Community Planning, Development & Capacity Building
USE FOR DATA PAGE
As an Indigenous-owned firm, we understand that true community development isn't just about buildings and infrastructure – it's about empowering people, preserving culture, and creating pathways to self-determination.
For generations, Indigenous communities have been the stewards of lands, keepers of sacred knowledge, and guardians of traditions that speak to the delicate balance between progress and preservation. Today, your community faces the challenge of building a prosperous future while honoring these sacred ties to the past - This is where your story meets ours.
Your Knowledge, Your Power
We're not just researchers – we're partners in your community's journey towards self-determination. Our services are designed to help clients understand the full range of social and economic implications, ensuring informed decision-making and sustainable development.
Knowledge Sovereignty
By recognizing and prioritizing knowledge sovereignty, we ensure that communities maintain control over their cultural and intellectual property throughout the research process. The research process itself becomes a tool for community empowerment, building local capacity and strengthening cultural connections.
Research that isn't conducted on communities, but with them.
We understand that true empowerment comes from owning and directing your community's story and data — Our approach ensures that research isn't conducted on communities, but with them.
- Research
- Facilitation
- Engagement
- Business Advisory
— Data Management & Analysis
Think of us as modern-day knowledge keepers, helping to store and protect your community's information in ways that honor traditional protocols while leveraging contemporary tools.
— Statistics Canada analysis
— First Nations Community Profiles
— Published literature review
— Policy analysis
— Community-led surveys
— Elder interviews
— Focus groups
— Land use studies
— Traditional knowledge documentation
Get Started Today
Picture a circle of Elders gathered around a crackling fire, sharing stories that have been passed down through generations. Now imagine those same stories being woven together with contemporary data to create powerful tools for community decision-making - This is where our journey begins.
Why Partner with ICE?
Our team brings together decades of experience in Indigenous knowledge gathering and land use planning.
We understand the delicate balance between preservation and progress, and we're committed to helping communities find solutions that honor traditional values while building for the future.
Expertise You Can Trust
Our professionals combine deep cultural understanding with technical expertise in environmental science, community planning, and traditional knowledge documentation.
We've successfully partnered with communities across Canada, helping them create land use plans that protect cultural heritage while supporting sustainable development.
*Empowering Communities with Respect for Tradition
1). Indigenous Knowledge
Studies
Imagine standing on land that holds centuries of stories, traditions, and wisdom—land where every tree, river, and path has meaning. For Indigenous communities, these lands are not just resources; they are the lifeblood of culture, identity, and history.
At Indigenous & Community Engagement (ICE), we partner with Indigenous communities to preserve, protect, and empower traditional knowledge. Our approach transforms generations of wisdom into powerful tools for modern stewardship and sustainable development.
Every patch of earth tells a story. For Indigenous communities, these stories span generations—woven into the fabric of culture, identity, and traditional ways of life. At ICE, we partner with communities to preserve and protect this precious knowledge, transforming ancient wisdom into powerful tools for modern stewardship and sustainable development.
Supporting Indigenous communities by working collaboratively to provide valuable information for holistic environmental understanding
Our planning services include:
Our planning services include:
- Operational frameworks that build on existing strengths
- Custom-designed solutions that reflect your unique needs
- Integrated capital plans that align with your community's values
- Land use strategies that honor traditional territories
2). Land Use
Planning.
Your relationship with the land is sacred and central to your community's identity.
Our land use planning goes beyond conventional zoning and development. We integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern planning principles to create comprehensive land use strategies that honor sacred sites, protect traditional territories, and create space for sustainable development.
This includes detailed mapping of cultural and ecological assets, development of land use designation systems that reflect Indigenous values, and creation of management frameworks that protect resources for future generations.
*Land Use Planning
2). Land Use
Planning.
Honoring the Sacred Connection to Territory
Our land use planning goes beyond conventional zoning and development. We integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern planning principles to create comprehensive land use strategies that honor sacred sites, protect traditional territories, and create space for sustainable development.
This includes detailed mapping of cultural and ecological assets, development of land use designation systems that reflect Indigenous values, and creation of management frameworks that protect resources for future generations.
Weaving Tomorrow's Vision with Yesterday's Wisdom
1). Comprehensive
Community Planning
At the heart of sustainable community development lies thoughtful, integrated planning. Our planning framework encompasses every aspect of community development, from land use and infrastructure to economic development and cultural preservation.
Our planning services include:
- Operational frameworks that build on existing strengths
- Custom-designed solutions that reflect your unique needs
- Integrated capital plans that align with your community's values
- Land use strategies that honor traditional territories
Socio-Economic
Land Use
Planning.
Your relationship with the land is sacred and central to your community's identity.
Our land use planning goes beyond conventional zoning and development. We integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern planning principles to create comprehensive land use strategies that honor sacred sites, protect traditional territories, and create space for sustainable development.
This includes detailed mapping of cultural and ecological assets, development of land use designation systems that reflect Indigenous values, and creation of management frameworks that protect resources for future generations.
2. privacy
*Land Use Planning
Your relationship with the land is sacred and central to your community's identity.
Our land use planning services help you:
- Document and protect traditionally significant areas
- Create development guidelines that reflect your cultural values
- Design sustainable land management systems that benefit future generations
- Balance conservation with opportunities for economic growth
*Land Use Planning
Your relationship with the land is sacred and central to your community's identity.
- Document and protect traditionally significant areas
- Create development guidelines that reflect your cultural values
- Design sustainable land management systems that benefit future generations
- Balance conservation with opportunities for economic growth
- Design practical land management systems
We help you create plans that maintain your sacred connection to the land while meeting your community's evolving need
Community Planning, Development & Capacity Building
01
Services That Build Stronger Communities
Comprehensive
Community Planning
Weaving Tomorrow's Vision with Yesterday's Wisdom
Services That Build Stronger Communities:
Our comprehensive planning process begins with deep listening – understanding your community's history, values, and aspirations. We work collaboratively to develop plans that align with traditional governance structures while embracing modern opportunities.
Our Planning Framework:
These plans include specific implementation strategies, timeline frameworks, and resource allocation guidelines that respect both traditional decision-making processes and modern project management requirements.
Weaving Tomorrow's Vision with Yesterday's Wisdom
Services That Build Stronger Communities:
Our comprehensive planning process begins with deep listening – understanding your community's history, values, and aspirations. We work collaboratively to develop plans that align with traditional governance structures while embracing modern opportunities.
Our Planning Framework:
These plans include specific implementation strategies, timeline frameworks, and resource allocation guidelines that respect both traditional decision-making processes and modern project management requirements.
Honoring Indigenous Knowledge & Land Use
Protecting Indigenous Rights, Culture, and Knowledge
A Pathway to Empowered Stewardship
Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Traditional Land Use (TLU) are rich with insights that have been cultivated over generations. By weaving together IK with contemporary research methods, we help Indigenous communities gather, document, and preserve their traditional ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and spiritual connections to the land.
We are dedicated to preserving this invaluable knowledge and supporting communities in managing their lands with respect and integrity.
Through our Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Land Use services, we work collaboratively with communities to safeguard cultural wisdom and plan for future generations, honoring traditions while fostering sustainable growth.
Our Planning Framework:
At Indigenous & Community Engagement (ICE), we partner with Indigenous communities to preserve, protect, and empower traditional knowledge. Our approach transforms generations of wisdom into powerful tools for modern stewardship and sustainable development.
Rooted in respect, patience, and genuine collaboration.
Your community's story is unique – shaped by history, culture, and dreams for the future.
Indigenous Knowledge & Traditional Land Use Studies
Indigenous Knowledge (IK) represents generations of wisdom, encompassing unique worldviews and deep environmental understanding. Traditional Land Use (TLU) studies capture this dynamic, living relationship between communities and their territories.
Together, they create a comprehensive picture of environmental interconnections that bridges traditional and contemporary approaches to land management.
