Indigenous Consulting Services

Arcus is deeply committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and adhering to the First Nations principles of OCAP™ (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession).
Culturally-Responsive Indigenous Evaluations

Over the past 20 years, we have collaborated on more than 150 projects, including program evaluations, feasibility studies, business plans, strategic plans, and economic development strategies. Our approach is participatory and culturally responsive, integrating strength-based methodologies and fostering cultural safety and humility.

Indigenous consulting services

The demand for Indigenous consulting services in Canada reflects the need for expertise in navigating relationships between Indigenous communities, government, and private sectors. Below are top Indigenous consulting services to consider offering in Canada:

1. Community Engagement and Consultation
  • Services: Design and execution of community consultations, public meetings, and workshops to gather input from Indigenous stakeholders.
  • Importance: Ensures alignment with the community’s needs and respects Indigenous voices in decision-making processes.
2. Cultural Competency Training
  • Services: Workshops and training sessions for corporations, public servants, and educators to understand Indigenous history, rights, and reconciliation.
  • Importance: Promotes cultural awareness and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
3. Economic Development and Business Planning
  • Services: Developing feasibility studies, strategic business plans, and economic frameworks for Indigenous businesses and organizations.
  • Importance: Builds sustainable economic opportunities while fostering community empowerment.
4. Environmental and Cultural Resource Management
  • Services: Conducting environmental assessments, cultural impact studies, and resource management planning.
  • Importance: Protects Indigenous land rights and cultural heritage while meeting regulatory requirements.
5. Indigenous Governance and Policy Development
  • Services: Advising on governance structures, self-determination initiatives, and policy development.
  • Importance: Strengthens Indigenous autonomy and decision-making capacities.
6. Reconciliation Strategy Development
  • Services: Assisting organizations in creating actionable reconciliation strategies and partnerships with Indigenous communities.
  • Importance: Fosters long-term, meaningful relationships and fulfills corporate social responsibility.
7. Education and Training Development
  • Services: Designing culturally relevant curriculums, e-learning programs, and workforce training.
  • Importance: Supports Indigenous education initiatives and enhances skills in diverse sectors.
8. Employment and Workforce Inclusion
  • Services: Talent acquisition, inclusion programs, and career development for Indigenous employees.
  • Importance: Promotes workplace diversity and supports Indigenous participation in the economy.
9. Infrastructure and Housing Consulting
  • Services: Planning and managing housing projects, infrastructure development, and access to clean water.
  • Importance: Addresses pressing needs in Indigenous communities while leveraging funding opportunities.
10. Legal and Rights Advocacy
  • Services: Offering advice on land claims, treaty negotiations, and human rights advocacy.
  • Importance: Ensures Indigenous communities are equipped to assert their rights and interests effectively.
11. Data Sovereignty and Technology Integration
  • Services: Developing Indigenous data governance frameworks and integrating technology into community initiatives.
  • Importance: Aligns with the OCAP™ principles (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) and modernizes operations.
12. Health and Wellness Consulting
  • Services: Creating health programs, addressing mental health needs, and supporting traditional healing practices.
  • Importance: Improves community well-being by blending modern healthcare with traditional knowledge.

These services align with the principles of reconciliation and the growing demand for expertise that respects Indigenous rights, culture, and aspirations. Would you like more details about any of these services? Contact us.

Read more about Arcus’s Indigenous Benefits consulting Services.

Comprehensive list of services

Arcus offers a comprehensive range of services to support organizations, communities, and governments. Here’s a consolidated list of these services:

  • Community Relations and Engagement: Facilitating meaningful interactions and building relationships between organizations and Indigenous communities.
  • Strategic Planning and Advisory Services: Assisting in the development of long-term strategies that incorporate Indigenous perspectives.
  • Leadership Development and Training: Offering programs to cultivate leadership skills within Indigenous contexts.
  • Workforce Development and Talent Management: Implementing strategies to enhance Indigenous participation in the workforce, including recruitment and retention.
  • Supply Chain and Business Development: Integrating Indigenous businesses into supply chains and supporting the growth of Indigenous enterprises.
  • Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Advisory: Providing guidance on sustainable practices and ESG considerations from an Indigenous perspective.
  • Reconciliation Action Plans and Assessments: Developing strategies aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to advance reconciliation efforts.
  • Program Design, Review, and Management: Creating and overseeing programs that address specific community needs.
  • Governance Support: Assisting in the establishment and improvement of governance structures within Indigenous organizations.
  • Technology Integration: Implementing technological solutions to meet organizational needs.
  • Environmental and Geomatics Services: Conducting studies and providing expertise in environmental research and geomatics.
  • Indigenous Knowledge and Socio-Economic Research: Documenting traditional knowledge and analyzing social and economic factors affecting Indigenous communities.
  • Environmental Assessment and Ecology Services: Evaluating environmental impacts on Indigenous lands and offering ecological assessments.
  • Negotiations and Mapping Services: Assisting in negotiations involving Indigenous rights and interests, and providing mapping services to support land use planning.
  • Indigenous Awareness Training: Educating organizations on Indigenous cultures and histories.
  • Duty to Consult Services: Assisting organizations in fulfilling their consultation obligations with Indigenous groups.
  • Community Energy Planning and Climate Change Adaptation: Assisting communities in developing sustainable energy plans and strategies to adapt to climate change impacts.
  • Housing, Infrastructure, and Food Security Services: Supporting the development of housing and infrastructure projects, and promoting initiatives to ensure food security and sustainability in Indigenous communities.

These services exemplify the diverse expertise available within Indigenous consulting firms across Canada, each contributing uniquely to the advancement and empowerment of Indigenous communities and organizations.

Service coverage

The variety, breadth, and depth of the projects where Arcus can be a resource are made unique by each client’s specific needs. By providing a very small sample of projects we’ve completed, we can help you understand how and when to use our services. Visit the links below to find out more about a specific problem or opportunity you would like to address.

Below is a sample of the range of services that Arcus has provided to clients.

  • A survey of 2,350 consumers and 1,320 business leaders for feedback on sustainability trends
  • Architecting a multi-year change strategy for a Fortune 500 company
  • Mentoring a CEO on organizational change
  • Excellence transformation of a leading B2B services company
  • Creating a new sales deployment model for a healthcare company
  • Developing a position evaluation and compensation model for a professional medical association   
  • Improving services to customer segments by deepening their understanding of customer attitudes

“Arcus manages to consistently deliver tangible results on market research and strategy projects. They combine deep business expertise, powerful research capabilities, and innovative thinking to deliver substantial value.”

– Vice President, Nikon

Media Coverage

Arcus has been quoted extensively in media on a range of topics and can offer research studies, insights and ideas. Here are some examples from the Globe and Mail, CTV, Global TV and others.