Building trust: Englobe and Neskantaga First Nation
Strong partnerships are built on a foundation of trust, respect, and shared goals. At Englobe, our relationship with Neskantaga First Nation is a perfect example of this principle in action.
Over the years, Englobe teams in both Ontario and Québec have had the privilege of working alongside the community on projects vital to its well-being and future. This collaboration is more than a series of contracts; it is a genuine partnership that has grown stronger through shared challenges and successes.
Englobe worked with Neskantaga First Nation to tackle unique logistical challenges and support meaningful projects for the community, including essential site preparation for new teacher housing.
Discover our shared story of collaboration, resilience, and community as we work alongside Neskantaga First Nation on projects that truly matter.
See our partnership in action and learn more about the shared efforts to overcome challenges and build a brighter future together.
A partnership built on trust and respect
Working with Indigenous communities requires a deep understanding and respect for their unique histories, cultures, and governance.
Our long-term collaboration with Neskantaga First Nation is rooted in open communication and a mutual desire to achieve positive outcomes. This trust has been carefully nurtured over time, allowing us to work effectively together, even when projects present complex challenges. This solid foundation enables us to navigate sensitive work and contribute positively to the community’s vision.
Overcoming challenges in a remote Northern Ontario landscape
Neskantaga First Nation is a remote community one hour north of Thunder Bay, Ontario, accessible only by air for most of the year. This presents significant logistical hurdles that require careful planning and creative problem-solving.
Resolving access challenges with ice roads and airplanes
One of the main obstacles is simply getting people and equipment to the site. During the winter months, an ice road provides a temporary land route. This narrow window is used to transport all heavy machinery, temporary housing, and bulk supplies needed for Englobe’s projects and team members.
For the remainder of the year, site access is limited to air travel. The reality of this restricted access shapes every aspect of project planning, from scheduling to resource management.
Keeping the machinery moving in a remote setting
Transporting heavy equipment over winter roads is only the first step. Maintaining it all in good working order is another key challenge. In a remote setting, a simple breakdown can cause major delays.
Our team’s resourcefulness and preparation ensured that any machinery issues did not significantly impact the project’s progress or timeline. This resilience is a key part of working successfully in the North and other remote regions.
Restoring the Neskantaga First Nation land: a soil remediation success story
One of our most significant projects with Neskantaga First Nation involved extensive soil remediation. The goal was to clean up a contaminated site and restore it to its natural state, making the land safe for the community again.
The project involved excavating 13,000 cubic metres of contaminated soil. This soil was then carefully transported 15 kilometres away, to a specialized treatment facility that Englobe had designed during a previous phase of work. Once the contaminated material was removed, the area was backfilled with clean soil, successfully restoring the land.
The success of this remediation project reflects both Neskantaga First Nation and Englobe’s commitment to taking care of our land – ensuring a safe environment and future for the community.
Paving the way for education: building teacher housing in a remote community
More recently, Englobe’s work has focused on supporting the community’s educational infrastructure. The project team provided pre-construction support for a new eight-plex housing unit for teachers.
Our team handled the crucial first steps to ensure the site was ready for construction:
- Clearing vegetation and removing topsoil
- Constructing a stable pad for the building's foundation
- Building a new access road to the site
This project was vital for Neskantaga First Nation. Attracting and retaining qualified educators is essential for the community’s children, and providing safe, comfortable housing is a critical asset in this scenario.
Our team was proud to contribute to preparing the site, which helped pave the way for a brighter educational future for the community. With the construction phase completed in 2024, the site now houses visiting teachers during the school year
Our partnership with Neskantaga First Nation: building for the future
Our work with Neskantaga First Nation is a testament to what can be achieved through genuine collaboration. By navigating complex logistics, respecting community values, and focusing on shared objectives, we have built a relationship that goes beyond business. It is a partnership that delivers meaningful results, from environmental restoration to supporting the community’s educational needs.
We are honoured by the trust Neskantaga First Nation has placed in us and look forward to continuing our collaboration. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous future for the community.