ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS ADVISORY AND MONITORING COMMITTEE

The Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (IAMC- TMX or “the Committee”) is intended to form the basis of a new relationship between Indigenous communities, the Government of Canada and the National Energy Board. Read the Terms of Reference and find out more about the Committee at http://www.iamc-tmx.com.

One of the Committee’s objectives is to integrate Indigenous knowledge, values, and perspectives into the monitoring of the environmental, safety, and socio-economic aspects of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, should it proceed.

To this end, IAMC-TMX is implementing an Indigenous Monitoring Program, in which IAMC-TMX Indigenous Monitors will participate in inspections, site visits, and compliance verification activities with federal regulators including the National Energy Board and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Partner Communities or Organizations will work with the Committee to further develop and deliver the monitoring program, including through the provision of logistical, financial, technical, and engagement support to Indigenous Monitors.

An overview of the potential roles and responsibilities of individual IAMC Indigenous Monitors is provided below. Please note: The Committee anticipates that IAMC Indigenous Monitor will be a part-time position with variable start and end dates.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Monitors will be required to provide a background check. Monitors eligibility to participate will be determined in discussion with federal security officers and the Partner Communities and Organizations.
• Monitors must obtain the minimum safety training and orientation as determined by the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee.
• Monitors must obtain and wear personal protective equipment required for entry into construction and operational sites.

ASSET SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Partner Communities and Organizations will select the Indigenous Monitors and so determine their own required skills and experience. Recommended skills and experience include:

• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, email);
• Driver’s license;
• Ability to obtain basic safety certifications;
• Ability to read and comprehend technical documentation, including for example environmental protection plans, traditional land use studies, construction alignment sheets;
• Experience with Indigenous, environmental, or other monitoring on active construction or natural resource development sites;
• Knowledge of Indigenous rights, claims, and interests including traditional and contemporary land use, cultural artifacts, traditional ecological knowledge, heritage resources, culturally significant and/or spiritual or sacred sites and regions;
• Ability to participate in Indigenous cultural protocols and ceremonies;
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural protocols and protection of Indigenous intellectual property; and
• Practical experience in pipeline construction, operation, maintenance and inspection.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Preparation/training

• Obtain any required safety or skills certifications or training as determined by the Committee, proponent, and/or regulator
• Obtain any required personal protective equipment as determined by the Committee, proponent, and/or regulator

Pre-activity

• Work with regulator staff before activities to provide input regarding protection of Indigenous interests into scopes of inspections
• Engage with Indigenous communities, Elders, knowledge keepers, and other technical specialists
• Read and review relevant documentation, including: filings and plans submitted by the proponent; studies and evidence provided to regulators by Indigenous communities; and regulatory policies and procedures (e.g. mitigation measures for sites of interest and protocols for cultural artifacts found in construction zones).

Activity

• Participate in in-field regulatory activities, including:
  • Travel to remote locations and stay overnight for extended periods of time;
  • Walking active oil and gas construction sites in rough terrain in all weather conditions; and
  • Exposure to hazards with heightened potential for injury.
• Provide input to regulatory staff regarding Indigenous perspectives, including traditional and contemporary land use, cultural artifacts, traditional ecological knowledge, heritage resources, culturally significant, and/or spiritual or sacred sites and regions.
• Provide input to regulatory staff regarding environmental, safety, and/or socioeconomic aspects of the project
• Provide input, where appropriate, on corrective actions when non‐compliance is identified
• Take notes and/or photos recording relevant observations in notebook or on a computer

Post-activity

• Write reports and complete documentation as required, including providing input and/or coauthoring regulatory reports
• Meet with the regulator, IAMC, and/or proponent to discuss results of regulatory activities.