Sysco’s Commitment to Reconciliation
Sysco Canada partnered with Storm Angeconeb, a self-taught Indigenous artist and member of Lac Seul First Nation, Treaty Three Territory, to develop designs for Our Path Forward. Storm’s creations echo the landscapes and ancestral stories that shape her identity. Many of her works include animals and birds as representations of herself or those close to her, sharing her journey and stories through her art. This collaboration reflects Sysco Canada’s commitment to highlighting Indigenous voices in visual storytelling— honouring the unique perspectives, traditions, and lived experiences that deepen the meaning and impact of our shared narrative.
You can learn more about Storm and her artwork by visiting her website: stormangeconeb.com.
Cover Photo: Ch’ich eliwxih | Mount Seymour, BC
Land Acknowledgement
Sysco Canada respectfully acknowledges that we operate across lands that have been home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial.
We acknowledge the deep and ongoing connection Indigenous Nations have to these lands, and we are committed to respectful relationships and reconciliation in the spirit of shared responsibility.
We are committed to the process of Truth and Reconciliation through respect, empowerment, and sustainability of Indigenous communities across Canada. We recognize that we have a shared responsibility, as we continue to honour all Indigenous peoples, knowledge keepers, and their brave and resilient leaders – past and present.
We honour and express deep gratitude to the generations of Indigenous Peoples who have been stewards of these lands for thousands of years. Sysco recognizes the enduring contributions of Indigenous Nations in shaping the communities and shared histories that define this country.
Photo: Kitaskīnaw | Saskatchewan River Delta, SK
A Letter from Sysco Leaders
Sysco Canada is committed to the process of reconciliation through empowerment and sustainability of Indigenous communities across Canada. We understand the success of Indigenous communities is interwoven with, and critical to, Canada’s success.
Our journey toward reconciliation began in 2021, and is a commitment that requires continued listening, learning, and understanding to build trust and contribute to healing and progress. We began by engaging with educators and communities for cultural awareness training and to gain advice on how Sysco can demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation within our business, in the communities we serve, and with our customers we impact. That same year, we proudly committed to the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program to guide our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and we introduced our first Indigenous Relations Policy, outlining our commitment to the process of reconciliation.
In the years since, we have made significant strides in our commitments. In 2021, we launched Sysco North with a primary goal to address food accessibility in 28 remote northern Indigenous communities. Sysco Canada’s Circle colleague resource group (CRG) launched the same year to educate and advocate for truth and reconciliation, empowering all colleagues to participate – and we continued to enhance our Indigenous relations business strategy to support and sustain Indigenous businesses from coast to coast to coast.
In March 2025, we proudly launched Our Path Forward: Sysco’s Commitment to Reconciliation, our multi-pronged and multi-year strategy focused on our key Pillars: Purpose, People, and Products. We built our strategy in cooperation and with mutual respect for Indigenous Peoples and communities as the foundation of our commitments.
Now, we are honoured to share our inaugural Our Path Forward Impact Report, highlighting our progress from July 2024 to June 2025 across all facets of our organization. This report represents our shared understanding of and commitment to our strategy, and while we are proud of the progress we have made, we acknowledge that reconciliation is an ongoing journey.
We remain committed to learning, adapting, and working collaboratively with Indigenous communities and businesses to create lasting, positive change. As an organization, we continue to stand together in solidarity, committed to positive action on Our Path Forward.
Sincerely,
Sysco International Americas
Vice President, Human Resources
Sysco International Americas
Chris Jasper President
Jason Welter
Nadine Patel Director, Inclusion and Reconciliation Sysco Canada
Photo: Traditional Territories of the Stoney Nakoda, Kainai, Piikani, and Tsuut’ina Nations
Our Path Forward: Sysco’s Commitment to Reconciliation
Our Purpose of Connecting the world to share food and care for one another is at the core of what we do – and it guides our commitments and actions to be more connected with the communities we impact. As a corporate leader, we have a responsibility to actively participate in building strong relationships with Indigenous communities, rooted in mutual respect, accountability, and sustained engagement.
