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Contract Opportunity: Indigenous Monitoring Program Support

9 June 2021/IAMC-TMX/

Closing date: June 29, 2021

INTENT

The Indigenous Monitoring Subcommittee (IMSC) of the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and Existing Pipeline (IAMC-TMX) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from consultants who are qualified to provide technical support on Indigenous Monitoring as they relate to Indigenous priorities and interests and major resource development projects. In particular, the IMSC is looking for technical support in the development of an IM Program Manual.

The consultant will be responsible for developing the deliverables outlined below and providing technical advice and additional deliverables at request. The successful bidder(s) will be offered a contract to March 31, 2022 with possibility for extension subject to funding. Depending on the applications received, the contract may be split between several contractors with one serving as Project Manager. The consultant may be released from the contract without cause at any time.

The consultant may work remotely, though preference will be given to applicants residing in British Columbia or Alberta. Travel may be required under this contract and must be pre- approved. Travel costs may not exceed National Joint Council Rates.

It is expected that the successful bidder remain flexible in addressing deliverables-based deadlines for the duration of the contract.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a detailed technical proposal, including all the elements detailed below, to nrcan.tmxcommittee-comitetmx.rncan@canada.ca by June 29, 2021.

The technical proposal must include:

  1. An executive summary of approach to the proposed work, including which pieces of work the consultant intends to include as outlined below.
  2. Description of the consultant outlining experience working independently and/or collectively on similar projects, and a statement that the applicant has the qualifications, capacity and experience to carry out the work.
  3. Proposed approach/methodology for carrying out the deliverables described below. Consultants should also describe their approach to providing technical advice and support to the IMSC throughout the duration of the contract.
  4. Proposed work plan and level of effort (LoE) for completing the deliverables as well as a proposed work plan for the provision of technical advice and support to the IMSC on an ongoing basis. The latter will, in practice, be at the request of the IMSC.
  5. Proposed daily and hourly rates. If more than one consultant is being proposed please outline daily and hourly rates for each consultant and clearly outline how the work will be divided in the workplan. It is expected that one consultant will be the main point of contact for the IMSC.
  6. Disclosure of any current or past work experience (direct or indirect) with the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, Kinder Morgan, Trans Mountain Corporation, and/or its contractors.
  7. Portfolio of other work, as relevant.
  8. CV for each specialist named in the technical proposal, with proposed team lead and main contact with the IMSC identified.

Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent. An informal interview will be scheduled with shortlisted consultants. Consultants will additionally be asked to prepare a short presentation for the interview. References will be requested and checked for shortlisted consultants.

ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS ADVISORY AND MONITORING COMMITTEE (IAMC-TMX)

The Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) brings together 13 Indigenous and six senior federal representatives to provide advice to regulators, as well as to monitor the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and existing pipeline. The 13 Indigenous members represent the 129 Indigenous communities and regions along the route.

Members have shared goals of both the safety and protection of environmental and Indigenous interests regarding lands and waters. Read the Terms of Reference and find out more about the Committee at https://www.iamc.ca.

ABOUT THE IMSC and the IAMC – TMX IM Program

Since fall 2019, the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IMSC) for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (IAMC-TMX) has been implementing an Indigenous Monitoring (IM) Program to provide opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate in accompanying regulators in verifying Trans Mountain Corporation’s compliance with regulations.

The IM Program currently supports 44 Indigenous monitors from 21 Indigenous partner communities and organizations across the pipeline route to participate in oversight with federal regulators, including the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Parks Canada. Monitors work with federal staff to complete inspection reports that are publicly available on the IAMC website.

The Committee has the following priorities for the next year:

  1. Enable Indigenous participation in and integrate Indigenous knowledge, values, and perspectives into Federal oversight of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.
  2. Communicate and engage in two-way dialogue with all affected Indigenous communities to determine what is monitored and how impacts to rights and interests are mitigated.
  3. Increased capacity of Indigenous monitors to effectively and safely carry out their responsibilities and obtain long-term career benefits.
  4. Provide effective governance for the IM Program and opportunities to provide advice to regulators.

RESPONSIBILTIES

The position will report to the IMSC Chair and the IMSC Secretariat Lead. The IMSC Chair and the IMSC Secretariat Lead are responsible for co-managing the deliverables under this contract and will serve as the primary contacts of the contractor. All deliverables will be presented to the IMSC for input and feedback. Final approval on all deliverables must be received from the IMSC Chair.

