A successful business is a good idea that comes out right thanks to a lot of hard work. Syncrude helps encourage, support, and celebrate good ideas. Indeed, we reached the $1 billion milestone for Aboriginal business this year, an achievement that says a lot for the capacity and self-sufficiency that has been achieved by First Nations and Métis businesses in Wood Buffalo, and for the high quality of these suppliers that we've come to count on.

A new award to recognize young entrepreneurs

Knowing that there were outstanding accomplishments going unrewarded and unrecognized, Syncrude has become the title sponsor of the newly created Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Award of Distinction (see the profile of the inaugural recipients, the Bruno brothers). Offered under the umbrella of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce’s Alberta Business Awards of Distinction, the new award is given to the business that, among other criteria, best exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership, and shows a high level of social, cultural, and environmental awareness, and a demonstrated commitment to the wider Aboriginal community. Syncrude contributed $12,500 to the launch of the award in 2006.