Case Study: Meaningful Indigenous Engagement for Large Scale Infrastructure (Flood Mitigation)
Overview
As part of a multi-year flood mitigation project along Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River, EPCOR undertook significant ground disturbance in an area of deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to many Indigenous Nations and communities. Recognizing the importance of engaging in a Good Way, EPCOR partnered with Forum Community Relations to design and implement a thoughtful, inclusive, and relationship-based approach to Indigenous engagement throughout the life of the project.
Project Objectives
Build Trust and Relationships: Establish meaningful and ongoing connections with Indigenous communities connected to the river and region.
Inclusive Engagement: Ensure Indigenous voices were heard and respected throughout all phases of the project.
Cultural Integration: Recognize and incorporate Indigenous knowledge, protocols, and land-based perspectives into the project planning and mitigation strategies.
Engagement Approach
EPCOR, with support from Forum Community Relations, grounded its engagement in wise practices, including:
Identifying Diverse Indigenous Connections: Recognizing that the project area was of significance to multiple First Nations and Métis communities across Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and beyond.
Ceremony and Cultural Protocols: Integrating ceremony and community direction into project milestones and engagement processes.
Elder-Led Engagement: Ensuring Elders and Knowledge Holders were central to site identification, impact mitigation, and relational guidance.
Flexible Engagement Formats: Adapting to each Nation’s preferred way of participating—ranging from site visits to written submissions, virtual meetings, and one-on-one conversations.
Long-Term Relationship Building: Moving beyond transactional engagement to build trust, transparency, and accountability for the long term.
Outcomes
Trust-Based Relationships: New and strengthened relationships with Indigenous Nations rooted in transparency and reciprocity.
Real-Time Mitigation of Impacts: Through Indigenous-led site identification and guidance, several potential disturbances were addressed before construction began.
Organizational Learning: EPCOR staff and leadership deepened their understanding of Indigenous histories, perspectives, and responsibilities.
Sector Recognition: The project was recognized for setting a high standard for urban Indigenous engagement on major infrastructure projects.
Lessons Learned
Engagement Is Not One-Size-Fits-All: Each Nation and community brings unique experiences, protocols, and preferences to engagement.
The Land Remembers: Even in urban settings, the land holds memory and meaning—Indigenous perspectives must shape how we move forward.
Make Time for Ceremony: Honouring spiritual and cultural practices is not a delay—it’s a deep investment in doing the work in a Good Way.
Stay Humble, Stay Accountable: Listening deeply, owning mistakes, and being transparent were essential to maintaining trust throughout the project.