Our Path Forward: Sysco’s Commitment to Reconciliation is our response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 92 for Corporate Canada, stating:
“We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.
2. Ensure that Aboriginal Peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.
3. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skillsbased training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.”
Through Our Path Forward, we will support the empowerment and sustainability of Indigenous communities through commitments on three key Pillars:
Purpose
Recognizing the profound connection between food, culture, and community, we are committed to fostering meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. Our Purpose, Connecting the world to share food and care for one another, guides our commitments to reconciliation. We hold organizational accountability and pledge to honour and respect the rich culinary traditions and knowledge of Indigenous peoples, integrating wisdom into our practices.
People
We will strive to create an inclusive, nurturing, and safe environment for Indigenous colleagues to thrive – built on respect, support, and opportunities for growth while valuing perspectives and promoting cultural awareness and understanding to all Sysco colleagues. We will strengthen our community engagement to foster understanding and sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities, groups, and partners. By prioritizing these elements, we can create spaces where Indigenous people feel valued and empowered, ultimately contributing to their success and well-being.
Products
We will support and empower Indigenous businesses by investing resources to cultivate respectful and meaningful relationships. We are committed to offering capacity building and mentorship, fostering an environment where Indigenous enterprises can enhance capabilities, sustain growth, strengthen procurement, and develop future business opportunities. Through collaboration and support, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem that honours and uplifts Indigenous entrepreneurship.
We made the commitment to the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’ Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (CCIB PAIR) program in 2021, ensuring Indigenous relations are addressed and actively cultivated as part of Sysco Canada’s overall functional strategies. By actively participating in PAIR, we emphasize our commitment to contributing to the social and economic well-being of Indigenous communities, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and prosperous society for all Canadians.
2021
• Introduced our first Indigenous Relations Policy
• Launched Sysco North to address food accessibility in Northern Canada
• Developed the Circle CRG to educate and advocate for reconciliation within Sysco
2024
• Enhanced Indigenous business development across all regions in Canada
• Developed an Indigenous relations communications strategy
• Built a multi-pronged and multi-year RAP
• Launched Our Path Forward: Sysco’s Commitment to Reconciliation
• Developed key pillars to ensure a holistic approach to Our Path Forward
• Launched an Indigenous Recruitment Committee
• Launched Pathways to Procurement industry roundtable to strengthen Indigenous procurement in foodservice
• Strengthened engagement with both local and nationl Indigenous leaders and businesses
Purpose
Sysco’s Purpose, Connecting the world to share food and care for one another not only guides our commitments to reconciliation but also serves as our why, and is the foundation for our commitments and actions. We recognize the critical importance of organizational accountability in this journey, and we pledge to honour and respect the rich culinary traditions and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples. By integrating their wisdom into our practices,
“I believe that, as leaders, we have a responsibility to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities that are rooted in respect, accountability, and sustained engagement. Reconciliation begins with listening and continues through these relationships. I am grateful for the teachings that have been shared with me, and for the opportunity to continue learning and growing – together.”
Jamie Berryman VP National Sales, Sysco International Americas; Executive Sponsor of the Circle CRG
we aim to create an environment that celebrates inclusion. Our leadership team is dedicated to bringing these commitments into practice, while actively engaging with Indigenous voices to ensure their perspectives are woven into the fabric of our organization. We believe that by doing so, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future, where the contributions of Indigenous communities are acknowledged, celebrated, and preserved for generations to come.
