Syncrude is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal people in Canada.  Aboriginal people represent about 9% of its total employee population, and many more are employed by Syncrude’s contractors. Syncrude’s Aboriginal Relations program is focused on the following six key commitment areas: corporate leadership, employment, business development, education and training, community development and the environment.

Syncrude provides significant opportunity to Aboriginal-owned businesses in the Wood Buffalo region. Since 1992, Syncrude has conducted over $1.7 billion in total business volume with Aboriginal companies, providing substantial opportunities for Aboriginal-owned businesses. In fact, if all other factors in a contract proposal are equal, preference is given to local Aboriginal businesses. Syncrude also encourages contractors to employ Aboriginal people and subcontract work to Aboriginal businesses.

Syncrude believes that Aborginal people and communities have an important role to play in the planning, implementing and monitoring of its environmental commitments. Representatives from Syncrude routinely meet with Aboriginal communities to discuss the impacts of oil sands including reclamation progress, challenges and concerns.  

Syncrude is one of 13 companies in Canada, and the only oil sands operator, to be accredited at the Gold Level in the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Program of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). PAR measures corporate performance in Aboriginal employment, business development, capacity development and community relations.