Category: News

Amplifying Indigenous Engagement This Quarter

This past quarter, IGS significantly accelerated its Indigenous engagement strategy. We’ve taken concrete and meaningful steps to increase our community involvement, reflecting our deep commitment to building stronger relationships and fostering mutual respect with Indigenous communities across the region. Our initiatives have focused on creating impactful relationships and ensuring our strategies translate into tangible benefits and genuine connections. We believe these actions are vital for fostering reconciliation and creating a more inclusive future for everyone.

Successful Initiatives Launched by IGS

Our team continues to grow and support Indigenous workers across OPG sites. Since 2024, IGS has been successful in hiring 22 ION candidates with additional candidates expected to be added during the fourth quarter. Thanks to strong partnerships with OPG’s ION Network and Kagita Mikam, Indigenous representation within IGS continues to grow, reinforcing our commitment to reconciliation through employment.

• Current Ratio of Indigenous Office Staff: 50% (3 of 6)
• Current Ratio of Total Indigenous Employees: 19% (12 of 63)
• Support for Indigenous Workers: Continued connections for our Indigenous workers to both our wrap-around program and with OPG’s Indigenous circle for support.

Strengthening Engagement with Local First Nations

IGS has deepened its engagement with Curve Lake, Alderville, and Hiawatha First Nations. We are committed to continuing to engage and support our local partners, particularly within Williams Treaties First Nations. This quarter, we focused on actively bidding on infrastructure improvements for local First Nations and dedicated time to attending and volunteering at local pow wows over the summer.

Community Awareness & Support Initiatives

We received positive feedback from both our key clients and community partners, reflecting the high quality and integrity of our service delivery.

• Community Contributions: Monetary and volunteer support was provided for the Curve
  Lake Pow Wow (parking, registration, shuttle assistance, and donation) and the mini-pow
  wow in support of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
• Charity: We hosted a charity golf tournament supporting Binnoojiiyag Child and Family
  Service.

Client & Community Trust

We received positive feedback from both our key clients and community partners, reflecting the high quality and integrity of our service delivery.

IGS Community Event Highlights (July – September)

• Attended Curve Lake business development day
• OPG Indigenous circle meeting – monthly meeting
• BASF Canada’s Virtual Supplier Information Session for Indigenous Businesses in Canada
• Bancroft Indigenous Expo 2025
• IGS Charity Golf Tournament – Binnoojiiyag child and family services (Kawartha – Haliburton Child’s Aid Society)
• Decolonizing Organizational Practices for Reconciliation, strengthening indigenous business relations webinar
• Volunteer at the Curve Lake pow wow
• Truth and Reconciliation Webinar – Where are we now?
• Indigivisor webinar Virtual Engagement Session – Opportunities in Eastern Ontario for Indigenous Businesses
• Sunrise ceremony hosted by Ontario Tech and Durham Region Health Centre
• Orange shirt day participation
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Mini Pow Wow hosted by Ontario Tech

What Lies Ahead for IGS?

Looking ahead, our initiatives are strategically focused on the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station refurbishment. We’re confident in securing refurbishment work at Pickering, and our ongoing communication with OPG consistently emphasizes our demonstrated commitment to Indigenous engagement and transparency.

We are committed to continuing to support Indigenous workers in their careers—from first-year apprentices to journeymen and beyond—to expand Indigenous representation within our workforce.

Through strong partnerships with OPG’s ION Network, OPG’s Pathway Program, and Kagita Mikam, we’re dedicated to expanding Indigenous representation once we’re awarded these crucial contracts.

We are also prioritizing collaborations aimed at upgrading vital community infrastructure at local First Nations. We believe these actions will translate into tangible benefits and genuine connections.

Closing Statement

As we look ahead, IGS stands ready to redefine what’s possible. Our unwavering commitment to Indigenous engagement is the bedrock of our ambition, propelling us toward groundbreaking partnerships and transformative projects. We are setting the pace for a future where inclusion isn’t just a goal, but the driving force behind every success.

Dayna Pavich
President, Infinity Generation Services

Amplifying Indigenous Engagement This Quarter

This past quarter, IGS has ramped up its efforts to actively promote our Indigenous engagement strategy. We’ve taken concrete and meaningful steps to increase our community involvement, reflecting our deep commitment to building stronger relationships and fostering mutual respect with Indigenous communities across the region. Our initiatives have focused on creating impactful relationships and ensuring our strategies translate into tangible benefits and genuine connections. We
believe these actions are vital for fostering reconciliation and creating a more inclusive future for everyone.

