2.18.2008 - 02:28pm ET

(CSRwire) February 18, 2008 - Imperial Oil was recently honoured by the Alberta Chamber of Resources and the Alberta Ministry of International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations for its collaborative partnership with First Nation and Métis communities.

The Rewarding Partnership Award was presented to Imperial in recognition of its Native Internship Program. The program provides paid on-the-job training for aboriginal peoples for up to two years with graduates gaining valuable technical experience working in field or plant operations.

"Imperial's Native Internship Program is a unique training program that breaks down barriers by eliminating common challenges experienced by aboriginal peoples who want to obtain technical careers in the oil and gas industry," said Rick Janvier, human resources manager for Cold Lake First Nations and a partner in the internship program. "One of the most rewarding benefits is the positive impact program graduates have on their local community by being role models."

"This program facilitates meaningful partnerships with aboriginal communities and we are very pleased with its success," said Dave Willis, production manager at Imperial Oil. "Since the program's introduction in 1998, we have hired 100 per cent of its graduates."

Rewarding Partnerships is an industry recognition program designed to celebrate companies and their aboriginal business partners for enhancing the capacity of aboriginal businesses and communities.

Imperial Oil is one of Canada's largest corporations and a leading member of the country’s petroleum industry. It is one of Canada's largest producers of crude oil and natural gas, is the country's largest petroleum refiner, and has a leading market share in petroleum products sold through a coast-to-coast supply network that includes close to 2,000 service stations.