September Technical Session

Featuring:

Facilitator: Ange-Aimée Quesnel - Sustainability and Community Engagement Advisor at CMR Consulting
Speaker: Amanda Robert - Senior Advisor; Indigenous & Community Relations at Suncor
Speaker: Colin Anton - Indigenous Relations Lead at Gibson Energy
Speaker: Jennifer Ezekiel - Vice President, ESG & Strategy at CDN Controls

Join us in person at The Calgary Petroleum Club - McMurray Room on Thursday, September 19 for our monthly Technical Session. Please arrive early to get settled before the presentation that starts at 3:30pm sharp!

**Technical sessions are for CWiE members and prospective members only. Our Mix & Mingler starts at 4:30pm after the technical session and are open to all industry professionals

Agenda:

3:00pm - Doors open for new and prospective CWiE members
3:15pm - Doors open for all attendees
3:30pm - Technical Presentation
4:30pm - Mix & Mingler

Beyond the Handshake: Building Authentic Indigenous Partnerships

Indigenous participation in the energy sector goes beyond only economic considerations to also include commitments to environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, and the empowerment of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes. Organizations that invest the time and energy required to build authentic relationships will contribute to both the well-being of Indigenous Nations and the long-term success and sustainability of the energy industry.

But what does all of this really mean in practice? What is a “meaningful” partnership? And how does this move beyond the Duty to Consult or the terms of an Impact Benefit Agreement? What is the role of an Indigenous Nation in these partnerships, and what is the role of a producer, a midstreamer or a service provider? We will discuss some specific examples of where companies often go wrong, and what the potential future states of Indigenous partnerships within the energy sector may look like. Bring your questions, as we host a genuine conversation with a panel deep with experience and diverse perspective.

Amanda Robert

Senior Advisor, Indigenous & Community Relations at Suncor

Amanda Robert is a proud Metis woman, with roots in southern Manitoba that flow south to the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Band of North Dakota. Amanda left home at a young age, traveling overseas and spending a good amount of time in Australia where she developed a keen awareness of the challenges Australia’s Indigenous people face, both historically and current day. This ignited a passion for her own ancestry and the rights of Indigenous Peoples in North America.

Returning home years later, Amanda gained an apprenticeship as a Heavy Equipment Technician and spent 12 years working in the mining industry as a mechanic; joining Suncor in 2017. Amanda immediately became a part of Suncor’s Indigenous employee network and went on to lead the network for her operating area in Wood Buffalo during her time at site. Taking an active role in Suncor’s Journey of Reconciliation and leadership development initiatives, she facilitated many cultural events and inclusion activities, bringing awareness and engagement to much of the front-line workers and tradespeople.

Amanda’s work within the employee network brought her to her current role as a Senior Advisor in the corporate Indigenous and Community Relations group for Suncor’s operations worldwide. Amanda’s current role includes the creation and facilitation of Suncor’s Indigenous awareness training, developing the policies around Indigenous relations strategies, stakeholder and community relations strategies, and framework pieces supporting Suncor’s Journey of Reconciliation.

Valuing the Indigenous Worldview is a main part of Amanda’s work initiatives, and she strives to include Indigenous ways of knowing and being into all levels of the corporate environment. Working directly with senior leadership to foster greater understanding and engage in cultural learning activities, organizing Indigenous keynote speakers for corporate events, and promoting engagement and positive relationships with Indigenous communities, Amanda’s goal is to see Indigenous people succeed as they walk in two worlds; honoring our roots and traditions while we thrive in modern society. .

Colin Anton

Indigenous Relations Lead at Gibson Energy

Colin Anton is a dedicated advocate for bridging the gaps between Indigenous communities and the corporate energy sector. His passion lies in fostering connections that promote education, employment, and equity, while enhancing cultural awareness and challenging privileged perceptions. Raised by a single parent within the rich tapestry of Cree culture, Colin's upbringing spans both on-reserve and off-reserve experiences in Treaty 6 and 8, and he has been a guest in Treaty 7 for the past 25 years.

Colin holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Calgary and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. With over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, he has worked with various companies, focusing on Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion, as well as Human Resources and Government, Community, and Indigenous Relations. Colin’s extensive background equips him with a unique perspective on the importance of collaboration between Indigenous communities and the energy industry and advancing discussions around these critical opportunities.

Jennifer Ezekiel

Vice President, ESG & Strategy at CDN Controls

Jennifer is a Professional Engineer with more than 18 years of expertise in ESG and sustainability leadership, energy and environmental policy, and regulatory frameworks in Canada. She has curated this experience through her work for multinational consulting organizations, energy producers (oil, gas, and renewables), service companies and volunteer opportunities. She has directed sustainability planning and ESG strategic priorities, created robust environmental policy outcomes for energy sector activities, and leveraged knowledge of business development and communications skillsets to elevate these successes.

Jennifer is most known for her ability to deliver precedent-setting initiatives, thriving under the challenges of managing never-been-done-before projects. Through her work in the Canadian energy sector, she has demonstrated her aptitude working with diverse groups of clients and stakeholders and identifying areas of mutual benefit and consensus —all while meeting social and environmental objectives and increasing industry competitiveness.

As Vice President of ESG & Strategy at CDN Controls and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Jennifer has positioned CDN as the dominant leader in the energy services sector for ESG performance, driving forward both internal strategy and external ESG-linked services. Her passion for environmental issues and strong skill set in collaborative problem solving, technical analysis, and relationship building have played an essential role in CDN’s ongoing growth and success. A core pillar of her work with CDN is with the six Indigenous Nations that CDN is proud to formally partner with. This work provides deep meaning and learning, and Jennifer is humbled to be entrusted with it.

Jennifer resides in Treaty 7 territory and is a proud mom of two boys who love to have family adventures together in the mountains – by foot, bike, tent, ski and snowboard. As a non-Indigenous person whose family are from Egypt, Germany, England and Ireland, Jennifer is committed to standing as an ally with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and beyond.

Ange-Aimée Quesnel

Sustainability and Community Engagement Advisor at CMR Consulting

Ange-Aimée Quesnel is a Sustainability and Community Engagement Advisor with CMR Consulting. She brings a robust background working with Indigenous communities across BC, Alberta, Northwest Territories and Ontario. Her work encompasses a diverse portfolio of community-led projects, including industry-Indigenous relations and partnerships, strategic planning, community engagement, and ESG reporting. Known for her passion for interdisciplinary approaches and meaningful cross-sectional collaboration, Ange-Aimée is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that meet the needs of all stakeholders and rights holders.

Ange-Aimée hold an M.A. In Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of British Columbia. She is GRI Certified and received her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in early 2024. Her additional training includes gender-based assessments, cultural awareness training and facilitation, strategic planning, trauma-informed program delivery, and sustainability in the resource industries.

**Our technical sessions are open to our members and prospective members only. For more information please contact Leslie Cassidy