RC116 JanFeb 2025 - Magazine - Page 11
on their past experiences with the potential partner. If the
feedback is positive, it’s likely that you’ve found a suitable
partner. However, if the feedback is negative, it may be
prudent to reconsider your options. This approach not only
ensures that you are making an informed choice but also
a 昀椀rst step in demonstrating respect and a commitment to
genuine collaboration with the communities involved.
How do early and ongoing discussions with Indigenous
communities impact an agency’s project budget and
schedule?
PARIAG: For transportation asset owners, every single day
of a project schedule matters. Early engagement with
Indigenous communities does require an initial 昀椀nancial
investment, but this investment can reduce negative press
and improve public opinion. It can lead to smoother project delivery and reduce the risk of extended timelines and
cost overruns due to project redesigns.
When building longer term relationships, it’s also important for a project owner to be aware of any changes to
the governance structure of Indigenous communities. A
new chief and council are elected every few years. Meeting with and developing relationships with these new
community leaders, even past the planning phase, can
help keep project needs aligned with potential changes
that come with their priorities and preferences.
RENEWCANADA.NET
What advice do you have for others interested in Indigenous community outreach and engagement?
PARIAG: First, understand that Indigenous communities are not homogenous. Every Indigenous community has their own unique preferences
for engagement, as well as their own distinct priorities. Therefore, it
is essential to remember that engaging communities begins with a
willingness to listen and learn. For example, on a single project, one
community might have ecological concerns, another about language
preservation while another is troubled with water quality or economic
funding of their community. It’s important to understand each of the
communities impacted and how a project can work within the scope
of their needs.
Next, keep in mind that you cannot build a strong relationship with
an Indigenous community overnight. Approach your engagement with
patience, honesty, and genuine respect and understand that e昀昀ective
Indigenous engagement leads to better relationships and better projects.
And lastly, it’s essential to remember that taking shortcuts when it
comes to engaging with Indigenous communities does more harm than
good. If mistakes are made along the way, relationships can be ruined,
signi昀椀cant reputational harm might occur, or projects could be put at risk.
It’s always better to put in the time that it truly takes to deliver Indigenous engagement well.
This interview is part of Experts Talk, a series with technical leaders
from across HDR’s transportation program.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 – RENEW CANADA 11
