We work with local communities affected by our operations to better understand each other’s culture so that we can design and implement community relations activities that reflect mutual interests. We also encourage participation of indigenous peoples in our activities through business and employment opportunities.
Aboriginal Community Consultation
Talisman is committed to consulting with Aboriginal communities regarding our operations. Talisman works with Aboriginal communities, in a manner that it believes is honest and respectful, to build strong relationships and develop an understanding of mutual interests.
We also consider the unique culture of each community when designing and carrying out community relations activities. This includes community interests, languages, customs and cultural communication styles.
For instance, Talisman uses community translators in consultation efforts in personal visits, printed material and in emergency response. Advance consultation with Aboriginal communities regarding key seismic, wellsite and access road locations and pipeline construction has helped the Company gain needed approvals on a number of key Canadian projects.
Aboriginal Consultation in Alberta
Talisman encourages employees and contractors to increase local and Aboriginal participation in the Company’s exploration and development plans. In 2008, Talisman continued to work with regulators to enhance the Alberta First Nations Consultations Guidelines process by improving consistency across Alberta and developing program level consultation. This approach will provide a more comprehensive overview of the Company’s operational plans and offer an earlier opportunity for stakeholders and Talisman to work together to find mutually agreeable solutions. Talisman was selected by the Alberta Government in May 2008 to present case studies showing how program consultation can help to mitigate infringements on First Nations rights and traditional uses within Talisman’s operations.
Cultural Awareness
Talisman respects the importance of traditional activities and locations that hold spiritual or cultural significance to Aboriginal People. In the Hinton, Alberta area, community Elders advised the Company that a proposed wellsite was near a collection of gravesites of family and community members from the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation. Talisman helped rebuild protective barriers around the gravesites and paid for materials. Talisman and the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation also agreed to participate in a documentary video project capturing the consultation process from start to finish. Both Talisman and the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation will use the video to better explain the consultation process and the value it brings to communities.
Contractor Pre-qualification Process
Talisman continues to develop its contractor pre-qualification process to encourage all contractors, including Aboriginal-owned and operated businesses, to actively participate in Talisman’s exploration and development programs throughout Western Canada. Pre-qualification ensures that contractors are aware of the Company’s expectations to provide quality service, delivered in a safe manner, for a competitive price. Further, it clearly provides all contractors with a checklist of minimum requirements and is the first step for potential access to Talisman-generated business, including seismic testing; pipeline, facilities and wellsite construction; operations and production; drilling and completion services; and reclamation contracts.
Aboriginal Community Investment
Talisman’s Aboriginal community investments focus on programs related to youth, education and capacity building that help prepare Aboriginal Peoples to participate in the economic opportunities associated with our activities. Talisman invested more than $250,000 in 2008 in support of local, regional and national Aboriginal initiatives.
