Sodexo’s Commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation
Our commitment to Indigenous reconciliation has been steadfast for over two decades and remains an essential pillar of our vision. We have made significant strides in various areas, including employment, training and collaborative initiatives that actively promote meaningful reconciliation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
In conducting our business, we prioritize respectful engagement through genuine collaborations with Indigenous communities and partners, honouring their identities and rights. This pledge represents our commitment to creating a long-lasting transformative and positive impact.
Land Acknowledgement: We recognize that this publication was created on ancestral and traditional lands belonging to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. We express our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who have served as the country's traditional stewards of its lands and waters while also acknowledging the past and present-day injustices that First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples have faced, and continue to face in Canada.
Leadership Actions
At Sodexo, we are proud to be part of many Indigenous communities’ journeys, as a business and as a long-term partner. It is our responsibility to contribute to and support community capacity-building efforts while we are present and to leave a positive legacy behind.
Indigenous Partner Relations
We are proud to collaborate with 28 active Indigenous partners and work closely with 32 vibrant Indigenous communities across Canada, spanning from coast to coast. Together, we are dedicated to building meaningful relationships and fostering economic growth and development within Indigenous communities.
22 Years of Progressive Aboriginal Relations
For more than two decades, we have continued to promote, reinforce and nurture business relationships with Indigenous communities and nations. Our commitment and actions have been recognized and honoured annually by the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB) with the highest level of recognition — the gold-level PAR certification.
I aspire to go beyond this traditional role and serve as an advocate for the company’s Indigenous workforce. I have a broader vision of my role in developing our Indigenous partnerships with Sodexo. My objective is to help the business expand while also bettering the lives of my people.
- Isabelle Napess, Director of Indigenous Relations
We have been on this Journey with our partners from Indigenous Nations across Canada for over 20 years now. As every partnership we have is unique, we continue to grow and learn from one another while ensuring quality of life services.
- Jonathan Kruger, Director of Indigenous Relations
Reconciliation efforts are critical to building a better future for all, and we are committed to working alongside our Indigenous partners. In the last fiscal year, we spent 21 million on Indigenous-owned suppliers contributing directly to fostering fair opportunity and growth.
- Johanne R. Bélanger, CEO of Sodexo Canada
Our goal is to support a progressive Indigenous economy establishing long-term partnerships. By extending Sodexo’s purchasing power, increasing our purchasing footprint in local communities, implementing strategies to combat food insecurity and developing tailored training programs.
- Stephane Champagne, Senior Vice President, Energy and Resources
Ongoing Indigenous Initiatives at Sodexo
As a company operating in Canada and engaging with Indigenous communities, we have a responsibility and an obligation to support reconciliation. By conducting our business with transparency and ideals centred on respect and fostering relationships, we believe we can make a difference.
Orange Shirt Day
In support of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, Sodexo Canada employees, clients, and partners from coast to coast came together to honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, celebrating resiliency and affirming the commitment that every child matters.
The Breakfast Club of Canada
The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation partners with the Breakfast Club of Canada (BCC) to support food insecurity programs in vulnerable communities including Indigenous nations. We have donated over $500,000 to BCC in the past five years through various initiatives. In 2022-23, the Club provided meals for 45,976 children every day in Indigenous communities.
HEC Montreal Sponsorship
Sodexo proudly supports the First Nation Executive Education (FNEE) Women and Leadership program. The FNEE is a school of excellence created for and by First Nations, offering programs to develop the skills of First Nations Women business leaders.
Integrating Indigenous Cuisine to Our Menus
In collaboration with culinary experts, we proudly offer diverse, traditional and delicious meals crafted by chefs specializing in each cuisine, including Indigenous recipes and traditional ingredients.
We work closely with our clients to ensure that our commitment to Indigenous reconciliation is reflected in every aspect of our operations, whether it is in culinary development or the integration of Indigenous businesses into our supply chain.
Empowering Indigenous Communities with Employee Development
Sodexo Canada is committed to promoting and fostering a culture of diversity and equal opportunities and to providing inclusive workplaces everywhere we operate.
Our Diverse Workforce
In our Energy and Resources segment, we are proud to have achieved a significant milestone. Currently, 44% of our dedicated workforce consists of talented individuals from local Indigenous communities.
Meet Housekeeping Supervisor and Trainer Kian Basso-Fontaine
Meet Security Manager Keith Smith
Meet Pastry Chef Marie-Léa Petiquay
Mark Guiboche: An Artist in Our Midst
Meet Former Chief Jonathan Kruger
Spotlight on Indigenous Leadership: Meet Tyler Cardinal
Spotlight on Sodexo DE&I: Meet Dana Beardy
What being Indigenous means to me: France Brunelle’s story
Business Development and Supply Chain
We work with more than 122 Indigenous-owned businesses and with 40+ Indigenous communities across Canada. This is just one of the ways we are supporting local economic development and building mutually beneficial partnerships.
2023 National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference (NABOC)
Sodexo Canada was proud to be a major sponsor for the 2023 National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference in Osoyoos, British Columbia. The annual event brings together several industry and Indigenous business leaders from different sectors and communities to discuss joint business opportunities.
Chef Paul Natrall: Indigenous Cuisine Ambassador
This year, we proudly welcomed Chef Paul Natrall as our new Sodexo Canada ambassador. With over a decade of expertise in Indigenous cuisine, our partnership is set to offer a unique Indigenous culinary experience.
More information about Sodexo Canada’s commitment and focus on Indigenous prosperity can be found in the Canadian Better Tomorrow and Indigenous Report 2023-24.