Community Engagement

The Indigenous Relations (IR) team  is committed to supporting and fostering positive relationships with the communities Bird works with. Whether we are attending a Powwow, sponsoring a community event, attending a community event, or starting a program, we make sure that the Indigenous communities we work with are part of our team.

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A woman in casual clothing stands next to a man wearing traditional Indigenous regalia with feathered accessories, beadwork, and a headdress at an outdoor event with tents in the background.
Four people stand behind a table with Bird branding at a booth decorated with colorful balloons. The table displays toy ducks, prizes, and a sign reading “Pick a Duck bird to WIN a bird PRIZE!”.
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Three people smile and stand next to a 2 Nations Bird Construction Ltd. banner at an outdoor event. The banner features a construction worker and the company logo. The group is on a grassy field with tents and people in the background.
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Two women in traditional attire perform a ceremony at a construction site, surrounded by people. Three green Bird flags, shovels, and a Bird truck are visible in the background.
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Turtle Island Land Acknowledgement

Bird maintains a strong commitment to being a positive contributor to the overall well-being of Indigenous Peoples and groups with whom Bird interacts with across Turtle Island. We demonstrate this by respecting and promoting Indigenous rights across our operations. We are committed to fostering positive relationships with the Indigenous peoples and communities across the lands.

As part of this commitment, Bird would like to acknowledge that the Indigenous peoples are the traditional stewards of the lands and waters where each of us reside.

Bird recognizes that the Indigenous landscape of Canada is broad and encompasses many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples. Further, we respect and affirm the inherent Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across Canada. We acknowledge all Nations who live and work on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.

AB Anishinabek, Swampy Cree,
Cree, Ojibwe, Saulteaux,
Dakota, Nakota, Lakota
, Dene, and the Métis homeland SK Coast Salish, Lkwungen, Malahat,
Pacheedaht, Scia’new, T’Souke,
WSÁNEĆ, Lheidli T’enneh,
Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish,
Stó:lo, Stz'uminus, Musqueam,
Nlaka'pamux, Okanagan, Snuneymuxw, Semiahmoo,
Kwantlen, Nooksack, Secwépemc, Katzie, Tsawwassen,
Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, Tsimshian,
Kitsumkalum, Lax Kw'Alaams,
Gitxaała, Dënéndeh,
Beaver, Secwépemc, and the
Métis homeland Anishinaabeg, Ininewuk,
Anish-Ininewuk (Oji-Cree),
Denesuline, Dakota Nations,
Inuit, and the Métis homeland MB NT Dene and Inuit YK ON Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee,
Cree, and Wendat BC QC Gwich’in, Han, Kaska
Dena, Tagish, Upper Tanana,
Northern and Southern Tutchone,
and the Tlingit, and Inuit Abenaki, Algonquin,
Attikamekw, Cree, Huron-Wendat,
Mohawk, Malecite, Innu, Mi’qmaq,
Inuit, and Naskapi Cree, Dene, Stoney Nakota Sioux,
Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, Blackfoot,
Blackfoot Confederacy, Saulteaux, Sioux,
Danezaa, and the Métis homeland Bird Office addresses Inuit, Innu, and Mi'kmaq NL NB Wolastoqiyik, Mikmaq and Peskotomuhkati Mi’kmaq PEI Mi’kmaq NS NU Inuit

Indigenous Partnership

Bird’s Partnerships with Indigenous communities range from relatively informal agreements with common goals to work together (typically a Memorandum of Understanding) to Alliance agreements and incorporated jointly owned business entities across Turtle Island. The number of successful partnerships has grown upwards to 14 current mutually beneficial formal agreements. See examples below.

Stuart Olson, Infinity Métis Partnership

Stuart Olson, a subsidiary company of Bird Construction, is proud to unveil exciting news in partnership with Infinity Métis Corporation (IMC). Post-acquisition of Norcan Electric’s assets in Q1 of 2024, we have transitioned the partnership with IMC to Stuart Olson Infinity.

Learn more about IMC

2Nations Bird Construction Ltd.

Bird is proud to collaborate with Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation and Fishing Lake First Nation through the 2Nations Bird Construction Partnership. Rooted in culture, respect, and collaboration, this partnership creates lasting social and economic benefits for Indigenous communities.

Gitxaala Bird Construction Industrial Services Inc.

Bird and Gitxaala Nation joined forces to create Gitxaala Bird Construction Industrial Services Inc., a majority-owned Gitxaala-owned company, to pursue specific project opportunities in the traditional territory of the Gitxaala Nation. An example of the partnership in action is the project would be our LNGC work in Kitimat, BC.

