Indigenous Collaboration in Design: How We're Building a Future Together

Canada is a nation built upon sacred treaty relationships between European settlers and Indigenous Nations. These relationships, grounded in the spirit of peace and friendship, were not only with one another but also with Mother Nature and the Creator. However, the colonial history of Canada has not honoured these tenets. The impacts of colonialism, including the loss of land, culture, and lives, have left lasting scars on Indigenous communities.

Understanding the history of Indigenous peoples, including the tragedy of residential schools, is necessary for building a future aligned with inclusive values. As we move forward, reconciliation becomes an essential part of our journey, and Indigenous collaboration in design emerges as one of many elements of an inclusive and equitable future. By working with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities, RJC endeavours to acknowledge past injustices while building bridges of understanding and partnership.

The Importance of Indigenous Collaboration in Design

Indigenous collaboration in design is essential for several reasons. It allows for the respectful integration of Indigenous knowledge and cultural values into modern building practices, creating structures that are both functional and culturally significant. This collaboration promotes reconciliation by acknowledging historical injustices and fostering mutual respect and understanding. In addition, it supports self-determination by providing economic opportunities for Indigenous communities, supporting local economies and creating sustainable livelihoods.

By engaging Indigenous communities in the design process, we honour their rights and contributions, ensuring that projects reflect their needs and aspirations. This approach helps preserve cultural heritage, promotes environmental stewardship, and builds a more inclusive society where Indigenous voices are heard and valued.

Indigenous Voices in Engineering: Working Together

Collaboration in architecture, engineering and development involves key steps to ensure respectful and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.

1. Education and Awareness

It's vital to educate our people about the historical and current contexts of Indigenous peoples. This includes: · Conducting workshops and training sessions, such as the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, to understand the impacts of colonization.

• Hosting webinars like our annual "Building a Foundation for Reconciliation" session to foster dialogue and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants.

Distributing additional resources and hosting speakers to share their stories and cultural practices. 2. Building Relationships

Establishing trust and mutual respect is fundamental. This involves:

• Engaging in open and honest communication with Indigenous communities and leaders.
• Understanding the community's needs, values, and cultural practices through consultations and meetings.
• Being a part of initiatives that protect and honour Indigenous rights. For example, RJC is active in learning and working with Pacific Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) projects.
• Creating innovative partnerships, such as sharing resources across the IISAAK OLAM Foundation (IOF) and RJC’s Indigenous Projects Team.

3. Collaborative Planning

Projects are co-created with Indigenous input to ensure they meet community-identified needs. This step includes:

• Forming joint project teams that include both technical experts and cultural advisors. · Utilizing Indigenous Ways of Knowing to influence project design and implementation.
• Using a blend of Traditional and Western expertise to help secure funding for Indigenous-led building initiatives.

4. Training and Capacity Building

Empowering Indigenous communities through skill development is a key component of our mission. This process involves:

• Co-creating place-based educational and vocational training programs within the community that promote success. · Helping fund education initiatives through various programs.

5. Implementation and Monitoring

During the project execution, continuous collaboration ensures that the project remains aligned with Indigenous values and needs:

• Regularly consulting with Indigenous rights-holders and stakeholders to address concerns and incorporate feedback.
• Conducting regular conversations to assess the impact and success of the collaboration.
• Providing regular updates to Indigenous community members to maintain transparency and trust throughout the project.

6. Celebration and Acknowledgment

Upon project completion, celebrating the collaboration and acknowledging the contributions of all parties is how we say thank you.

Highlighted Projects Demonstrating Indigenous Collaboration

Halalt Home Replacement Project

In response to extreme flooding in 2021, RJC collaborated with Halalt First Nation on Vancouver Island to replace or retrofit 32 homes. The project includes Indigenous apprenticeships, in-community training, and culturally sensitive design to improve living conditions and support long-term community resilience.

MiKai'sto Red Crow Community College

Located on one of the largest reserves in Canada, MiKai'sto Red Crow Community College in Southern Alberta provides a new learning space that preserves Blackfoot culture and nurtures connections between young adults and community Elders. This project shows a commitment to creating culturally resonant educational facilities.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Education Hub

The Kwanlin Dün First Nation Education Hub in Whitehorse, BC, is designed to foster community and cultural connections. By consulting with the Nation, we collaboratively delivered an education center that will serve future generations, providing positive learning experiences in a welcoming environment.

The Lodge at Métis Crossing

The Lodge at Métis Crossing is an award-winning boutique facility on historical Métis river lots along the North Saskatchewan River. Designed to reflect the Métis culture's adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit, this project honours and preserves the legacy of the Métis people.

More About Our Indigenous Initiatives

At RJC Engineers, we are dedicated to engaging respectfully with Indigenous Peoples to co-create projects that address community-identified needs. Our commitment to honouring truth and reconciliation is demonstrated through various initiatives and partnerships.

Truth and Reconciliation Webinar Series

RJC Engineers hosts an annual webinar series titled "Building a Foundation for Reconciliation," which offers a platform for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry members and Indigenous community spokespeople to share experiences and learn from one another. This initiative supports the AEC industry in responding to Call to Action 92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action.

IISAAK OLAM Foundation Partnership

The IISAAK OLAM Foundation (IOF) is an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and integrating Indigenous knowledge with conservation efforts.

In 2020, RJC became a founding member of the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre. This partnership led to the creation of the IOF/RJC Indigenous Projects Team, which integrates technical expertise with cultural guidance and traditional knowledge. This collaboration showcases our ethical space approach, influenced by Indigenous Ways of Knowing.

Partner With RJC for a More Connected Future

Indigenous collaboration in construction goes beyond a simple partnership; it is a commitment to building a future that respects and integrates Indigenous cultures and values. At RJC Engineers, we are proud to work alongside Indigenous communities to create projects that are culturally significant, sustainable, and impactful.

If you are looking to engage in meaningful and respectful collaborations for your construction projects, RJC Engineers is here to support you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can work together to build a more inclusive future.