Enhancing Food Accessibility in the North
Since 2021, Sysco Canada has been on a mission to close the gap in food accessibility for Indigenous communities in remote northern Canada through Sysco North. Operating from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Sysco North was created with a clear vision: to deliver the freshest, highest-quality food at competitive prices to communities where access has historically been limited. As of FY25, Sysco North proudly serves 28 communities across three provinces and territories, transforming how these regions access essential goods. This journey has been rooted in collaboration and community engagement. By actively visiting communities, meeting with Chiefs and Councils, and hearing first-hand from community members we’ve built strong partnerships that allow us to tailor our services to meet unique cultural and logistical needs. These relationships are the foundation of our commitment – not only to distribute food but to advocate for systemic change that ensures affordability and sustainability.
Imagine only having access to one grocery store. For many remote Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast this is the reality. Limited assortment and no competitive options have had generational impacts on how people eat. Sysco North aims to positively break down some of those barriers by providing fresh new products at competitive prices. Seeing and hearing firsthand the impact Sysco North has had from community members has been very rewarding and validates that the work we are doing is meaningful and impactful to peoples’ everyday lives.
Andrew Harris
Indigenous Relations Manager, Sysco Prairies
Photo: Pimachiowin Aki | Boreal Forest, MB
In FY25, we advanced our advocacy in partnership with Nutrition North Canada (NNC), a federal initiative designed to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable in remote northern communities. We worked closely with provincial and federal governments to highlight the challenges of bringing fresh, affordable foods to market to ensure policy decisions reflect the realities faced by northern communities. Our efforts have helped strengthen open, accountable systems that lead to better outcomes.
Logistically, Sysco Canada facilitated the distribution of over 357,000 pounds of products that are captured under the NNC program. This volume represents shipments to 29 communities throughout Canada. We continued to champion culturally relevant nutrition solutions,
providing menu planning and education resources that complemented NNC’s goals for improving health outcomes and food security. We supported community-led nutrition education programs and partnered with numerous Indigenous organizations to integrate traditional food practices into meal planning. These initiatives help ensure northern communities not only have access to affordable food but also tools to sustain healthy, culturally appropriate diets.
By continuing to advocate for affordable, fresh food, and investing in partnerships that respect cultural traditions, we are working towards a future where every community – no matter how remote, has equitable access to nutrition and opportunity.
FY25 Highlights:
Throughout 2024
Sysco Canada’s leadership team engaged with Professor Fred Lazar, the governmentappointed advisor leading the review of the Nutrition North Canada program, to provide input on potential reforms.
August 2024
Sysco Ontario proudly sponsored the Amateur and Professional Chef editions of the Odawa M’nis Master Chef Showdown, an Indigenous culinary competition in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. This black-box competition featured 10 local Indigenous cooks in teams of two, and five professional chefs from across the province in a battle against time –each creating a special dish made from surprise ingredients.
Photo: Odawa M’nis Master Chef Showdown | Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, ON
August 2024
Sysco Canada’s leadership team met with Federal Minister Dan Vandal to advocate for reforms to the Nutrition North Canada subsidy program aimed at reducing food costs for Northern communities.
March 2025
Sysco BC participated in and sponsored the Cooking in Two Worlds Gathering held at the University of British Columbia, which was designed to cultivate meaningful connections and enhance Indigenous cultural inclusivity within the culinary sector. The insightful discussions emphasized the importance of Indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, providing a unique viewpoint on how these elements can be integrated into mainstream culinary practices.
June 2025
Sysco North’s comprehensive product assortment reached 545 individual items, reflecting our commitment to meeting a wide range of community needs. This extensive selection ensures communities have access to high-quality products across multiple categories, supporting flexibility and choice in food offerings.
FY26 – 28 Commitments: Purpose
Goal
Enhance existing Our Path Forward Pillar Boards to align project objectives with organizational goals, ensuring efficient resources, and fostering collaboration to achieve successful project outcomes.
Deliver annual Indigenous cultural awareness training to senior leadership.
Commitment Timeline
1. Sysco Canada will dedicate resources and effort – both time and financial, to form strategic Pillar Boards that will effectively align Pillar objectives with organizational goals, optimize resources, and promote collaboration for successful outcomes.
