Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Honouring Tradition in Today’s Workplace At Thomas Kanata Inc., an Indigenous-owned and operated CLAC-signatory company, cultural respect is more than a value. It’s part of daily life on the job Blogs From morning smudging ceremonies to on-site elder visits and flexible scheduling, workers at the BHP Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan are experiencing a workplace where Indigenous identity is not just accepted, but celebrated. Below, CLAC Local 151 members working for Thomas Kanata share in their own words what this support means to them, their families, and their futures. Read the full feature story about Thomas Kanata and its partnership with CLAC. Worker/witness name: Dale Stewart Project: BHP dry mill Date: Feb 9, 2025 I am proud to be able to work at this BHP mega project. I’ve worked here for 3 years on the shaft and head frame’s power chief scaffolding. I’m happy to be part of the dry mill project. It’s a great opportunity. Myself, my brothers, and my sisters are all proud to work for Thomas Kanata, who respects our wishes to smudge and pray every morning in a teepee after toolbox talk. I’m happy to be part of a project that will help our mother earth fertilize our fields and help our farmers produce healthy crops. This is a great opportunity for our local people, and for future work right here at home. Worker/witness name: Syrrha Nitsiza Project: BHP Jansen Mine Date: Feb 12, 2025 My name is Syrrha Nitsiza. I started around late November of 2024. Although it took me a while to get processed and cleared to come on site, I was able to start on a good note. I didn’t realize until after I had come here that this was an indigenous based company, and that most of my fellow coworkers were indigenous. I was welcomed here with open arms by both management and my coworkers. I’ve worked previously in the trades but had never done site/comp-based work. It was a learning experience for me, but all the questions or concerns I had were addressed without hesitation. I’ve worked here for a few rotations, and I can honestly say I like it here. After the morning toolbox meeting, we smudge before we head onto the field. Safety is the number one priority and is always talked about. Although it’s been a learning experience for many of us, there have been no incidents. All in all, I’m happy being employed by Thomas Kanata. Worker/witness name: Shane Mousomin Project: BHP Dry Mill Date: Feb 9, 2025 My name is Shane Mousomin and I’m from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation. I joined the Thomas Kanata team in September of 2024. Since starting here I’ve had the chance to meet, work, and become friends with many indigenous men and women from across the nation. As the project has gone on, we’ve grown stronger together as a team. Something I appreciate about Thomas Kanata is how we can smudge every morning for our family and friends. The teepee we set up beside our job trailer is a beautiful sight. It keeps our culture strong as we continue to grow here at the BHP Dry Mill project. Thank you, Thomas Kanata, for making me a stronger indigenous worker. Worker/witness name: Brandon Poorman Project: Jansen BHP Dry Mill Site Date: Feb 9, 2025 When I first started back in June, I was a first-year scaffolder. I worked my way up to second year and I’ve learned a lot in the scaffolding trade while making new friends that I still call brothers to this day. I work day in and day out with them in a safe manner. I also want to give a shout out to Durwin, our scaffolding leader, for pushing us to do better and teaching us to work in a safe but fast manner. I grew up in Kawacatoose first nation thinking I would bever be a scaffolder, but once Durwin gave me the opportunity to try it out, I fell in love with the trade and all the great brothers and sisters I’ve made along the way. Before Durwin gave me a chance I was looking for work and on welfare, so I’m very grateful and thankful. I’ve been changing and becoming a better man, not just for me, but for my family as well. I know I still have a long way to go, but I’ll continue to learn in a safe and respectful manner working for Thomas Kanata. Like Durwin says, our team is a working family. We work most of the year away from our families, so our working family IS our family. Worker/witness name: Joshua Sidney Glen Gordon Project: BHP Jansen SK Date: Feb 9, 2025 My name is Johsua Gordon and, first I would like to thank Mr. Herrington (Durwin) for getting me this job. Thomas Kanata gave me a second lease on life. I come from the Gordon first nation and the George Gordon bloodline. If it was the old way my father would have been the chief of that reservation and people. This my first job where we are allowed to practice our culture, and I have never worked in an environment where I got to work with all my native brothers and sisters. I never thought I would ever see a day where it would be like this. This company has made life feel a lot better. My ex-wife and children are happy, and this job is great for my mental health. I don’t like to have much idol time on my hands and working here keeps me busy. I enjoy scaffolding, and as a former fisherman and steel worker, I have never worked in a safer environment. I started last October and am still employed to this day, and I would like to work here until I