Black Diamond Group’s Indigenous Relations Summer in Review
October 10, 2024
This summer, Black Diamond Group’s Indigenous Relations Team spent much of its time on the road, actively participating in various events hosted by our partner communities – just one of the many ways we engage with our communities in a meaningful way.
“At Black Diamond Group, we are committed to fostering meaningful, long-lasting relationships in the communities where we operate, with the ultimate goal of creating shared value and mutual respect,” says Jonathan Stringer, VP, WFS Operations & Indigenous Partnerships. “Engaging with our Indigenous partners at their community events furthers our ability to foster genuine relationships rooted in trust, respect and understanding.”
Learn more about the many exciting and engaging events our team members attended and participated in from July to September, below.
Our Indigenous Relations team attended West Moberly First Nations’ 39th Annual West Mo Days from July 26-27. The annual event welcomes all residents of the Peace region in B.C., offering a unique opportunity to explore First Nations culture and Indigenous traditions. The weekend began with a Friday Night Friendship Feast, which Black Diamond Cygnus – our equity-based partnership with West Moberly First Nations – was proud to sponsor. Our team served over 500 steaks to community members and other guests at the Friendship Feast.
The rest of the weekend consisted of traditional dancing and singing, Pugeesee (Hand Games), various sporting tournaments and competitions like volleyball, horseshoes, axe throwing, beading competitions and more, a comedy show and a headliner performance by The North Sound. West Mo Days has been a highlight of our summers since the beginning of our partnership with West Moberly First Nations in 2011.
Our team also attended the Beaver Lake Cree Nation Powwow from Aug. 2-3. We were proud to sponsor the powwow for the 12th year in a row and were given the honour of walking in the powwow’s Grand Entry as delegates, to help kick off the weekend’s events. Chief and Council then gifted us a Beaver Lake Cree Nation beaded eagle feather, which is the highest honour one can receive in Indigenous culture. Many believe that it is sacred because the eagle flies the highest and closest to the creator, and is known to symbolize courage, respect, honour, wisdom and strength.
The Powwow is a powerful display of arts and culture, featuring daily flag-raising ceremonies, pipe ceremonies, drum competitions, traditional dance contests for men, women and children, hand games and much more.
As we enter our 12th year in business with Black Diamond Nehiyawak, our equity-based partnership with Beaver Lake Cree Nation, we reflect on the relationships and understanding we have developed with the community and look forward to further strengthening this partnership in the years to come.
This year, Whitecap Black Diamond and BOXX Regina sponsored the BC Ravens at the Native Fastball Championship in Regina, SK, hosted by George Gordon First Nation Minor Sports. Throughout the weekend, members of our Indigenous Relations and local BOXX Modular teams watched and cheered as our sponsored team, the BC Ravens, clinched first place!
We are proud to maintain a strong relationship with Whitecap Dakota Nation, our partners in Whitecap Black Diamond, and as we near our 10th year in partnership with Whitecap Dakota, we reflect on all that we’ve collectively achieved and look forward to the bright future ahead.
Our team also joined Duncan’s First Nation and celebrated their annual Treaty Days on August 8. Treaty Days is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the significance of the 1899 signing of the reservation treaty by Duncan Testawich. The annual event included a barbeque, family friendly activities, carnival rides, traditional games, live music, a talent show, traditional dancing and much more.
As part of our commitment to supporting community giving initiatives within our Indigenous partnership communities, the team donated gifts for the youth and Elders, listened to opening remarks from Chief and Council, high school and post-secondary graduates, and spent the day connecting with community.
We also attended Fort Nelson First Nation’s Annual Celebration from August 9-11. The annual event comprised of a traditional arts and crafts competition, intuitive work, reiki, a community feast – proudly sponsored by Black Diamond Dene, our equity-based partnership with Fort Nelson First Nation – an open mic, Bingo, traditional handgames, culture demos and much more. A highlight of the weekend was the team’s participation in various activities like the watermelon eating contest, medicine walk with a knowledge keeper and archery.
The Fort Nelson Annual Celebration is a great opportunity for our Indigenous Relations team to show their appreciation and support for our longest-standing equity-based partnership, Black Diamond Dene, which we entered in September 2009.