2. In collaboration with Indigenous organizations, we will deliver an annual Indigenous cultural awareness training (CAT) for Sysco Canada’s senior leadership team to strengthen understanding of historical and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous communities and to enhance empathy and drive more informed decision making.
Photo: Syilx | Okanagan Valley, BC
Advocate for policy enhancements and funding to sustain and empower Indigenous communities and businesses.
Foster meaningful relationships with Indigenous community leaders to build mutual respect, deepen understanding, and inform decision-making.
3. Sysco Canada will collaborate with Indigenous communities and government partners to help advance dialogue, support policy development, and advocate for improved access to essential services and funding.
4. Sysco Canada leaders will actively listen, learn, and honour Indigenous ways of knowing and working, and engage with Indigenous leaders at the Assembly of First Nations AGA, the Métis National Council AGA, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami AGA to deepen understanding of socio-economic matters and to collaborate on decision making.
People
Building strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities is at the heart of our reconciliation commitments. The Our Path Forward People Pillar demonstrates our commitment to establish an inclusive, supportive, and secure environment where Indigenous colleagues can excel. This environment will be founded on respect, encouragement, and opportunities for development while honouring diverse perspectives and enhancing cultural awareness. Additionally, we will enhance our community engagement efforts to cultivate mutual understanding and sustainable partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations. By prioritizing these principles, we aim to create spaces where Indigenous individuals feel valued and empowered.
Future Horizons
In FY25, Sysco Canada’s Human Resources department launched our first Indigenous Recruitment Committee, designed to increase Indigenous representation across all levels of our organization, creating more opportunities for Indigenous colleagues to thrive at Sysco. By forming this dedicated committee and working closely with our Circle CRG, we aim to build stronger partnerships with Indigenous communities and ensure our recruitment processes are inclusive and equitable.
This approach underscores our dedication to creating a workplace where every colleague feels valued, respected, and integral to our shared journey towards reconciliation. By actively listening, learning, and responding to colleagues and the communities we serve, we aim to strengthen talent and teams within our organization.
Sysco Canada’s Indigenous Recruitment Committee enables us to take meaningful, actionable steps toward advancing Indigenous representation and inclusion within our workforce. We understand the need for a more focused and culturally informed approach to engage Indigenous talent and create pathways for success. The committee was established to identify and address systemic barriers, strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations, and ensure our recruitment processes are equitable, respectful, and inclusive of Indigenous perspectives and experiences.
Leanna Kendall Human Resources Manager, Sysco Prairies; Lead of the Indigenous Recruitment Committee
Photo: 30th Annual Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards (left), kɟúsx̌nítkw | Okanagan Lake, BC (top)
In addition to our new Indigenous Recruitment Committee, we support Indigenous youth and professionals through scholarships and career development. In the first half of FY25, Sysco Canada supported scholarships through the 30th annual Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards (MIYAA), aimed at nurturing young talent in the Culinary Arts and Culinary Business Arts. Among our operating regions,
Sysco Prairies pledged a three-year partnership with Southeast Collegiate in Winnipeg, committing C$15,000 to support First Nations students pursuing education in an environment that combines academic learning with cultural enrichment. Sysco Ontario, in collaboration with George Brown College, launched the Leadership Awards for Indigenous Students. These awards are intended for students in their second
semester or beyond who are enrolled in culinary programs and are designed to recognize and reward both academic excellence and leadership qualities. Through these initiatives, we aim to support the next generation of Indigenous leaders and reinforce our commitment to a workplace culture that celebrates diversity, thereby paving the way for an inclusive and vibrant future.
Photo: Algonquin Park, ON
Keeping Space for Indigenous Voices
Rooted in recognition and respect for cultural heritage and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples, the Circle CRG partnered with Jackie Traverse, a multi-disciplined Indigenous artist and member of the Lake St. Martin First Nation, to develop a mural in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This powerful work of art symbolizes the deep connection between land, people, and tradition, with bears representing strength and care, and berries symbolizing nourishment and healing. This space serves as an important tool for education and awareness, while ensuring the voices and perspectives of the Lake St. Martin First Nation are physically represented in our workspace.
