Indigenous Engagement

In Canada, our Indigenous Relations strategy is central to everything we do at Forbes Bros. Group of Companies. We are committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities through employment, procurement, and business development. As part of our broader corporate strategy, we recognize that economic reconciliation is a key pillar in building sustainable and long-term relationships with Indigenous communities.

Community First

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies is committed to the Community First Model, as we believe it is our responsibility to prioritize local communities for opportunities such as training, employment, construction-related contracts, and other economic benefits. We strive to provide the Indigenous communities with a preferred opportunity to participate.

Our goal is to ensure that as much work as possible is completed by those whose communities are most impacted by the construction activities we undertake. We believe all communities deserve the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a robust economy. Forbes Bros. is proud of its commitment to working alongside Indigenous communities and consistently achieves high levels of participation in both our construction and maintenance operations. On some projects, we have attained as much as 70% Indigenous employment throughout the various project construction phases.

Silver Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR)

As a Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) PAIR Silver accredited company, Forbes Bros. Group of Companies has proven our business case through our Indigenous relations. We have business partnerships in place; Indigenous people are adding value at our workplace; and we are supporting sustainability through investment in communities and people.

 

Recent Indigenous Events

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies regularly participates in Indigenous engagement events. For example, recently we:

  • Sponsored and attended the First Nations Major Projects Coalition Conference (April 2026)
  • Co-hosted a Coffee Chat Event with Walpole Island First Nation for mentorship, industry insight, and building meaningful connections within the community (February 2026)
  • Exhibited at the CMO Tri-Nation Job Fair hosted by the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee Delaware Nation, and Oneida of the Thames First Nation (January 2026)
  • Received Silver Certification for the second time in Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) at the Indigenous Relations Forum & PAIR Awards (October 2025)
  • Attended the Forward Summit – East (October 2025)
  • Attended the Assembly of First Nations in Winnipeg (September 2025)
  • Sponsored the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Sturgeon Landing Truth and Reconciliation Gathering 2025 (August 2025)

Working Together To Build Things That Matter.

550

Thousand

Investment in fire retardant safety wear for employees

58

Safety Meetings

Average safety meetings per month

40

Years

Number of years as a family-owned business

14

Offices

Number of offices/yards across North America

“The safety culture at Forbes is unique”

Each and every person who works here believes in and supports our safety program. Not because they feel that they have to, but rather because they believe in it and feel/see the value in safety success. I know that my coworkers are looking out for me and vice versa.

J. Taylor – HSE Advisor, SK

“I would like to express my gratitude towards your company on completing your scope on the Pembina rail project on time and on budget”

Specifically, I want to mention that Forbes did not have any safety incidents on this project and that is rare. Considering the number of light poles Forbes installed (ground disturbance), fixtures/line installations (climbing poles) and working within a live rail yard (congested area) with numerous lines crossing live tracks. I’m pleased with the efforts from your company and I would refer Forbes to any company requiring your services.

D. Cox – Construction Mng- Pembina Corporation

“A beautiful work environment and technology to get the job done”

Forbes Bros is a company with a defined strategic direction for future growth, that is shared to everyone. The excellent leadership allows the team to create and present ideas for improved efficiency. They provide a beautiful work environment and technology to get the job done. I especially love the diverse company culture with people of all backgrounds and experiences.

L. Farnum, Asst Controller