Trans Mountain has an active group of Indigenous Monitors working on the ground during construction across the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.
Trans Mountain’s Indigenous Monitor Program was developed as a result of extensive Indigenous engagement that began in 2012 as part of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and the ongoing relationships established with many Indigenous groups along the pipeline corridor. The Indigenous Monitor Program ensures Trans Mountain meets it commitments to Indigenous group involvement in environmental and cultural monitoring during construction.
Indigenous Monitors work as an integrated part of the Expansion Project Environmental Inspection team. They monitor compliance with approved mitigation measures intended to minimize impacts to traditional resource use, cultural heritage sites and the environment during construction. Indigenous Monitors bring an Indigenous lens to daily environmental inspection activities.
“Integration is really important for us. We help build bridges between our communities and Trans Mountain,” says Lynn Cook, Indigenous Monitor and member of the Semiahmoo First Nation. “We are the eyes and the ears of the communities, and to be able to share those learnings and findings is important for us. Our opinions and our thoughts matter, and we bring that back to our communities, so they are a part of it as well.”