Our Circle CRG’s vision of advocating and playing an active role in reconciliation with Sysco continues to positively honour and respect the traditional and treaty territories on which we live and work. We will continue engaging with community to foster mutual understanding and respect, and to meaningfully reflect Indigenous values within our workplace, supporting efforts toward cultural preservation and revitalization.
It’s been amazing to see the commitment from our leadership teams across Sysco Canada to elevate and keep space for Indigenous voices and storytelling. It demonstrates a shared dedication to advancing reconciliation. Through these spaces and in collaboration with Indigenous artists and the Circle CRG, we are honouring culture, fostering dialogue, and taking meaningful steps together on our path forward.
Dana Johnson Director of Environment, Health & Safety, Sysco Prairies; Chair of Circle Canada
This partnership was inspired by Gord Downie’s legacy and greatly moved by Chanie Wenjack’s story, and it brings an opportunity for Sysco Canada to strengthen our reconciliation efforts, fostering partnerships that align with our commitment to meaningful change and support Indigenous communities.
George Wilkes District Sales Manager, Sysco Ontario; Chair of Circle Ontario
Proud Partners of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Through an initial five-year partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, we opened our first Legacy Space at Sysco Toronto in Mississauga, Ontario in September 2024. Legacy Spaces are safe, welcoming places where conversations and education about true history of Canada and our collective journey towards reconciliation are encouraged and supported. They also serve as symbols and reminders of the important work each of us needs to undertake, particularly employers, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Sysco Ontario and the Circle CRG began this partnership to maintain a focus on reconciliation and set forth our purpose and actions in this crucial area.
This Legacy Space is designed to be a vibrant hub for reconciliation, featuring a hand-painted mural by Hannah Sage LaForme, a 2-Spirit Anishinaabe artist and member of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The mural beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the community, while a welcoming library nook offers a curated selection
of books and resources by Indigenous authors dedicated to promoting meaningful reconciliation and education. We were deeply honoured to have Elder Garry Sault from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation open the event with heartfelt words, traditional songs, and a Smudge Ceremony, reminding us of the importance of connection and healing.
Photo: Opening Ceremony of the Legacy Space at Sysco Toronto
Supporting Indigenous Food Sovereignty
To support our commitment to fostering sustainable food systems and aiding communities in need, we developed a national community partnership with Second Harvest. This partnership is especially focused on supporting Northern communities, where food insecurity is most prevalent and persistent.
Through Nourishing Neighbours, our signature program supporting food banks and addressing food insecurity, we made our inaugural FY25 donation of C$50,000. Within Nourishing Neighbours, we will continue to give 15% of all donations to Second Harvest to support food security in Northern remote communities for the next five years.
Second Harvest recognizes the importance of Indigenous leadership and worldviews in creating sustainable food systems to help ensure everyone has access to nourishment. Through their work, they emphasize the importance of community-led solutions that respect local needs and realities, highlighting the need for sustainable and equitable food systems. In addition to this 15% national commitment, Sysco Canada’s four regional Global Good Committees continue to make local donations through Nourishing Neighbours to Indigenous registered charities that support food security.
Supporting Second Harvest’s Indigenous Food Program is vital to advancing food security. This initiative ensures remote Indigenous communities have access to fresh, culturally appropriate foods while reducing waste and empowering local solutions. By investing in this program, we’re proud to help build healthier futures and stronger, more equitable food systems.
Nadine Patel Director, Inclusion & Reconciliation, Sysco Canada
Our Global Good goal focuses on three key pillars:
Feed
We donate food and partner with community organizations around the world to ensure food-insecure families receive healthy and nutritious meals.
