Local company signs MOU with Siksika Nation
By Melissa Piche Times Contributor
Magnum Services will be hosting a pancake breakfast on Aug. 3 to celebrate their 15th year in business and to celebrate their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) signing with the Siksika Nation.
“One of our goals is to provide employment and training, so that Siksika Nation members will be able to provide the skills and labour to do projects with Magnum on the reserve,” said Jen Mertz, Human Resources Generalist with Magnum.
According to Mertz, Magnum has been working on building this MOU for over two years to bring the company and Siksika Nation closer.
The MOU was signed between Magnum and Siksika Family Services Corporation, represented by Siksika Employment and Training Services (SETS).
Magnum was founded in 2008 and currently has over 480 employees all over North America with the head office in Strathmore.
“In recent years, (we have) doubled our equipment capacity and footprint by expanding services in five additional Canadian locations, as well as expanding into the United States. Our teams are ready to service the needs of our customers anytime and anywhere across North America,” said Mertz. “Magnum is committed to sponsoring programs and training activities with Siksika Employment and Training Services that will lead to employment and career opportunities. Magnum is also committed to providing future training to Nation members that will lead to long-term transferable skills.”
She also added that Magnum has a commitment to a positive working relationship with the Nation, as well as promoting cross-cultural education and training employment.
“In addition, any self-identifying Indigenous employee who comes on board at Magnum will be partnered with a current Indigenous mentor within the company to ensure we are setting up for long-term success,” said Mertz.
Mertz, along with another Magnum employee, Jeremy Thompson, were honoured with an Indigenous naming ceremony. It was a very unique opportunity that engaged the visitors in witnessing rituals and helped “deepen (their) understanding of the vibrant Blackfoot culture.”
The breakfast is free and will run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Aug. 3. Following the breakfast (10 to 11 a.m.) will be the Siksika Celebration and Ceremony with elder representation from Siksika Nation.