Children of a First Nations Community gather in front of a Bird sign

Online Indigenous Subcontractor/Supplier Link

Indigenous Relations

Bird values the importance of creating inclusive, respectful, and equitable working environments. We are committed to delivering our projects in a socially responsible way that is mindful of human rights and local residents. This commitment drives the company to partner with clients to ensure that we are aligned in both approach and expectations. Reflected in Bird’s national Indigenous Engagement Policy, the company commits to approach our engagement in a constant and culturally appropriate manner, while considering the Truth and Reconciliation call to Action #92, and respecting the diversity of the Indigenous landscape in Canada.

Bird seeks to engage, and consult with, Indigenous peoples to encourage their active participation in the workforce and subcontracting opportunities. Bird understands that contribution to economic reconciliation includes employing Indigenous peoples, purchasing from Indigenous businesses, conducting business with Indigenous partners, and conducting meaningful engagement.

Delivering projects across Canada and for a wide variety of sectors, the company works with a diverse group of employees, subcontractors, partners, and clients including a growing number of projects and partnerships with Indigenous communities and companies. These companies include some of the more than 43,000 Aboriginal-owned businesses in Canada, with which Bird networks to advance Indigenous business inclusion and participation in the economy. To promote this advancement, we have implemented a mandatory Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training program for all Bird employees. This action is the first step for Bird to continue to promote positive relationships with Indigenous individuals, businesses, and communities as the company continues to make investments in people, projects, and partnerships.

Bird employee posing for a picture on a job site

Indigenous Engagement Policy

Bird strives to be a positive contributor to the overall well-being of Indigenous Peoples with whom Bird interacts across Canada, and demonstrates this by respecting and promoting the rights of Indigenous peoples across our operations.

Bird is committed to the following:

Building respectful relationships and promoting open communications and cultural awareness as fundamental to Bird’s business success and applying these same principles in its work that impacts Indigenous communities.
Being proactive in employing a qualified workforce that strives to be representative of the Indigenous communities in which it works.
Seeking to increase business opportunities for its Indigenous partners and to build capacity in the Indigenous business community.
Investing in community programs that support Indigenous cultural awareness, skills development and business capacity through in-kind and financial contributions.

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.

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

Bird Indigenous Relations communications icon

1

Building respectful relationships and promoting open communications and cultural awareness

2

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

3

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

4

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

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

Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training

For more information, please contact:

Indigenous Business Relations Team
indigenous@bird.ca

Progressive Aboriginal 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 PAIR

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.

Bird employee presents scholarship to female student

The Scott Ferguson Memorial Scholarship

The Scott Ferguson Memorial Scholarship was established in the memory of our colleague and friend, Scott Ferguson. He passionately devoted his career to bridging the gap between Indigenous communities, government, and industry. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he demonstrated strong leadership qualities and an ability to connect with Indigenous individuals and communities across Canada.

The intent of the Scott Ferguson Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial support with a $3,000 award provided to an Indigenous student that is pursuing post-secondary education to further their career development and growth. This award is based on reconciliation, leadership qualities, community involvement and financial need.

Applications will be open from May 1 - July 31, 2024

Bird Heavy Civil Ltd. Indigenous Scholarship

The Bird Heavy Civil Ltd. Indigenous Scholarship is an annual scholarship designed to encourage and support Indigenous people of Canada with their career development and growth as they attend post-secondary education.

Applications will be accepted from students who are currently enrolled in a full-time post-secondary institution or students in Grade 12 who are planning to attend a full-time post-secondary education institution that are of Indigenous descent (First Nations, Métis or Inuit). Students pursuing an education in the technology and trades will be considered priority applicants.

Three scholarships per year, valued at $1,500, may be awarded to applicants from the three Indigenous groups who are enrolled in a technical / trade program with a recognized post-secondary institution.

Bird employee presents scholarship to male student and his family

Bird Construction/Paul and Gerri Charette Scholarship

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. Congratulations to the 2023 recipients at Algonquin College, Capilano University, Northern Lakes College, and Yukon University.

Bird Construction UNB 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.

Indigenous artwork featuring an inukshuk, shelter, and environmental elements

Artwork by Ken Letander depicts First Nation, Métis, and Inuit cultures and landscapes from across Turtle Island (Canada). The picture includes: mountains, water (life), hills (our collective journey), the sun, grass (mother earth), a turtle (bottom right), a teepee (representing First Nations), a Métis infinity symbol (representing Métis people), an Inukshuk (representing Inuit culture), sky (air), and rocks (Indigenous cultural teachings).

Ken Letander is an Ojibway (Indigenous) artist from Manitoba, Canada’s Treaty Two area. Ken Letander is an internationally recognized artist, and his art has been featured in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.

Our Team