Serve
We launched a Global Volunteer Recognition Program to celebrate and recognize Sysco colleagues and sites for serving their communities.
Give
We partner with national and local charitable organizations to provide funds that combat hunger. Through our signature Nourishing Neighbours program, portions of Sysco-branded local case sales are donated to local charities that fight hunger.
Photo: Cheque Presentation to Second Harvest
FY25 Highlights:
September 2024
Through Sysco Canada’s GreenShield+ health ecosystem, Indigenous colleagues gained access to mental health resources through Noojimo Health. This service offers timely, culturally safe mental wellness care to self-identified Indigenous colleagues across Turtle Island/Canada.
November 2024
Sysco Prairies welcomed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility Consultant, Harley Eagle, to facilitate a workshop at Sysco Calgary and Sysco Edmonton. These workshops explored and built a foundation of understanding – including an Indigenous perspective on colonization, addressing systemic racism, and trauma-informed practice, which are major components of Indigenous cultural safety and humility.
Photo: Traditional Territory of the Blackfoot Nations | AB
November 2024
Colby Delorme, Métis entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Influence Mentoring Society, presented “Ceremonial Tobacco in Honour and Purpose” to more than 300 Sysco colleagues virtually. This session was an opportunity for colleagues to learn about the history and tradition of ceremonial tobacco, the current use of ceremonial tobacco and ties to reconciliation, merging traditional practice with automation, customs and gifting, and how non-Indigenous individuals can use ceremonial tobacco and participate in practice.
February – June 2025
The Circle CRG partnered with Lewis Cardinal, President and CEO of Cardinal Strategic Communications & Development for a series of micro-learning sessions on the importance of language and name, ceremony, and honouring Indigenous women and societies.
June 2025
We launched the Indigenous Recruitment Committee to increase Indigenous representation across all levels of our organization, creating more opportunities for Indigenous individuals to thrive at Sysco Canada.
June 2025
The Circle CRG welcomed Tom Jackson for a special celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Tom offered 300+ colleagues an invitation to pause, reflect, and act with love. Through stories and music, he offered insights that moved many to tears and sparked conversations.
FY26 – 28 Commitments: People
Develop an inclusive recruitment approach, which engages and attracts Indigenous talent that will strengthen Sysco Canada’s workforce and better serve our customers, suppliers, and communities we serve.
1. Partner with Indigenous communities, organizations, and educational institutions to create pathways for employment, while honouring Indigenous perspectives and expertise.
On-track: Increase the representation of Indigenous people across all levels of the Sysco workforce.
Photo: Traditional Territory of the Tyendinaga Mohawk | ON
Goal
Strengthen our retention approach by fostering a workplace built on inclusion, understanding, continued learning, and engagement, and nurture an environment where Indigenous colleagues feel respected, valued, and supported.
Commitment
2. Deliver ongoing cultural awareness training (CAT) for functional teams.
3. Continued empowerment of the Circle colleague resource group (CRG) to offer Indigenous CAT, in addition to the University of Alberta Indigenous Canada course, and the Inclusion Learning Hub.
Achieved: Baseline target of one annual CAT tailored for executive leadership in FY26+.
Achieved: Baseline target of quarterly CAT for all colleagues in FY26+.
4. Strengthen IMPART Mentorship (internal) for a tailored approach to support Indigenous colleagues with Sysco Canada leaders to support career development.
5. Sponsor and participate in Influence Mentorship (external) to mentor Indigenous students, while engaging Sysco Canada leaders as mentors and session facilitators.
Achieved: Baseline target of one internal mentorship program in FY26+.
On-track: Baseline target of one external mentorship program in FY26+.
Goal
Increase partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations as part of Sysco Gives Back
Commitment
6. Mobilize Sysco Canada colleagues to participate in volunteer initiatives that support Indigenous communities and campaigns.
On-track: Baseline target of four regional volunteer engagements with Indigenous charities and organizations in FY26+.