The selected applicant will:

  • Provide strategic technical advice to the IMSC Chair and IMSC members as required. This may include:
    • Participating in IMSC and associated meetings as required. The IMSC meets twice a month for a total of 10 hours. Additional meetings may be called.
    • Regular check-in meetings with the IMSC Chair and/or Secretariat Lead, as required.
  • Support the development and updating of documents to create an IM Program Manual. Several guiding documents have been prepared for the program, while others need to be developed. There is the potential for the applicant to provide one or all of the following services:
    • Develop engagement procedures: create procedures for the IAMC IMs and other Indigenous communities that are not part of the IAMC-TMX IM Program to engage with one another.
    • Develop Elders Participation Protocol: work with IM Employers to develop Protocol for engaging Elders in Inspections.
    • Develop an Issues Management/Communications Protocol: Map out a process for identifying issues that arise through the IM Program, and how they are addressed, tracked and closed.
    • Develop a Regional Training Matrix: Create a regional approach to training required for IMs that takes into account potential opportunities for bridging to future opportunities.
    • ProjectManagement/Oversight:ManagetheDevelopmentoftheIMProgram Manual, including the above 4 tasks in addition to pulling together all existing guidance documents, ensuring that they are up to date and identifying any gaps that exist. Aiding in the development of these gaps to create a final IM Program Manual product.

Depending on the applicants that are received, the contract may be split between several consultants with one holding the overall Project Management/Oversight role.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal consultant will bring deep expertise in Indigenous Monitoring Programs. Preference will be given to consultants with experience in working with Indigenous communities and/or in natural resource development. Preference will be given to Indigenous owned companies.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following essential qualifications.

CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS

  • Proven experience in providing technical and/or operational support in Indigenous Monitoring or a similar field
  • Proven understanding of Indigenous issues related to natural resource development, including the integration and protection of Indigenous knowledge
  • Experience collaborating with diverse partners, including Indigenous communities, government departments, regulators, non-governmental organizations and/or industry
  • Experience in conducting desktop research, drafting technical reports and briefing notes, and synthesizing complex data
  • Experience and relationships in the natural resource industry in British Columbia and/or Alberta (e.g. oil and gas, forestry, or mining), particularly in relation to Indigenous Monitoring
  • Ability to visualize data and present information in an accessible manner
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage schedules and deliverables, to practice adaptive management, and to work towards tight deadlines

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Willing and able to be flexible in work schedules including evenings and weekends
  • Willing and able to travel within British Columbia and Alberta, subject to federal, provincial and community COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Depending on these regulations, there is the potential for in-person meetings.
  • Holds a valid driver license
  • Functional and competent in all relevant aspects of computer and software systems
  • Self-sufficient and functional for stand-alone service delivery with a home based office as needed

CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT SERVICES

  • Must carry General Liability Insurance Coverage 4
  • Possession of valid driver’s license

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

The successful consultant will be offered an initial contract to March 31, 2022. Travel costs may not exceed National Joint Council rates.

It is expected that the consultant remain flexible in addressing deliverables-based deadlines for the duration of the contract.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please send technical proposals and questions to: nrcan.tmxcommittee-comitetmx.rncan@canada.ca

IMSC-Technical-Support_2021June07 PDFDownload

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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - TMX

Community of Practice, March 2025 Salish Fire Keepers Leona Antoine taught us about the work of the Salish Fire Keepers Society. Cultural burning brings traditional knowledge into practice, supporting land stewardship, food security, and cultural revitalization efforts. By applying the teachings of the Four Food Chiefs- Salmon, Bear, Bitterroot, and Saskatoon- along with other traditional knowledge, Leona and the Salish Fire Keepers are enhancing Indigenous values while protecting the land. Chief Marcel Shackelly pointed out how cultural burning can be effective in wildfire prevention and soil retention practices, showing how we can connect these ideas to the work of Indigenous monitoring and emergency management. “The Huckleberry Women and Grizzly Men recognized a lack of fire on the land. Decolonizing requires ceremony and traditional governance.” -Leona Antoine

Community of Practice, March 2025 Salish Fire Keepers Leona Antoine taught us about the work of the Salish Fire Keepers Society. Cultural burning brings traditional knowledge into practice, supporting land stewardship, food security, and cultural revitalization efforts. By applying the teachings of the Four Food Chiefs- Salmon, Bear, Bitterroot, and Saskatoon- along with other traditional knowledge, Leona and the Salish Fire Keepers are enhancing Indigenous values while protecting the land. Chief Marcel Shackelly pointed out how cultural burning can be effective in wildfire prevention and soil retention practices, showing how we can connect these ideas to the work of Indigenous monitoring and emergency management. “The Huckleberry Women and Grizzly Men recognized a lack of fire on the land. Decolonizing requires ceremony and traditional governance.” -Leona Antoine
Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - TMX

