Understanding the Past to Shape the Future: Indigenous History and Cultural Awareness

Indigenous Relations and Business Development Training Series for the Construction Industry

Purpose:

To provide small and medium-sized construction businesses with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to build respectful, productive relationships with Indigenous communities- while advancing corporate and business objectives.

Program Overview

This interactive training fosters respectful dialogue in a safe and open learning environment, encouraging participants to explore both the historical and contemporary contexts of Indigenous relations in Canada. Through a holistic approach, the program connects cultural understanding with practical business outcomes. All courses can be taken independently, no pre-requisites required.

Series Learning Objectives

By the end of this training series, participants will be able to:

1. Build respectful relationships by engaging in open, safe, and culturally aware dialogue with Indigenous partners and communities.

2. Understand the historical context of Indigenous peoples in Canada and recognize how this history informs current business and community relationships.

3. Identify opportunities where Indigenous relations can advance multiple business objectives — including project success, community engagement, and sustainability.

4. Develop practical skills for collaborating with Indigenous communities, including communication, partnership building, and mutual benefit planning.

5. Create actionable strategies and plans to strengthen business proposals and enhance competitiveness in procurement processes that include Indigenous participation goals.

6. Integrate Indigenous relations into corporate strategy to align social responsibility with business growth and long-term success.

7. Apply practical examples and case studies from the construction industry to understand how theory translates into on-site and organizational practices.

8. Access practical tools and resources that can be immediately applied while motivating continued learning about Indigenous history and culture.

Course: 

Results You Can Expect

Build awareness of Indigenous histories and cultures to strengthen relationships and support meaningful participation.

Key Focus Areas

• Pre-history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
• Who are Indigenous Peoples?
• Contact, trade, colonization and the Indian Act
• Colonial impacts on Indigenous peoples.
• Ongoing impacts and the legacy of colonization.
• Treaties in Canada
• A recap of the development of Indigenous rights in Canada and BC.
• Consultation and Accommodation.

Presented by: Vero Management Inc. a CCIB Certified Indigenous Business

Gail Murray, President

Gail Murray is the Founder of Vero Management Inc., who is a proud Indigenous woman and registered Red River Métis Citizen. She has also been adopted into the Naa’yuuwans Clan of the Haida Nation, where she carries the name Kuuya Jaad (Precious Woman).

With over 20 years of experience in Economic and Community Development, Education, Training, and Financial Management, Gail has held senior leadership positions across the private, public, non-profit, and Indigenous sectors. Her work is focused on developing strategies that create sustainable, lasting benefits for Indigenous communities while supporting successful industry partnerships.

Gail has been extensively involved in major project developments within the resource and construction sectors. She is recognized for her ability to bring people together, strengthen relationships, and align community and corporate priorities to achieve shared success.

Tessa Gill, Senior Consultant

Tessa Gill is an accomplished consultant who brings strong expertise in project management, Indigenous and external relations, and risk management. With significant experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors, Tessa specializes in building strategic partnerships that advance corporate and community objectives alike.

Her work focuses on integrating inclusive engagement, innovative analytics, and collaborative leadership to support organizations in achieving sustainable project outcomes. Tessa has contributed to the successful advancement of infrastructure, renewable energy, and carbon reduction initiatives across Canada, helping clients navigate complex projects with integrity, transparency, and results-driven strategies.