Indigenous Relations
Dumas has developed strong partnerships with Indigenous communities throughout Canada and South America. We are committed to building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships to ensure that the local communities share in the social and economic benefits of our operations.
Our Guiding Principles
Dumas achieves this vision by:
Engaging in meaningful and ongoing consultation with Indigenous communities on initiatives that affect their interests.
Recognizing the importance of Indigenous culture, traditions and knowledge and fostering an organizational culture that values cross-cultural awareness, sensitivity and respect.
Supporting education and training initiatives that facilitate Indigenous peoples’ access to employment.
Promoting business opportunities for Indigenous people through cooperation and collaboration with our customers, suppliers and sub-contractors.
Our Commitment
Dumas will engage in transparent and objective consultations with Indigenous communities, to establish and implement strategies consistent with our shared vision and guiding principles.
Indigenous Partnerships
Dumas currently has four partnerships with First Nations groups for underground mining services:
Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company Inc.
Selkirk Development Corporation
Three Nations Drilling LP.
Matachewan First Nation
Employment and Training
Dumas is proud of our record for cultivating and sustaining productive and positive relationships with our partners. Collectively, Dumas has facilitated 10 training schools in partnership with Indigenous communities across Canada. Below are two of our training partnership agreements that represent and highlight some of the best practices we have developed. These initiatives provide us with benchmarks to ensure that we succeed and stand with our partners to continuously improve the outcomes for all stakeholders.
Matachewan Aboriginal Access to Mining Jobs Training Strategy (MAATS)
MAATS, in partnership with Dumas, Northgate Minerals Corp. (now Alamos Gold Inc.), and Human Resources and Skills Canada, provided innovative employment and training opportunities for Indigenous peoples in rural and remote areas. Dumas was involved in this program for 1.5 years and provided technical training during this period. The program’s success led to the creation of its sister program, NTPF, in which Dumas trained 46 participants over a 3.5 year period. MAATS continued to provide counseling and support services to these participants.
Northern Training Partnership Fund (NTPF)
The NTPF offered in partnership with Dumas in Ontario was one of the most successful in Canada, with 46 participants, 90% of whom found employment within a few weeks of graduating. Training was provided in the following areas:
Underground Miner Training
Apprenticeships / Heavy Equipment Operator Training
On-The-Job Training
Upgrading / GED
Business Diplomas
Driver Education
Pre-Employment / Life Skills
First Aid / WHMIS