Empowering Indigenous communities in Australia and Canada
Driven by our mission to build progress for people and the planet, our social impact strategy “Resilient Living” paves the way for a future of resilient communities, guided by three core pillars: respect, empower, connect.
At Holcim, we deeply value our responsibility to support, respect and actively engage with Indigenous communities in the countries where we operate. With operations located on traditional Indigenous lands and near Indigenous communities in Australia and Canada, we seek to thrive together on the land we share.
By developing initiatives that empower these communities, we are committed to building a legacy that goes beyond individual projects, working together toward a shared vision of prosperity and respect.
Partnering for safe Aboriginal communities
Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Australia, Holcim donated concrete and other materials for the construction of a new refuge in Western Sydney for victims of domestic violence. This emergency transitional accommodation, ‘Wirrawee Gunya’, provides culturally sensitive support and outreach for 80 Aboriginal women and their children each year.
Opening Wirrawee Gunya
In Western Australia, we partnered with local construction companies Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Yurra to supply more than 1,300m³ of ECOPact concrete for the Short Stay project. This will provide affordable short-stay accommodation for Aboriginal people visiting the region and offer a secure environment where individuals can access essential services, connect with community resources, and participate in cultural activities.
The Short Stay facility aims to foster a sense of belonging and stability, promoting long-term wellbeing and social cohesion within the community, and is the first project in regional Western Australia to use ECOPact.
Fostering long-term community relations
Canada's identity is deeply intertwined with its Indigenous communities and their diverse cultures, traditions, and customs. At Holcim, we are dedicated to empower and support these communities through actionable steps.
We build partnerships by engaging in open dialogue, collaborating on projects, and sharing resource stewardship. Our efforts focus on benefiting together with Indigenous communities while respecting and honoring their heritage.
For over 50 years, our collaboration with the Whitefish River First Nation has been an important part of our commitment to Indigenous communities. In 2023, we celebrated this milestone with a vibrant annual fish fry and signed a new 50-year land lease in Ontario, reflecting our respect for Indigenous rights and the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
"We recognize the value of diverse cultures and perspectives in accelerating progress for people and the planet. Indigenous peoples bring a deep knowledge of the land, sustainable thinking, and they bring new opportunities."
Promoting Aboriginal businesses and culture
In 2020, Holcim Australia announced its national partnership with Wirrigan Business Services, providing a one-stop-shop for Holcim’s general waste management needs. The company is 100% Aboriginal-owned and was established to help public and private sector organizations support Indigenous employment programs. With this partnership, we become the first major customer for this Indigenous owned and run business. Today, we still have a strong procurement relationship with them.
"The agreement with a larger global company speaks volumes on Holcim’s commitment and determination to support the Indigenous business sector. This partnership will enable us to provide Aboriginal women with a second chance at education, employment, and becoming community role models."
Fast forward to 2024, and Holcim Australia is supplying ECOPact for the construction of the Yitpi Yartapuultiku Cultural Centre in Port Adelaide, South Australia. Yitpi Yartapuultiku is a place for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to learn, experience and be immersed in Aboriginal culture.
Yitpi Yartapuultiku Cultural Centre
Investing in Indigenous scholars
Investing in the future is crucial for the progress of any society. One of the most effective ways to do this is by unleashing the extraordinary potential and promise of youth through education.
Indspire, a Canadian Indigenous national charity, invests in the education of First Nations. In 2023 Holcim Canada teamed up with Indspire to launch the Leaders of Tomorrow Indigenous Scholarship Program in Eastern Canada.
Together we are supporting Indigenous students pursuing higher education in Civil Engineering, Business, Environmental Studies, Mining, Millwright/Equipment and Operator Training. This program covers tuition fees for the duration of the recipients' course, and is open to Indigenous students from Ontario who demonstrate excellence and a commitment to their community. To date, nine scholarships have been awarded to Indigenous students through Indspire, and the program has three years left to run.
In addition to financial support, the Leaders of Tomorrow program also provides optional job opportunities with Holcim for the scholarship recipients. The program aims to empower students with hands-on experience in their field of study while also giving them the opportunity to then apply their skills at Holcim.
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