Nutrien celebrates Indigenous people, culture, and traditions on National Indigenous Peoples Day

Published: Jun 26, 2024

Nutrien’s commitment to celebrating and elevating Indigenous history and culture is not only amplified on Canada's National Indigenous Peoples Day but the commitment extends to every day all year round.

The company’s participation at several events on June 21st gave our people an opportunity to demonstrate their personal commitment to reconciliation.

Chris Reynolds, EVP and President of Potash represented Nutrien at Wanuskewin Heritage Park that morning bringing a message of reflection and partnership. Reflecting on the historical importance of Indigenous people but also looking ahead to a future together.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates this history, heritage, and resilience… and calls us to remember how First Nations and Métis families shared this land and their stories generation after generation. Nutrien is here to learn from that history and to be part of a better future,” Chris told the audience.

That same morning 43 employees from the Saskatoon head office took part in the Rock Your Roots for Reconciliation Walk.  The almost 3-kilometer walk saw record setting numbers with more than 5,000 people taking part as the walk wound along the south Saskatchewan river and wrapped around the Nutrien tower.

“I’ve read, and heard Chief Cadmus Delorme say “We all inherited this, nobody today created residential schools, nobody today created the Indian Act, nobody today created the 60’s scoop. We all inherited it and we have to acknowledge that people are healing and people are hurting. Let’s do something about it”. I joined the Rock Your Roots Walk to show support for our Indigenous neighbours as part of my ability “to do something about it.” Fern Boutin, Senior Director, Potash Operational Risk added.

“Reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility, and this is a small way we can visibly stand in solidarity and show our support,” Philippe Lepage, Director, Mine Development, Potash said following his participation.

The annual walk began in 2016 and its purpose is to bring people together to recognize and remember those who attended residential schools and to demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation.

“We have a large impact as a company and knowing we are proactively supporting reconciliation makes me feel better connected with our values,” Philippe added.