Our Collaborative Research Methodology
Our approach to gathering Indigenous Knowledge is rooted in respect, patience, and genuine collaboration. We begin each study by establishing meaningful relationships with community members, taking time to understand local protocols and preferred ways of sharing knowledge. This foundation of trust allows us to work effectively with knowledge keepers while ensuring their wisdom is documented and preserved in culturally appropriate ways.
Our comprehensive planning process helps you:
- Design practical implementation plans that get results
- Build consensus through meaningful community engagement
- Create a shared vision that reflects your community's values and aspirations
- Strategies that honor traditional knowledge while embracing new opportunities
Think of comprehensive community planning as creating your community's roadmap to the future – one that everyone can follow and believe in.
*Land Use Planning
Ychange our relationship with the land is sacred and central to your community's identity.
- Document and protect traditionally significant areas
- Create development guidelines that reflect your cultural values
- Design sustainable land management systems that benefit future generations
- Balance conservation with opportunities for economic growth
- Design practical land management systems
We help you create plans that maintain your sacred connection to the land while meeting your community's evolving need
*Traditional Land Use & Land Use Planning
Creating Sustainable Futures Grounded in Traditional Wisdom
Effective land use planning goes beyond infrastructure; it encompasses cultural preservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. ICE collaborates with Indigenous communities to co-create land use plans that honor traditional land use, respect community goals, and align with regional growth needs.
We help you create plans that maintain your sacred connection to the land while meeting your community's evolving need
Customized Approach:
- Community cohesion and social structure analysis
- Cultural practice and transmission effects
- Language and traditional knowledge impacts
- Youth and elder engagement evaluation
- Gender-specific implications
- Access to traditional territories assessment
Balancing Tradition and Opportunity - modern economic opportunities need to be understood within your community's cultural context:
- Employment and income effects modeling
- Local business opportunity analysis
- Traditional economy impacts
- Skills and training gap analysis
- Revenue sharing potential
- Economic leakage studies
Some things cannot be measured in numbers alone. Our cultural impact assessments honor the deep connections between land, culture, and identity:
- Sacred site identification and mapping
- Traditional use area documentation
- Ceremonial practice impact evaluation
- Cultural transmission pathway analysis
- Language use and preservation assessment
- Archaeological and heritage resource impacts
- Multiple project impact analysis
- Regional development effects
- Traditional territory use changes
- Ecosystem service impacts
- Social and cultural change patterns
Socio-economic
Baseline Studies
*Building Your Community's Foundation Story*
When decisions need to be made about your community's future, this baseline becomes your evidence, your advocate, and your guide.
**Why It Matters:**
Your community needs a clear picture of its current state to make informed decisions about its future. This baseline becomes your evidence, your advocate, and your guide.
Your Journey to Economic Sovereignty Starts Here
Comprehensive
Community Planning
Our team brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by First Nations, ensuring our strategies align with community values. We recognize that economic development for Indigenous communities is not just about financial gain; it involves cultural preservation, community empowerment, and social responsibility.
Community Planning
We believe in empowering Indigenous communities through knowledge transfer and capacity building.
Our advisory services include training programs and workshops that enhance the skills and capabilities of your economic development team, enabling them to drive initiatives effectively.
Land Use Planning
Our approach emphasizes sustainable economic development that respects the land, culture, and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
We guide you in implementing practices that not only foster economic growth but also ensure environmental stewardship and cultural integrity.
Capacity Building
Building strong partnerships is key to successful economic development.
We leverage our extensive network to connect you with potential investors, government programs, and other stakeholders that can support your initiatives.
Strategic Project Management for Indigenous Prosperity
We turn complex visions into actionable plans, ensuring every phase is designed to meet community needs and respect Indigenous values. With certified Project Management Professionals and extensive experience, ICE coordinates everything from planning to execution with a focus on cultural sensitivity, local engagement, and measurable outcomes.
We work with you to develop a tailored project roadmap that aligns with both organizational and community aspirations.
By proactively identifying risks and navigating regulatory landscapes, we ensure projects meet compliance standards and reduce potential roadblocks.
