Construction in Canada has always been built by diverse peoples, communities, and cultures. From Indigenous trade networks and knowledge systems to generations of immigrant laborers, skilled tradespeople, and workers from every background, the industry has long relied on diversity to grow communities and infrastructure across the country.
Yet many modern worksites still struggle with conflict, exclusion, generational divides, toxic workplace culture, and communication breakdowns that impact morale, retention, productivity, and safety.
This one-hour workshop delivers a direct and practical conversation about diversity and inclusion within the construction industry. Rather than focusing on corporate jargon or blame, the session explores how everyday workplace culture is shaped through communication, assumptions, leadership, humor, conflict, and respect on the job site.
Participants will examine how inclusive workplaces strengthen crews, improve collaboration, reduce unnecessary conflict, and support safer, higher-performing teams.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
- Understand diversity and inclusion in practical workplace terms
- Strengthen communication and respect across crews and generations
- Recognize how bias, assumptions, and workplace culture impact teams
- Develop greater awareness of Indigenous inclusion within construction spaces
- Identify ways to reduce “us vs. them” dynamics on worksites
- Explore strategies that support psychologically safer and more accountable teams
- Leave with practical actions that can immediately improve workplace culture
This workshop is designed to create honest, grounded conversation without shame or blame. Participants will leave with increased awareness, stronger communication tools, and practical strategies to help create healthier, more respectful, and more effective workplaces.
Presented by:
Darcie Petuh
A proud Cree/Metis woman from Pigeon Lake and a registered member of Métis Nation British Columbia.
Workplace Cultural Navigator with Fraser Health, supporting the New Surrey Hospital and BC Cancer Centre project. Working within the Enhanced Inclusion and Diversity Agreement alongside EllisDon, Darcie focuses on training, workforce development, and creating inclusive and culturally safe worksites.
Delivery Method: Virtual Session – Zoom Meeting
Sharing a single registration between two or more individuals is not permitted. Please register each person that will be in attendance.
Important Note:
We encourage active participation in this workshop, which involves interactive elements such as polls, word clouds, and multiple-choice questions and the ability to submit questions to the presenters. To ensure a safe and confidential space, we want to highlight that you will have the option to interact with us anonymously using the chat/Q&A.
Your privacy and comfort are of utmost importance, and we want to create an environment where everyone feels free to engage openly. If you have any concerns or questions about anonymity or the interactive features, please feel free to reach out to the ICBA Training Team at training@icba.ca