Indigenous Engagement & Consultation
Indigenous Knowledge & Land Use
Our approach to Indigenous engagement and consultation
strengthens
communities through projects.
Land Use
Planning Services
Our land use planning supports Indigenous communities in creating sustainable, culturally-aligned development strategies:
Cultural Heritage Protection
Our planning process places special emphasis on identifying and protecting sites of cultural significance. We work with community members to map traditional hunting grounds, gathering areas, ceremonial sites, and other culturally important locations, ensuring these spaces are preserved for future generations.
Infrastructure Development Planning
We help communities plan for growth while respecting traditional land use patterns. This includes strategic planning for housing development, community facilities, and infrastructure expansion that minimizes impact on traditional use areas while meeting modern community needs.
Indigenous Knowledge & Traditional Land Use Studies
Your community's knowledge is invaluable.
Let's work together to preserve it for future generations while creating sustainable pathways for growth and prosperity.
Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
Understanding that projects impact community members differently, our GBA+ framework ensures we capture diverse perspectives from:
- Women and gender-diverse individuals
- Elders and knowledge keepers
- Youth and future generations
- Active land users
- People with varying abilities
- Community members across geographic locations
Language & Cultural Protection
Indigenous Language Support:
We work with community-preferred interpreters to ensure comfortable communication in traditional languages
Cultural Sensitivity:
Our research methods adapt to community protocols and cultural practices
Data Sovereignty & Protection
We strictly adhere to OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) principles:
- Community ownership of all gathered information
- Protected data storage and management
- Controlled access to sensitive knowledge
- Community-directed information sharing
- Ethical research protocols
Reconciliation support
03
Indigenous Knowledge & Land Use
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.
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.
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.
Indigenous Knowledge & Traditional Land Use Studies
Honoring Indigenous Knowledge & Land Use:
A Pathway to Empowered Stewardship
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.
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.
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.
Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
Understanding that projects impact community members differently, our GBA+ framework ensures we capture diverse perspectives from:
- Women and gender-diverse individuals
- Elders and knowledge keepers
- Youth and future generations
- Active land users
- People with varying abilities
- Community members across geographic locations
Language & Cultural Protection
Indigenous Language Support:
We work with community-preferred interpreters to ensure comfortable communication in traditional languages
Cultural Sensitivity:
Our research methods adapt to community protocols and cultural practices
Data Sovereignty & Protection
We strictly adhere to OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) principles:
- Community ownership of all gathered information
- Protected data storage and management
- Controlled access to sensitive knowledge
- Community-directed information sharing
- Ethical research protocols
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.
Indigenous
Community Planning
Your community's story is unique – shaped by generations of knowledge, cultural practices, and dreams for the future. Through our collaborative planning process, we help you create more than just a document – we help you craft a living vision that speaks to both the heart and mind of your community.
Indigenous
Land Use Planning
Your relationship with the land is sacred and central to your community's identity. The land speaks a language that your ancestors understood deeply. Our land use planning approach helps you maintain this sacred dialogue while meeting your community's evolving needs.
Indigenous
Capacity Building
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.
Advisory
Community-Led Research Design
Our team helps Indigenous leaders design and implement research plans to support data-driven, community-centered decisions.
Indigenous Economy
Economic Development & Capacity Building
Indigenous Business Development / Joint Venture Facilitation / Skills Training Programs / Grant Writing and Funding Support
Prosperity
Project Management & Implementation
Indigenous Participation Plans - Regulatory Navigation - Monitoring and Evaluation - Reporting and Communication
*IK & TLU
Indigenous
Knowledge Studies
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. We partner with communities to preserve and protect this precious knowledge, transforming ancient wisdom into powerful tools for modern stewardship and sustainable development.
Indigenous Knowledge Studies
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. We partner with communities to preserve and protect this precious knowledge, transforming ancient wisdom into powerful tools for modern stewardship and sustainable development.
Environmental Stewardship
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.
Environmental Stewardship
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.
A Pathway to Empowered Stewardship
Honoring Indigenous
Knowledge & Land Use.
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 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.
Protecting Cultural Sovereignty
Knowledge is a Gift,
not a Resource to be Extracted.
Effective Indigenous Engagement is not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it's about creating pathways to mutual understanding, respect & shared prosperity.
Your Unique Objectives.
