Supporting training for the future while strengthening relationships for today.
Pembina’s consultation efforts with Alberta First Nation communities a few years back lead to the development of a program that is benefitting everyone who participates, while strengthening relationships in the process.
The First Nations Environmental Technician Program was developed with the goal of helping First Nations communities build internal capacity to understand the process of pipeline construction and participate in the environmental work that takes place when companies such as Pembina propose a new project. Program participants work with Environmental Planners and Inspectors to get an understanding of the procedures and construction methods used to install pipelines, while working to protect the environment. For Pembina employees and contractors, they learn from the aboriginal community representatives regarding the area’s traditional land use interests.
It’s win-win for all involved.
Typically, Pembina works with the community to identify candidates for the training and conducts an interview process, to get a better understanding of why they are interested in the program. Personal objectives such as protecting the environment, interest in construction, concern about traditional land use, do they hunt or fish, are they interested in learning new skills, etc. are important factors in selecting the candidates for the training. The number selected is based on the size of the project. Pembina identifies the need to balance the size of the project, the number of communities and overlapping interests.
The program also helps inform Aboriginal communities, through the experiences of the participants, on the environmental work that actually goes into preparing and mitigating a pipeline project, while cultivating a positive relationship between the community and the company for the project and activities in the area.