Community of Practice, March 2025 Group Discussions Throughout the day, we broke into smaller groups to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and priorities for Indigenous Monitors today and into the future. We brainstormed practices, resources, and strategies to support and further this work, which is often but one of many responsibilities for monitors in service to their communities. We examined how Indigenous Monitoring will enable the development of Indigenous Regulator Official roles as part of the evolving Regulatory landscape.

Community of Practice, March 2025 Group Discussions Throughout the day, we broke into smaller groups to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and priorities for Indigenous Monitors today and into the future. We brainstormed practices, resources, and strategies to support and further this work, which is often but one of many responsibilities for monitors in service to their communities. We examined how Indigenous Monitoring will enable the development of Indigenous Regulator Official roles as part of the evolving Regulatory landscape.
Community of Practice, March 2025 Group Discussions Throughout the day, we broke into smaller groups to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and priorities for Indigenous Monitors today and into the future. We brainstormed practices, resources, and strategies to support and further this work, which is often but one of many responsibilities for monitors in service to their communities. We examined how Indigenous Monitoring will enable the development of Indigenous Regulator Official roles as part of the evolving Regulatory landscape.
Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - TMX

Community of Practice, March 2025 Evening Reception & Cultural Experiences After getting to know each other over a wonderful dinner, we were welcomed to the Museum of Anthropology by Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) who taught us about the local lands and history and presented us with a fine performance of cultural singing and dances. Surrounded by Coastal First Nation heraldic poles and carvings, George Desjarlais amazed us in his portable Newayak Kisikohk planetarium. George shared Cree teachings and mythology of the night sky. George uses skillful storytelling and includes adventures and lessons from his personal journey, delivering a truly unique and moving experience. Thank you, George!

Community of Practice, March 2025 Evening Reception & Cultural Experiences After getting to know each other over a wonderful dinner, we were welcomed to the Museum of Anthropology by Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) who taught us about the local lands and history and presented us with a fine performance of cultural singing and dances. Surrounded by Coastal First Nation heraldic poles and carvings, George Desjarlais amazed us in his portable Newayak Kisikohk planetarium. George shared Cree teachings and mythology of the night sky. George uses skillful storytelling and includes adventures and lessons from his personal journey, delivering a truly unique and moving experience. Thank you, George!
Community of Practice, March 2025 Evening Reception & Cultural Experiences After getting to know each other over a wonderful dinner, we were welcomed to the Museum of Anthropology by Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) who taught us about the local lands and history and presented us with a fine performance of cultural singing and dances. Surrounded by Coastal First Nation heraldic poles and carvings, George Desjarlais amazed us in his portable Newayak Kisikohk planetarium. George shared Cree teachings and mythology of the night sky. George uses skillful storytelling and includes adventures and lessons from his personal journey, delivering a truly unique and moving experience. Thank you, George! Community of Practice, March 2025 Evening Reception & Cultural Experiences After getting to know each other over a wonderful dinner, we were welcomed to the Museum of Anthropology by Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) who taught us about the local lands and history and presented us with a fine performance of cultural singing and dances. Surrounded by Coastal First Nation heraldic poles and carvings, George Desjarlais amazed us in his portable Newayak Kisikohk planetarium. George shared Cree teachings and mythology of the night sky. George uses skillful storytelling and includes adventures and lessons from his personal journey, delivering a truly unique and moving experience. Thank you, George! Community of Practice, March 2025 Evening Reception & Cultural Experiences After getting to know each other over a wonderful dinner, we were welcomed to the Museum of Anthropology by Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) who taught us about the local lands and history and presented us with a fine performance of cultural singing and dances. Surrounded by Coastal First Nation heraldic poles and carvings, George Desjarlais amazed us in his portable Newayak Kisikohk planetarium. George shared Cree teachings and mythology of the night sky. George uses skillful storytelling and includes adventures and lessons from his personal journey, delivering a truly unique and moving experience. Thank you, George!
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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - TMX

Community of Practice, March 2025 Lahal & Dancing Thank you to Tommy Brown for teaching us to play Lahal! We had several fun and exciting rounds of this traditional game. Cree Elder Ken White told us of variations on the rules which was a good reminder of the richness that occurs when we share culture embodying both commonality and uniqueness. Next was a cultural dance, which everyone enjoyed, accompanied by Tommy’s beautiful singing and drumming. It was great to wrap up our day of learning together in a good way.

