Indigenous Relations

Our Commitment to Indigenous Engagement

BASF Canada is committed to progressing our Indigenous relations in the journey that is Truth and Reconciliation. To do this, the Canadian Leadership Team has made a Commitment to Driving Indigenous Engagement in alignment with our Indigenous Relations Policy.

BASF Canada is a proud member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and became PAR Committed as of August 2023. We look forward to progressing through the PAR certification program and continuing meaningful and proactive Indigenous relations through it.

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB)

The Canadian Council for aboriginal Business (CCAB) builds bridges and fosters sustainable business relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities through diverse programming, providing tools, training, network building, major business awards, and national events.

Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR)

PAR is a certification program offered by the CCAB that affirms corporate performance and social engagement in Indigenous relations. PAR is the premier Indigenous relations program, providing a high level of assurance in meaningful corporate involvement due to its designation being supported by independent and third-party verification for approval.

Past Engagements

Iron and Earth (I&E)

In 2022, BASF Canada in partnership with Bullfrog Power provided $25,000 in sponsorship funding to support the I&E’S Community Wind Skills Training Program in Maskwacis, Alberta.

The upskilling training program was developed alongside Indigenous communities, including Indigenous perspectives on renewable energy and reconciliation. It included 5 days of in-class and 5 days of hands-on learning for 9 trainees, who established two solar arrays, and a 1.1kW wind turbine. The new energy generators will bring power to Maskwacis Cultural College and the surrounding community.

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Windsor Employee-Led Hand Sanitizer Production and Donation

In 2020, BASF Canada’s Windsor Site - that normally produces automotive coatings and refinish - produced hand sanitizer for donation across Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta, including to Indigenous communities who were in need.

A total of 47 cases of hand sanitizer were donated to the following indigenous communities across Canada to support their health and safety:

Hiawatha First Nations Health Centre
Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre
Assignak Family Health Team
Keewatin Tribal Council

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during the BASF and Bullfrog Power solar panel launch event on Tuesday October 16 2018 in Hiawatha First Nation, Ont.

Hiawatha First Nation Renewable Energy Project

In 2018, BASF Canada and Bullfrog Power supported a 22-kilowatt solar array on the community’s Old Railroad Stop building, generating $154,000 in community energy savings over 25 years. The Old Railroad Stop is the community’s flagship business and gathering place, functioning as a job-training center for local youth, providing employment opportunities for many of them.

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Sponsorship

Indspire

Indspire is a national Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities. In partnership with Indigenous, private and public sector stakeholders, Indspire educates, connects and invests in First Nations, Inuit and Métis people so they will achieve their highest potential.

BASF Canada sponsors the Building Brighter Futures program, which provides financial support through bursaries, scholarships and awards to students from Indigenous communities.

Our contributions, which have been matched dollar per dollar by the Canadian government since 2016, have helped provide 40 students (and counting!) with bursaries.

Learn more about the Building Brighter Futures program here.

Since 2022, BASF Canada is also a proud sponsor of Indspire's Soaring event, an annual Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering. Soaring is a forum where Indigenous high school students learn about career and post-secondary education options by participating in career workshops. Students can also access information on financial support and meet some of Canada’s top employers.

Learn more about Soaring here.

Internal Learning Sessions & Events

BASF Canada continues to foster a culture of learning about the history and marginalization of Indigenous peoples in Canada and our role in the reconciliation process.

To educate employees on Indigenous history in Canada, ongoing social issues affecting Indigenous communities, and our role as allies, BASF Canada hosts special learning sessions and events with guest speakers. These include:

Annual Red Dress Day Learning Session with external guest speakers
Annual National Truth and Reconciliation Day Learning Session with external guest speakers
Indigenous History & Cultural Awareness Training for employees
Experiential learning at Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon, SK
Donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS)