Indigenous Relations Manager - North

Aecon Group Inc.; Fort Smith; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral bonus

Job summary

Aecon Civil North seeks an Indigenous Relations Manager to develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and stakeholders across Canada and beyond. You will advise project teams on cultural considerations and promote employment, training, and procurement opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Reporting to the Vice-President of Indigenous Relations, you will ensure alignment with Indigenous values and regulatory requirements, while travelling to remote communities as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Public Relations, Social Sciences, Business, or related field.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations, preferably in a resource development or construction context.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous culture, values, and governance structures.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel to remote communities and project sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Community engagement: Build relationships with Indigenous communities and leadership and organize meetings and consultations.
• Advise project teams on cultural, social, and regulatory considerations for Indigenous communities.
• Promote employment and training opportunities for Indigenous individuals on Aecon projects.
• Support inclusion of Indigenous businesses in procurement and contracting processes.
• Ensure engagement activities meet legal and regulatory obligations.

Skills

Indigenous engagement

Communication skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Travel readiness

Mediation

Team collaboration

Ethical and trustworthy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies / Public Relations / Social Sciences / Business

Job description

Come Build Your Career at Aecon! Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Come Build Your Career at Aecon! Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment. Safety Always is not only our #1 core value – it is the standard that anchors our culture. We believe the most ambitious projects deserve the most committed people. At Aecon, you won’t just build your career — you’ll help build what matters to enable future generations to thrive.

At Aecon, You Can Count On

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. The safety of our people, projects, partners, and stakeholders is our priority focus – today and always.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide opportunities where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.

We deliver infrastructure with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Aecon employees are incredibly proud to build some of the most impactful infrastructure of this generation – we call it Aecon Proud.

At Aecon We

• Ensure you and your family receive the services and benefits needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Are intentional when it comes to investing in your development. We help you build your career and advance your skills through our Aecon University, tuition reimbursement, and Leadership Programs.
• Are committed to creating work environments focused on mutual respect, teamwork, collaboration, and new ideas, through meaningful initiatives, training, partnerships with Veteran groups, our Aecon Women in Trades and diversity programs, as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), to ensure we are building with top talent and harnessing our collective strengths within every aspect of our culture.
• Operate responsibly by managing risk, safety, and environmental considerations across all our projects and surrounding communities.

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our people. Together, we embrace strong execution, innovation, and continuous improvement — values that come to life through the unique talents and collaborative spirit of every team member. If you’re inspired to make a difference through future-building projects, join our best-in-class team.

What is the Opportunity?

Aecon Civil is a recognized leader in the market, backed by strong self‑perform capabilities and deep local expertise. We play a key role in building and enhancing infrastructure across Canada, the U.S., and an expanding international footprint improving everyday life through the roads, bridges, tunnels, and transit systems that connect communities. With more than a century of experience and a full suite of integrated services, Aecon is a trusted partner for delivering complex civil projects, including tunnels, transit expansions, airports, ports, highways, and large‑scale site development. Reporting to the Vice-President of Indigenous Relations, the Indigenous Relations Manager- North will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and stakeholders. The role ensures Aecon’s operations and projects are aligned with Indigenous values, interests, and regulatory requirements, fostering mutual respect and collaboration. The Indigenous Relations Manager acts as a key advisor to project teams and leadership on Indigenous-related matters and is instrumental in supporting the company’s commitment to Indigenous engagement, employment, and economic development.

What You’ll Do Here

• Community Engagement: Build and nurture positive relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and leadership. Organize and participate in regular meetings, open houses, and consultation sessions to ensure open communication and transparency.
• Advisory and Support: Advise Aecon’s project teams on cultural, social, and regulatory considerations relevant to Northern Indigenous communities. Provide guidance on best practices for engaging with Indigenous Rightsholders and stakeholder organizations.
• Employment and Training: Collaborate with internal teams and Indigenous organizations to promote employment, training, and capacity‑building opportunities for Indigenous individuals on Aecon projects.
• Contracting and Procurement: Support the inclusion of Indigenous businesses in Aecon’s procurement and contracting processes, ensuring equitable opportunities and meaningful participation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all engagement activities meet or exceed applicable legal, regulatory, and partnership obligations, including agreements with Indigenous partners.
• Conflict Resolution: Serve as a mediator and problem‑solver when issues arise, working collaboratively to find respectful and effective solutions.
• Reporting and Documentation: Maintain thorough records of engagement activities, agreements, and outcomes. Prepare regular reports for internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Assist in the tender process (i.e. filling out bid documents, document management, etc.);
• Cultural Awareness: Promote cultural awareness and sensitivity within Aecon through training, events, and knowledge sharing.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Northern Indigenous communities and organizations. Lived experience and/or extensive knowledge of Northern Indigenous values, culture, customs and traditions.
• Other duties as required.

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Public Relations, Social Sciences, Business, or a related field. A combination of equivalent work experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations, preferably in a resource development or construction context.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous culture, values, and governance structures.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel to remote communities and project sites as required.
• Experience in mediation, conflict resolution, or stakeholder engagement is an asset.
• Proficiency in Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun is an asset.
• Respect for diversity and cultural differences
• Community-focused and relationship‑oriented
• Collaborative and adaptable
• Ethical and trustworthy
• Results-driven with attention to detail
• Be a champion of inclusion and diversity.
• Security Checks and Background checks required.
• Valid Driver’s license.

Referral Bonus – refer a standout candidate, and receive a $3,000 referral bonus after they have successfully completed their first 6 months of employment with Aecon.

Aecon fosters diversity, inclusion and belonging within and across our organization. We welcome all to apply including, women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

We are committed to adhering to the objectives and requirements outlined in the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), and to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner. Through the implementation of the requirements of the ACA and its applicable regulations, appropriate accommodations will be provided upon request throughout the interview and hiring process.

As part of our commitment to fair and transparent hiring practices, Aecon may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in screening and reviewing candidates. These tools are applied responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and Aecon’s AI Usage Policy. All final decisions are made by qualified Aecon team members.