EllisDon appoints Indigenous relations director

MISSISSAUGA, ONT.—Chris Reeves was recently appointed the new socio-economic development and Indigenous relations director at EllisDon.

The position is part of the company’s commitment to develop authentic relationships with Indigenous communities across Canada. In his new role, he will be responsible for enhancing, guiding and monitoring the company’s Indigenous Socio-Economic Framework to align the company’s work with Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, states a release. He will also collaborate with and mentor EllisDon project teams to promote greater participation of Indigenous communities in the company’s projects.

With over 15 years of experience working closely and in collaboration with various Indigenous communities, Reeves has helped to implement comprehensive benefit agreements with Indigenous groups across Canada. In his most recent role as a socio-economic development manager with the Government of Canada’s $1 billion Giant Mine Remediation Project in the Northwest Territories, he developed and led Indigenous socio-economic programs with Parson, New Gold and Canadian Zinc, adds the release.

“We strive to empower Indigenous peoples in the communities we build. Our priority is to have meaningful consultation and build respectful and authentic, long-lasting relationships with Indigenous peoples,” said David McFarlane, SVP, Western Canada at EllisDon, in a statement. “The appointment of Chris is part of that commitment as we hope to leverage his extensive personal and professional experience working with and alongside Indigenous groups to ensure that their participation is present in our projects.”