Regular updates keep all stakeholders informed, building trust and allowing adjustments to meet evolving needs.
Indigenous Knowledge & Traditional Land Use Studies
Our Collaborative
Research Methodology
Our approach to gathering Indigenous Knowledge is rooted in respect, patience, and genuine collaboration.
We begin each study by establishing meaningful relationships with community members, taking time to understand local protocols and preferred ways of sharing knowledge. This foundation of trust allows us to work effectively with knowledge keepers while ensuring their wisdom is documented and preserved in culturally appropriate ways.
Our Collaborative
Research Methodology
We begin each study by establishing meaningful relationships with community members, taking time to understand local protocols and preferred ways of sharing knowledge. This foundation of trust allows us to work effectively with knowledge keepers while ensuring their wisdom is documented and preserved in culturally appropriate ways.
Personal Interviews
We conduct in-depth conversations with Elders and knowledge holders in settings where they feel most comfortable.
Community
Sharing Circles
Our sharing circles create safe, culturally appropriate spaces for community members to exchange knowledge collectively.
These gatherings often reveal interconnections between different aspects of traditional knowledge and help capture the community's shared understanding of their territory. We facilitate these sessions with cultural sensitivity, ensuring all voices are heard and respected.
Land-Based
Documentation
Walking the land with community members allows us to document traditional use areas, cultural sites, and harvesting locations firsthand.
This direct experience helps create detailed maps and records that capture both the physical locations and their cultural significance. We use GPS technology when appropriate and always follow community guidelines for documenting sensitive information.
Archival
Research Integration
We complement contemporary knowledge gathering with careful review of historical documents, previous studies, and community archives.
This research helps provide historical context and can help communities recover knowledge that may have been displaced by colonial practices.
socio-economic research services
01
Personal Interviews with Knowledge Keepers
We conduct in-depth conversations with Elders and knowledge holders in settings where they feel most comfortable.
These intimate discussions often take place on the land, allowing knowledge keepers to directly connect their stories to the physical landscape. Each interview is carefully documented according to community protocols, preserving crucial details about traditional practices, sacred sites, and historical events.
Community Sharing Circles
Our sharing circles create safe, culturally appropriate spaces for community members to exchange knowledge collectively.
These gatherings often reveal interconnections between different aspects of traditional knowledge and help capture the community's shared understanding of their territory. We facilitate these sessions with cultural sensitivity, ensuring all voices are heard and respected.
Land-Based Documentation
Walking the land with community members allows us to document traditional use areas, cultural sites, and harvesting locations firsthand.
This direct experience helps create detailed maps and records that capture both the physical locations and their cultural significance. We use GPS technology when appropriate and always follow community guidelines for documenting sensitive information.
Archival Research Integration
We complement contemporary knowledge gathering with careful review of historical documents, previous studies, and community archives.
This research helps provide historical context and can help communities recover knowledge that may have been displaced by colonial practices.
Land-Based Documentation
Walking the land with community members allows us to document traditional use areas, cultural sites, and harvesting locations firsthand.
This direct experience helps create detailed maps and records that capture both the physical locations and their cultural significance. We use GPS technology when appropriate and always follow community guidelines for documenting sensitive information.
Archival Research Integration
We complement contemporary knowledge gathering with careful review of historical documents, previous studies, and community archives.
This research helps provide historical context and can help communities recover knowledge that may have been displaced by colonial practices.
Methodology
Land-Based Documentation
Walking the land with community members allows us to document traditional use areas, cultural sites, and harvesting locations firsthand. This direct experience helps create detailed maps and records that capture both the physical locations and their cultural significance. We use GPS technology when appropriate and always follow community guidelines for documenting sensitive information.
Methodology
Archival Research Integration
We complement contemporary knowledge gathering with careful review of historical documents, previous studies, and community archives. This research helps provide historical context and can help communities recover knowledge that may have been displaced by colonial practices.