Who We Are

Bird places high value on creating inclusive, respectful, and equitable working environments. We are committed to delivering our projects in a socially responsible way that upholds human rights and respects the communities we work in. Our approach is grounded in meaningful collaboration with clients to ensure shared values and expectations.

Central to our identity is our national Indigenous Engagement Policy, which reflects our commitment to engaging with Indigenous peoples in a culturally appropriate and consistent way. This policy also acknowledges the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92 and embraces the rich diversity of the Indigenous communities across Canada..

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What We Do

Our team is located across Canada to ensure we are advancing economic inclusion, capacity-building and cultural awareness company wide. We do this by engaging early and actively promoting Indigenous procurement, fostering employment, training, and partnership initiatives that reflect the needs of the communities we work with. Through meaningful collaboration, we aim to create lasting impact and build strong relationships that support local growth and opportunity.

Bird delivers projects nationwide across a wide range of sectors, working with a diverse network of employees, subcontractors, and clients—including a growing number of Indigenous communities and businesses. To deepen our commitment, all Bird employees complete mandatory Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training, cultivating respectful engagement and inclusive economic development.

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Importance of Indigenous Relations

Building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities is essential to fostering long-term, sustainable partnerships rooted in respect, equity, and reconciliation. Indigenous Relations contribute to economic and social progress, support the inclusion of Indigenous voices and businesses, and ensure that projects are developed with cultural awareness and sensitivity. In a country as diverse as Canada, embracing Indigenous perspectives enriches organizations, strengthens communities, and reflects a commitment to ethical and inclusive development. At Bird, we believe that Indigenous engagement is not just a responsibility, but a vital pathway to mutual success.

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Bird’s National Indigenous Engagement Policy
is built on four pillars:

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1

Building respectful relationships and promoting open communications and cultural awareness

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2

Being proactive in employing a qualified workforce that strives to be representative of the Indigenous communities in which Bird works

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3

Seeking to increase business opportunities for Indigenous partners and build capacity in the Indigenous business community

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4

Investing in community programs that support Indigenous cultural awareness, skills development, and business capacity

Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training

Bird has developed and implemented an Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training Program to better educate its management and employees and enable them to deliver on Bird’s commitment to its Indigenous Relations Policy, strategies and plans. Bird management is committed to effectively implementing, monitoring, and reporting on the Indigenous Engagement Policy.

For more information, please contact:

Indigenous Business Relations Team
indigenous@bird.ca

Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations

Bird has earned Silver Certification through the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program, administered by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business. PAIR-certified companies are not only good business partners and great places to work, but they are also deeply committed to fostering prosperity in Indigenous communities.

This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of our Indigenous Relations team. Their efforts have made a significant and positive impact across our business, driving us forward in our commitment to meaningful engagement and economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

Learn more about  CCIB
Logo with abstract grey and silver shapes on the left and text on the right reading: PAIR SILVER Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations.

Sustainability 2024 highlights

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$54.2M total spend with Indigenous subcontractors and suppliers.

40+ Indigenous-owned businesses supported.

$220,000 donations and sponsorships in Indigenous communities

Achieved PAIR sliver with Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations

Indigenous Scholarships

Bird offers a variety of scholarship programs designed to assist and support the Indigenous people of Canada with their career development and growth as they attend post-secondary education

Show Scholarship Opportunities

Bird Heavy Civil Indigenous Scholarships

Bird Heavy Civil provides two annual scholarships to full-time Indigenous postsecondary students, specifically targeting those enrolled in technical or trade programs. The scholarship ensures gender parity, offering equal opportunities to all students.

Three Scholarships $1500 each

Application Deadline is May 31 every year

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University of New Brunswick Scholarship

The Bird Construction Scholarship assists students enrolled in the University of New Brunswick’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Program. Selection for the scholarship is based on academic achievement, with preference being given to Indigenous female students. This demonstrates Bird’s commitment to fostering excellence in education for Indigenous female students pursuing engineering as a career.

The scholarship is part of UNB’s It Begins Here campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the University’s history, with a $110 million campaign goal.

One Scholarships $3,000 each

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Bird/ Paul and Gerri Charette Endowment Fund

The Bird Construction/Paul and Gerri Charette Fund was established in 2021 to advance reconciliation and empower Indigenous individuals and communities by removing barriers to education for learners, while promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.

