A dream internship plants seeds of possibility: Meet Christopher from the Indigenous Internship Program

It was by chance that Christopher McMartin, a third-year supply chain management student, bumped into a Nutrien recruiter at the University of Saskatchewan Edward’s School of Business. He couldn’t have imagined the journey that would unfold after scanning a simple QR code –revealing a list of exciting student job opportunities. Among them, one stood out: the Indigenous Internship Program (IIP).

Watch Christopher McMartin describe his experience being part of Nutrien’s Indigenous Internship Program

“Pursuing my dream career means making an impact and leaving the world a better place than I found it,” says Christopher. “This internship has helped me immensely.”

The purpose of the program is to open spaces for Indigenous youth to explore meaningful careers in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, while building confidence, community, and connection.

Christopher McMartin at Nutrien Tower, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

A Pathway to Possibility

Christopher grew up on Moosomin First Nation. His internship journey began with curiosity and a sense of community. Drawn to Nutrien’s visible presence in Saskatchewan, he saw a company with deep ties to the places and people it serves, with the purpose of feeding the future.

“The work Nutrien does in the community is what really inspired me,” says Christopher. “As I got further into my research, I knew this would be the best fit for me.”

Through the IIP, Christopher gained hands-on experience in supply chain management, collaborated across business units, and developed professional skills that will shape his future.

“I learned how to work within a team toward a greater goal,” says Christopher. “And I gained exposure to different parts of the business—IT, finance, HR. It was incredible.”

Opportunities Intersect with Identity

The IIP is designed not only to build careers, but to strengthen cultural identity and community ties. For Christopher, this meant engaging directly with Indigenous communities and leaders, as Nutrien builds long term relationships focused on inclusion and shared economic prosperity.

“Meeting those chiefs and community members was really important,” says Christopher. “This internship has helped shape my identity in the fact that I get to work with Indigenous communities directly, with big names in the Indigenous space. Getting to meet those people that I would have never met prior is huge.”

Volunteering at White Buffalo Youth Lodge Backpack Giveaway

For Christopher, he especially valued the opportunity to volunteer at the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s White Buffalo Youth Lodge Backpack Giveaway for families needing support to start the school year off in a good way.

“Planning that event and working with Indigenous business leaders was amazing,” says Christopher. “We handed out 4,000 backpacks to families in need.”

Many of these experiences he shared alongside his student peers at Nutrien.

“I had the opportunity to go to the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools powpow,” says Christopher. “Nutrien was one of the sponsors of the event, so getting to partake in the grand entry with my fellow coworkers was really great.”

Christopher attends the annual GSCS powwow in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Mentorship Leads to Momentum

Support is a cornerstone of the IIP. Christopher credits his mentors - Julie Ann, Rhonda, Jake, and Susan - for helping him take risks, build confidence, and grow professionally.

“Julie Ann, Nutrien’s Director of Indigenous Relations, always said to me, ‘No matter what you do, you’ll land on your feet, and I’ll have your back,’ says Christopher. “That gave me the courage to go for opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

The peer connection combined with networkingadded to the value of the overall experience.

“It really grows a family-like structure,” Christopher says. “We had dinners, activities, and shared our experiences where we all felt welcomed and together.”

Christopher volunteers at the CHEP community garden

A Future Workforce in Capable Hands

Christopher’s goals have expanded beyond Saskatchewan. Inspired by Nutrien’s global reach, he now sees possibilities across Canada, the U.S., and even Australia.

“Meeting different people, gaining exposure now… will really help down the line, because we are going to be the future workforce,” says Christopher. “It’s such a vast company with so many operations; it's really inspired me to go out and learn the different processes and see how I can be a part of them.”

The Indigenous Internship Program provides meaningful work placements for students and new graduates across a variety of STEM and business roles at Nutrien. In addition to gaining professional work experience, IIP students are offered personal and cultural learning opportunities – planting seeds for upcoming generations who will carry on the responsibility of feeding the future.