How Strategic Indigenous Engagement Can Improve Canadian Infrastructure Projects
Jeremiah Pariag Explores Importance of Developing and Maintaining Indigenous Relationships in Latest HDR Experts Talk Interview
Traditional public and stakeholder engagement strategies used during the planning and development phases of infrastructure projects often fall short when it comes to identifying and understanding the concerns of Indigenous communities. The issues of these communities can differ from those encountered in more typical public outreach. Beyond impacts on community character and construction disruptions, Indigenous concerns are also often rooted in culture, like the protection of traditional lands and treaty rights. When these concerns are overlooked during outreach, infrastructure owners or agencies risk costly delays, budget overruns and even legal challenges. To avoid this, a more intentional and customized outreach approach is crucial to effectively engage Indigenous communities in Canada.
Strategic Communications Growth Manager Jeremiah Pariag has been pivotal in developing relationships with underserved communities during the planning, design and construction of major infrastructure projects in Canada. In the latest from HDR’s Experts Talk interview series, he discusses the importance of engaging with Indigenous communities during the early planning stages to build trust from the start. Pariag also explains the need for and benefits of Indigenous community involvement on critical infrastructure projects and how developing positive working relationships can benefit future projects.
“It’s difficult to effectively work with Indigenous communities without first having a relationship that’s built on a foundation of trust,” Pariag said. “Building this trust requires early and ongoing engagement and a deep commitment to understanding and respecting Indigenous knowledge and practices.”
HDR’s Experts Talk interview series shines a light on various aspects of transportation infrastructure design and delivery. Each subject matter expert offers unique expertise and insights about new and ongoing trends, emerging technologies and the human side of infrastructure.
Read the entire Engaging Indigenous Communities on Infrastructure Projects interview.
About HDR
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.
