Canadian National Railway (CN) /Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), Ontario

In recognition of it's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, CN entered into a partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to renew and restore wetlands in the Bellville area. Ian Toal was embedded with DUC learning how they went about selecting, designing, constructing and monitoring wetlands. Two of the projects to be funded involved First Nations - one was the rebuilding of a dike to preserve a large and important wetland on Hiawatha First Nation land, and the second was the construction of a wetland on the Tyendeninaga First Nation school ground as an educational opportunity for the students at the school.

Canadian National Railway (CN)

Megan Prydun and Kirsten Junker-Andersen were introduced to corporate culture and strategies during their placement with the Canadian National Railway (CN). From learning how train yards work to building connections with indigenous communities CN track runs through, they were provided with the opportunity to view indigenous development issues in Canada from different perspectives. Their most impactful experiences were when they  accompanied the Manager of Aboriginal Relations into indigenous communities. As a corporation, CN has begun to recognize historical and present barriers to employment for Aboriginal peoples and connecting with these communities, along with urban indigenous organizations, is taking the first steps to bridging some of these existing gaps.

Fisher River Cree Nation

Two students were hosted by Fisher River, Tatenda Bwawa and Susan Maxson. They were welcomed in by the Chief and Council and were encouraged to take part in the various areas that the council was involved in. Through this Susan was able to see how different parts of the community worked and especially how services were provided on the reserve, in particular economic development. Living with a local family enabled them to become involved in community activities. Tatenda's involvement in Fisher River included participation in health care strategic planning and raising chronic diseases awareness, finance meetings with chief and council and officials from the federal department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba

Reuben Garang was hosted by Manitoba Hydro, a Crown Corporation and the province's major energy utility. He learned about Manitoba Hydro's past relationship with Aboriginal communities and hydro-electric power generation development and the new partnership approach toward sustainable development. He learned that Hydro is rethinking ways of doing development and building mutual relationships with the First Nations communities.