Updates

Latest Updates and News

Deer-01

Contract Opportunity: Indigenous Monitoring Program Support

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

Posted in

IAMC-TMX

Facebook

Honouring the Roots of Indigenous Oversight This National Indigenous History Month, we reflect on the powerful origins of the IAMC-TMX. It began in 2017 with a letter to the Prime Minister — a call from leaders Chief Ernie Crey and Chief Aaron Sumexheltza to create a new model of Indigenous-led oversight. Today, that vision endures through our subcommittees, our Indigenous Monitors, our partnerships with regulators, and our ongoing commitment to protecting lands, waters, and communities. We honour those who stood up, spoke out, and continue to lead the way. Learn more: www.iamc.ca Photo credit: Mary Fowles

7

We’re Making History — Together This National Indigenous History Month, the IAMC proudly celebrates the transformative work of our Indigenous Monitors Program — a program built by Indigenous People, for Indigenous oversight. Since 2019, Indigenous Monitors from communities along the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) have been exercising their rights and responsibilities to protect the lands, waters, and sacred places along the route. Our Monitors bring Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, and law to their roles, working towards development done with respect, accountability, and care. The Indigenous Monitoring program is the first of its kind, not only in Canada but also globally. This is not just monitoring. This is Indigenous leadership in action. This is reconciliation in practice. This is history — and we are honoured to be making it together. Photo credits: Mary Fowles and Earl Belcourt

8

Request for Proposal The IAMC-TMX is requesting proposals for conference meeting facilitator services for our Line Wide Gathering 2025. For more information, please visit www.iamc.ca/request-for-proposal-conferenece-meeting-facilitator-services-for-iamc-tmx-line-wide-gathering-2025/.

2

Request for Proposal The IAMC-TMX is seeking proposals for the administration of the selection process for the Alberta Métis representative to the IAMC-TMX Indigenous Caucus. Proposals must be submitted by June 16, 2025. For more information, please visit www.iamc.ca/request-for-proposal-administration-of-the-selection-process-for-the-alberta-metis-representative-to-the-iamc-tmx-indigenous-caucus/

Contract Opportunity: Socioeconomic Program Manager The IAMC-TMX is seeking a dedicated resource to support the work of the Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC). This is a contract position. For more information, please visit www.iamc.ca/contract-opportunity-socio-economic-program-manager/

On May 05, also known as Red Dress Day, the IAMC-TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee calls on all levels of government to enhance their efforts to address ongoing issues regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people (MMIWG2S). MMIWG2S+ is an ongoing, serious problem in Canada. The IAMC-TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee is committed to advancing work focused on ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, including through practical collaborations and working in partnership with the governments and other organizations. Today, on Red Dress Day, we encourage Canadians to wear red in remembrance and honour of those who have been wrongfully taken and as a sign of support for the families and communities continuing to seek justice for the loss of their loves ones. Now is a time to deepen learning about MMIWG2S+ and join in advocacy efforts calling for more to be done to ensure justice for families and communities who have lost loved ones, and to work towards a future where everyone can be safe. About Red Dress Day Red Dress Day stems from a project initiated by the Métis artist Jaime Black who hung up red dresses as a way to represent missing and murdered women. Over time, the red dresses have come to be iconic of this very important day.

3

Community of Practice, March 2025 A Hopeful Future: Indigenous Impact Assessment “There’s something to be said about Indigenous site selection; what’s good on the land and what isn’t”. While sharing his presentation on Indigenous Impact Assessment, Martin Whitney explored many challenges and opportunities. An overreliance on proponent-led impact assessments enables government and industry to “shop around” for preferred third-party assessments, leading to pre-determination and failing to adequately consider Indigenous interests. “That’s a dangerous place to be: praising a proponent with a limited or incomplete picture or understanding of the data of these issues.” Martin also described the government’s tendency to homogenize its approach. “Indigenous can be too broad. Too ‘pan’. We need to see a Stó꞉lō impact assessment. A Secwépemc impact assessment. These will be very specific to their communities and lands.”

5

Community of Practice, March 2025 National Indigenous Monitors Framework Kristina Zoller shared updates from the Canada Energy Regulator’s ongoing efforts to develop a National Indigenous Monitors Framework. This work will help increase regulatory transparency and communications and increase confidence for Indigenous communities. Richard Aisaican, the Indigenous co-chair for Line 3 IAMC, spoke of the importance of this work: “We are only allowed on the land to perform monitoring and compliance activities under the umbrella of the CER. We talk to municipalities, but they don’t really want us there. This framework can tighten up questions of Métis involvement, deviations, private land ownership issues, and more. It’s important work.” Participants raised the challenge of how the CER’s purview doesn’t extend to the marine space. Kristina expressed an openness to working in collaboration with marine Indigenous communities and other regulators, such as the DFO. “We don’t need to continue on with these silos for the sake of ease of administration.” -Kristina Zoller

1
1 Comments

Community of Practice, March 2025 Thinking Tómiyew Would our ancestors 7 generations ago have considered the decisions we’re making today as honourable and good? Will our descendants 7 generations from now approve? Keith Carlson, Professor of History from the University of the Fraser Valley posed these questions during his illuminating presentation on the history of colonialism in Canada. We covered topics such as manifest destiny, privilege, whiteness, and the racist canards used to justify and advance settler colonialism. What made Dr. Carlson’s presentation unique was the principle that “meaning precedes experience.” In other words, it is vital to examine history from Indigenous cultural framings rather than only from the dominant Western perspective. In discussion, Indigenous leaders in the room were able to relate historical colonial practices to ongoing challenges they experience today.

4
2 Comments

Newsletter Subscription

If you would like to receive email notifications of the latest IAMC-TMX news updates, please sign up to our subscription service.