Mississauga, ON, January 20, 2022 — EllisDon announces the appointment of Chris Reeves to the role of Socio-Economic Development and Indigenous Relations Director as part of the company's commitment to developing authentic relationships with Indigenous communities across Canada.

“Joining the EllisDon team to expand the socio-economic opportunities with Indigenous communities across Canada is a dream come true,” said Chris Reeves, Socio-Economic Development and Indigenous Relations Director at EllisDon. “Building on the Indigenous relations will further enhance EllisDon's inclusion, diversity, and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. We will bring innovative and collaborative approaches to grow our relationships with the Indigenous communities as a team.”

Chris has over fifteen years of experience working closely and in collaboration with various Indigenous communities, helping to successfully implement comprehensive benefit agreements with Indigenous groups across Canada. His most recent role was as a Socio-Economic Development Manager with the Government of Canada’s $1 billion Giant Mine Remediation Project in the Northwest Territories, where he developed and led Indigenous socio-economic programs with Parson, New Gold, and Canadian Zinc.

“We strive to empower Indigenous Peoples in the communities we build. Our priority is to have meaningful consultation and build respectful and authentic, long-lasting relationships with Indigenous Peoples,” said David McFarlane, SVP, Western Canada at EllisDon. “The appointment of Chris is part of that commitment as we hope to leverage his extensive personal and professional experience working with and alongside Indigenous groups to ensure that their participation is present in our projects.”

At EllisDon, Chris will be responsible for enhancing, guiding, and monitoring the company’s Indigenous Socio-Economic Framework to align the company’s work with Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). He will also collaborate with and mentor EllisDon project teams to promote greater participation of Indigenous communities in EllisDon projects.

“Congratulations Chris on joining the EllisDon team as Director, Socio-Economic Development and Indigenous Relations,” said Chief Steve Vital, Nahɂą Dehé Dene Band. “We are glad your vast experience to deliver socio-economic benefits to Indigenous communities continues at the national level. EllisDon has the right person!”

For the full Press Release, click HERE