RC122 JanFeb 2026 - Magazine - Page 42
CLOSING SHOT
A COMMUNITYFOCUSED
APPROACH TO
PROJECT DELIVERY
RADITIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT often prioritizes scope, schedules, budgets,
and contracts—sometimes overlooking the critical relationships, cultural
traditions, and governance structures that shape Indigenous-led projects.
This can result in misalignments, delays, and infrastructure that fails to
meet the true needs of the community.
A more thoughtful and collaborative approach is crucial to ensure
that capital infrastructure projects create sustainable outcomes for generations.
The Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep) project delivery model places the
community’s vision at the centre of the process to ensure the project fosters
impactful outcomes for your community both now and in the future.
T
Why the Owner’s Rep model works for Indigenous communities
The Owner’s Rep model o昀昀ers a more holistic, community-centred approach in comparison to traditional project delivery. The Owner’s Rep acts
as a partner to guide the project from start to 昀椀nish, always with the community’s best interests in mind. This helps ensure that projects stay true to
their cultural, 昀椀nancial, and timeline goals while honouring traditions and
community aspirations.
What does this mean in practice?
A VOICE FOR THE COMMUNITY: Owner’s Reps advocate for decisions that align
with the community’s cultural, social, economic, and governance priorities.
A CLEAR PATH FORWARD: Owner’s Reps support communities through the
complexities of funding applications, decision processes and approvals,
technical requirements, and strategic planning while making sure leadership maintains control over the project vision.
A LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE: Owner’s Reps help create projects that are sustainable, culturally relevant, and 昀椀nancially viable, leading to lasting bene昀椀ts
for the community.
Key opportunities and how to add value
ACCESS TO FUNDING AND SECURING THE RIGHT RESOURCES
Indigenous communities often seek funding that aligns with their longterm goals, balancing self-su昀케ciency with government programs.
HOW TO ADD VALUE: Establish relationships with key funders such as Indigenous
Services Canada (ISC) and the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Jesse Unke is Partner - Lead,
Capital Projects and Infrastructure
Consulting with MNP.
42—RENEW CANADA –JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN ENGAGEMENT: EVERY VOICE COUNTS
Successful infrastructure projects must re昀氀ect the needs, values, and aspirations of the community. Meaningful engagement is key to fostering
trust and ensuring culturally appropriate approaches.
HOW TO ADD VALUE: Focus on inclusive engagement, advocating that all
voices are heard—including elders, youth, in-community members,
and urban residents. By spending signi昀椀cant time within communities, you gain an authentic understanding of their realities. This helps
facilitate workshops and governance-driven discussions that re昀氀ect
the community’s collective knowledge and priorities and ensure that
projects stay aligned with the community’s vision.
UNDERSTANDING INDIGENOUS GOVERNANCE AND DECISION-MAKING
Indigenous governance, rooted in tradition and consensus-building,
o昀昀ers invaluable long-term stewardship of all types of community
assets. However, it can be challenging to balance community priorities
and navigate the complexities of federal policies, funding requirements,
and reporting structures.
HOW TO ADD VALUE: Integrate technical and regulatory requirements with Indigenous governance structures, supporting projects to proceed while
respecting traditional decision-making processes. Deep community
relationships and understanding of Indigenous governance enables
you to provide transparent reporting, clear guidance, and culturally
respectful processes that support Indigenous leadership throughout the
project.
CULTURALLY GROUNDED DESIGN: BEYOND INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure must address functional, as well as cultural, social, economic, and spiritual needs. However, many projects overlook the importance of Indigenous worldviews and traditional design principles.
HOW TO ADD VALUE: Collaborate closely with knowledge keepers, cultural
liaisons, and Indigenous-focused designers to ensure that spaces are
culturally grounded and designed with integrity. Whether incorporating traditional building methods, environmental stewardship, or
ceremonial spaces, work to create infrastructure that truly belongs
to the community. Prioritize long-term sustainability by addressing
operations and maintenance needs and help communities care for their
infrastructure well into the future.
Building stronger, sustainable communities requires more than just
technical expertise. It requires deep understanding, respect, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Don’t see yourselves as external
consultants—see yourselves as partners in the journey.
Read the original article. (insert link: https://www.mnp.ca/en/insights/directory/capitalinfrastructure-projects-community-representation
RENEWCANADA.NET
CANADA INFRASTRUCTURE BANK
by Jesse Unke
