Truth and Reconciliation Strategy

Engineers and Geoscientists BC is developing a Truth and Reconciliation Strategy to uphold its responsibility to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. This work is guided by legislative requirements under the Professional Governance Act (PGA) and the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance (OSPG), and is further guided by reconciliation frameworks such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). These frameworks help inform our approach while recognizing that the broader legislative landscape continues to evolve. 

The work is grounded in a deep commitment to intentional listening, meaningful learning, and building respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities.

At its core, this initiative seeks to develop a comprehensive strategy that integrates reconciliation into all aspects of Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s operations, identifying and guiding initiatives in our role as both a regulator and employer. To ensure this work is grounded in cultural integrity, accountability, and care, Engineers and Geoscientists BC engaged Porttris Consulting Group, an Indigenous consulting firm, to guide the work. As part of the strategy development, we have completed an extensive consultation phase, actively engaging with Indigenous organizations, government bodies, industry partners, registrants, academia, other regulators, and associations.

Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Truth and Reconciliation Strategy will be shared with registrants after Board review and approval in Spring 2026.

Key Milestones

January 2025: Environmental Scan and Early Planning
Engineers and Geoscientist BC’s Truth and Reconciliation Strategy development commenced with a broad environmental scan to understand existing reconciliation strategies, best practices, and guidance across regulatory, academic, government, and industry sectors. This scan helped shape our engagement approach and identify areas of focus for consultation.

May – September 2025: Targeted Consultations Across Sectors
Led by Porttris Consulting Group, we engaged with over 130 individuals and 29 groups, which included the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Health Authority, and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.

October – November 2025: Board and Executive Consultation
The Board and Executive team were engaged in consultation discussions, and were provided with preliminary updates on consultation progress, emerging learnings, and overall process steps.

February 2026: Board review of strategy.

How We Engaged 

• Consultations with Indigenous organizations, industry partners, regulators, academia, and government
• Over 130 individuals and 29 groups engaged through interviews and working groups
• Environmental scan of best practices and strategies from across Canada
• Methodology centered on respectful, inclusive, and Indigenous-led approaches

What's Next 

• Sharing the learnings and strategy with the Board for approval
• Continue internal engagement with staff to support alignment and integration into work
• Intentionally phased approach to development of actionable steps for the Truth and Reconciliation Strategy, aligned with PGA and Strategic Plan
• Commitment to sharing learnings with those who generously contributed to this process, and to support boarder collective progress
• Ongoing relationship-building and adaptation as the strategy evolves