FOUNDATION FRAMEWORK
Public awareness and opinion are evolving as well , adding pressure to engage with and accommodate rightsholders . Media coverage has become more attentive to Indigenous communities , especially due to past Indigenousrelated inequities and the recent and ongoing mainstream discourse related to atrocities at former residential schools in Canada . As a result , project proponents are recognising they must be more proactive in their engagement efforts prior to proceeding with infrastructure development .
How do you initiate conversations with Indigenous communities to lay a foundation for building trust and support for ongoing engagement ?
What I ’ ve found to be effective is taking the time before a project begins to identify the general geographic area of the planned infrastructure and determine which Indigenous communities might be impacted . There are usually governmental resources that can help . Next , I recommend meeting with leaders and representatives from each of those communities to develop personal relationships and better understand their key challenges and priorities .
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 inclusion of community members in the decisionmaking processes have proven effective 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 honour any commitments made . Continual engagement with the community after one project ’ s completion provides long-term benefits and facilitates mutual learning , strengthening the relationship for future initiatives .
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