Black Diamond’s Indigenous Relations team and BOXX Modular’s Kelowna Branch were honoured to sponsor and play in the Lower Nicola Indian Band 2024 Annual Shulus Community Arena Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Sagebrush Golf Club in Quilchena, BC. The fundraiser brought together community and Industry for a day on the links to support youth initiatives, network, collaborate and continue to strengthen meaningful relationships.
Next, we joined Alexander First Nation and participated in their annual Treaty Days celebration on August 21. Treaty Days is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the significance of the 1876 signing of the reservation treaty. The annual event included treaty payouts, a pow wow, family activities, department showcases and draws.
It was an honour for our team to be included in this momentous occasion, as the Nation celebrated a remarkable 148 years since the treaty signing.
The team ventured all the way Ogoki Post to celebrate Marten Falls First Nation annual powwow. Our Indigenous Relations Manager, Scott McLeod, was honoured to carry the family eagle staff during the Grand Entry. The staff is a salute to the Creator, a symbol of the spirit and pride of the people and commemorates the lives of veterans here and passed. Black Diamond Group was one of the only industry guests at the powwow, a true testament of our relationship with the Nation.
Whitecap Black Diamond, our equity-based partnership with Whitecap Dakota Nation, and our Indigenous Relations team were honoured to attend the inaugural Whitecap Dakota Nation Powwow held at the Sasktel Centre over the weekend. 2024 marked the first time in 30 years that the Nation has hosted a powwow. This momentous occasion drew over 450 dancers from across the country and the USA.
“Every summer the team and I enjoy connecting with community members and celebrating their unique and rich Indigenous cultures,” says Scott McLeod, Manager, Indigenous Relations. “We always look forward to the communities’ warm hospitality and thank them for welcoming us!”
At Black Diamond Group, we believe that business is a force for good and have proven that through our commitment of giving back to the communities where we live and work, we can drive value for our stakeholders, grow our Company and make positive change – or, as we like to say – Create A Better Way.
Black Diamond Group’s Indigenous partnerships, structured around a proactive and long-term approach to Indigenous engagement, have increased community capacity and delivered positive economic results for all parties involved for many years.
To learn more about our Indigenous Relations efforts, read our 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report.
“At Black Diamond Group, we are committed to fostering meaningful, long-lasting relationships in the communities where we operate, with the ultimate goal of creating shared value and mutual respect,” says Jonathan Stringer, VP, WFS Operations & Indigenous Partnerships. “Engaging with our Indigenous partners at their community events furthers our ability to foster genuine relationships rooted in trust, respect and understanding.”
Learn more about the many exciting and engaging events our team members attended and participated in from July to September, below.
West Mo Days – July 26-27
Our Indigenous Relations team attended West Moberly First Nations’ 39th Annual West Mo Days from July 26-27. The annual event welcomes all residents of the Peace region in B.C., offering a unique opportunity to explore First Nations culture and Indigenous traditions. The weekend began with a Friday Night Friendship Feast, which Black Diamond Cygnus – our equity-based partnership with West Moberly First Nations – was proud to sponsor. Our team served over 500 steaks to community members and other guests at the Friendship Feast. The rest of the weekend consisted of traditional dancing and singing, Pugeesee (Hand Games), various sporting tournaments and competitions like volleyball, horseshoes, axe throwing, beading competitions and more, a comedy show and a headliner performance by The North Sound. West Mo Days has been a highlight of our summers since the beginning of our partnership with West Moberly First Nations in 2011.
Beaver Lake Cree Nation Powwow – August 2-3
Our team also attended the Beaver Lake Cree Nation Powwow from Aug. 2-3. We were proud to sponsor the powwow for the 12th year in a row and were given the honour of walking in the powwow’s Grand Entry as delegates, to help kick off the weekend’s events. Chief and Council then gifted us a Beaver Lake Cree Nation beaded eagle feather, which is the highest honour one can receive in Indigenous culture. Many believe that it is sacred because the eagle flies the highest and closest to the creator, and is known to symbolize courage, respect, honour, wisdom and strength.The Powwow is a powerful display of arts and culture, featuring daily flag-raising ceremonies, pipe ceremonies, drum competitions, traditional dance contests for men, women and children, hand games and much more. As we enter our 12th year in business with Black Diamond Nehiyawak, our equity-based partnership with Beaver Lake Cree Nation, we reflect on the relationships and understanding we have developed with the community and look forward to further strengthening this partnership in the years to come.
