ABOUT THIS EPISODE
This episode of Indigenous voices in resource development features Amanda Robert, a proud Metis woman, with roots in southern Manitoba that follow the Pembina River 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.