Successful Initiatives Launched by IGS

Indigenous Team: Our team continues to grow and support Indigenous workers across OPG sites. Communities represented include Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Georgina Island, Tyendinaga, Saugeen, Woodland Metis, MNO, Xá’isla, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, and Inuit. We are seeing some struggles with security clearances taking a very long time for some applicants howeverwe have been working closely with OPGs ION network to help expedite clearances in order to get workers on site sooner.

Current Ratio of Indigenous Office Staff: 50% (3 of 6)
Current Ratio of Total Indigenous Employees: 20% (11 of 55)

Strengthening Engagement with Local First Nations

IGS has deepened its relationships with Curve Lake First Nation, Alderville First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation. Our commitment to
Williams Treaties First Nations remains a priority, and we are continually and actively tracking our Indigenous spend across direct employment, in-kind giving, community support, and direct hire wages.

Community Awareness & Support Initiatives

Our dedication to supporting the communities. we engage with was demonstrated through several contributions such as:

• Donation towards a community dinner after the Hiawatha Pow Wow.
• Donation towards half the drummers’ fee for the Hiawatha First Nation career fair (with OPG contributing the other half).
• Sponsorship for Métis Heritage Celebration for Oshawa Durham Region Metis Council (ODRMC)
• Participating in a golf tournament at Saugeen Shores to support the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) food bank.

We also showed our support by attending the Hiawatha Pow Wow, ODRMCs Metis Heritage celebration and National Indigenous Peoples day celebration hosted by Durham Health Centre and the city of Pickering.

Support for Indigenous Workers

Continued connections for our Indigenous workers to both our wrap around program and with OPG’s Indigenous circle for support.

What Lies Ahead for IGS?

Looking ahead, our initiatives are strategically focused on the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station refurbishment. We’re confident in securing refurbishment work at Pickering, and our ongoing communication with OPG consistently emphasizes our demonstrated commitment to Indigenous engagement and transparency. We’re optimistic about a successful outcome that includes significant Indigenous participation.

We are also prioritizing collaborations aimed at upgrading vital community infrastructure at local First Nations. We believe these actions will translate into tangible benefits and genuine connections.

Through our strong partnerships with OPG’s ION Network, OPG’s Pathway Program, and Kagita Mikam, we’re dedicated to continuing to expand Indigenous representation within our workforce once we’re awarded these crucial contracts.

IGS Community Event Highlights (April – June)

• Attended meetings regarding an Indigenous nuclear information session for youth across FNs
• Participated in updates on PAIR discussion for Black&McDonald
• Attended meeting to learn about Metis community relations within Oshawa Durham Metis Council
• Participated in webinars to learn about Metis self government process
• Workshop: Enhancing Indigenous participation by focusing on skills development for building nuclear talent
• Community council meeting for Oshawa Durham Region Metis Council (ODRMC)
• Future Workforce Deep Dive Webinar: Explored evolving trends, needs in workforce with focus on ED&I
• Explore sponsorship potential with companies for upcoming Metis Heritage Celebration for ODRMC
• Donation for community dinner after Hiawatha pow wow
• Attended Hiawatha Pow Wow
• Attended Indigenous skilled trades fair at Trent University
• EHRC National Electricity Workforce Summit: Attended webinar discussing challenges around labour shortages and ways to address challenges
• Donation for half of the drummer’s fee at the Hiawatha First Nation Career Fair (OPG covered the other half)
• Attended local career fair at Hiawatha First Nation
• Indigenous learning with Grandmother Kim Wheatly
• MNO Self-Government Roundtable
• Sponsorship and attendance at the 16th annual ODRMC Metis Heritage Celebration
• Golf tournament at Saugeen shores to support SON food bank
• Attended CCIB AGM virtually
• Siemens Energy Indigenous Nuclear Supplier Day
• MNO Wildfire and climate change forum
• Attended and volunteered at Durham Health Centres National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration
• Melissa Crystal from Ishkōdé Indigenous Art Collective – medicine wheel themed beading workshop

Closing Statement

As we look ahead, IGS stands ready to redefine what’s possible. Our unwavering commitment to Indigenous engagement is the bedrock of our ambition, propelling us toward groundbreaking partnerships and transformative projects. We are setting the pace for a future where inclusion isn’t just a goal, but the driving force behind every success.

Dayna Pavich
President, Infinity Generation Services

What we have been up to:

Growing our team with Indigenous talent: Since the beginning of October, IGS has proudly welcomed 3 skilled professionals from the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Indigenous Opportunities Network (ION) to our team. These individuals have joined us as electricians, contributing their expertise to various OPG sites. Indigenous communities represented in our workforce: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Georgina Island, Tyendinaga, Saugeen, Woodland Metis, MNO, Haida Gwaii, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, Inuit.