Four Scholarships $2,500 each

Frederick Lake House Dam Project Scholarship

The scholarship aims to provide financial support to eligible members of Indigenous communities near the Frederick House Lake Dam project site who are pursuing post-secondary or trade school education. The scholarship selection is based on criteria such as reconciliation, leadership qualities, community involvement, and financial need.

  • Must be residents/members of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, Mattagami First Nation, Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, Matachewan First Nation, or Metis Nation of Ontario and be of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Metis) descent.
  • Provide a written (300-500 words) account of why they should be selected, outlining their commitment and contribution to reconciliation, community leadership, extra-curricular activities, and financial nee
  • Provide two character references in the form of letters of recommendation.
  • Must be accepted/enrolled into a recognized post-secondary institution or trade school as a full-time student.

Three Scholarships $500 each

Application Deadline is November 30th every year

2Nations Scholarships

2Nations Scholarships

2Nations Bird Construction Limited Partnership has established a scholarship to support business and technical trade students from Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation and Fishing Lake First Nation. The scholarship aims to uplift community members, offering four $1,500 awards to Grade 12 graduates or post-secondary students.

  • Must be a member of Beady’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, or Fishing Lake First Nation
  • Must exhibit a commitment and contributions to community involvement and extra-curricular activities in an essay
  • Must be accepted/enrolled in a recognized post-secondary/technical trades institution as a full-time student in good academic standing

Four Scholarships $1,500 each

Apply now!
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Build Your Future Indigenous Scholarship

This award introduced in 2024 supports Indigenous students pursuing careers in the construction industry. Based on academic performance, this scholarship recognizes exceptional achievement.

  • Students from RRC Polytech in Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following programs: Structural Engineering Technology, Architectural/Engineering Technology, or Construction management

One Scholarships $2,000 each

Application Deadline is the first Friday of November (can apply through college)

Indigenous Builders Scholarship

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  • Students from RRC Polytech in Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Must be in Carpentry program

One Scholarships $1,000 each

Application Deadlines: Fall term – November 15; Winter term – March 15

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Scott Ferguson Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2019, the Scott Ferguson Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to one student to assist with their educational journey.

  • Awarded to one Indigenous student residing in Alberta

One Scholarships $3,000 each

Application Deadline runs from May 1 – July 31 each year

Don’t miss the deadline!

Interested in our scholarship? Reach out using the form at the bottom of the page, or simply just click the button below.

Begin Your Application Today!

Past Scholarship Winners

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Bird Indigenous Leadership

Cheryl Baraniuk
Farrah Bourque
Virginia Ferguson Crane
Frank De Luca
Michelle Francis-Denny
Boyd Humby
Rebecca Kragnes
Shana Lonechild
Andie Marchand
Chrystal Plante
Kevin Reeves
Andy Rickard
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Cheryl Baraniuk

Cheryl Baraniuk is a proud member of Rainy River First Nation, with ties to Seine River First Nation in Ontario. A graduate with honours in Architectural Engineering Technology and a Certified Engineering Technologist, she brings a unique blend of technical proficiency and cultural insight to her work. Cheryl is deeply committed to building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities. Bringing heart, insight, and a collaborative spirit, she advocates for representation and reconciliation with thoughtful leadership and genuine care.
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Farrah Bourque

Farrah Bourque is from Alexander First Nation and is a Certified Business Administrator currently working toward her Diploma. She brings seven years of administrative experience, with a strong background in training-to-employment programs. Farrah has worked closely with Indigenous organizations in Treaty 6 Territory and has strong community connections, along with valuable experience in the oil and gas industry.
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Virginia Ferguson Crane

Virginia Ferguson Crane, a proud Tsuut’ina Nation member, is Bird’s Indigenous Relations Lead for Eastern Canada. Since joining Bird in 2018, she’s supported initiatives across Ontario, Manitoba, Halifax, and Quebec. Relocating to Ontario in 2023, she brings cross-functional support to project teams, aligning engagement strategies with company values and Indigenous community needs. Virginia holds a BA in Sociology with a Psychology minor from MacEwan University and plays a key role in advancing Indigenous inclusion nationally.
Frank De Luca

Frank De Luca

Frank De Luca is the Senior Vice President at Bird Construction. He plays a key role in driving strategic partnerships and business development across Canada. With a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta, Frank has built a distinguished career at Bird. His deep industry knowledge and long-standing commitment to client success has made him a pivotal figure in advancing Bird’s reputation within the construction sector.
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Michelle Francis-Denny