Methodology
Personal Interviews with Knowledge Keepers
We conduct in-depth conversations with Elders and knowledge holders in settings where they feel most comfortable. These intimate discussions often take place on the land, allowing knowledge keepers to directly connect their stories to the physical landscape. Each interview is carefully documented according to community protocols, preserving crucial details about traditional practices, sacred sites, and historical events.
Methodology
Community Sharing Circles
Our sharing circles create safe, culturally appropriate spaces for community members to exchange knowledge collectively. These gatherings often reveal interconnections between different aspects of traditional knowledge and help capture the community's shared understanding of their territory. We facilitate these sessions with cultural sensitivity, ensuring all voices are heard and respected.
what sets us apart
03
- Our advisors help established businesses expand their reach and increase profitability through tailored growth plans.
- We analyze market trends, identify new opportunities, and develop strategies that align with both business goals and community values.
- Whether it's entering new markets, diversifying product lines, or scaling operations, we provide the expertise needed to take Indigenous businesses to the next level.
Every research project begins with extensive community consultation. Local Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members help shape
Research questions and priorities,
Methodological approaches,
Data collection methods,
Analysis frameworks,
Knowledge sharing strategies.
- Our capital planning services help Indigenous organizations and communities make informed decisions about long-term investments and resource allocation.
- We work closely with leadership to develop comprehensive capital plans that align with community goals and financial realities.
- Our approach includes assessing current assets, forecasting future needs, and prioritizing capital projects. We help identify funding sources, evaluate financing options, and create detailed implementation timelines.
- Our capital planning process ensures that investments in infrastructure, equipment, and other assets are strategic, sustainable, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the community.
- We guide Indigenous organizations through the critical process of strategic planning, helping to chart a clear path forward that honors traditional values while embracing future opportunities.
- Our strategic planning services involve a collaborative approach, engaging community members, leaders, and stakeholders to define a shared vision and set achievable goals.
- We facilitate workshops and discussions to identify strengths, challenges, and aspirations.
- Our team then helps develop concrete strategies, action plans, and performance metrics to turn vision into reality. Whether it's for a band council, a non-profit organization, or an Indigenous-owned business, our strategic planning process ensures alignment between cultural values, community needs, and organizational objectives.
Methodology
Personal Interviews with Knowledge Keepers
We conduct in-depth conversations with Elders and knowledge holders in settings where they feel most comfortable. These intimate discussions often take place on the land, allowing knowledge keepers to directly connect their stories to the physical landscape. Each interview is carefully documented according to community protocols, preserving crucial details about traditional practices, sacred sites, and historical events.
Methodology
Community Sharing Circles
Our sharing circles create safe, culturally appropriate spaces for community members to exchange knowledge collectively. These gatherings often reveal interconnections between different aspects of traditional knowledge and help capture the community's shared understanding of their territory. We facilitate these sessions with cultural sensitivity, ensuring all voices are heard and respected.
Community Planning, Development & Capacity Building
1). Capacity Building
Empowering communities through knowledge and
skill development is central to our mission.
True self-determination requires more than just plans – it requires building lasting capacity within communities. Our capacity building program is comprehensive and culturally grounded, focusing on developing both individual and institutional capabilities.
Through initial assessments, we identify existing strengths and opportunities for growth. We then design customized training programs that build on these foundations, incorporating traditional knowledge and modern skills. Our approach includes hands-on workshops, mentorship programs, and ongoing support to ensure sustainable skill development.
Through initial assessments, we identify existing strengths and opportunities for growth. We then design customized training programs that build on these foundations, incorporating traditional knowledge and modern skills. Our approach includes hands-on workshops, mentorship programs, and ongoing support to ensure sustainable skill development.
Our Approach to Indigenous Knowledge Studies
Community-Driven Research*
We prioritize collaboration with Indigenous leaders, Elders, and knowledge holders, ensuring every study honors the community’s vision and values. Our team listens, learns, and engages respectfully, recognizing that each community has a unique relationship with the land.
Tailored Research Methods*
Every community has its own cultural protocols. From sharing circles to interviews and community open houses, we employ research methods that resonate with each community’s traditions and preferences. Through storytelling, focus groups, and traditional practices, we gather knowledge that is as diverse and dynamic as the land itself.
