WSP provides support services for community-led Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Land and Resource Use. From initial study scoping with Indigenous groups considering regulatory requirements, and guided by community priorities, to facilitating the establishment of Knowledge Sharing Agreements, and integration of IK into environmental and social impact assessment and baseline studies. WSP seeks to validate the incorporation of IK with the knowledge providers to ensure appropriate representation.

WSP provides social impact assessment and social management planning services as part of regulatory processes throughout Canada. In contexts where development has the potential to impact Indigenous Peoples, WSP strives to undertake work in a collaborative and inclusive manner, applying Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) assessment and planning approaches that seek to reflect the concerns, aspirations, and perspectives of Indigenous groups and communities.

WSP helps clients achieve their objectives by advising them at all stages of a project on how to comply with provincial and local planning policy and best practice. Our team contributes to the identification, mitigation of developmental impacts and conservation of cultural heritage resources, delivering solutions that respect the environmental, aesthetic, cultural, and historical values that shape our communities and their collective identities.

WSP works with our clients to develop IBPs and IPPs that contribute to Indigenous community development and the building of meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and businesses. Mutually beneficial IBPs and IPPs build the foundation for long-term project success.

WSP works with Indigenous governments to work in partnership with municipal, territorial, and federal regulators and arms of government to facilitate collaborative development of environmental policy. Through the facilitation of steering committees, the development of reference materials and strategies grounded in principles of IK and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), and the planning of community engagement to understand local and Indigenous perspectives, WSP ’s approach to policy facilitation is one that emphasizes collaboration and inclusion in the policy development process.

WSP facilitates the development of Indigenous employment and training programs for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients to help projects provide the greatest benefit to local Indigenous people. We work with the client, local Indigenous employment and training organizations, and local communities and businesses to develop a program that provides long-term employment opportunities.

WSP facilitates Indigenous Consultation under the Crown’s Duty to Consult, supporting project regulatory compliance and permitting. We also support Indigenous communities in navigating the environmental regulatory framework for developments on reserve.

WSP works with Indigenous communities to achieve their community development goals by supporting infrastructure, land use, and planning initiatives. We also provide engineering design and build services for community infrastructure. This often includes socio-economic assessment.

WSP provides Indigenous engagement services through regulatory and planning processes for industry development. Services include regulatory engagement on the behalf of developers pursuing permitting approvals and impact assessments, mine closure planning engagement with communities and governments, and engagement on policy development and implementation.