Among the most important aspects of our business are the relationships we build with people. Our neighbors, royalty owners and local business partners play a major role in our success as a company.
We share mutual value for the communities where we operate because being a good neighbor is one of our corporate values and we consider it just as important as being a good business partner.
Canada’s Aboriginal communities are among the many neighbors we work with across North America. Our long-time commitment to this distinct group is lasting and strengthened by our respect for its unique history, values and rights. We have sealed this commitment through a policy our employees acknowledge each year to ensure that awareness of these cultures is built into the framework of our business.
The following is Devon’s formal commitment to Canada’s Aboriginal communities.
Devon Aboriginal Policy
Devon will establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with potentially affected aboriginal communities. The purpose of this policy is to provide Devon employees, consultants and contractors with the goals and principles of Devon as they relate to the interaction of Aboriginal people and the company’s operation.
Goals and Principles
The following goals and principles have been developed to ensure the unique cultures, perspectives and values of Aboriginal people are considered and respected in Devon’s Canadian operations.
The company will:
a. Identify and initiate relationships with Aboriginal people who may be affected by Devon’s activities through early and ongoing communication.
b. Listen to the expressed views of Aboriginal people affected by Devon’s operations, and conduct such activities in a manner that respects and responds to these values.
c. Respect the significance of Aboriginal heritage and culture and work with Aboriginal communities to understand issues of concern.
d. Foster understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal people, their concerns and values through cross-cultural awareness presentations and discussion within all levels of Devon’s organization and operations.
e. Support education and training initiatives focused on the needs of Aboriginal people in order to generate a local skilled workforce with a view to creating greater certainty and self-sufficiency for the Aboriginal communities.
f. Promote awareness of oil and gas industry operations in an effort to create career interest in the industry, positioning Aboriginal communities to take advantage of longer-term employment opportunities available.
g. Balance the social and economic benefits associated with Devon’s business activities to ensure opportunities are available to all local communities.
h. Encourage employees, where feasible, to utilize Aboriginal people and businesses, recognizing that building local capacity through employment offers one of the most effective opportunities for local communities to benefit from Devon’s activities.
Policy
It is Devon’s policy to ensure that those employees who engage in Devon’s business activities that could have an impact on Aboriginal people are made aware of and conduct such activities in accordance with these goals and principles.