Indigenous Interests and Stakeholder Engagement

The Human Environment and Indigenous Relations teams work collaboratively under the leadership and direction of Christy Smith, Falkirk’s Vice President of Indigenous and Stakeholder Engagement, and proud member of the K’ómoks First Nation on Vancouver Island.

The Indigenous Service Area team specializes in several areas including permitting, EA and regulatory requirements related to working with Indigenous communities, joint venture and partnership development, consultation and overall engagement strategies. This includes initiating, planning, and executing all consultation activities and developing and implementing strategic engagement and consultation plans.

Falkirk has many years of experience navigating and supporting consultation and engagement with Indigenous nations and surrounding communities in the context of environmental assessments, project permitting, technical and cultural reviews, and Impact Benefit Agreement negotiations. Falkirk supports proponents in the development of authentic relationships with Indigenous Nations through ESG+I strategies and reporting, capacity development, reconciliation action planning, and relationship management.

Falkirk builds trust and promotes respectful relationships within all communities by creating effective platforms for open communication. We understand that all individuals have something valuable to contribute and that the most important aspect of open communication, active listening and facilitation of discussions when progressing through the permitting and development process. Falkirk works closely with Indigenous communities to understand their unique protocols and processes, bring relationship development beyond referrals management and to develop meaningful and practical approaches to capacity building. Falkirk is very familiar with the issues that can arise among Indigenous Nations, the public, and Proponents and how these issues may impact projects as they intersect.

Falkirk supports companies to create impactful legacies collaborating with Indigenous communities. Companies with which we work become recognized for the long-lasting benefits that their projects create, in cooperation with Indigenous communities. The trust and sound reputation developed creates certainty and longevity for projects, companies, and investors.

The services provided by Falkirk are predicated on early, meaningful, and deep engagement. We work to balance community and industry goals, providing tools and frameworks that foster and strengthen relationships. We have an unparalleled track record in bridging the gap between industry, community, First Nations and government; and are known for achieving positive outcomes that allow projects to advance successfully.