Aboriginal employee network helps corporation grow

One of Canada’s largest oil companies has created an Aboriginal employee network to help connect and retain First Nations, Métis and Inuit staff.

AbNet, Shell Canada’s initiative, is composed of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal employees who want to learn and strengthen Aboriginal culture in the work place.

Deborah Green, co-chair of the program, is Cree from the Kawacatoose First Nation in Saskatchewan but moved to Alberta numerous years ago. She works out of Calgary.
“When I joined I was interested in mixing and mingling with more Aboriginal people in my work place,” she said. “AbNet is a place I call home within my work place.”

The program was started by an Inuit employee in 2005 who wanted to create an informal network of Aboriginal employees to support each other. Three years ago, Shell formalized the effort as AbNet and now has staff assigned to organizing events.
The group hosts activities within the office including an Aboriginal awareness week which includes artists, pow wow dancers, bannock making, and a teepee. AbNet also organizes lunches and traditional gatherings such as sweats for all co-workers to participate in.
Including meaningful cultural events in the work place makes Aboriginal employees feel accepted by the company, said Green.

“I’ve often had contractors who wanted to join AbNet and when they leave they say ‘I wouldn’t have made it through my contract.’ Some employees who are adopted, or went to residential school, AbNet brings back the pride of being Aboriginal,” she said.

AbNet members also meet with management to discuss how to strengthen the work place for Aboriginal people.
“Sometimes we have to adapt to a corporate culture,” she said. “Having an organization such as AbNet is a place that can help you transition. You have someone from your own culture telling you this is who you call for this.”

AbNet hires outside consultants to host Aboriginal awareness workshops to create a greater understanding of Aboriginal culture by all employees.

Green’s job is also to recruit Aboriginal employees. A program such as AbNet is a draw for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people looking for a career and also works to help retain Aboriginal employees who may have felt alone or intimidated by working for a large company such as Shell. Aboriginal employees are automatically linked to the AbNet program and the membership continues to grow.

“We have our own sense of community. We are more inclusive and it helps with retention,” said Green.

Green added if companies are considering ways to better support and retain Aboriginal people, they should look to AbNet for ideas.

“I think engagement between Aboriginal people is key. Either a buddy system or a mentoring system between Aboriginal employees would definitely help.”

It has also helped Green develop a rewarding career for herself.

“I am proud of what I am accomplishing here in my job,” she said.

Photo Caption: Shell’s Aboriginal Awareness Week motivational speaker event (left to right) are Vanessa Eaglespeaker, lead of AbNet Social Committee; chairs of AbNet Deborah Green and Roxanne Hodgson; Walter MacDonald Whitebear, event speaker; and AbNet members Jade Jocko and Autumn Eaglespeaker.