Indigenous Monitoring Program

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Project Summary

X-Terra Environmental Services Ltd. was commissioned to introduce an Indigenous Monitoring Program for construction activities for a major pipeline project within Canada.

The goals of this Indigenous Monitoring program are:

  • Involve Indigenous Communities in the oversight of the pipeline construction activity

  • Enhancing the oversight of the pipeline construction by having Indigenous Monitors contribute an Indigenous perspective for considerations in compliance verification

  • Build relationships between the governing bodies and Indigenous Communities

Our Role

X-Terra contracted and trained individuals from communities impacted by the pipeline project to contribute to the Indigenous Monitoring participation requirements.  X-Terra helped to coordinate training sessions between the Inspection Officers and Indigenous Monitors to help both groups understand the project and the impacts it may have on traditional lands.. The Indigenous Monitors and Inspection Officers work together and are supported by the Elders or Knowledge Keepers from the local communities. X-Terra is working with Indigenous Monitors and advisors from 5 different nations.

The involvement of Indigenous Monitors helps to gain awareness and understanding of perspectives which may not be fully accounted for otherwise. These perspectives include specific expertise in traditional land use, sacred sites, historical knowledge, and the diversity of Indigenous traditional and cultural worldviews. This program helps to make sure companies are operating their projects safety through compliance verification activities like field inspection and desk-based reviews.

Services Provided

  • Environmental Inspections

  • Safety Inspections

  • Contract and train Indigenous Monitors

  • Impact analysis and mitigation planning

  • Construction monitoring

  • Traditional land use and historical knowledge

Carrie Coombs