Products
Empowering and sustaining Indigenous businesses through economic reconciliation, capacitybuilding, and mentorship are fundamental to our growth strategies. The Our Path Forward Product Pillar emphasizes our commitment of resources –both time and money – to the development of relationships with Indigenous-owned businesses that are sustained
through mutual respect and development.
This Pillar focuses on supporting and meeting the tailored needs of Sysco Canada’s Indigenous customers including businesses, communities, non-profits, and educational institutions,and Indigenous businesses within our growing supplier community.
Photo: Epekwitk | Prince Edward Island
Through this framework and as part of our developing Supplier Inclusion program, we are committed to increasing Indigenous business participation in our supply chains. Indigenous procurement is not only a matter of economic inclusion, it’s a vital step toward reconciliation. By intentionally creating space for Indigenousowned businesses, we help strengthen local economies, support community selfdetermination, and honour the knowledge, innovation, and resilience embedded in Indigenous enterprises.
Christine Moroz VP Merchandising, Sysco International Americas
Offering tailored resources is vital for fostering economic reconciliation and promoting inclusion within our business ecosystem. Through engagement and consultation, we are committed to contributing to the empowerment of Indigenous businesses, to building sustainable economic opportunities, and reducing socio-economic disparities.
Pathways to Procurement
We recognize a diverse and inclusive supply chain is critical to economic prosperity for all Canadians. Not only does it help us better understand and serve our diverse customer base, but it also helps us drive innovation, increase competitiveness, and create more equitable economic opportunities for everyone.
In FY25, we proudly developed Pathways to Procurement, an industry approach to strengthening Indigenous procurement within foodservice. Led by Sysco Canada, and in partnership with Aramark, Compass Group Canada, Foodbuy Canada, Sodexo, and in consultation with the CCIB and the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF), this roundtable serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of best practices to enhance opportunities for Indigenous suppliers. We believe that by driving inclusive procurement strategies, we can create meaningful economic growth and strengthen the presence of Indigenous suppliers in the foodservice industry.
Photo: Traditional Territory of the Innu Peoples | QC
Pathways to Procurement is a multi-phased and holistic approach, beginning with an Industry Roundtable to learn about barriers and opportunities to engage Indigenous suppliers in our supply chain and in the foodservice industry. Followed by focus groups with Indigenous suppliers, we aim to better understand and learn about barriers Indigenous businesses face to inform future strategy. These focus groups will gather qualitative data and insights into experiences and perspectives on procurement processes and practices, including uncovering underlying motivations, beliefs, and opinions.
Pathways to Procurement is more than a supply chain initiative; it’s a commitment to economic reconciliation and meaningful partnership. By embracing Indigenousowned businesses within our supply chain, we’re helping to advance sustainable practices rooted in traditional knowledge. Our procurement choices help build a more resilient and responsible food system for generations to come.
Jaclyn Corneil Manager, Sustainability, Sysco Canada
Photo: Onguiaahra | Niagara Falls, ON
By consulting with Indigenous customers and communities, we aim to strengthen our commitment to fostering genuine partnerships.
Sysco Canada’s regional Indigenous Relations Managers provide exceptional market leadership, drive new business development opportunities, and cultivate meaningful customer relationships by implementing innovative solutions.
Kim Doherty Regional President, Sysco Prairies
Empowering Roots: Fostering Indigenous Customer Growth and Prosperity
To effectively address the unique needs of Indigenous customers and communities, Sysco Canada recognized the critical importance of establishing the role of regional Indigenous Relations Managers (IRMs) in each of our four operating regions – BC, Prairies, Ontario, and Eastern. IRMs are pivotal in engaging with Indigenous communities and businesses to develop sustained, two-way relationships and co-design strategies so our work aligns with Indigenous-defined priorities.
Through this work, we co-develop region-specific business development and marketing initiatives with Indigenous partners, commit resources, and track progress against outcomes they define.