Community of Practice, March 2025 Lahal & Dancing Thank you to Tommy Brown for teaching us to play Lahal! We had several fun and exciting rounds of this traditional game. Cree Elder Ken White told us of variations on the rules which was a good reminder of the richness that occurs when we share culture embodying both commonality and uniqueness. Next was a cultural dance, which everyone enjoyed, accompanied by Tommy’s beautiful singing and drumming. It was great to wrap up our day of learning together in a good way.
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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - TMX

Wise Practices Gathering On March 13 & 14, 2025, the IAMC-TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC) and Marine Shipping Subcommittee (MSSC) hosted a Wise Practices gathering in lək̓ʷəŋən territory (Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations). Wise Practices is an approach to change that understands the need to look back in order to move forward in a good way, recognizing the wisdom of Indigenous Nations and communities and their own stories of achieving success. The recent Wise Practices gathering was an opportunity to focus much-needed attention on the perspective of marine communities regarding the safety and security of Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender Diverse and Two-Spirit people in the context of TMX and other marine traffic. The event, attended by First Nation leaders, Elders and advocates, provided opportunities to learn about the work of the Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development, and to hear directly from communities regarding their concerns in the marine space. The event included a sharing circle and various cultural ceremonies, including to honour those who remain missing but are not forgotten. The SESC and MSSC understand that more needs to be done to identify and address systemic race- and gender-based violence linked to resource development. At the forefront of the Wise Practices gathering in lək̓ʷəŋən territory is the development and implementation of a plan related to Canada’s commitment to the five Calls for Justice focused on the resource sector (13.1-13.5), as identified in the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan (2023). This work will involve deepening an understanding of issues associated with human and sex trafficking in the marine space and strengthening collaboration with NRCan and relevant regulators. We sincerely thank all participants who joined us earlier this month and look forward to continuing to advance this work together moving forward.

Wise Practices Gathering On March 13 & 14, 2025, the IAMC-TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC) and Marine Shipping Subcommittee (MSSC) hosted a Wise Practices gathering in lək̓ʷəŋən territory (Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations). Wise Practices is an approach to change that understands the need to look back in order to move forward in a good way, recognizing the wisdom of Indigenous Nations and communities and their own stories of achieving success. The recent Wise Practices gathering was an opportunity to focus much-needed attention on the perspective of marine communities regarding the safety and security of Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender Diverse and Two-Spirit people in the context of TMX and other marine traffic. The event, attended by First Nation leaders, Elders and advocates, provided opportunities to learn about the work of the Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development, and to hear directly from communities regarding their concerns in the marine space. The event included a sharing circle and various cultural ceremonies, including to honour those who remain missing but are not forgotten. The SESC and MSSC understand that more needs to be done to identify and address systemic race- and gender-based violence linked to resource development. At the forefront of the Wise Practices gathering in lək̓ʷəŋən territory is the development and implementation of a plan related to Canada’s commitment to the five Calls for Justice focused on the resource sector (13.1-13.5), as identified in the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan (2023). This work will involve deepening an understanding of issues associated with human and sex trafficking in the marine space and strengthening collaboration with NRCan and relevant regulators. We sincerely thank all participants who joined us earlier this month and look forward to continuing to advance this work together moving forward.
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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - TMX

Community of Practice, March 2025 Decolonizing Master Guardian Designation Charlene Everson, Cultural Capacity Coordinator for Na̱nwaḵolas Council, shared with us her work developing a new and unique stewardship designation. Working with community knowledge keepers, Charlene studies and applies traditional laws and values as a lens to craft the technical, regulatory, and environmental frameworks of Na̲nwak̲olas’ guardianship efforts. Their precise focus on Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw culture yields specific and distinct guardianship approaches, tailored to meet the needs of Na̱nwaḵolas’ member nations. “We’re building beautiful relationships with the federal government. It’s not easy. Sometimes it’s very hard. But we’re doing it. Nobody is going to come up with an Indigenous research framework but us. Our ways. Our laws. ” -Charlene Everson

