Ontario Construction News staff writer
Bird Construction will work with Marten Falls First Nation through the creation of Piinahzii Limited Partnership, a majority Indigenous-owned entity focused on advancing infrastructure development within the community and across the Marten Falls Traditional Territory.
The partnership establishes a long-term framework for collaborative project delivery aimed at supporting both immediate infrastructure needs and future economic development opportunities in the northern Ontario community.
Under the agreement, the parties will work together on planning, delivery and local participation for infrastructure initiatives, with an emphasis on aligning projects with community-defined priorities and values.
The collaboration also focuses on workforce readiness and local capacity building, reflecting a broader industry shift toward Indigenous participation in major infrastructure and development projects.
According to the partners, the initiative will support training, employment and subcontracting opportunities for Marten Falls members and Indigenous-owned businesses as projects move forward. The agreement is also intended to strengthen local project delivery capabilities and establish pathways for long-term community participation in construction and infrastructure development.
“For years we have worked diligently to advance our community priorities,” said Bruce Achneepineskum, Chief of Marten Falls First Nation. “This partnership supports our commitment to building community infrastructure while advancing community readiness priorities that help our community prepare for the opportunities ahead.
“We have always said that building infrastructure must go hand in hand with building our people, our businesses, and our capacity.”
According to Bird Construction, the partnership reflects its approach to establishing early engagement and long-term collaboration with Indigenous communities tied to major infrastructure and development initiatives.
“At Bird, we believe lasting partnerships start early, by listening, building trust, and investing in people,” said Teri McKibbon, president and CEO of Bird Construction Inc. “We value the opportunity to partner with Marten Falls First Nation on an important step for the community and its future.
“This partnership is about working collaboratively on community infrastructure while supporting readiness initiatives that build skills, experience, and local capacity.”
