At Smart Modular Canada, we’re always looking for ways to build stronger connections with communities, and meaningful engagement with First Nations. Our commitment to the prosperity of First Nation communities is essential to our business objectives and our promise to build with the community in mind. That is why this is not a policy; it is a belief.

It’s important that our approach to First Nation relations – whether recruiting candidates, supporting their career growth, or working alongside their communities and businesses. We consider the histories, cultures, and values of First Nations. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, so we craft a solution that fits the project and the community.

Successful First Nation partnerships are built on a foundation of mutual respect, common goals, opportunities for employment, and an understanding of the local community. Since 2008, we have been building partnerships that are focused on a lasting connection to deliver modular buildings with the local expertise of our partners.

Our concept of First Nation education and engagement works in partnership with regional communities to ensure apprentices and workers are supported and connected to their working environment – academically, culturally, and socially. We work closely with First Nation training agencies to tap into strengths and potential that have been previously overlooked.

We assist First Nation apprentices and workers in making the transition and adjustment to the challenges of work-life while creating an awareness and appreciation of culture and history in the greater community. Currently, we have approximately 15 members of our construction staff, including our construction supervisor, that are from First Nation communities around Northern Ontario.

We value the connection to the land of First Nation partners, and we are committed to building meaningful, long-term relationships with the communities in Ontario and beyond, with guidance from our First Nation guiding principles, of trust, respect, mutual benefits, and long-term meaningful relationships.

As part of our engagement strategy, Smart Modular Canada aims to create opportunities that are aligned with the aspirations of many of the people within the communities. Our First Nation relations focus areas include:

• Building relationships through engagement with the First Nation communities near our operating areas
• Creating partnerships to support investment in First Nation communities
• Supporting employment and training programs
• Facilitating First Nation economic engagement

In our experience, we have had the good fortune to work with several First Nation communities around Northern Ontario. Specifically, we have had successful business dealings with Constance Lake, Pic Mobert, Deer Lake, Summer Beaver (Nibinamik), Rainy River, Fort Severn, and Fort Hope (Eabametoong) in building community housing for members of their bands.