Community of Practice, March 2025 Decolonizing Master Guardian Designation Charlene Everson, Cultural Capacity Coordinator for Na̱nwaḵolas Council, shared with us her work developing a new and unique stewardship designation. Working with community knowledge keepers, Charlene studies and applies traditional laws and values as a lens to craft the technical, regulatory, and environmental frameworks of Na̲nwak̲olas’ guardianship efforts. Their precise focus on Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw culture yields specific and distinct guardianship approaches, tailored to meet the needs of Na̱nwaḵolas’ member nations. “We’re building beautiful relationships with the federal government. It’s not easy. Sometimes it’s very hard. But we’re doing it. Nobody is going to come up with an Indigenous research framework but us. Our ways. Our laws. ” -Charlene Everson
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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - TMX

IAMC is sponsoring Spill Response Due Diligence Training this Friday, March 28th, in Hope, BC. Eligible participants: ✔Communities along the TMX Date: Fri, March 28th Time: 9am – 5:30pm PDT Location: Hope, BC Contact: info@iamc.ca Course Description: Spill Response – Due Diligence is an applied, field-based course focusing on coastal, inland and freshwater applications and conditions and provides course participants with the skills, knowledge and abilities to confidently and effectively prevent and, if needed, respond to and manage a potential spill on a job site.

IAMC is sponsoring Spill Response Due Diligence Training this Friday, March 28th, in Hope, BC. Eligible participants: ✔Communities along the TMX Date: Fri, March 28th Time: 9am – 5:30pm PDT Location: Hope, BC Contact: info@iamc.ca Course Description: Spill Response – Due Diligence is an applied, field-based course focusing on coastal, inland and freshwater applications and conditions and provides course participants with the skills, knowledge and abilities to confidently and effectively prevent and, if needed, respond to and manage a potential spill on a job site.
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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - TMX

Swiftwater Safety Awareness Online Training This self-paced online course is the first step in safety and rescue training for Indigenous Monitors near Swiftwater environments. It covers river dynamics, basic equipment needs, safety protocols, rescue applications, and more. Completion of this course is required before taking the Swiftwater Safety Rescue Courses. Eligible participants: ✔Indigenous Monitors Register by March 31, 2025, for this self-paced online course. Contact info@iamc.ca.

Swiftwater Safety Awareness Online Training This self-paced online course is the first step in safety and rescue training for Indigenous Monitors near Swiftwater environments. It covers river dynamics, basic equipment needs, safety protocols, rescue applications, and more. Completion of this course is required before taking the Swiftwater Safety Rescue Courses. Eligible participants: ✔Indigenous Monitors Register by March 31, 2025, for this self-paced online course. Contact info@iamc.ca.
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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - TMX

Community of Practice Gathering Elders Lorraine White, Ken White, and Dolly Thomas shared their wisdom and experiences to help guide and inform the work of Indigenous Monitors and the IMSC. “You wonder why I’m talking about this. Like our experiences in Indian Residential Schools, the beating of the land does harm and makes it difficult to heal. We need to care about the land more than we care about the money... Being a Bear Watcher was both a gift and a responsibility. The animals, water, land, and plants feed, clothe, and shelter us and provide us with vital medicines. As monitors, this is now your opportunity to protect and care for our lands and waters.” Elder Dolly Thomas “That’s the way I lived. With ceremony and our language. It was a beautiful life... We were taught out there to honour the land. Ceremony cannot happen without the land. Aski. Land.” Elder Lorraine White “I worked on the pipeline for many years. We had to record all the plants and medicines that would be destroyed in a 50-meter span. Do we have enough in the rest of the country? At home we have medicines in abundance. We go out and pick as much as we need. Never pick too much.” Elder Ken White

Community of Practice Gathering Elders Lorraine White, Ken White, and Dolly Thomas shared their wisdom and experiences to help guide and inform the work of Indigenous Monitors and the IMSC. “You wonder why I’m talking about this. Like our experiences in Indian Residential Schools, the beating of the land does harm and makes it difficult to heal. We need to care about the land more than we care about the money... Being a Bear Watcher was both a gift and a responsibility. The animals, water, land, and plants feed, clothe, and shelter us and provide us with vital medicines. As monitors, this is now your opportunity to protect and care for our lands and waters.” Elder Dolly Thomas “That’s the way I lived. With ceremony and our language. It was a beautiful life... We were taught out there to honour the land. Ceremony cannot happen without the land. Aski. Land.” Elder Lorraine White “I worked on the pipeline for many years. We had to record all the plants and medicines that would be destroyed in a 50-meter span. Do we have enough in the rest of the country? At home we have medicines in abundance. We go out and pick as much as we need. Never pick too much.” Elder Ken White

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