The RESTORE Pathways Program and Our Commitment to Reconciliation
SANEXEN’S mission is to remediate and protect the natural heritage that was maintained and safeguarded for millennia by the first peoples of this land. We believe it is both natural and logical to do so hand in hand with the communities of Turtle Island.
More than that, we believe it is our duty to position ourselves as openly as possible to welcome any Indigenous person or group interested in sharing their ancient knowledge of the land — and, in turn, to offer them the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of our technical work.
As we walk the path of reconciliation, we are committed to doing everything we can to bridge the gap between technical expertise and the cultural, practical, and spiritual knowledge of the original stewards of the land. This has been a cornerstone of our approach for more than 40 years.
Our latest step along that path is the RESTORE Pathways program. More than just another training initiative for Indigenous peoples, it is an exchange platform, one that invites organizations like ours to integrate and elevate ourselves toward the deep respect we should all practice in our relationship with nature.
For the thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans, Indigenous Peoples owned, occupied, and governed the lands now known as North America. Those who lived here were the ancestors of the peoples now referred to as First Nations and Inuit.
In some First Nations traditions, the story of creation is often told as the story of the creation of “Turtle Island,” a name commonly used by some First Nations to refer to these lands. While there are diverse and distinct versions of this story, one of the characteristics they share is a deep respect for the natural world and the environment.
Ancient Inuit legends, such as the legend of Sedna, also speak to the overwhelming power of nature.
— Jody Wilson-Raybould (Puglaas), True Reconciliation : How to Be a Force for Change
Ilies Tazi
Partner, Indeginous Relations | Business Development