Native Fastball Championships – August 2-4
This year, Whitecap Black Diamond and BOXX Regina sponsored the BC Ravens at the Native Fastball Championship in Regina, SK, hosted by George Gordon First Nation Minor Sports. Throughout the weekend, members of our Indigenous Relations and local BOXX Modular teams watched and cheered as our sponsored team, the BC Ravens, clinched first place! We are proud to maintain a strong relationship with Whitecap Dakota Nation, our partners in Whitecap Black Diamond, and as we near our 10th year in partnership with Whitecap Dakota, we reflect on all that we’ve collectively achieved and look forward to the bright future ahead.
Duncan’s Treaty Days – August 8
Our team also joined Duncan’s First Nation and celebrated their annual Treaty Days on August 8. Treaty Days is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the significance of the 1899 signing of the reservation treaty by Duncan Testawich. The annual event included a barbeque, family friendly activities, carnival rides, traditional games, live music, a talent show, traditional dancing and much more.As part of our commitment to supporting community giving initiatives within our Indigenous partnership communities, the team donated gifts for the youth and Elders, listened to opening remarks from Chief and Council, high school and post-secondary graduates, and spent the day connecting with community.
Fort Nelson Annual Celebration – August 9-11
We also attended Fort Nelson First Nation’s Annual Celebration from August 9-11. The annual event comprised of a traditional arts and crafts competition, intuitive work, reiki, a community feast – proudly sponsored by Black Diamond Dene, our equity-based partnership with Fort Nelson First Nation – an open mic, Bingo, traditional handgames, culture demos and much more. A highlight of the weekend was the team’s participation in various activities like the watermelon eating contest, medicine walk with a knowledge keeper and archery.The Fort Nelson Annual Celebration is a great opportunity for our Indigenous Relations team to show their appreciation and support for our longest-standing equity-based partnership, Black Diamond Dene, which we entered in September 2009.
Lower Nicola Annual Golf Tournament – August 13
Black Diamond’s Indigenous Relations team and BOXX Modular’s Kelowna Branch were honoured to sponsor and play in the Lower Nicola Indian Band 2024 Annual Shulus Community Arena Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Sagebrush Golf Club in Quilchena, BC. The fundraiser brought together community and Industry for a day on the links to support youth initiatives, network, collaborate and continue to strengthen meaningful relationships.
Alexander Treaty Days – August 21
Next, we joined Alexander First Nation and participated in their annual Treaty Days celebration on August 21. Treaty Days is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the significance of the 1876 signing of the reservation treaty. The annual event included treaty payouts, a pow wow, family activities, department showcases and draws. It was an honour for our team to be included in this momentous occasion, as the Nation celebrated a remarkable 148 years since the treaty signing.
Marten Falls First Nation Powwow – August 23-25
The team ventured all the way Ogoki Post to celebrate Marten Falls First Nation annual powwow. Our Indigenous Relations Manager, Scott McLeod, was honoured to carry the family eagle staff during the Grand Entry. The staff is a salute to the Creator, a symbol of the spirit and pride of the people and commemorates the lives of veterans here and passed. Black Diamond Group was one of the only industry guests at the powwow, a true testament of our relationship with the Nation.
Whitecap Dakota Nation Powwow – September 14-15
Whitecap Black Diamond, our equity-based partnership with Whitecap Dakota Nation, and our Indigenous Relations team were honoured to attend the inaugural Whitecap Dakota Nation Powwow held at the Sasktel Centre over the weekend. 2024 marked the first time in 30 years that the Nation has hosted a powwow. This momentous occasion drew over 450 dancers from across the country and the USA.   |
“Every summer the team and I enjoy connecting with community members and celebrating their unique and rich Indigenous cultures,” says Scott McLeod, Manager, Indigenous Relations. “We always look forward to the communities’ warm hospitality and thank them for welcoming us!”
At Black Diamond Group, we believe that business is a force for good and have proven that through our commitment of giving back to the communities where we live and work, we can drive value for our stakeholders, grow our Company and make positive change – or, as we like to say – Create A Better Way.
Black Diamond Group’s Indigenous partnerships, structured around a proactive and long-term approach to Indigenous engagement, have increased community capacity and delivered positive economic results for all parties involved for many years.
To learn more about our Indigenous Relations efforts, read our 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report.