Michelle Francis-Denny is a proud member of Pictou Landing First Nation located in Mi’kmaki. She joined Bird Construction in January 2023 and brings extensive knowledge through her professional and lived experience working in community development. She plays an integral role within the company’s fast growing Indigenous Relations team who are leading and operationalizing Bird’s Indigenous Engagement Policy.
Boyd Humby

Boyd Humby

Boyd is Manager of Craft Recruitment & Indigenous Relations–Industrial East at Bird Heavy Civil Ltd., bringing over 25 years of construction experience across sectors. With 15 years at Bird, he’s been instrumental in achieving Bronze and Silver Level certification in Bird’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations Program, working closely with the Indigenous Relations team. Based out of the Bird Heavy Civil Office in St. John’s, Boyd is active in his community and enjoys outdoor activities and time with his three children.
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Rebecca Kragnes

Experienced, purpose-driven leader advancing the Indigenous profile in Canada. Skilled in relationship building, stakeholder engagement, grant administration, and turning entrepreneurial ideas into action. Proven success in project management, committee leadership, and business development, with a focus on Indigenous community engagement. Passionate advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion—especially Indigenous and female representation in construction—frequent speaker and panel moderator on EDI topics. Actively contributes nationally and locally through board service and community involvement.
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Shana Lonechild

Shana Lonechild is a proud Nakoda/Cree woman from White Bear First Nation and serves as Bird’s Indigenous Relations Coordinator for Saskatchewan. She brings deep expertise in cultural awareness, Indigenous engagement, community collaboration, and women’s safety advocacy. Guided by strong community ties and a commitment to respectful relationships, Shana works to advance meaningful partnerships with 2Nations Bird Construction and First Nations including Fishing Lake and Beardy’s & Okemasis, driving reconciliation efforts across the province.
Andie Marchand

Andie Marchand

Andie Marchand, a proud Cree-Métis woman from Cold Lake First Nation, is Bird’s Indigenous Relations Lead for Western Canada. She supports initiatives across Saskatchewan, Northern Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and British Columbia. Andie holds a BA in Native Studies and a BEd in Secondary Education from the University of Alberta. She works closely with project teams to foster meaningful engagement, advance Indigenous inclusion, and align strategies with company values and Indigenous community priorities.
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Chrystal Plante

Chrystal Plante, a Nehiyaw Iskwew from Treaty 8 and proud Driftpile First Nation member, is an Indigenous Relations Coordinator with Bird Construction. Since 2022, she’s supported engagement with Indigenous communities, businesses, and leadership across projects. With a background in advocacy and relationship-building, she previously worked with the Awasisak program at Stollery Children’s Hospital. A graduate of the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Community–Industry Relations program, Chrystal remains active in her culture and community—and proudly supports her son Emmett’s soccer journey.
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Kevin Reeves

Kevin Reeves is the Relationship Manager for Bird Construction’s Indigenous Relations team in Western Canada. With over 20 years of experience, including nearly two decades as a teacher and principal, he fosters meaningful partnerships and drives economic inclusion across Bird’s national operations. Previously Director of Aboriginal & Community Relations at Horizon North, Kevin is deeply committed to reconciliation and building collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities and businesses.
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Andy Rickard

Andy Rickard is the Senior Manager of Indigenous Relations at Bird Construction, representing Ontario and supporting Manitoba initiatives. He holds a degree in Political Science and brings over 25 years of leadership experience as a former Chief and long-serving elected Councillor for Garden River First Nation. Andy is committed to advancing respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities through meaningful engagement and collaboration.

Online Indigenous Subcontractor/Supplier Link

Are You an Indigenous Business?
We invite you to join our internal Indigenous Procurement Database, a dedicated database of Indigenous-owned businesses.
Registration is open to all Indigenous businesses, whether incorporated or not. This includes:

  • Sole proprietorships
  • Limited companies
  • Co-operatives
  • Partnerships
  • Not-for-profit organizations

To qualify as an Indigenous business, at least 51% of the ownership and control must be held by Indigenous persons.
If your business involves partnerships with Indigenous communities or individuals, please submit a separate response for each partnership.
All information provided will remain confidential and will be used solely to support and report on our Indigenous Engagement Policy commitments.

Bird maintains a strong commitment to being a positive contributor to the overall well-being of Indigenous Peoples and groups with whom Bird interacts with across Turtle Island. Artwork by Ken Letander
Indigenous Vendor – Request for Information

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