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.
Creating impactful projects begins with thoughtful engagement planning. Our tailored engagement plans are designed to build meaningful connections and ensure Indigenous voices are central throughout the project. From identifying key community members to setting respectful engagement protocols, we help develop strategies that prioritize cultural integrity and transparency.
Indigenous Knowledge Studies
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. We partner with communities to preserve and protect this precious knowledge, transforming ancient wisdom into powerful tools for modern stewardship and sustainable development.
Land Use
Planning.
Supporting Indigenous communities in creating sustainable, culturally-aligned development strategies.
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.
Indigenous Knowledge Studies
Your relationship with the land is sacred and central to your community's identity.
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. We partner with communities to preserve and protect this precious knowledge, transforming ancient wisdom into powerful tools for modern stewardship and sustainable development.
Socio-Economic
Indigenous Knowledge
& Land Use
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.
*Traditional Land Use & Land Use Planning
Indigenous Knowledge
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.
We help you create plans that maintain your sacred connection to the land while meeting your community's evolving need
Your Unique Objectives.
Engaging Indigenous communities effectively is crucial for developing respectful and sustainable projects — We help organizations create comprehensive engagement strategies, aligning corporate goals with Indigenous values and aspirations.
Creating impactful projects begins with thoughtful engagement planning. Our tailored engagement plans are designed to build meaningful connections and ensure Indigenous voices are central throughout the project. From identifying key community members to setting respectful engagement protocols, we help develop strategies that prioritize cultural integrity and transparency.
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.
Protecting Cultural Sovereignty
Knowledge is a Gift,
not a Resource to be Extracted.
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.
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.
1 - Personal Interviews
We conduct in-depth conversations with Elders and knowledge holders in settings where they feel most comfortable.
2 - 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.
3 - 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.
4 - 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.
Imagine walking into a community meeting not as an outsider, but as a welcomed partner — This is what we help our clients achieve
Language & Cultural Translation: Bridging Communication Gaps
Supporting Cultural Integrity Through Inclusive Language Services
We understand that language is a cornerstone of cultural identity. ICE collaborates with preferred Indigenous interpreters to ensure that participants feel comfortable sharing their knowledge in their language. This respect for linguistic diversity reinforces trust and strengthens the integrity of our research.
Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+): Understanding Diverse Impacts
Inclusion Through a Lens of Equity and Diversity
Our team is trained in Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), a framework that considers how projects affect different groups within a community, including Elders, active land users, women, men, and youth. By applying GBA+, we capture a fuller picture of potential project impacts, ensuring equitable representation and inclusion of all voices in our studies.
Data Sovereignty: Upholding Ownership, Control, Access & Possession (OCAP) Principles
Respecting Community Rights Over Knowledge and Data
Sensitive information lies at the heart of IK and TLU studies. ICE is committed to the ethical handling of this knowledge, strictly adhering to OCAP principles. These principles protect community rights, giving Indigenous Nations full control over how their data is collected, stored, shared, and used. In every project, we follow IK protocols set by the community, respecting their right to data sovereignty and privacy.
Inclusion Through a Lens of Equity and Diversity
Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+): Understanding Diverse Impacts
Inclusion Through a Lens of Equity and Diversity
Our team is trained in Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), a framework that considers how projects affect different groups within a community, including Elders, active land users, women, men, and youth. By applying GBA+, we capture a fuller picture of potential project impacts, ensuring equitable representation and inclusion of all voices in our studies.
Supporting Cultural Integrity Through Inclusive Language Services
Language & Cultural Translation: Bridging Communication Gaps
Supporting Cultural Integrity Through Inclusive Language Services
We understand that language is a cornerstone of cultural identity. ICE collaborates with preferred Indigenous interpreters to ensure that participants feel comfortable sharing their knowledge in their language. This respect for linguistic diversity reinforces trust and strengthens the integrity of our research.
Respecting Community Rights Over Knowledge and Data
Data Sovereignty: Upholding Ownership, Control, Access & Possession (OCAP) Principles
Respecting Community Rights Over Knowledge and Data
Sensitive information lies at the heart of IK and TLU studies. ICE is committed to the ethical handling of this knowledge, strictly adhering to OCAP principles. These principles protect community rights, giving Indigenous Nations full control over how their data is collected, stored, shared, and used. In every project, we follow IK protocols set by the community, respecting their right to data sovereignty and privacy.
Supporting Cultural Integrity Through Inclusive Language Services
Language & Cultural Translation: Bridging Communication Gaps
Supporting Cultural Integrity
Through Inclusive Language Services
We understand that language is a cornerstone of cultural identity. ICE collaborates with preferred Indigenous interpreters to ensure that participants feel comfortable sharing their knowledge in their language. This respect for linguistic diversity reinforces trust and strengthens the integrity of our research.
Supporting Cultural Integrity Through Inclusive Language Services
Language & Cultural Translation: Bridging Communication Gaps
Supporting Cultural Integrity Through Inclusive Language Services
We understand that language is a cornerstone of cultural identity. ICE collaborates with preferred Indigenous interpreters to ensure that participants feel comfortable sharing their knowledge in their language. This respect for linguistic diversity reinforces trust and strengthens the integrity of our research.
Building Lasting Connections
At ICE, we understand that true Indigenous engagement isn't just about checking boxes—it's about weaving together stories, traditions, and opportunities to create lasting partnerships that benefit everyone.
We understand that true Indigenous engagement isn't just about checking boxes—it's about weaving together stories, traditions, and opportunities to create lasting partnerships that benefit everyone.
At ICE, this isn’t just a vision; it’s our approach to fostering genuine, lasting relationships between organizations and Indigenous communities.
Through our Indigenous engagement and consultation services, we create respectful, inclusive pathways that honor traditional knowledge, cultural values, and the unique priorities of each community.
Here, collaboration is key, and positive change is the ultimate goal.
Indigenous Consultation:
Clear, culturally respectful communication builds bridges between Indigenous rightsholders and non-Indigenous stakeholders. Our communication services ensure that Indigenous voices are not just heard but actively integrated into every phase of a project.
- Workshops, focus groups, and community meetings for shared insights. Integration of traditional knowledge into planning and decision-making. Clear documentation and analysis of outcomes for ongoing improvement.
Enhanced Understanding
Culturally appropriate channels that strengthen Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships.
Cultural
Awareness
Training for client teams to improve cross-cultural communication.
Multi-Platform
Strategies
Inclusive approaches spanning social & traditional media, community-specific channels.
We ensure that Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and integrated throughout the project lifecycle, from inception to completion and beyond.
Indigenous Communication:
Effective consultation means more than ticking a box; it means fostering open, transparent dialogues where Indigenous perspectives shape project outcomes. Our consultation services offer a structured yet flexible approach that supports mutual understanding and facilitates respectful communication between communities and stakeholders.
- Development of bilingual or Indigenous language materials. Creation of accessible project-specific websites, videos, and interactive content. Informative materials that communicate project developments and foster community trust.
Territory Analysis
- Detailed assessment of current land uses
- Identification of culturally significant sites
- Environmental and cultural mapping
Conflict
Resolution
- Infrastructure planning
- Economic development integration
- Conservation and resource management
- Future generations planning
Agreement Implementation
Drafting project agreements that reflect community aspirations & ensure collaborative implementation.
Contact Us
Our approach to Indigenous engagement and consultation strengthens communities through projects.
Our Unique Approach to Indigenous Engagement & Consultation.
Early & Continuous Engagement:
We emphasize the importance of engaging Indigenous communities from the project's inception and maintaining open lines of communication throughout.
Flexible Timelines:
We recognize that a proponent's timeline is not necessarily a community's timeline. Our approach accommodates the shifting priorities of Indigenous communities.
Relationship Building:
Our methodology is centered on transparency, respect, and trust, focusing on building lasting relationships beyond individual projects.
Cultural Integration:
We incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, culture, governance, and diversity into our processes, ensuring culturally appropriate and respectful engagement.
Capacity Building:
Where appropriate, we work to enhance the capacity of Indigenous communities to engage effectively in consultation processes.
Holistic Perspective:
We consider the broader context of Indigenous rights, historical relationships, and cumulative impacts in our engagement strategies.
An Indigenous Engagement Plan helps proponents develop long-term, lasting, meaningful and sustainable socio-economic benefits for Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Businesses.
Indigenous engagement is not a one-size-fits-all process, each community has unique needs, capacities, and cultural contexts that must be respected and incorporated into the engagement strategy.
