As part of Canada's National Indigenous History Month, Westinghouse was honoured to host Darin Wybenga, Manager of Culture and Traditional Knowledge from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, for an in-person learning session at our Burlington and Kitchener offices.
He also highlighted the Nation’s deep connection to the land, the significance of treaties and the need to preserve cultural knowledge. Darin described the traditional lifestyle of the people, rooted in hunting, gathering and cooperation with neighboring nations, as well as trade relations with French and English settlers.
Most powerfully, he shared a story of resilience and adaptation in the face of colonization, showing how, through perseverance, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation have grown into a thriving, economically prosperous and actively engaged community.
"It was powerful to learn about the land we live and work on through stories passed down through generations,” said Agata Leszkiewicz, eVinci Microreactor Regional Manager for Canada and Alaska, and Indigenous Relations Committee Member. “It made me feel more connected to this place and reminded me that the Mississaugas of the Credit remain active, engaged stewards of this territory today.”
“Being part of the Indigenous Relations Committee has shown me how important it is to create space for indigenous knowledge sharing with our employees,” said Vince Thomas, Energy Systems Global Marketing Manager and Indigenous Relations Committee Member. “Sessions like this are small yet meaningful steps toward making reconciliation part of how we do business every day.”
The committee intends to keep the conversation going to listen, learn and continue building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities. Learn about our Westinghouse Canada Community Engagement and Indigenous Relations Policy here.
To read more about the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation visit https://mncfn.ca.