Photo: Kjipuktuk | Long Lake, NS
FY25 Highlights:
October 2024
Sysco Canada’s Nutrition Services function launched the Cultural Nourishment: Honouring and Incorporating Indigenous Food & Culture in Healthcare and Senior Living toolkit. This toolkit offers cultural competency and sensitivity for insights into Indigenous peoples in Canada and traditional foods, menu planning showcasing the benefits of traditional Indigenous ingredients, ideas for organizing special events celebrating Indigenous culture within healthcare and senior living environments, and an overview of Sysco Canada partnerships and initiatives with Indigenous communities.
November 2024
As an Advocate in CCIB’s Supply Change™ program, Sysco Canada is expanding participation by Indigenousowned (CCIB-certified) suppliers in our supply chain through targeted outreach, fair access to sourcing, and transparent spend tracking.
April 2025
Launched Sysco Canada’s new Indigenous Procurement Hub, which includes the updated list of Certified Indigenous Businesses (CIB) from the CCIB, enabling Sysco colleagues to identify both direct and indirect CIBs for suppliers and services.
May 2025
Pathways to Procurement is conceptualized in partnership with Aramark, Compass Group Canada, Foodbuy Canada, Sodexo, and in consultation with the CCIB and the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF), with a commitment to strengthen Indigenous procurement within foodservice.
FY26 – 28 Commitments: Product
Develop an Indigenous procurement strategy to strengthen Indigenous procurement in the foodservice industry.
1. Launch an Industry Roundtable of foodservice leaders to identify opportunities to engage Indigenous vendors in the foodservice industry and supply chains.
2. Host Focus Groups with Indigenous suppliers (current and prospective) to learn about barriers Indigenous businesses face and to inform future strategy.
3. Offer Education Sessions to inform Indigenous businesses how to grow within Sysco Canada’s supply chain.
On-track: Baseline target to host Industry Roundtable sessions in FY26+.
On track: Target to host Focus Groups and Education Sessions in FY26+
4. Foster ongoing partnership with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Businesses (CCIB) and Supply Change to learn best practices.
Photo: Eastern_Quebec generic, Jacques Cartier River Park
Strengthen commercial development of Indigenous customers and businesses through our Indigenous market strategy.
5. Conduct annual business presentations in each of our four regions aimed at strengthening relationships through cultural sensitivity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to collaboration.
6. Strengthen relationships and consultation with Indigenous community leaders by hosting annual community events in each of our four regions, which will foster mutual understanding and collaboration on shared goals, and ensure Indigenous voices are integrated into decision-making processes.
7. Strengthen Sysco North to address food accessibility in remote northern Indigenous communities, while partnering with communities to provide fresh high-quality food direct at a competitive price.
FY27 Local Sales
Acknowledgements
Sysco Canada’s inaugural 2025 Our Path Forward Impact Report shares the progress we have made as an organization over the last year. We extend our gratitude to those who have contributed to the development of Our Path Forward pillars and commitments. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the CCIB for their unwavering support for our PAIR efforts. Their commitment to supporting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses on our ongoing reconciliation journey has been invaluable in driving our commitments forward.
We are also deeply grateful to Christine John of Owl Vision Strategies, whose insightful guidance and knowledge have been instrumental in ensuring the authenticity and respect embedded in our projects. Her contributions have enriched our understanding and strengthened our commitment.
Additionally, we wish to acknowledge Storm Angeconeb, a self-taught Indigenous artist and member of Lac Seul First Nation, Treaty Three Territory, who developed artwork for Our Path Forward. Storm’s vision not only brought beauty to our report but also sparked meaningful conversations and connections.
It is with immense pride and gratitude that we recognize these collaborative efforts, which have collectively amplified our impact and strengthened the cultural tapestry we are privileged to be part of.
Treaty Three Territory
Christine John Owl Vision Strategies
Storm Angeconeb Artist
Lac Seul First Nation
Photo: