Suncor's Aboriginal Affairs Policy is based on three guiding principles:

• Responsibility. Suncor recognizes it bears a responsibility to engage Aboriginal peoples wherever they are affected by our operations.
• Recognition. Suncor values Aboriginal peoples as the original and continuing inhabitants of the land and accepts that we have mutual responsibilities and obligations toward the land.
• Respect. Suncor respects the languages and customs of Aboriginal peoples as well as their political, social and cultural institutions.

Many of Suncor's operations are located on or near the traditional lands of Aboriginal peoples. We believe Aboriginal/indigenous peoples should benefit from industrial development through opportunities such as employment and business development. Our approach is based on principles of responsibility, recognition and respect. This includes respect for Aboriginal treaty rights. We're committed to working closely with Aboriginal communities to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships.

By tapping into the regional skills and expertise of these communities, we're making progress together on a number of shared economic, social and environmental goals.

In April, 2009, Suncor was named top company overall in the Corporate Knights magazine's ranking on Aboriginal relations. Suncor was recognized for its business ventures with Aboriginal groups and was highlighted as the only oil and gas company with an Aboriginal representative on its Board of Directors. We were also singled out for our strong “buy local” policy.

Employment

We're continuing our efforts to increase Aboriginal employment by working in partnership with communities, schools and local governments. We do this by supporting career fairs and investing in the next generation of Aboriginal employees through scholarships, work placement and training programs. For example, the Suncor Energy Foundation provides funding to the Banff Centre's leadership education programs for Aboriginal leaders. The program plays an important role in fostering strong Aboriginal leaders who, in turn, mentor emerging leaders in their communities. By participating in these development opportunities community leaders will have skills to respond to the social, economic and environmental issues in their communities.

Consultation

Open communication is at the heart of Suncor's relationships with our Aboriginal neighbours.

By understanding the issues and concerns of our stakeholders, we're able to gain knowledge, build trust and create long-term solutions. Ultimately, that leads to better plans, better decisions and better outcomes for everyone. For example, near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Aboriginal leaders have told us they are finding the consultation process on numerous new oil sands projects to be a burden. As a result, we're now working with Alberta regulators, and First Nations and Métis representatives in the Wood Buffalo region to find more efficient and effective ways to consult with them.

Suncor regularly meets with Aboriginal communities to discuss environmental issues and report on progress. Advisory groups and community representatives are also invited regularly to tour our oil sands operations and learn about our day-to-day business. These tours are an opportunity for open and frank dialogue about our operations, future plans and environmental and reclamation practices.

Where possible, we incorporate traditional environmental knowledge into our plans for reclamation.

Community

Suncor is dedicated to supporting social well-being in Aboriginal communities. That's why Suncor and the Suncor Energy Foundation invest in Aboriginal education programs, leadership development, community services, and cultural events. The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, an annual celebration of Aboriginal accomplishments, celebrates success stories from Aboriginal communities and allows young people to meet Aboriginal role models. Suncor participants, in turn, learn more about Aboriginal culture and heritage.

To help foster the next generation of leaders, Suncor and the Suncor Energy Foundation continue to invest in Aboriginal training, scholarships, leadership development, community services and cultural events.

We have also approached the First Nations and Métis local in the Wood Buffalo region to help define a new way of working together that addresses long-term issues of concern in their communities and how we might best work together on sustainable solutions.

Economic Opportunities

Suncor has worked closely with Aboriginal communities to identify business opportunities that let us tap into local skills and expertise. In 2007 and 2008 Suncor spent $367 million on goods and services from Aboriginal companies in the Wood Buffalo region—helping us surpass a $1 billion spending milestone with these companies since we began collecting data in 1992.

The businesses range in scope and scale and include fuel distribution, grounds maintenance, reclamation, earth moving, manufacturing, high-tech industrial cleaning, and hotel and airline services, among others.

But it's not just about procuring goods and services. Suncor also works to build the expertise that strengthens communities over the long run. In 2008, we entered into a partnership with the Fort McKay First Nation and contributed startup funding for a “business incubator” to promote economic development and entrepreneurship in Fort McKay.

The incubator will provide small business guidance in marketing, human resources and finance. Future plans include engaging community youth through programs such as Aboriginal Junior Achievement, School Mentorship and Young Entrepreneur Camps.