retire. Worker/witness name: Keenan McNab Project: BHP Jansen Date: Feb 9, 2025 My name is Keenon McNab and I’m a 3rd year scaffolder with Thomas Kanata. A couple years ago, Thomas Kanata gave me a chance and helped me better my life in many different ways. It has been a life-changing experience, not just in terms of career growth, but also in the sense of community and culture they bring to the job. Being from the George Gordon first nation, I notice the company operates with a deep respect for indigenous traditions such as smudging in the mornings and fosters a work environment that feels like a family when we are away from our own families. We like to emphasize safety and skills development while also incorporating cultural values such as respect, humility, and hard work. Seeing my indigenous foremen and journeymen helps me push myself to be better and to forward my career as a scaffolder. Worker/witness name: Seth Naytonhow Project: BHP Jansen Project Mine Date: Feb 9, 2025 I’m an indigenous first nations man from the reservation of Sturgeon Lake first nation. I am also Plains Cree, speak my language, and am still learning about and well connected to my culture and traditions. Working for Thomas Kanata has many positive benefits. It gives me purpose and something to look forward to every day. I meet new people with a similar culture, and some with different cultures. It’s always interesting learning from others and where they come from. Thomas Kanata also provides morning smudges and prayers, as well as the occasional ceremony. They also have excellent safety procedures and look out for the best interest and safety of the workers. All our foremen/supervisors look out for everyone and are there to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Everyone else gets along well and works well together. Working here has given me more reasons to work hard towards my goals and to reach for more, while also giving me great work friends that I’ve learned a lot from. Worker/witness name: Desmond Windigo Project: Jansen Mine Date: Feb 9, 2025 Thomas Kanata teaches safety culture and great leadership skills that I can take home to my family and community. The culture is awesome. I’m from Muskowekwan first nation and have worked with them for 8 months. I met Durwin when I was 19 and he gave me a chance and opportunity when no other scaffolding company would. Because of him I’m a journeyman now. I can coach and mentor others and take these leadership skills back to my community. Thomas Kanata has helped me become drug and alcohol free for my family, and I’ve become a positive influence on others. Smudging every morning has helped me become more respectful of others and feel safe. Thomas Kanata promotes good relationships between first nations and Canada and teaches us that we must work together and respect each other. With that, we can achieve and build anything, creating a long-lasting legacy for our children and future. With Thomas Kanata, we can make sure there is employment for all locals and first nations. That’s what I respect most about them. Thomas Kanata means everything to me. Without them I don’t know where I would be. To thrive, I need a first nation company that believes in a culture of safety so I can go home to my family every day. Worker/witness name: Sternley Kay Project: Jansen BHP Potash Mine Date: Feb 9, 2025 I’m Sternley Kay and I’m from the Kawacatoose first nation. I started with Thomas Kanata on December 3rd. On my first day I was surprised to find out that we smudge in the morning, which has become a regular practice for me at work. They’re very culturally inclined and are open to bringing other people in to share some of their feelings. I appreciate the fact that they understand our people and our ceremonial ways, and how they bring us together when someone is in need. They also do not shy away from the safety protocols that need to be followed. Being with this company really showed me that there is always time to take a moment in the morning to have a smudge and to pray for other people, your family, and yourself. Worker/witness name: Lawrence Han Project: BHP Jansen Date: Feb 9, 2025 I’ve been with Thomas Kanata for 7 months now, and my time here at Jansen has been great. Thomas Kanata offers good benefits that help myself and my family at home. They provide a safe culture for everyone, both for those who have just started and those who have been here for 10+ years. I’ve met awesome people here who I’ve bonded well with. Being able to smudge in the mornings has helped me so much. It clears all my negative energy and fills me with joy. It’s my home away from home. The safety I feel here is nothing like other companies. You can speak up freely and voice your opinions and feelings without judgement. It has been a great experience here and I recommend other indigenous friends to come out as well. Worker/witness name: Trae Pratt Project: BHP Dry Mill Date: Feb 9, 2025 I would like to start off by saying as a native from Gordon’s first nation, living in Regina local to the BHP Jansen mine felt great. I got to work for my friend and band member Durwin, who has been a great leader and mentor to me for 8 years. I’ve worked with other first nations companies, but I love the energy and the people that work for Durwin, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings me. Worker/witness name: Fredrick Morin Project: BHP Jansen Date: Feb 9, 2025 Regarding Thomas Kanata and BHP, I want to say thank you. I’ve had the opportunity to provide for my family and myself, and other native communities within reach have been able to as well. I have learned more about scaffolding and safety thanks to being here. Thomas Kanata teaches you about brother and sisterhood, morale, taking responsibility, and loving one another, all while helping you get better and progress at your job. I plan on staying for the whole duration of this job and will continue to be proud of the work I do and who I do it for. Worker/witness name: Mark O’Wateh Project: BHP Jansen Date: Feb 9, 2025 Working with Thomas Kanata for the last 5 months has taught me many great values, both at work and at home when we return to our families after doing 14 days at BHP Jansen. The first value I want to recognize is leadership. Being a part of the indigenous community, it has been my honour to lead and set an example on and off the site. I will always be proud of where I’m from (Muskowekwan first nation) and representing my reserve while working at BHP Jansen has been a privilege. I will continue to make Thomas Kanata proud of working with us. Another core value I want to add is integrity. Everyone on this site is proud of the work that has been completed. I’ve learned many things to help improve my work ethic and how to work well with others. I was given this scaffolding opportunity to help put Thomas Kanata on the map. I also want to mention the other contractors on this site (Worley Cord, Ledcor, KDM). They’ve been nothing but respectful and mindful with everyone on site, and for that everyone goes home safe with a nice pay cheque to share with their families. Worker/witness name: Nathan Wolfe Project: BHP Jansen Project Date: Feb 9, 2025 Thomas Kanata is a great company to work with. The safety culture is at its best and the company is culturally inclined and in tune with the everyday work. Thomas Kanata has changed my life for the better. I enjoy working with all the people from different communities across the country. I like the safety culture here as it ensures that I’ll go home to my family at the end of the day. Thomas Kanata has real values and integrity and is very welcoming to all cultures and creeds. Since becoming a part of Thomas Kanata, my life has changed in so many ways. Here I feel like I belong and that everyone truly cares about my wellbeing. Most importantly, I feel respected, included, and that I truly matter. Thomas Kanata is the most positive family I have ever worked with. I’m 38 years old and come from the Moskowekwan first nation, and I want to thank Thomas Kanata for taking me in and mentoring me to be the best version of myself that I could possibly be. I was lost but now I’m found and I’m truly grateful to be a part of this company. Thank you for listening. Megwich hiye hiye. Worker/witness name: Ryan Harvey Project: BHP Jansen Mine Date: Feb 12, 2025 My name is Ryan Harvey and I’ve been employed as a foreman with Thomas Kanata since July of 2024. I was inspired by Durwin Herrington who taught and trusted me to guide, teach, and empower my crews, and has had a very positive impact on me. Working for an indigenous company that is big on cultural appreciation such as smudging in the morning before we start the day and prayers when needed or when a coworker needs that extra moment from the power of prayers, shows that we truly care for our indigenous people, our ways of life, and of course our coworkers. I believe working for an indigenous based company will inspire more indigenous companies to start working in the trades. I am nothing but proud to be working for Thomas Kanata. Worker/witness name: Cutis Gilbert Project: BHP Jansen Date: Feb 12, 2025 I started working with Thomas Kanata in January of 2025. I worked in the mining and drilling sector for 13 years and needed a change of scenery. I contacted Mr. Herrington about a first-year position and he helped me through the proper steps I needed for the job. I’ve worked on multiple job sites throughout my career in the Yukon, NWT, and Ontario, and I have yet to see a safety culture as well put together as here at Thomas Kanata, nor have I seen the way they bring indigenous culture into the workplace. After our morning meetings we always smudge and start our day. I’ve worked for joint venture companies before but never saw our culture being practiced daily until I came here. They are proud employers of first nations employees and workers of other ethnicities. As a member of the local Treaty Four Band of Fishing Lake first nation, I can honestly say I’m proud to be a team member and happy to work here. Worker/witness name: Marnix Knight Project: BHP Jansen Date: Feb 12, 2025 Over the years of being with Thomas Kanata I’ve been treated with respect and was always given the opportunity to embrace my culture with a morning smudge. Being with Thomas Kanata at BHP Jansen, we took on its safety culture while still being productive. They swayed me to live a clean life where I’m constantly employed. It made me want to stop drinking to stay focused on the job, and to create a better living environment for my family. I really enjoy the energy around the crew and how everyone will always offer a helping hand to other crews in the area, even those in other trades. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. Worker/witness name: Chelsea Knight Project: BHP Jansen Date: Feb 12, 2025 This is my second job working with Thomas Kanata. They accepted me as a green first-year and got me to my second-year. Thomas Kanata has always been culturally inclined and wanting to hire/work with aboriginal peoples among other cultures. Working here as an aboriginal female has been amazing with how much effort they put into including cultural practices. Smudging every morning and having it available for us with the cooperation of BHP/Worley is awesome. They worked with us to make it happen. Durwin is consistent when he says he will bring elders to help guide us as well as teach our coworkers of our culture. BHP/Worley was accepting and inclusive of our culture when we had our peace pipe ceremony and on the day of every child matters. Working here has been amazing, and it allows me to continue practicing my cultural advancement. Worker/witness name: Samuel Buffalo Project: Jansen Dry Mill Date: Feb 12, 2025 I’m an aboriginal scaffolder from Alberta, and I came to Saskatchewan to work for an aboriginal owned company. I wasn’t disappointed. I’m impressed with the safety culture, the morning smudging, and the work ethic. I’ve worked for other companies in the past and very few have allowed aboriginal culture on site. A lot of companies talk about the safety aspect of working at heights, but Thomas Kanata takes it to heart and makes sure it’s an everyday thing. Worker/witness name: Phillip Longman Project: BHP Jansen Dry Mill Date: Feb 9, 2025 My name is Phillip Longman. I’m a 43-year-old Cree/Saulteaux hailing from the Muskowekwan reservation. I am the proud father of three beautiful daughters and family is the most important aspect of my life. I have been employed by Thomas Kanata since September of 2023. Since working here, I have found a renewed interest in my culture, as they not only let you practice your culture, they encourage it. This is the first job I have worked at that lets me practice and be proud of my native heritage. At other places I have asked permission to practice my beliefs like smudging for prayer and was met with ridicule or a straightforward no. Here at Thomas Kanata, they let you smudge and be proud of who you are and where you come from. Thomas Kanata has a stellar safety program which incorporates our culture into it as well. After our morning safety meeting and stretch, we are allowed to go and smudge and pray for a good day and thank the creator for all we have. This helps clear my mind for the coming tasks that come throughout the day. In closing, Thomas Kanata has been a positive experience, and I have met a lot of good people that I consider to be my brothers and sisters. We all help and take care of one another. I guess you can say they are my family away from my family. Worker/witness name: Dave Lalonde Project: BHP Jansen dry mill, Saskatchewan Date: Feb 13, 2025 My name is Dave Lalonde. I was born in Quebec, which gives me the ability to speak both French and English fluently. My backgrounds are Mohawk from the region of Kahnawake and Norwegian, and I look equal parts of both. I’ll always remember learning the Mohawk native’s ways from my grandfather at a very young age. Mohawk, also known by their own name “Kanien'kehá:ka” which translates to “people of the flint,” are an indigenous people of North America, and the easternmost nation of the Iroquois Confederacy known as the 5th nation. It is an honour for me to work with an indigenous company that focuses on the development of our own people, giving our younger generation the opportunity to thrive within the future of this country and this project. I am witnessing a positive impact on our young indigenous workers as they join in work activities and volunteer together. It provides a safe place for bonding, building self-esteem, communication, and forming connections that are often different than at home. I appreciate working for a company that respects our indigenous culture and development, and helps us build a better future for the next generation. Worker/witness name: Brandt Bird Project: BHP Date: Feb 9, 2025 Thomas Kanata is a very spiritual company. They’re very welcoming and helpful, and I’ve learned a lot from both them and BHP since arriving in October of 2024. I’m an indigenous worker from Muskowekwan first nation. With Thomas Kanata we smudge for our coworkers and families before working. We work safely every day, and we all enjoy our jobs. I’ve met a lot of new people and made more friends along the way. I would like to thank everyone at Thomas Kanata group for this job opportunity. Worker/witness name: Evan Main Wrighting Project: BHP Jansen Dry Mill Date: Feb 12, 2025 My name is Evan Main Wrighting and this is my honest opinion. I have an indigenous background from Newfoundland, and my band is from the Qalipu first nation. I would recommend that more of my people join the Thomas Kanata group. These folks are very welcoming, and the environment is safe to work in. I am learning more and more each day about the dynamics and differences between cultures, both on and off the job. I am looking forward to learning more about others as I believe this is very important. I have grown in my profession in this short amount of time, and I will continue to do so. 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