Our expertise
Indigenous engineering
Indigenous engineering means combining technical expertise with cultural heritage to highlight First Peoples and their unique perspectives in the development of projects that impact their territories.
We are rethinking engineering practices imposed by colonial systems so that the built environment respects our needs and our identity.
We ensure an Indigenous technical voice is heard in major mining, energy, industrial, and infrastructure projects carried out on our territories.
We have forged our own path: a distinct Indigenous engineering market that creates real added value for our partners and clients.
Solid principles as a foundation
At Ashini, our Indigenous-led expertise is built on three key principles.
Indigenous-led design
Our team leads the design process and promotes active consultation with community members.
Construction integrating traditional knowledge
Leveraging traditional ways of doing and living by integrating them into modern construction.
Technical expertise guided by culture
Developing major projects in alignment with the interests and values of First Peoples.
Respect for territories and peoples
Projects woven together with Indigenous communities.
At Ashini, we don’t measure our achievements by numbers, but by the depth of the relationships we build. For years, we have worked hand in hand with Indigenous communities, placing listening, respect for ancestral knowledge, and the preservation of natural balances at the heart of every project.
Mani-utenam
Centre culturel Tshissenitamun Mitshuap
Two main areas
Our fields of activity and services
Infrastructure and building development
- Technical studies
Assessing project feasibility and developing capital investment plans.
- Community consultations
Integrating cultural knowledge and local needs into the design.
- Design, plans, and specifications
In collaboration with communities.
- Tender support
Assistance with bid analysis and technical recommendations.
- Construction oversight
Site monitoring to ensure compliance and adherence to timelines and budgets.
- Project management
Coordinating stakeholders, managing tender administration, and tracking overall budgets and schedules.
Major projects on our territories
Collaboration with project proponents and representation of communities
In addition to engineering work, we support major clients in their industrial, mining, energy, and infrastructure projects, ensuring the integration of First Nations and playing an important role in their social acceptability.
- Owner’s engineering
Representing the owner’s technical interests.
- Design review
Verifying the design carried out by another party.
- Liaison officer
Ensuring coordination with communities participating in the project.
- Opportunity studies
Strategic analysis to identify the best development options in Indigenous territories.
- Indigenous Participation Plan (IPP)
A framework structuring First Nations’ involvement in a project, aligned with the needs of proponents, communities, and regulatory bodies.
- Community engagement and consultations
Organizing workshops to ensure transparent communication and to make sure the project considers the interests and perspectives of the First Nations involved.
- Land use study
Analyzing traditional practices and the project’s impacts on the environment and local resources.
- Capacity assessment study
Identifying local skills and resources to maximize positive outcomes and community development.
- Project management
Coordinating stakeholders, managing tender administration, and tracking overall budgets and schedules.
Nistassinan, Québec et Labrador
Expertise for every need
Our engineering specialties
Civil engineering
- Design of municipal infrastructure including roads, drainage, and exterior works.
- Development of municipal engineering plans for community and residential development projects.
- Studies and design of municipal networks and facilities.
Structural engineering
- Design of building structures in concrete, steel, and wood, including conventional and deep foundations.
- Design of prefabricated buildings and structural components.
- Design of marine and railway structures.
- Analysis and inspection of existing structures.
Industrial mechanical
- Design of industrial ventilation and dust collection systems.
- Industrial plumbing and piping.
- Technical support for industrial facilities and equipment.
Building mechanical
- Design of ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems.
- Design of building control and regulation systems.
- Integration and commissioning of building mechanical systems.
- Performance analysis and integration of energy-efficiency solutions.
Building electrical
- Design of electrical systems including distribution and lighting.
- Design of emergency power systems (generators).
- Integration of electrical systems with building mechanical and control systems.
- Technical support and electrotechnical coordination for building projects.
Fire alarm
- Design and integration of fire alarm systems.
- Coordination with building mechanical and electrical systems.
- Support for compliance and fire protection.
Energy
- Strategic support for energy projects integrating community consultation and territorial realities.
- Conducting energy assessments and supporting energy autonomy projects.
- Management and technical support for community and industrial energy projects.
Water
- Studies, design, and upgrades to meet standards for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
- Expertise in treatment plants, pumping stations, and networks.
- Sustainable, safe solutions adapted to northern and community contexts.
Architecture
- Feasibility studies and preliminary analyses for building projects.
- Code studies and regulatory support early in projects.
- Development of architectural concepts and industrial/utility building architecture.