Indigenous Relations
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Indigenous Relations
GIP works alongside Indigenous communities, businesses, and partners to foster meaningful, measurable progress grounded in trust, accountability, and shared benefit.
Honouring the Land and its Peoples
GIP is committed to building relationships with communities where we operate and throughout the country, acknowledging that this land has been inhabited by Indigenous Peoples since the beginning. We thank all generations of people who have cared for this land for thousands of years and recognize the contributions that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples have made in shaping and strengthening our communities, our provinces, and our country as a whole.
We strive to be responsible stewards of the land, respecting the rights and governance, and honouring the cultures, ceremonies, and traditions of all who call it home.
Through meaningful partnerships that advance equity, cultural preservation and shared prosperity, we commit ourselves to working in a spirit of truth and reconciliation to make a better future for all and honour this beautiful land together.
Our Approach to Meaningful Reconciliation
— John Pontarollo, COO
Leadership
Our leadership team sets the direction, expectations, and accountability. Our Reconciliation Action Plan guides how we build and sustain relationships with Indigenous communities and businesses, intentionally, consistently, and with clear commitments.
Honour and Recognition
We acknowledge and respect treaties, traditional territories, and Indigenous governance. Listening to community priorities and understanding local context are essential to building trust and carrying out our work.
Commitment and Engagement
Meaningful relationships require transparency, consistency, and follow-through. We focus on collaborative, measurable engagement grounded in shared goals, recognizing that we earn trust over time through action.
Economic Participation
GIP supports meaningful economic participation for Indigenous Peoples through employment, workforce development, procurement opportunities, and partnership models that help build long-term capacity and more durable shared value.
Recognized Commitments
This includes active participation in frameworks that reduce barriers and create more equitable partnership and procurement opportunities.
Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR)
Indigenous Procurement in Practice
Indigenous Partnerships in Action
Partnerships Built for the Long Term
Indigenous Initiatives
GIP has established Indigenous library resources across its offices to support employee learning and broader cultural awareness.
We recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day as part of our broader commitment to visibility, education, and respect.
Recognition through PAIR marks one step in a larger, ongoing effort to strengthen Indigenous relations through action and accountability.
Community Engagement
John NDTR 2025
Stan Wesley Cultural Awareness Workshop
Career Fair Kapuskasing Indian Friendship Centre
Two Eared Listening Event, Newfoundland
FNTP Open House, Kapuskasing, Ontario
FNTP Open House, Kapuskasing, Ontario
FNTP Opening Music, Kapuskasing, Ontario
FNTP Open House, Kapuskasing, Ontario
FNTP Open House, Kapuskasing, Ontario
Hunter Rickard, FNTP Kapuskasing, Ontario
FNTP supplied books to all attendees ‘The People of the Moose River Basin’
GIP visit to Fort Albany First Nation, Ontario
GIP Shucking Lobster with the Peskotomuhkati Nation, New Brunswick
Two Eared Listening Event, Newfoundland
NIPD Peskotomuhkati Nation, New Brunswick
NDTR 2025
GIP participates in panel on fostering positive economic impact - Silver PAIR awards, Calgary, Alberta.
Honored to hold in our hands a living history – Making and playing Tabahon
NIPD lobster catching with the Peskotomuhkati Nation, New Brunswick.
Water Ceremony on St. Croix River with the Peskotomuhkati Nation, New Brunswick.
GIP Atlantic proudly receives Silver in the PAIR certification program for excellence in Indigenous Relations.
Stan Wesley Cultural Awareness Workshop
Stan Wesley
Teepee Construction
Teepee Construction
Stan Wesley Cultural Awareness Workshop with Terrence Sutherland
Ashley Dicker and Sophie Angnatok are Inuit throat singers from Nain, Nunatsiavut, and members of Kilautiup Songuninga (“Strength of the Drum”), helping preserve and share Inuit culture throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ashley Dicker and Sophie Angnatok are Inuit throat singers from Nain, Nunatsiavut, and members of Kilautiup Songuninga (“Strength of the Drum”).
Two Eared Listening Event, Newfoundland
Two Eared Listening Event, Newfoundland