Indigenous Education and Engagement
Working With Indigenous Communities
At CIMS, we recognize that meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities are built through listening, learning, and respect. Our journey toward better understanding and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples is guided by our values of empowerment, opportunity, and integrity.
As part of this ongoing learning process, we are working toward Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) certification through the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
Our Learning Journey
We strive to be good partners to Indigenous communities through humility, respect, and a commitment to understanding. We recognize that true collaboration creates shared benefits and helps us better serve the regions where we work.
Steps Toward Reconciliation
As a building trades employer, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to help expand economic participation for Indigenous Peoples in our operations. We are learning to be more mindful of community and land impacts in all our work.
We view this as an ongoing process rather than a destination – moving from individual projects toward building respectful, lasting relationships that support Truth and Reconciliation in the communities where we operate.
True partnership begins with listening. Our work is stronger when it reflects the voices, rights, and priorities of the communities we serve.
Community Relationships
We are fortunate to work in regions with diverse Indigenous communities. While we have established formal agreements with some groups, we continue to seek guidance on building respectful relationships with others. We value each of these connections and are committed to learning how to engage in ways that honour the unique priorities of each community.
Leadership Commitments
CIMS leadership is committed to building respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples. We aim to align these efforts with our core values while continuously learning and improving our approach.
Our commitments include:
Foster empowerment through learning & respect
- Create a culturally respectful workplace through ongoing education about Indigenous cultures, histories, and traditions
- Participate in Indigenous cultural events to deepen understanding
Provide opportunity through employment and business development
- Work toward equitable representation in our workforce through inclusive recruitment and retention practices
- Develop processes that support meaningful business partnerships with mutual benefits
- Source goods and services from Indigenous suppliers that meet safety and quality standards
Demonstrate integrity through community relations
- Build respectful relationships by understanding the needs, rights, and traditions of Indigenous communities
- Dedicate time and resources to maintain positive relationships through communication and participation
- Support community initiatives with lasting benefits
- Regularly assess our progress to ensure ongoing improvement
