Case Study No.
Indigenous Relations Strategy
Client Industry
Engineering & Environmental
Case Studies
We are so grateful for our clients and respect their confidentiality, as such we express our portfolio of work through a series of case studies reflective of the work undertaken with our clients.
Develop a comprehensive multi-year Indigenous Relations strategy that reflects the client’s aspirations to engage with Indigenous partners. The client also requested support in building organizational capacity in Indigenous Relations through a custom online education module (Indigenous Foundations program) for it’s employees.
To develop an Indigenous Relations strategy, the Miikana team undertook an internal review of organizational policies and identified opportunities for improvement. We conducted consultations with Indigenous community leaders and businesses. We also facilitated consultations with the client’s partners, and internally with the client’s teams. A full scan of Indigenous communities was done and included recommendations for areas of partnerships.
The education module was developed using Wise Practices, and an ADDIE approach to program design. It was delivered as a customized, standalone, 1-hour long online education module for all employees, focusing on learning outcomes such as; Canada’s colonial history, residential schools, and the Indian Act. The module also touched on current terminology when speaking with or about Indigenous people.
The client received a multi-year indigenous Relations strategy that supports the achievement of business goals, and introduces new opportunities for partnership and growth. The project remains active and we are engaged with the client to further develop the action plan.
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Case Study No.
Project Development
Client Industry
Extractive Minerals
Develop a comprehensive program which supports the inclusion of Indigenous suppliers to actively participate in the contracting selection processes. The program also needed to focus on value creation for it’s local Indigenous partners by leveraging the supply chain. The program aims to increase social development in the local Indigenous communities through local social investments.
To develop this program extensive community feedback sessions were coordinated with Indigenous community leaders and local suppliers. The feedback helped shape a methodology to be included in the selection process for procurement contracts. The Miikana team helped develop the methodology while ensuring the feedback from Indigenous community members was reflected in the process.
The client can now benefit from a functional pilot program inclusive of communications materials, methodology, policies, and well defined operational structures. The client is now in a position to increase its pool of Indigenous suppliers while positively impacting local Indigenous communities through its supply chain.
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Case Study No.
Education and Cultural Training
Client Industry
Various Human Resource Departments
Develop a customized multi-modal training program for the Executives and Senior administrators to build knowledge and capacity in understanding Indigenous relations in Canada. Many organizations lack the historical context, terminology and understanding of bias to be able to develop and implement policies and practices that are inclusive for Indigenous people. Without inclusive policies and practices, Indigenous people will be far less likely to access, work for, work with and/or buy from these organizations.
Miikana, leveraging the principles of transformative education, has designed a three-phase program using an approach to Indigenous education that assists leaders, organizations and teams to engage with Indigenous peoples, communities and businesses. We use a skills-based approach in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism that align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action report. This program uses the Wise practices for program design and each session is delivered by our team of experienced facilitators.
Engagement with the client’s senior leadership team was a true success. The level of attention and participation was a sign of how this client was and still is committed to making progress towards reconciliation.
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Case Study No.
Best Practice Research
Client Industry
Post-Secondary Education
In stride with the development of an Indigenous student admission stream, the client contracted the team at Miikana to conduct an environmental scan regarding emerging and best practices related to Indigenous learner recruitment, outreach and promotion. In addition to the outreach research we were also contracted to uncover best practices pertaining to Indigenous student engagement and support programs.
To achieve the best possible results in gathering the required information a draft plan was shared with the client. The plan confirmed the scope of work and identified the regions and schools to be researched. This included over 40 post-secondary institutions in 4 countries. The research was summarized and presented to the client in a written report. The report was followed by a presentation on the findings which included recommendations for next steps.
The result of the environmental scan led to a series of recommendations of next steps to be reviewed by the client. As a result of the scan and recommendations the client is well positioned to begin planning their next Indigenous student intake.
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Case Study No.
Executive Cultural Training
Client Industry
Human Resource Management
Develop a customized multi-modal training program for the Executives and Senior administrators to build knowledge and capacity in understanding Indigenous relations in Canada. Many organizations lack the historical context, terminology and understanding of bias to be able to develop and implement policies and practices that are inclusive for Indigenous people. Without inclusive policies and practices, Indigenous people will be far less likely to access, work for, work with and/or buy from these organizations.
Miikana, leveraging the principles of transformative education, has designed a three-phase program using an approach to Indigenous education that assists leaders, organizations and teams to engage with Indigenous peoples, communities and businesses. We use a skills-based approach in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism that align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action report. This program uses the Wise practices for program design and each session is delivered by our team of experienced facilitators.
Engagement with the client’s senior leadership team was a true success. The level of attention and participation was a sign of how this client was and still is committed to making progress towards reconciliation.
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Case Study No.
Program Evaluation
Client Industry
Post-Secondary
Develop a comprehensive evaluation of the clients Indigenous student services department. This project must include feedback from students, staff, and other internal and community stakeholders. The review must be developed to coincide with the ministry reporting schedule while ensuring minimal impact on students and the department operations.
By meeting with the clients’ project leads, we developed an evaluation approach that included both Indigenous and Western forms of evaluation. The strategy included a wholistic approach to the evaluation to be conducted and engagement sessions. The second step focused more on Indigenous ways of connecting using sharing circles. The final step required our team to compile the knowledge and information acquired in a manner which resonated with the ministry while meeting the client’s needs.
The client received a comprehensive report outlining our methods to collect data and information. The report and final evaluation was shaped in a way to support and inform a longer-term strategic direction, service model and business plan for the department.n three steps. The first step was to gain perspectives of all stakeholders through multiple survey.
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We’ve been able to help our clients with projects that build capacity within their communities and organizations. With our support, our clients have enhanced their knowledge of Indigenous culture and increased their Indigenous relations strategies. Our cherished clients have given us the opportunity to work on a variety of projects in First Nation communities, organizations and political bodies. The depth, breadth, and scope of our client projects led us to support in both private and public sectors, while engaging in the areas of mining, economic development, education, health and research.
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