#ADayAtRAM – Bryony’s Site Visit, Legacy Gathering Space at Pauquachin First Nation
Bryony is a Project Coordinator at RAM who has worked at RAM since early 2022 as a Project Management Co-op.
“I had the privilege of embarking on a remarkable site visit with the RAM project team to the Legacy Gathering Space Project, in collaboration with the Pauquachin First Nation. The project, aimed at creating a cultural hub and community space with a new Longhouse and Bandhall, is just finishing off road construction and about to start foundation works.
To reach the site we took float planes straight from downtown Vancouver to Victoria. The float plane provided breathtaking aerial views showcasing the natural beauty of the region. After landing in Victoria, we drove to Pauquachin’s Health Building to meet the team and understand a bit more about the project. After spending time learning about the culture and exciting details of the project, we grabbed lunch at a nearby local café and attended a project management alignment meeting with the Legacy Gathering Space Project Design teams, Urban Systems and Mackin Architects.
After our meeting, we set out on a site walk. The site is located a quick walk away from Pauquachin’s Health Building and is set on old quarry land. Pauquachin’s Project Manager led us through the site sharing the project’s vision and significance to the Pauquachin First Nation community. The Legacy Gathering Space, surrounded by lush forests, embodied a deep connection to the land and the ancestors who had walked there for generations. The Longhouse and Bandhall buildings will be the heartbeat of the community serving as spaces for cultural events, storytelling, and community gatherings.
As the visit came to a close, I was left with a greater appreciation and understanding of the Legacy Gathering Space Project. The Legacy Gathering Space Project, with its breathtaking location and meaningful objectives, is an embodiment of the timeless connection between land, culture, and community. It will stand as a beacon of hope and resilience, inviting all who visit to witness the beauty and wisdom of the Pauquachin First Nation. I’m beyond excited to continue my work on this project and see the site develop with every visit.”
RAM has an accredited Member-In-Training Program for Engineers-In-Training (EIT) to fast-track their professional designation review and receive enhanced guidance in gaining necessary competencies for registration. Our supervisors are trained by Engineers and Geoscientists BC and understand the requirements you need to become a successful applicant. Our mentors can personally help you when you have questions about your application process.
RAM recognizes Indigenous communities play an important role on current projects and is committed to implementing engagement and consultation processes that build relationships with local communities, engage local resources, and support customer-community values and commitments. The priority of these partnerships is to ensure the Nations have the capacity and training to lead these projects. This allows them to become self sustaining, support their community, and secure more work in the future. Building these behaviours into RAM’s culture ensures diversity and inclusion are valued and promoted at every level. We have applied these approaches directly to our projects with Acho Dene Koe on the Highway 7 Remediation project, with Gitga’at First Nations in their community projects including a Daycare Facility and Marine Emergency Response & Research Facility and with Cook’s Ferry Indian Band on the rebuild of Highway 8.
Additionally, RAM invests in the training and development of those from minority groups. For two consecutive years, RAM has awarded three scholarships to indigenous youths from different nations (Musqueam Nation, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band and Acho Dene Koe First Nation) to pursue a degree in STEM-related fields.