Indigenous Partnerships Helping to Grow Industry & Strengthen Community
Inter Pipeline comes together with Indigenous Communities to build a Lasting Impact for Everyone
Inter Pipeline believes that true progress comes from collaboration and respect. This is evident in its partnership with Alexander Valve & Supply (AVS) and Alexander First Nation.
AVS is an Alexander First Nation’s owned company that Inter Pipeline has partnered with for a number of years on both pipeline projects and during the construction of Inter Pipeline’s Heartland Petrochemical Complex in Fort Saskatchewan.
This story is one of mutual benefit, shared vision, and lasting change – a testament to what can be achieved when industry and community work together.Kristen Simpson, SVP Chief Legal, People, and Sustainability Officer
The Business Relationship
Over the past couple of years, Inter Pipeline’s Transportation business has procured over $2.25 million worth of quality valves for projects at some of their Northern Alberta facilities.
Inter Pipeline’s petrochemical business has also aligned with AVS to provide offsite warehousing for both chemical products and large critical equipment used at Inter Pipeline’s Heartland facility. AVS, with its surplus warehouse capacity and ambition to expand in supply and materials management, was the perfect fit. The partnership provided Inter Pipeline with a streamlined, single-source solution for storage, reduced transportation and handling costs, and furthered its commitment to working with Indigenous-owned businesses.
“The impact extends far beyond logistics and operational efficiency. Inter Pipeline’s relationship with Alexander Valve & Supply marks a pivotal shift toward sustainable, community-rooted solutions,” says Dean Schultz, VP Heartland Finance. “With a multi-year contract in place at our Heartland facility, Inter Pipeline has demonstrated its dedication to long-term mutual success, supporting economic development, job creation, and the continued growth of community-owned business capabilities.”
Beyond the Warehouse
Inter Pipeline has been working closely with local Indigenous rights holders over the last two years to really ensure they get the most out of our relationships, for today and the long-term. Through formal Relationship Agreements, Inter Pipeline provides community development funding to support diverse local initiatives, from social programs to infrastructure, health, education, and skills training to Alexander First Nation. This comprehensive approach underscored a commitment rooted not just in business, but in shared values, trust, and a vision for sustainable progress.
“Throughout the years, Inter Pipeline proved itself to be an active and visible partner. Employees volunteered over 1,800 hours in Indigenous communities in 2024 alone, attending more than 100 Indigenous events. From powwows and festivals to clean-up campaigns and youth programming, Inter Pipeline’s presence is not only symbolic—it is authentic and meaningful,” says Lorraine Royer, General Manager of Sustainability, Government & Indigenous Relations
The relationship among Inter Pipeline, Alexander First Nation, and Alexander Valve & Supply is more than a business agreement. It is a living example of how ethical, long-term relationships can proactively and respectfully address safety, environmental, economic, and social challenges. As the story unfolds, the commitment to building strong, respectful, and lasting relationships with Indigenous communities remains the foundation for shared success.
Indigenous Relations
Inter Pipeline respects the cultural diversity of Indigenous Peoples, which adds to the fabric of Canadian society and recognizes the traditional territories and unique rights Indigenous People hold in Canada.
What we do
We operate in four divisions: Transportation, Facilities Infrastructure, Marketing and Heartland.
