Who we are

Indigenous Relations

Our Commitment to Indigenous Engagement

BASF Canada is committed to progressing our Indigenous relations in the journey that is Truth and Reconciliation. To do this, the Canadian Leadership Team has made a Commitment to Driving Indigenous Engagement in alignment with our Indigenous Relations Policy.

BASF Canada is a proud member of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and became PAIR Committed as of August 2023. We look forward to progressing through the PAIR certification program and continuing meaningful and proactive Indigenous relations through it.

Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB)

The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) builds bridges and fosters sustainable business relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities through diverse programming, providing tools, training, network building, major business awards, and national events.

Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR)

PAIR is a certification program offered by the CCIB that affirms corporate performance and social engagement in Indigenous relations. PAIR is the premier Indigenous relations program, providing a high level of assurance in meaningful corporate involvement due to its designation being supported by independent and third-party verification for approval.

Past Engagements

Woman working at a Wind Skills Training Program in Alberta

Iron and Earth (I&E)

In 2022, BASF Canada in partnership with Bullfrog Power provided $25,000 in sponsorship funding to support the I&E’S Community Wind Skills Training Program in Maskwacis, Alberta.

The upskilling training program was developed alongside Indigenous communities, including Indigenous perspectives on renewable energy and reconciliation. It included 5 days of in-class and 5 days of hands-on learning for 9 trainees, who established two solar arrays, and a 1.1kW wind turbine. The new energy generators will bring power to Maskwacis Cultural College and the surrounding community.

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BASF Canada Windsor Site Hand Sanitizer Donation

Windsor Employee-Led Hand Sanitizer Production and Donation

In 2020, BASF Canada’s Windsor Site - that normally produces automotive coatings and refinish - produced hand sanitizer for donation across Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta, including to Indigenous communities who were in need.

A total of 47 cases of hand sanitizer were donated to the following indigenous communities across Canada to support their health and safety:

Hiawatha First Nations Health Centre
Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre
Assignak Family Health Team
Keewatin Tribal Council

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Old Railroad Stop building Hiawatha, Ontario

Hiawatha First Nation Project & Partnership with Bullfrog Power

In 2018, BASF Canada proudly announced its new partnership with Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading renewable energy provider. Through this partnership, we have not only significantly reduced our carbon footprint - saving 6,185 tonnes in carbon emissions since 2018 - we have also been part of Bullfrog’s support of community-owned renewable energy projects across Canada. This included a project in the Hiawatha First Nation, where BASF partnered with Bullfrog Power to support a 22 kilowatt solar array on the community’s Old Railroad Stop building, generating $154,000 in community energy savings over 25 years.

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BASF's Indigenous Beauty Bootcamp

In 2023, BASF Canada and its Personal Care Team partnered with StitchCrew, an organization serving early-stage entrepreneurs, to launch BASF's first Indigenous Beauty Bootcamp to support Indigenous-owned brands in personal care and drive inclusion within the beauty industry.

The program included hands-on coaching and mentorship sessions by industry experts and the opportunity to win non-dilutive grants and other in-kind contributions. The 6 finalists exceeded expectations during their pitches, and awards were split based on the brands’ needs:

LODGE Soy Candles and Sequoia Soaps were each awarded $10,000 USD in non-dilutive grants
Nuez Acres, Standing Spruce and Tribalure Cosmetics & Skincare were presented the Capstone award
Uasau Soap was granted an exceptional award for both the non-dilutive grant and Capstone project in recognition of its remarkable business journey and unique story.

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Sponsorship

Indspire

Indspire is a national Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities. In partnership with Indigenous, private and public sector stakeholders, Indspire educates, connects and invests in First Nations, Inuit and Métis people so they will achieve their highest potential.

BASF Canada sponsors the Building Brighter Futures program, which provides financial support through bursaries, scholarships and awards to students from Indigenous communities.

Our contributions, which have been matched dollar per dollar by the Canadian government since 2016, have helped provide 40 students (and counting!) with bursaries.

Learn more about the Building Brighter Futures program here.

Since 2022, BASF Canada is also a proud sponsor of Indspire's Soaring event, an annual Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering. Soaring is a forum where Indigenous high school students learn about career and post-secondary education options by participating in career workshops. Students can also access information on financial support and meet some of Canada’s top employers.

Learn more about Soaring here.

Internal Learning Sessions & Events

BASF Canada continues to foster a culture of learning about the history and marginalization of Indigenous peoples in Canada and our role in the reconciliation process.

To educate employees on Indigenous history in Canada, ongoing social issues affecting Indigenous communities, and our role as allies, BASF Canada hosts special learning sessions and events with guest speakers. These include:

Annual Red Dress Day Learning Session with external guest speakers
Annual National Truth and Reconciliation Day Learning Session with external guest speakers
Indigenous History & Cultural Awareness Training for employees
Experiential learning at Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon, SK
Donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS)