The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of British Columbia (ACEC-BC) recently released a report on ways to improve aboriginal engagement.
“Aboriginal Engagement–Resources to Assist Consultants” provides guidance to ACEC-BC members, as well as offers resources and related information that will assist consultants working with aboriginal communities. In most resource-based projects, consulting engineers are often engaged in the beginning stages to do preliminary work, and increasing numbers of ACEC-BC clients are requesting consultants to outline their approaches to aboriginal engagement.
“It is essential consulting engineers are properly prepared to work with aboriginal communities,” said Keith Sashaw, the organization’s CEO. “Experience has shown that co-operative engagement with aboriginal groups early in the planning and design phases of a proposed project can benefit all concerned. By accessing these documents, our members will be well-positioned to understand the importance of the engagement and to apply best practices when doing so.”
Two resources listed in the report include:
- Community Futures British Columbia Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit, by Community Futures Managers, which offers information on the history and current environment impacting B.C.’s Aboriginal people, and community economic development project best practices; and
- Early Aboriginal Engagement: A Guide for Proponents of Major Resource Projects, by the Government of Canada, which provides the proponents of major resource projects and the importance of early and meaningful engagement.
To view “Aboriginal Engagement–Resources to Assist Consultants,” click here.
