We help companies and communities build solid, lasting, productive partnerships that drive equitable opportunities and shared success.

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What is Innovative Relations?

Innovative Relations connects communities, businesses, and governments using fresh, creative strategies that build trust and teamwork.

We use new processes and methods to develop solutions that fit everyone’s needs. This leads to lasting partnerships based on understanding and good communication. Our approach adapts to the changing ways people communicate and work together.

By using advanced technology and creativity, organizations can strengthen their relationships, leading to shared success. Whether in business, community, or government, our strategies focus on building trust, respect, and mutual benefit.

KEYS TO THIS APPROACH

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY AND INCLUSIVITY

We work closely with communities to ensure that our engagement strategies honour their unique values and traditions. By integrating cultural perspectives with contemporary business practices, we help create solutions that are relevant and respectful. This means we prioritize:

  • Diverse Representation: We ensure diverse voices and perspectives are included in decision-making processes and on-the-ground implementation
  • Cultural Competence: We understand and respect cultural differences and use this understanding to help those around us grow
  • Inclusive Practices: We create safe environments where employees, partners, communities, rightsholders, and stakeholders feel valued and respected

EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION

We believe the best solutions come from working together. That’s why we involve communities in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. This collaborative approach leads to partnerships that are equitable, inclusive, and focused on shared success. For us, effective collaboration looks like:

  • Co-creation: We involve all parties involved in the creation of policies, plans, and processes to ensure everyone’s needs and perspectives are integrated
  • Partnerships: We build strategic alliances with other organizations, communities, and sectors to leverage complementary strengths and resources
  • Network Building: We establish and nurture networks of relationships that can provide support, resources, and further opportunities for shared success

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE

At DHIR, we’re committed to building relationships that go beyond immediate projects. Our focus is on creating enduring partnerships through ongoing dialogue, trust, and a shared commitment to growth and prosperity. This means we center:

  • Transparency: We maintain open and honest communication both internally and externally
  • Accountability: We evaluate potential actions to ensure they align with our values and commitments, and hold ourselves accountable for outcomes
  • Long-term Focus: We prioritize plans and processes that can be maintained longterm and will result in net benefits, both for humans and the environment that sustains us

ADAPTIVITY AND FLEXIBILITY

We understand that each community is unique, and so are its challenges. That’s why we continuously evolve our engagement strategies to meet the changing needs of communities, ensuring our approach is always relevant and effective.

EMPOWERMENT AND MUTUAL BENEFIT

Our goal is to empower communities by fostering opportunities that enhance their economic, educational, and social well-being. We ensure that every partnership is built on mutual respect and creates real value for everyone involved.

At DHIR, we lead with empathy, humility, and a continuous drive to innovate. As we expand our reach beyond Indigenous relations, we apply these same principles to build strong, equitable partnerships with all communities. We believe that innovative relations is key to creating a compassionate, connected future where both businesses and communities thrive together.

How can we help you?

With over 40 years of combined community and Indigenous Relations consulting experience, we are uniquely positioned to help your organization build sustainable, respectful partnerships. Our first-hand experience in environmental consulting and the energy and construction sector equips us with a deep understanding of industry challenges and community needs.

Our diverse team—representing various age groups, genders, and ethnicities (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) brings a wide range of perspectives, ensuring we bring adaptive solutions tailored to your specific goals.

Our services are organized into four primary pillars: Indigenous Relations, Education and Awareness, Community Engagement, and Social Impact. Whether your project is based in Canada or the US, we offer a holistic approach that integrates local community needs and Indigenous perspectives into your business strategies, providing a one-stop solution for your community engagement and social impact needs.

Indigenous & Native American Relations

Local and Diverse Community Engagement

Education and Awareness

Social Impact

About Us

At DHIR, we embody a proactive ‘roll up your sleeves and let’s get to work’ attitude. Specializing initially in partnering closely with Indigenous communities and organizations across the country, we’ve honed our skills in developing, leading, and managing Indigenous engagement strategies that foster reconciliation.

Our expertise in making genuine connections with diverse stakeholders consistently advances our clients’ engagement goals.

Beyond our established focus, we are expanding our reach to encompass a broader spectrum of local communities. We recognize the importance of innovative relations in today’s interconnected world. We assist companies in not only building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities but also in adopting new approaches that resonate with diverse local groups.

Our approach includes introducing clients to communities we’ve already partnered with while identifying and connecting them with new communities of interest within their operational areas.

What sets us apart is our commitment to balancing the interests of all parties involved—our clients and the communities they engage with. This approach has earned us a solid reputation among businesses and communities alike.

We’re known for our deep understanding of standards, protocols, processes, events, and current issues impacting both sides.

Operating with empathy, humility, and a continuous drive for learning, we guide our clients in navigating the cultural sensitivities essential for building respectful and productive relationships.

Our vision is to lead in innovative relations, expanding from our experience with Indigenous communities to create sustainable partnerships that drive equitable economic prosperity with all kinds of communities.”

Case Studies

Clients

We work with a wide variety of clients in multiple industries including oil & gas, mining, aerospace & defence, commercial & industrial construction, renewable energy as well as building Indigenous Benefits Plans for Canadian federal government projects. Although most of our clients are contractors engaged by lead proponents of large scale construction and P3 projects, DHIR also guides professional services such as law firms in building their industry specific Indigenous strategies.

Testimonials

Our Team

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