Tawâw
Tawâw (a Cree word pronounced ta-WOW) — there is room, you are welcome.
YEG is proudly located in Treaty 6 Territory and Metis Nation of Alberta Region Four, just outside Amiskwacîwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton).
As 2021 showed us, Reconciliation hinges on acknowledging the truth of Indigenous Peoples’ experiences in Canada and taking meaningful actions to create thoughtful and prosperous opportunities for inclusion.
Our dedication to Reconciliation and diversity, equity and inclusion is seen through our ongoing commitment to embed Indigenous partnerships and considerations into all aspects of our business. This results in new connections, business development opportunities, community support and a greater understanding of how we can collaborate together moving forward.
We recognize that we must actively engage with Indigenous Nations and groups in our region to build trust and truly create an airport that reflects our community and province. This means more than transactional relationships with our partners.
(L-R)YEG Vice President Myron Keehn, Saddle Lake First Nation Chief Eric Shirt, Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson, Owner of Indigenous Box Mallory Yawnghwe, Grand Chief of Treaty Six First Nations and Chief of Alexander First Nation, George Arcand Jr. and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Chief Tony Alexis help pack some boxes heading out to clients across Canada from the Indigenous Box warehouse at Edmonton International Airport.
Indigenous Box
One of the new businesses on our property is Indigenous Box. Indigenous Box joined our Sustainability campus in 2021, and we are excited to collaborate with them to grow their business for ecofriendly and socially conscious products.
North West Territories Art Partnership
The NWT Arts Program is a marketing initiative that promotes all artists of the Northwest Territories (NWT), including traditional arts and fine crafts, contemporary arts and fine crafts, performing arts, literary arts, and film and media arts. Administered by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories, the Program helps connect people with registered artists and retailers that carry authentic northern artwork.
YEG is proud to display a rotating exhibit of NWT Artists within our terminal.
Supporting Indigenous Futures
YEG understands the importance of helping Indigenous Peoples gain the education and training needed to build fulfilling careers. YEG supports NAIT’s Aboriginal Community Partnerships program, which in part helps Indigenous students participate in apprenticeship programs.
On the Path of Reconciliation
We enthusiastically acknowledge and amplify National Indigenous History Month, Indigenous Peoples Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation within our organization and externally on social media.
YEG recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and observes it as a federal statutory holiday. This is more than just a day off work, this is a day to recognize and reflect on the legacy of residential schools and our commitment to reconciliation. On this day, we also encourage our employees to wear an orange shirt and to take time and think about what reconciliation means to them, personally and in their jobs.
YEG employees have also been able to take part in Indigenous Awareness Training and many Indigenous celebrations prior to the pandemic.
We look forward to once again hosting celebrations on days like Indigenous Peoples Day at YEG when it is safe to do so.
YEG Logo Collaboration with Jason Carter
Jason Carter is a proud contemporary Indigenous artist from Little Red River Cree Nation currently based in beautiful Alberta, Canada. He is a sculptor, painter, illustrator, public artist and graphic designer, and his work can be seen worldwide.
For the celebration of the 2022 Indigenous History Month, YEG worked with Carter to develop a reworked YEG logo, representing pride for our region’s Indigenous heritage and communities.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations
YEG has been proud to host many Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in the past.
We can’t wait to get back to these in person festivities once it is safe to do so!
And much more!
Here at YEG we are continuing to build up initiatives, support systems and community connections. We have some amazing things coming up over the summer of 2022, so stay tuned to our social channels to learn more.