Indigenous employees hired at end 2024: 15

Current Ratio of Indigenous Staff: 50% (3 of 6)

Continued Engagement with Local First nations: Strengthening relationship with Curve Lake First Nation, Alderville First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation. Our focus remains with Williams Treaties and other local stakeholders as we map Indigenous engagement and support for the year ahead.

Exploring New Partnerships with other Trade Unions: Looking to expand Indigenous engagement agreements with other trade unions in addition to CUSW. Other trades to be added in the next couple of months.

Promoting awareness and support: During October and November, IGS actively engaged with local First Nations communities through career fairs held in Alderville and Curve Lake. These events successfully resulted in the recruitment of numerous skilled electricians and laborers that are currently awaiting security clearances. To further expand our workforce in other trades, IGS has approached and received support from Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations to develop and launch an 8-10 week training program. This initiative will provide Indigenous workers with the skills and qualifications needed to join our growing team and contribute to our expanding service offerings.

Support for Indigenous Workers: Continued connections for our Indigenous workers to both wrap around program and with OPG’s Indigenous circle for support.

Feedback

With our ongoing support from ION and Kagita Mikam, we are committed to increasing Indigenous representation within our organization. We value the positive feedback received from our customers and community partners, and will continue to prioritize initiatives that foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. We also received very positive feedback for our performance on the PNGS general services contract. Although the contract was not renewed, it has been a great experience for the company and our Indigenous workers.

What lies ahead for IGS?

IGS is confident in securing refurbishment work at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. Our ongoing communication with OPG emphasizes our demonstrated commitment to Indigenous engagement, and we are optimistic about a successful outcome. Through our partnerships with OPG’s ION network, OPGs Pathway program and Kagita Mikam, we will continue to expand Indigenous representation within our workforce when we are awarded contracts.

IGS Community Event Highlights October – December

• ANEDO Conference
• Alderville First Nation Career Fair
• MacDonald Laurier Institute – Female Indigenous Leaders and the Canadian North
• Curve Lake Career Fair
• Identifying Potential Partnership Webinar – Superior Strategies
• Louis Riel Flag Raising Event
• Sixth Annual Mental Health and Addictions in Construction
• Monthly touchpoints for OPG Pathways program
• Announced winner of IGS Inaugural Scholarship

As we embark on a new year, IGS is actively pursuing expansion opportunities both within the nuclear industry and beyond. We are eager to engage with potential clients and partners at upcoming industry conferences, where we will showcase our capabilities and expertise.

Our commitment to Indigenous engagement remains steadfast, and we are dedicated to fostering and growing relationships with First Nations communities. We are optimistic about upcoming work prospects at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and confident in our ability to secure contracts that align with our strategic goals.

On January 4th, 2024, we onboarded the first of three groups for the D2421 outage at Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.

In collaboration with OPG’s Indigenous Opportunities Network (ION) and the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW), we added new valuable members to the growing IGS team.

A cornerstone of IGS’s Indigenous Engagement strategy involves collaborating with local Indigenous communities to create job opportunities, a commitment solidified through a signed letter with CUSW.

We are thankful for OPG’s ION as they continue to support us by assisting and developing skilled candidates.

Looking ahead, IGS looks forward to continued growth and investment in Indigenous recruitment and community involvement.

Cameron Lutenburg

A proud Métis community member, Cameron completed the 2-year Electrical Engineering Technician program at Durham College in 2023. Enrolled in ION, he aspires to succeed as an electrical apprentice with IGS, eager to connect with the team and expand his knowledge in the electrical and nuclear industry.

“Good things happen to hard workers, so continue to work, and if you’re not where you want to be now, it will come.” – Cameron

Sami-Jo Root-Thomson

An Ojibwa from Saugeen First Nation, Sami-Jo completed a pre-apprenticeship program for carpentry, renovation,and electrical techniques. Sami-Jo is excited to inspire other Indigenous women and looks forward to gaining skills to become the best electrician she can be.

“My message to other Indigenous candidates would be to take advantage of the programs available and never give up! Everyone is very supportive, and it’s never too late to start.” – Sami-Jo

Jenna Driscoll

Thanks to ION, Jenna transitioned to a growth-oriented role as the Senior Administrator for IGS at OPG’s Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. Born of Inuit heritage, she encourages other Indigenous workers looking for similar opportunities in the energy industry.

“To be employed by a workplace that allows you to feel safe about who you are and encourages you to be proud of is truly refreshing.” – Jenna