Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation

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Indigenous Relations

Over the years, Morrison Hershfield has established positive working relationships with Indigenous communities, clients and partners across Canada. Undertaking sincere and meaningful engagement as part of our projects has led to more informed decision making and created more sustainable solutions that help protect the unique culture of each community, while improving quality of life and supporting economic prosperity.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

As articulated in the 2017 United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and stated in Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92, Morrison Hershfield acknowledges and recognizes the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent rights of indigenous peoples.

Our Commitment

Morrison Hershfield commits to furthering our own knowledge and understanding of unique Indigenous cultures, needs and concerns and to exploring mutually beneficial employment and business opportunities. We will strengthen existing relationships and build new ones as we continue to take positive and concrete steps on our collective journey toward reconciliation.

Our Leadership Commitment

Our Indigenous Relations Policy

Progressive Aboriginal Relations

Morrison Hershfield is an active member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and pursuing Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Certification.

The PAR program recognizes and confirms organizational performance in four key areas: employment, business development, community investment and community engagement. Certification is supported by an
independent, third-party verification and a juried review by Indigenous business people.

Learn more about the CCAB’s PAR Program.

Projects and Partnerships

We partnered with Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited on the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project to deliver permitting and approval for the development of a sustainable hydroelectric generating facility owned and operated by the Taku River Tlingit First Nation to offset GHG emissions associated with diesel power production in the Yukon.

Atlin Hydro Expansion

Morrison Hershfield is collaborating on several projects with Urban Arts Architecture, an Indigenous Architect that is uniquely incorporating advanced building performance, mass timber, and biogenic carbon removal into their culturally appropriate approach. Projects include the ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye (Elders House) project for the Tla’amin Nation, the Xwemelch’stn Multi-Generational Housing Project for the Squamish Nation and the First Peoples Gathering House at Simon Fraser University.

Urban Arts Architecture

The Mushkegowuk James Bay All-Season Road Feasibility Study was a collaborative partnership with the Mushkegowuk Council and the coastal James Bay communities of Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany, and Moose Factory.

James Bay All-Season Road Feasibility Study

Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawksat Student Residence at Coast MounBC embraces Indigenous culture and exceeds goals for durability and energy efficiency.

Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawksat Student Residence

Morrison Hershfield worked with the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation to complete climate risk assessments for a new cultural centre and a new greenhouse. These important new community spaces will be sited and designed to be climate resilient.

Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation

Two men standing in forest and looking at the camera

Tłı̨chǫ Elders Charlie Gon and Edward Williah guided and provided local knowledge to the MH project team for the Rae-Taka mini-hydroelectric prefeasibility study near Gamètì, Northwest Territories. The Community Government of Gamètì is working with ATCO and Morrison Hershfield to explore renewable energy sources to reduce their remote community’s dependance on imported oil for electricity production and heating.

Rae-Taka Lakes Hydropower Prefeasibility Study