People Spotlight: Meet Daniel Charbonneau
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a reconciliation project manager from our Canada region and providing you insight into his inspiration and work.
Daniel Charbonneau is a proud Anishinaabe Algonquin with over 30 years of experience in Indigenous relations. Throughout his career, he has focused on Indigenous business partnerships, major projects consultation, and modern treaty negotiation. He brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, evidence-based policymaking and program management.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
What inspired me to join the industry is the immense potential for meaningful impact and collaboration. The infrastructure sector is at a pivotal moment with a growing emphasis on inclusive practices that ensure full Indigenous participation in major projects. For me, engineering consulting is not just about building structures; it’s about forging partnerships that drive shared success. The commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives such as Indigenous traditional knowledge, environmental stewardship, business development and employment creation into every aspect of project planning and execution is not only important but essential in driving innovation and achieving sustainable outcomes. The opportunity to contribute to initiatives that enhance both industry progress and Indigenous prosperity is what truly motivates me.
The infrastructure sector is at a pivotal moment with a growing emphasis on inclusive practices that ensure full Indigenous participation in major projects. For me, engineering consulting is not just about building structures; it’s about forging partnerships that drive shared success.
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
In my role as Reconciliation Project Manager, I am leading AECOM Canada’s participation in the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program for the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). The CCIB PAIR program enables organizations to set and achieve progressive performance targets in Indigenous employment, procurement, business partnerships and community investments. I am very excited about our progress such as updating an Indigenous Relations Policy, developing an Indigenous Procurement Policy, and creating an Indigenous Investment Fund — all of which support relationship building with Indigenous communities. I am also leading our efforts towards Bronze Level of certification, making sure that AECOM meets the highest standards of collaboration in its engagement with Indigenous communities. I am eager to continue to drive initiatives that promote genuine engagement, foster mutual trust, and advance the company’s commitment to reconciliation.
I am very excited about our progress such as updating an Indigenous Relations Policy, developing an Indigenous Procurement Policy, and creating an Indigenous Investment Fund — all of which support relationship building with Indigenous communities.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
I am currently working on a large passenger rail project called Alto that will provide more frequent, faster and reliable service for commuters between Quebec City, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario. My contribution to the project supports meaningful economic participation and maximum socio-economic benefits for Indigenous Peoples. By fostering strong partnerships and ensuring that Indigenous voices are integral to the planning and implementation process, I have helped create opportunities that extend beyond the project itself such as creating a series of socio-economic research reports serving Indigenous communities in other projects. This work has led to increased capacity building, employment and training opportunities, which are helping sustain long-term benefits within the communities such as environmental protection, and business and job creation. My goal is to ensure that the project not only respects Indigenous rights and traditions but also leaves a lasting, positive legacy for future generations.
By fostering strong partnerships and ensuring that Indigenous voices are integral to the planning and implementation process, I have helped create opportunities that extend beyond the project itself such as creating a series of socio-economic research reports serving Indigenous communities in other projects.
Share a piece of career advice.
Always stay curious. Learn the needs and aspirations of the communities your projects impact. Embrace learning and be ready to apply the latest industry best practices in your field. Adapt to new challenges as they arise, and keep proposing innovative ideas, knowing that only one in ten come to fruition. Continue to collaborate with your colleagues and sustain team efforts in the areas important to Indigenous Peoples such as healing, education, socio-economic benefits, cultural protection and environmental stewardship. This is about creating social value through intentional design, driving sustainable community growth, and working with authenticity. Acting ethically means going beyond mere performative actions to make a genuine impact.