Applied RESEARCH
Research Initatives:
Geotechnical Guidelines and Best Practices: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Geotechnical Engineering
Project Scope
Our project aims to establish comprehensive guidelines and best practices for integrating Indigenous knowledge into land disturbance activities, specifically within the context of resource extraction and infrastructure development. Collaborating between industry, academia and indigenous knowledge holders. This project intends to bring belonging and inclusivity to all parties where we can share ideas, knowledge and learn from one another.
Elevate, a firm dedicated to ethical geotechnical engineering, is poised Lead this project
The project will unfold in three phases:
Phase 1 – Framework & Collaboration: Initial research will involve a collaborative desktop study and project planning with Elevate Engineering, industry experts, and Indigenous knowledge holders.
Phase 2 – Field Research & Data Collection: In partnership with industry collaborators, a pilot project will integrate indigenous teachings and land knowledge(one Alberta community) with geotechnical engineering. Geotechnical engineering will be examined from a preliminary planning to final reclamation stages when the land is returned.
Phase 3 – Guideline Development & Dissemination: Findings will be synthesized into actionable guidelines and best practices for the industry. These guidelines will be reviewed by a diverse advisory board of Indigenous knowledge experts and industry leaders, ensuring that they are both ethical and practical.
Through this project, we aim to create a framework that allows scale up to a national level, when knowledge from all nations can be included in integration. The framework can then be applied to other areas of STEM to integrate indigenous knowledge, in efforts to address Outstanding Calls to Action listed in further detail below:
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action have implications for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) industry, particularly in fostering inclusivity and collaboration with Indigenous communities. Here are some relevant points:
Education and Employment Gaps: Call to Action 7 urges the federal government to work with Indigenous groups to eliminate educational and employment disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. This includes addressing barriers in STEM education and careers.
Culturally Appropriate Education: Calls to Action 10 and 12 emphasize the development of culturally appropriate curricula and early childhood education programs. These initiatives can inspire Indigenous youth to pursue STEM fields.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems: The Interdepartmental Indigenous STEM Cluster (I-STEM) works to bridge Indigenous knowledge systems with Western science. This collaboration enriches STEM research and innovation while respecting Indigenous methodologies3.
Talent Development: Efforts like the I-STEM Cluster aim to attract, nurture, and retain Indigenous talent in STEM fields, creating a more diverse and inclusive industry3.
These actions not only address reconciliation but also enhance the STEM industry's innovation and cultural understanding.
2. Artificial Intelligence Data Solutions for Engineers
Another collaborative research initiative, involving industry, software experts and academia.
The focus of this project is to create ai data management tools to support mining companies and engineers. Addressing knowledge transfer issues in engineering and mining with AI-powered data management tools requires a focus on capturing, storing, and sharing expertise effectively. Giving industry focused AI data management tools, not only allows knowledge transfer of data lives in the tool, but frees up time of involved parties to focus on knowledge transfer to young professionals. As an industry, preparing the next generation will prepare society for safety and success.