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Jason Carter YEG logo featuring a mountain and a bison.

Edmonton International Airport and Villeneuve Airport are proud to be located on Treaty Six Territory, the Métis Homeland and Métis Nation of Alberta Region Four. Treaty Six is the gathering place and travelling route of the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux. 

We thoughtfully acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries and whose voices are so important in paving a path forward together in reconciliation.

The word Tawaw next to the YEG logo designed by Jason Carter.

Tawâw (a Cree word pronounced ta-WOW) — there is room, you are welcome.

YEG proudly sits on Treaty 6 Territory and within Métis Nation of Alberta Region Four, just outside Amiskwacîwâskahikan  ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton). 

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. 

Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre

Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre

In 2022, we opened a first-of-its-kind Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre in the YEG terminal to contribute to our reconciliation journey.

Visit the Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre near Gate 64 and experience Indigenous history and culture and authentic Indigenous-made products for purchase.

The Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre at YEG, which is partly funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada, was authentically and thoughtfully designed and created with the guidance of an Elders and Knowledge Keepers Circle, with representation from Treaty Six and Treaty Eight, the Métis Nation of AlbertaMétis Settlements General Councilthe Dene Nation, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Inuit Communities in Edmonton and many other contributors.

We collaborated with our airport partner, Indigenous Box, to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, showcasing products from dozens of Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs. Passengers and online visitors will be able to purchase authentic Indigenous-made products by scanning a QR code or visiting the online catalogue and having their purchases shipped directly to their desired destination. This retail experience features traditional and contemporary products, with all proceeds going directly to the artisans.

Check out the online catalogue to see the unique products now.

Indigenous Box group photo

(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.

Women smiling at NAIT program for Indigenous Initiatives

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.

People celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day at YEG

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.  

Jason Carter YEG logo featuring a mountain and a bison.

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.  

Person performing traditional dance at Indigenous Peoples Day at YEG

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!  

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) English

YEG has recently become a Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) member and is a “Certified Committed” partner.

We are dedicated to building strong relationships with Indigenous communities. As a member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), we are embarking on a Progressive Aboriginal Relations Certification journey.

With our recent CCAB membership, YEG is proud to be a “Certified Committed” partner. We are actively working through the transformative process and look forward to learning and growing as a company. 

At YEG, we believe in fostering trust, understanding, and collaboration with Indigenous communities. Through our commitment to Indigenous relations, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Join us on this remarkable journey as we work towards building meaningful partnerships and embracing the principles of reconciliation. Together, we can make a difference.

Indigenous Voices Greet Passengers at YEG 2023

Indigenous Voices Greet Passengers at YEG

We are honoured to announce that YEG is now featuring the powerful voices of Indigenous leaders on our audio system welcoming passengers to Treaty Six Territory and the Métis homeland. Thank you to the Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six Nations, Leonard Standingontheroad, and the Métis Nation of Alberta President, Audrey Poitras, for your inspiring greetings. 

At YEG, we believe in amplifying Indigenous voices, acknowledging the traditional territory we are in and celebrating the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures. By incorporating these meaningful greetings into our audio system, we aim to create an inclusive and respectful atmosphere for all travellers. 

Join us in honouring Indigenous voices and embracing the spirit of unity and collaboration.  

Listen, learn, and be part of the change.

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 2023, so stay tuned to our social channels to learn more.