas, procuring from their businesses and partnering in the development of new ventures,” says Little. It’s been a journey and one that has generated lasting benefits for all involved. One highlight was Suncor’s collaboration with Fort McKay First COVER STORY BEYOND THE HANDSHAKE Opening doors for Aboriginal businesses in Canadian supply chains is a welcome move, but it is only the first step, say many Indigenous business leaders. Isabell Ringenoldus is the owner and president of TAWS Security, a 100-per-cent Aboriginal-owned company. She says that truly engaging leaders like her means ensuring all Aboriginal businesses are invited to the table and that companies are genuine in their desire for Indigenous inclusion. “Anything that gets us in the door and participating in the supply chain is great for our businesses and our communities,” says Ringenoldus. “But companies need to look at their criteria for procurement, understand what an Aboriginal company means to them, and make sure they’re opening that door for all Aboriginal businesses.” CONTROL CONTROLTECH OLTECH TECH is a leader in TECH is a s a leader in instrumentation, electrical and automation i in ns str tru um me e en ntati tati tatio o on n, e , e , el le ec ctr tri ic cal al an and au d automation services for the oil and gas industry. We , e s se er rv vi ic ce es s f fo or r the the o oi il l an and g d gas as i in ndu dus str try y. W . We e are proud to provide the highest level of d g y ar are e p pr ro ou ud to d to p pr ro ov vi ide de the the hi hig ghe hes st l t le ev ve el l o of f customer satisfaction and workmanship in p p g c cu us sto tom me er r s sati atis sf fac acti tio on n an and w d wo or rk km man ans shi hip p i in n a safe and enthusiastic environment p a s a saf afe e an and e d en nthu thus si ias asti tic c e env nvi ir ro onm nme ent nt Contact us 780.539.7114 C Con ont ta act ct us us 7 780. 80.5 53 39. 9.71 7114 14 www.controltechgp.ca Contact us 780.539.7114 w www. ww.c con ont tr ro ol lt te echgp chgp.ca ca 12 A CCAB PUBLICATION 2018