Alignment

Alignment begins before project definition.

UCREI treats First Nations engagement as an early development need, not a late-stage consultation step.

Corridor work begins by seeking to understand who may be affected, what rights and interests are engaged, and how the appropriate process should unfold.

 

WHAT WE MUST UNDERSTAND

Each corridor requires its own understanding of:

 

  • 01

    Potentially affected Nations

  • 02

    Rights and interests

  • 03

    Governance structures

  • 04

    Engagement protocols

  • 05

    Regional priorities

  • 06

    Community infrastructure needs

  • 07

    Economic priorities

  • 08

    Environmental concerns

  • 09

    Possible forms of participation

CORE PRINCIPLE

The right engagement, governance, and economic model must be shaped with the relevant Nations.

It cannot be set or standardized in advance by UCREI.

Municipal bridge and utility infrastructure beside a clear forested Ontario inlet

OUR WORKING APPROACH

UCREI seeks to:

  • Identify potentially affected Nations early

  • Learn the appropriate engagement process

  • Understand community priorities

  • Avoid assuming consent or support

  • Explore participation only where invited

  • Protect early and confidential discussions

  • Adapt to each corridor and community context

UCREI’s approach will continue to develop through direct relationships, informed guidance and corridor-specific experience.

Discuss an alignment pathway