Indigenous Relations & Partnerships
We've worked alongside many nations, including Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Ulkatcho First Nation, Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, and many others across the country. We're proud of our long-standing joint ventures and partnerships with Indigenous development corporations, including a partnership with Chief Isaac Group of Companies, creating CIW Construction in Dawson City. Every partnership is different, and every community has its own priorities, but we work to ensure we meet their expectations.
Cultural Collaboration
Building in a community means respecting what that community values. We integrate cultural protocols into our site practices, participate in community events, including National Indigenous Peoples Day and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and seek ways to support community-led initiatives that go beyond the construction scope.
Communities We Serve
Over the past 30 years, we've built working relationships with more than 50 First Nations communities and Indigenous development corporations across Canada. We hire locally, train locally, and work hard to create economic opportunities that stay in the community long after a project wraps.
Our Partners
We've worked alongside Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Ulkatcho First Nation, Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, and many others across the country. We've entered into joint ventures and partnerships with Indigenous development corporations, including a long-standing partnership with Chief Isaac Group of Companies through CIW Construction in Dawson City. Every partnership is different, and every community has its own priorities, but we work to ensure we meet their expectations.
Five Mile Community Gathering Space
Introductory Trades Program, Dawson City
In partnership with Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, Yukon University, and the Yukon Government, Wildstone delivered a four-week Introductory Carpentry Training Program in Dawson City for participants aged 16 and up this spring. Delivered at no cost to students and including PPE and daily meals, the program addressed real barriers to participation, including childcare and transportation.
How We Work With Indigenous Partners
Strong Indigenous relationships are built through consistency, respect, and follow-through. We work with Indigenous governments, development corporations, community leaders, and local businesses to understand priorities early and create practical opportunities throughout a project's life.
Our approach is led by our First Nations Engagement Manager, supported by project teams and community liaisons who help keep communication open, responsive, and grounded in the needs of each Nation.
Listen First
We begin by meeting with leadership, community representatives, employment and training departments, and economic development teams to understand local priorities, protocols, workforce goals, business capacity, and project expectations.
Build the Plan Together
From there, we work with our partners to identify realistic opportunities for employment, training, subcontracting, procurement, mentorship, and community involvement. This helps ensure that participation is built into the project from the start, rather than added after decisions have already been made.
Create Clear Pathways
Our First Nations Engagement Manager works closely with community liaisons, Wildstone project managers, site supervisors, and trade leads to connect people and businesses with the right opportunities. This may include apprenticeships, site roles, safety training, trade mentorship, supplier opportunities, or defined scopes for Nation-owned businesses.
Stay Accountable
Throughout the project, we maintain regular communication with our partners through check-ins, reporting, workforce updates, and open dialogue. We track participation, address challenges, and look for ways to improve outcomes as the project progresses. For us, Indigenous engagement is about showing up with respect, creating opportunities that make sense, and working alongside our partners in ways that support the project, the community, and long-term capacity.
