FortisAlberta acknowledges the importance of building and nurturing authentic relationships within the communities we serve, which includes the 20 First Nations and 2 Métis Settlement lands and traditional territories on which we operate. We are respectful of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit people, their land and their culture, and we recognize them as the traditional stewards of the land.
Our journey is ongoing and we will keep striving to advance the process of reconciliation and the many forms it can take. At FortisAlberta our participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and through the National Principles for Engagement of Indigenous Peoples shared by Electricity Canada (formerly the Canadian Electricity Association) and adopted by FortisAlberta continue to demonstrate our commitment.
As inclusive Canadians, we must ask ourselves how can we support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action. You can read the full report here. All FortisAlberta employees are encouraged to find ways to fulfill roles in reconciliation, in the context of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships and further the journey of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
In 2021 FortisAlberta recommitted our Indigenous Engagement Principles, and while the principles were first formalized in 2016 we have always been committed to respecting the communities we work with. The FortisAlberta Executive team has – on behalf of all FortisAlberta employees – committed to these Principles. View our Indigenous Commitment Statement here.
We believe the path forward will advance when companies join with community and Indigenous neighbours to honour a sincere commitment to walk in right relations with First Nation, Métis and Inuit Peoples, and with all nations.
To create public and tangible accountability to this commitment, FortisAlberta has commissioned benches to be donated to spaces that foster coming together and reflecting upon the truth and impacts of the residential school system and respecting the intergenerational trauma and effects of colonization that still influence relationships today and will for many years to come.
Additionally, FortisAlberta land acknowledgment plaques have been created for each of our offices throughout the province. These plaques will be a continual reminder of our commitment to treating the land, and each other, with respect and honor now and into the future.
The graphic featured on both the bench and plaque was commissioned by Tsuut’ina Nation artist Keegan Starlight who resides and works on the Tsuut’ina Nation southwest of Calgary and has been creating art in one form or another for nearly 20 years. Keegan’s portfolio includes the Indigenous Placemaking Initiative mural at the Calgary Public Library, logo design for Metro Ford at Taza Park, and culturally sensitive holding cells at the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service Station amongst numerous other installations. FortisAlberta was honoured to have Keegan design a graphic that he felt was representative of FortisAlberta’s relationship with our communities.
If you have questions about our Indigenous Engagement programs, please email Stan Orlesky, Indigenous Relations Manager.
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Native Land
Interested in the traditional lands? Native Land Digital is a resource to learn more about Indigenous territories, languages, lands, and ways of life. The map feature enables users to search their location to learn the local nations, languages and treaty territory for that location.
"FortisAlberta acknowledges that its operations and facilities occur on the traditional territories, meeting grounds and travelling routes of the Indigenous peoples of the treaty territories and Métis people of Alberta. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting."
FortisAlberta Major Community Projects
Stoney Nakoda end of life conductor replacement: Over 125 km of line rebuild and 1000 new poles.
For additional resources Indigenous Tourism Alberta.
Pow Wows in Alberta
The Alberta Pow Wow calendar has all the details if you are interested in attending, including Pow Wow Etiquette.Literary Works Available
Want to further your Indigenous education and experience? FortisAlberta recommends the following literature:
- From the Ashes: My Story of Being Metis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle
- Calling My Spirit Back by Elaine Alec
- The Break by Katherena Vermette
- Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
- Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age by Darrel J. McLeod
- Cultural Teachings: First Nations Protocols and Methodologies by Sylvia McAdam Saysewahum
For more reading recommendations, click here.
Power Line Clearances
Make sure you know how tall your equipment is before you pass under or work closely to power lines.