Partnering for progress: The critical role of Indigenous collaboration in energy, power, water and mining

As Canada’s energy and infrastructure landscape evolves, the importance of Indigenous partnerships has never been more vital. From energy transition to sustainable resource development, Indigenous governments, communities and businesses are not just stakeholders, they are rights holders, land stewards and co-creators of economic opportunity.

We recognize that meaningful engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities is essential to building resilient, future-ready projects. Whether it's advancing clean energy, modernizing infrastructure or managing waste sustainably, Indigenous knowledge systems and leadership offer invaluable insights that strengthen project design, improve land and resource stewardship. These contributions support long-term community and environmental resilience creating more sustainable and inclusive outcomes for all. 

Across Canada, we are proud to work alongside Indigenous communities and organizations on projects that reflect our shared values. From collaborative energy initiatives to culturally grounded infrastructure planning, our approach is rooted in respect, reciprocity and results. 

Our participation in the Spark Indigenous Energy Summit in Alberta reflects this commitment. Spark, a national majority Indigenous-owned summit, catalyzes partnerships and investments across the Indigenous energy economy. It functions as a platform for tangible action. 

This aligns directly with our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in Canada, which responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92. Our RAP, released in 2024, is built on three pillars:

• Meaningful Engagement: Fostering respectful relationships and integrating Indigenous knowledge and values into our work. 
• Equitable Employment: Creating inclusive opportunities for Indigenous employment, advancement and career development. 
• Cultural Discovery: Promoting empathy and understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories, including the ongoing impacts of colonial systems.

Through these pillars, we are embedding reconciliation into our business practices, educating our teams, engaging Indigenous Peoples early and often in project development, and co-creating solutions that honour Indigenous rights and empower communities to thrive.

We understand that good projects are built first on relationships and trust, and then with technical studies, designs and business cases. Over the past 15+ years, we’ve partnered on over 120 infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities across Canada, spanning energy, water and infrastructure sectors.

Green hydrogen production at Chute Lake – Gitga’at First Nation 

We partnered with the Gitga’at First Nation on an innovative project, where we assessed the feasibility of producing green hydrogen using hydroelectric power from Chute Lake on Gribbell Island, British Columbia. Our work involved conducting technical and financial feasibility studies, evaluating carbon credit generation potential, developing a conceptual site layout and exploring market off-take scenarios. We also completed a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study, which included cost estimates, financial modeling, procurement strategy and a regulatory plan.  

The outcome: A clear pathway for Gitga’at First Nation to lead renewable energy generation, achieve energy independence and strengthen community resilience. 

Empowering infrastructure in Klemtu – Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation 

In British Columbia, we are helping the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation deliver essential community infrastructure. Together with the Kitasoo Xai’xais Development Corporation, we developed a business plan to lower community construction costs and reduce reliance on imported aggregate. Our role included contractor selection, permitting, revenue sharing and market development.  

We remain engaged as the business expands into its next phase and as new housing projects advance to construction. We are also working with the Nation to provide more housing in the community. This includes lot evaluations, environmental and geotechnical assessments, archaeology clearances, confirmation of occupation rights and the design for sewer and water utilities. We continue to support the project as it enters the construction phase. 

The outcome: Co-creating projects that build economic independence and strengthen long-term community infrastructure.

Canada’s clean energy and infrastructure future depends on Indigenous leadership. Collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations is a cornerstone of sustainable development, reconciliation and shared prosperity. We remain committed to walking this path together, guided by trust, respect and a deep belief in the power of Indigenous-led solutions. Through continued engagement, capacity building and co-investment, we can help shape a future that is inclusive, innovative and resilient for Indigenous Peoples and all others who call Canada home.