IMII supports its potash members in the pursuit of EDI

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MOSAIC COMPANY.

Each of IMII’s potash members – BHP, Mosaic, and Nutrien, have made commitments in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in their workforces in Saskatchewan and beyond. IMII has supported these commitments to building workforces representative of the communities in which its members operate through a series of Diversity & Inclusion Challenges. Since 2017, IMII has issued 11 such challenges and funded 11 projects worth more than $2.2 million.

“IMII’s members are supporting EDI for a variety of strong business reasons – enhancing organizational strengths, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, being a positive force for change in communities, encouraging innovation and new ways of thinking, leaving a legacy of employment and careers for generations to come, and economic reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” says Al Shpyth, IMII’s executive director. “IMII is pleased they have selected IMII as a strategic partner.”

IMII announced four new projects in 2021 with a focus on Indigenous peoples and the minerals industry’s digital transformation as part of its Diversity & Challenge Program. Two were meant to design and develop in collaboration with Indigenous communities adjacent to mines/mills, training and support opportunities in basic information, communications and technology (ICT) skills in support of new digitalized projects and operations such as BHP’s Jansen project, Mosaic’s K3 operation and Nutrien’s Rocanville expansion. These were:

• Innovative Digital Training –

Modern Indigenous Potash

Mining Curriculum Development, led by Morris Interactive in collaboration with Cowessess

First Nation, Ochapowace Nation, and Zagmie Anishinabek First Nation; and

• Diggin’ Digital – Roving

Discovery Centre and Two-Day

Boot Camp, with Saskatchewan

Polytechnic.

Both projects concluded in the first half of 2022. The Digital Transformation in Potash Mining: Cowessess Edition training program was delivered on Cowessess First Nation starting in January. Twelve students – four female and eight males, selected out of 60 applicants from Treaty 4, 5 and 6 territories, embarked on their journey towards building a career in the potash industry. They undertook an eight-week classroom portion, as well as a two week on-site work placement with Mosaic at their K3 mine near Esterhazy. Nine students graduated, and as of the summer of 2022, five had found positions in mining. The support the program received within not only the participating First Nations but the nearby communities as well through a supply chain company, contributed to a significant commitment. On August 17, Mosaic held a reception where CEO and president, Joc O’Rourke and board chair, Greg Ebel announced a long-term investment of $1 million to further expand the Digital Transformation in Potash Mining training program to more Indigenous students for the next five years.

The support the program received within not only the participating First Nations but the nearby communities as well through a supply chain company, contributed to a significant commitment.

While challenged by COVID restrictions, the Diggin’ Digital project saw more than 250 Indigenous middle and high school students participate from nine mining communities in boot camps covering business information systems, natural resource technologies (such as water treatment), computer automated systems, civil and mining engineering, geographic information science, and computer engineering technology. More than half reported enhanced digital skills, knowledge of STEM programs and careers, and of the minerals industry.

The two other projects are Building Minerals Literacy with STEM – Teacher Training Program, which has Mining Matters partnering with the Saskatchewan Mining Association and others, and a complementary Diggin’ Digital professional development project – An Educator’s Online ICT and STEM Resource Hub, also by Saskatchewan Polytechnic. These two projects were to help equip on- and off-reserve teachers with the resources, materials, and professional development opportunities to allow them to incorporate ICT and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into lesson plans for Indigenous youth in culturally relevant and appropriate ways.

“While these projects focused on Indigenous peoples and the industry’s digital transformation, the potash sectors’ vision for EDI is broader and includes other under-represented groups,” notes Al Shpyth. “IMII is honoured to help bring our members’ vision to life.” s

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