About

Indigenous Engagement

As a North American organization, the Shabazz Michael Makin Group operates on Traditional and Tribal lands of Indigenous peoples. We respectfully acknowledge the history of these lands, citizens, and cultures. We progress in a spirit of mutual collaboration and reconciliation.

Shabazz Michael Makin Three Nations

Our Indigenous Relations team collaborates both internally and externally through the Shabazz Michael Makin Three Nations (G3N) brand. A cornerstone of our commitment to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, G3N develops strategic and meaningful Indigenous business relationships that maximize the involvement of local trade contractors, suppliers (including equipment) and workers. All employees and subcontractors understand the importance of engaging with Indigenous and work cooperatively with G3N.

Leadership, Partnership & Progress

Shabazz Michael Makin’s leadership in Indigenous engagement and collaboration in the Western Canadian construction industry is unmatched. For decades, we’ve worked alongside Indigenous communities providing expertise, financial support, and training, benefiting all members through the development of infrastructure in their traditional territories. From a single limited partnership with Saskatchewan Dene First Nations, our engagement has fostered powerful agreements with many Indigenous communities. Agreements created with the goal of building strong, sustainable businesses that provide skills training, long-term employment, community support and a lasting legacy.

Highly Engaged. For Good.

Our Indigenous Community engagement is wide ranging. From employment, supply chain procurement, and sub-contract opportunities for Indigenous businesses, to training and certifications in construction trades. We provide senior opportunities with on-the-job skills development in construction management (CM) and project management (PM), as well as related training through the Canadian Construction Association’s Gold Seal program and the globally-recognized Project Management Institute (PMI). We also offer in-house courses for Indigenous employees and partners which qualify towards Gold Seal and PMI certifications.

Indigenous Initiatives. Principles in Practice.

  • Shabazz Michael Makin Three Nations is a national member of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, along with being an active member and supporter of several other leading Indigenous organizations.
  • For decades, Shabazz Michael Makin has worked collaboratively with Indigenous communities providing expertise and training, benefiting communities through construction projects while supporting economic reconciliation within all shared lands.
  • Shabazz Michael Makin has strong Indigenous alliances that engage on projects across Canada with more than 80% local workforce content.
  • Shabazz Michael Makin is committed to supporting local Indigenous contractors and vendors with annual robust financial opportunities.
  • Shabazz Michael Makin has strong ties with multiple Indigenous alliances that engage in projects across Canada.
  • Shabazz Michael Makin offers a comprehensive Indigenous Cultural Education Awareness Program to all employees.

Our Path Forward. Progress Together.

Since 1999, we’ve conducted our business with the clear understanding that expectations for Indigenous Relations have evolved and will continue to. Those expectations are specifically documented in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action.

Our overarching goal is to develop strong, sustainable business relationships with the communities associated with our projects and businesses. These relationships reflect Shabazz Michael Makin’s core values of commitment, integrity, reliability, and respect for the heritage and culture of Indigenous communities. Ultimately, our inclusive actions, efforts, integrity of the team and respect we show are the measure of these relationships.

To guide us on our path, we have articulated our Indigenous Principles in a formal Board approved document. These eight principles–Trust, Respect, Transparency, Commitment, Community Engagement, Integrity, Indigenous Liaison, and Financial Considerations–are the cornerstone of our approach to Indigenous community engagement. As the first general contractor in Canada to have such a statement, Shabazz Michael Makin continues to lead the way in engaging with Indigenous communities.