Applied RESEARCH
Research Initiatives
Geotechnical Guidelines and Best Practices: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Engineering and Geoscience
This multi-phase research initiative, led by Elevate Civil Engineering Services Ltd., aims to establish national guidelines and best practices for integrating Indigenous knowledge into geotechnical and geoscience engineering. The project is rooted in reconciliation, ethical practice, and Two-Eyed Seeing—bringing together Indigenous knowledge systems and Western engineering science to create more sustainable, inclusive approaches to land stewardship.
Project Overview
The study focuses on how Indigenous values, teachings, and land-based knowledge can inform geotechnical decision-making at every stage of a project—from early site selection and design to closure and reclamation. By combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern engineering tools, the goal is to strengthen environmental protection, climate adaptation, and community inclusion in engineering practice.
Phases of the Project
Phase 1 – Framework & Collaboration:
Establishes the foundation through literature review, engagement planning, and collaborative discussions with Indigenous knowledge holders, engineers, and academic partners.Phase 2 – Field Research & Application:
A pilot project in Alberta will apply the framework in real-world settings, integrating Indigenous land teachings with geotechnical assessments during the full project cycle—from exploration through reclamation.Phase 3 – Guideline Development & Dissemination:
Findings will be consolidated into actionable best-practice guidelines and policy recommendations, reviewed by an advisory board of Indigenous Elders, engineers, and industry representatives. The resulting framework will be scalable across Canada and adaptable to other STEM fields.
National Impact
This research addresses key Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by advancing cultural inclusion in engineering education, bridging knowledge systems, and developing equitable professional practices. It also aligns with Canada’s Indigenous STEM (I-STEM) initiatives, supporting reconciliation through education, employment, and innovation.
Chelsea Burdon, P.Eng., Principal Engineer at Elevate, authored the foundational paper “Guidelines and Best Practices: Integration of Indigenous Knowledge in Engineering and Geoscience (2026)”, which serves as the academic basis for this initiative. The paper explores how Two-Eyed Seeing can be systematically implemented within geotechnical and environmental engineering, setting a precedent for national guideline development and policy integration.
Artificial Intelligence Data Solutions for Engineers
This collaborative research project brings together engineers, software developers, and data scientists to create AI-powered data management tools for the engineering and mining industries. The initiative addresses knowledge-transfer challenges by designing intelligent systems that capture and share engineering expertise, ensuring continuity between generations of professionals.
By streamlining information storage and retrieval, these tools help engineers focus on mentorship, innovation, and decision-making, ultimately strengthening safety and long-term sustainability in the sector.