Holistic Understanding & Environmental Stewardship
Integrating IK with Western science offers a well-rounded perspective on environmental and socio-economic impacts. Our studies bridge these knowledge systems, creating comprehensive assessments that are both respectful and scientifically robust.
Your Journey to Economic Sovereignty Starts Here
Comprehensive
Community Planning
Our team brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by First Nations, ensuring our strategies align with community values. We recognize that economic development for Indigenous communities is not just about financial gain; it involves cultural preservation, community empowerment, and social responsibility.
Community Planning
We believe in empowering Indigenous communities through knowledge transfer and capacity building.
Our advisory services include training programs and workshops that enhance the skills and capabilities of your economic development team, enabling them to drive initiatives effectively.
Land Use Planning
Our approach emphasizes sustainable economic development that respects the land, culture, and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
We guide you in implementing practices that not only foster economic growth but also ensure environmental stewardship and cultural integrity.
Capacity Building
Building strong partnerships is key to successful economic development.
We leverage our extensive network to connect you with potential investors, government programs, and other stakeholders that can support your initiatives.
Join us in forging pathways to prosperity that honor Indigenous rights, culture, and knowledge.
Together, we can create impactful strategies and visuals that empower your community in negotiations and regulatory settings.
Contact us today to explore how ICE can support your journey towards sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Indigenous Facilitation
Let’s create meaningful dialogue and
advance reconciliation through collaboration.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your Indigenous engagement initiatives and work together toward building stronger, more inclusive partnerships.
Partner with ICE for expert facilitation and multistakeholder engagement services that foster understanding, respect, and positive outcomes.
Indigenous-Led Research
Your community's
knowledge is invaluable.
Let's work together to preserve traditional wisdom while creating sustainable pathways for growth and prosperity.
Contact us today to explore how ICE can support your journey towards sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Indigenous-Led Research
Your stories matter.
Your land speaks.
We're here to listen.
Let's work together to preserve traditional wisdom while creating sustainable pathways for growth and prosperity.
**Contact ICE today** to explore how we can support your Indigenous Knowledge and land use planning initiatives.
Indigenous-Led Research
Your community's
knowledge is invaluable.
Let's work together to preserve traditional wisdom while creating sustainable pathways for growth and prosperity.
Our team brings together decades of experience in Indigenous knowledge gathering and land use planning. We understand the delicate balance between preservation and progress, and we're committed to helping communities find solutions that honor traditional values while building for the future.
**Contact ICE today** to explore how we can support your Indigenous Knowledge and land use planning initiatives.
Industry, Organizations, Institutions, Associations and Municipalities.
Socio-Economic - Baseline Studies
Our team brings together decades of experience in Indigenous knowledge gathering and land use planning. We understand the delicate balance between preservation and progress, and we're committed to helping communities find solutions that honor traditional values while building for the future.
Together, we can create impactful strategies and visuals that empower your community in negotiations and regulatory settings.
Industry, Organizations, Institutions, Associations and Municipalities.
Socio-Economic - Baseline Studies
Join us in forging pathways to prosperity that honor Indigenous rights, culture, and knowledge.
Together, we can create impactful strategies and visuals that empower your community in negotiations and regulatory settings.
Industry, Organizations, Institutions, Associations and Municipalities.
Socio-Economic - Baseline Studies
## An Invitation to Transformation Your knowledge is not just information—it's a living legacy. Together, we can: - Preserve ancient wisdom - Support community resilience - Create sustainable futures - Celebrate the ongoing story of your people **Let's Begin Our Journey Together** Your stories matter. Your land speaks. We're here to listen. Would you like to explore how we can support your community's unique path of knowledge preservation and growth?
Contact us today to explore how ICE can support your journey towards sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Industry, Organizations, Institutions, Associations and Municipalities.
Socio-Economic - Baseline Studies
Together, we can create impactful strategies & visuals that empower your community in negotiations and regulatory settings.
Contact us today to explore how ICE can support your journey towards sustainable development and cultural preservation.