RC116 JanFeb 2025 - Magazine - Page 10
LEADERSHIP
An early understanding of the needs and concerns
of each Indigenous community allows owners to make
needed design or construction phasing adjustments
before they prompt costly work stoppages.
Clear, consistent communication channels and the
Moreover, both Indigenous engagement practitioners
and proponents must recognize that the outcomes of current projects—positive and negative—will in昀氀uence future
engagements. Approaching each project as one part of a longterm relationship with Indigenous communities positions all
parties for continued success.
What is most important when choosing
a partner to support Indigenous engagement on infrastructure projects?
PARIAG: Choosing the right partners is
crucial for any project, especially when
working directly with Indigenous communities. It’s vital to be aware of the history and track record of potential partners
in terms of their experience and success with Indigenous
communities. Many consulting and communications 昀椀rms,
unfortunately, do not have a strong track record of e昀昀ective
collaboration with Indigenous communities, and partnering with such 昀椀rms can jeopardize project delivery and the
trust-building process.
One practical strategy is for infrastructure owners to
actively involve Indigenous communities in the selection of
partners. Before 昀椀nalizing any decisions about bringing on a
partner consulting 昀椀rm, reach out to the Indigenous communities a昀昀ected by the project and ask for their feedback
“Every Indigenous community has their own unique preferences
for engagement, as well as their own distinct priorities.“
inclusion of community members in the decision-making processes have proven e昀昀ective on many of my
infrastructure projects. This inclusion fosters a sense
of mutual ownership and respect, which is vital for
successful project delivery.
To ensure that trust extends beyond the current project, it is crucial to document and honor any commitments made. Continual engagement with the community after one project’s completion provides long-term
bene昀椀ts and facilitates mutual learning, strengthening
the relationship for future initiatives.
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