As described in EDI’s Commitment to Reconciliation, we value and respect Indigenous Peoples, their culture and their connection to the land. The success of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is a foundational component of EDI’s ethic, and we work to apply our experience, passion and skills to collaborate and learn with Indigenous communities in the areas where we live and work.
At the heart of EDI’s ethic is an appreciation for listening, learning and sharing. EDI believes that open dialogue is the key to understanding interests, concerns and opportunities supporting meaningful collaboration. EDI commits to:
- acting with respect and appreciation in everything we do;
- listening to the interests, concerns and aspirations of Indigenous communities;
- open, honest, meaningful and transparent engagement; and,
- pursuing mutually beneficial, inclusive and viable business opportunities.
EDI has been working with Indigenous communities for almost three decades to create mutually beneficial opportunities, through joint commitments to education, mentorship, training and economic investment.
In the Yukon, we have a history of collaborative working relationships with every Nation in the territory. Examples include working on salmon-related projects over many years with the Teslin Tlingit Council, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. Additional examples include working with the Selkirk First Nation on the Pelly River Sonar Project and First Nation owned companies on several mine sampling projects in the Ross River Dena Council’s Traditional Territory.
In northern BC, EDI has worked with multiple Indigenous Nations and has joined with two Nations in limited partnerships: LTN Environmental Consulting LP (LTNE) with the Lheidli T’enneh Nation and Sasuchan Environmental LP (SELP) with the Takla Nation. Four recent projects are highlighted here to exemplify the type of work and relationships associated with these partnerships.
- In 2025, LTNE provided technical support for the completion of baseline field assessments for the Nilhts’I Wind Project. Active mentorship occurs in two directions on this project: EDI team members learn about traditional practices and knowledge of the Territory from the Nation’s Guardians, while Nation members gain experience across a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial disciplines and skills.
- In 2023, LTNE was successful in a grant application to fund an internship for a Lheidli T’enneh Nation member to learn about climate change and climate health. The intern chose to start a pilot food fishery at Purden Lake, supporting food security for the community. The pilot was a huge success. The event has been held annually ever since and community youth have gained another opportunity to develop technical skills and deepen their traditional knowledge.
- Beginning in 2022, SELP partnered with the Sasuchan Development Corporation and the BC Ministry of Forests on an important land restoration project on the Driftwood River, a key salmon stream for Takla Nation. Together, this team is working to return nearly 35 km of forest service roads on the west side of the Driftwood River back to a more natural state through watercourse crossing deactivations and removal of a large log jam on the Driftwood River. This task also involved detailed planning and securing required environmental approvals.
- Since 2022, SELP has provided baseline environmental support for hydrogeology, surface water, climate station monitoring and technical reporting services at the FPX Baptiste Nickel Project. Shared experiences on the project have built relationships and created opportunities for growth and professional development. Two SELP team members were honored to be included in a Binche Whut’en Blessing Ceremony for the project. In collaboration between SELP and ShasTi LP, First Nation members have accumulated 419 hours on the project.
