bnr-indigenous-relations
  1. We are WSP
  2. Who we are
  3. Corporate responsibility
  4. Indigenous relations

Indigenous relations

WSP is proud to support and strengthen the Indigenous communities we are privileged to work with around the world. In addition to delivering a wide variety of projects responsibly, we foster opportunities for training, employment, engagement and participation that support Indigenous communities in building the futures they envision.

In our work across many geographies, we aim to engage with Indigenous Peoples in a respectful and mutually beneficial manner. We use a region-specific approach, recognizing that each Indigenous community is unique, with their own experiences, histories, cultures, customs, traditions, governance and social structures. 

Indigenous Peoples are deeply committed to making decisions that bring sustainable benefits, both today and in the future. At WSP, we are proud to share this commitment, and we work to support these goals through our partnerships and projects.

Reconciliation and collaboration

At WSP, we acknowledge the deep and lasting impacts of the injustices that many Indigenous communities have faced, and we are committed to building genuine partnerships that support reconciliation and drive meaningful, lasting change. Our efforts to create sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive places—where Indigenous Peoples are empowered to thrive in both natural and built environments—are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

 

In Australia, our efforts are underpinned by three pillars – relationships, respect, and opportunities. This foundation has enabled us to become the first engineering firm to have achieved STRETCH status in our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) with Reconciliation Australia.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, our relationships and knowledge of Te Ao Māori drivers allow us to build mana-enhancing partnerships — a minimally-invasive relational approach that allows us to tread lightly in our work practices. To this end, we are focused on developing working relationships with knowledge holders and leaders that increase the strength and success of all parties involved.

In Canada, WSP’s Indigenous Relations Policy remains the foundation of our engagement with Indigenous communities, groups and businesses. This policy takes a progressive approach to involvement and consultation while actively seeking opportunities to create and enhance socio-economic benefits for Indigenous Peoples. A good example is our commitment to Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR).

Featured publications

How Indigenous co-design is creating a new cultural legacy in Australia

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Indigenous Cultures-Thumbnail

Embracing Indigenous Cultures to Address Infrastructure Needs

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thn-New Zealand Applies Mori Philosophy

Water: New Zealand Applies Māori Philosophy to 21st-Century Challenges

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Role of Indigenous Design Guidelines in Level Crossing Removal project celebrated

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Adapting to New Soil Policies in British Columbia, Canada

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Wayúu Community in La Guajira, Colombia WSP Project

International Day of the world's Indigenous Peoples (in Spanish)

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Engaging for the future

WSP recognizes that lasting success is built on long-term relationships and a culture of mutual respect and sharing with Indigenous Peoples. Around the world, we have established relationship agreements with many Indigenous communities, and we continue to support Indigenous-led initiatives and cultural expression through a variety of actions — including awards, scholarships, employment opportunities, partnerships, and supplier networks. 

 

In Canada, we continue to strengthen our ability to recruit, train and retain Indigenous employees as part of our ongoing Indigenous employment initiative. 

In Australia, our work on Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade—named Global Project Management of the Year in 2021 by the International Roads Federation—has paved the way for Indigenous employment. We exceeded our Aboriginal employment targets, with 300 Aboriginal people employed at the project’s peak and over 1 million hours worked. Additionally, we’ve played a key role in the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), which has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious AILA* Victorian Chapter Award of Excellence for Research, Policy and Communications for the LXRP Indigenous Design Guidelines.

In New Zealand, WSP sponsors the Papa Pounamu Whakatutukitanga Scholarship, which supports the participation of rangatahi (youngsters) within the planning profession. The program’s goal is to integrate Māori cultural values into planning processes throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. In addition, we actively work to grow the number of Māori professional planners.

Integrating indigenous values in our business

We believe that incorporating Indigenous knowledge and culture into the design of our projects helps to create strong and culturally respectful relationships. This, in turn, generates meaningful opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, businesses and communities across project lifecycles across diverse geographies. 

 

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanding peoples work with our Indigenous Specialist Services team in Australia to provide design input on major projects. Services include research and cultural protocols, ethical guidance, project-specific Reconciliation Action Plans, community consultation and stakeholder engagement. This pathway is increasingly used by our clients to connect Country with infrastructure projects. Examples include our work on the Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway, the Nielsen Park Master Plan, and the University of NSW Alumni Park.

In New Zealand, WSP’s Māori Business Service is focused on creating a future that is inclusive and grounded in the unique context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our strong relationships and understanding of Te Ao Māori drivers enable us to guide clients toward future-ready thinking.  

In Canada, WSP’s commitment to reconciliation includes enhancing our service offerings to better support Indigenous communities, groups, and businesses, as well as assisting clients who are looking to engage and collaborate with them. Visit our Indigenous Communities Services to learn more.

Projects with purpose

About the cover image

This painting is dedicated to the wetlands found around Brisbane and the greater Queensland area in Australia. Our wetlands and tropical rainforests are where our freshwater people belong. Water is essential for our lush tropical trees and vines, helps animals survive the heat and has long sustained our ancestors’ food sources. The energy of this area is expressed through the tracks and food sources. There is a spirit that even the sun cannot burn out. These ecosystems are vital for our future generations, and preserving the knowledge handed down from our elders is essential.  

This painting was inspired by the artist’s trips to Tamborine Mountain and her time swimming in her ancestors’ land. 


Ailsa Walsh Davidson, Lardil, Kulili, Yuggera Aboriginal tribal artist