# Built Modular: The Guiding Principles of Forming Indigenous Partnerships

Published 2022-11-17 · Updated 2026-07-23 · Architecture & Design on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/architecture-and-design/built-modular-the-guiding-principles-of-forming-indigenous-partnerships

> Today, Indigenous people are dependent on funding and grants to run various programs within their communities. For Black Diamond Group (BDG) in Canada, their focus is on helping the Indigenous prosper through mutual partnership. So, why is it important to keep Indigenous groups at top of mind? As exclusion was formerly the norm, Canada now…

Today, Indigenous people are dependent on funding and grants to run various programs within their communities. For [Black Diamond Group](https://www.blackdiamondgroup.com/) (BDG) in Canada, their focus is on helping the Indigenous prosper through mutual partnership.

So, why is it important to keep Indigenous groups at top of mind? As exclusion was formerly the norm, Canada now embarks on a unique political landscape where [reconciliation](https://reconciliationcanada.ca/about/history-and-background/our-story/#:~:text=Reconciliation%20Canada%2C%20an%20Indigenous%2Dled,vibrant%2C%20resilient%20and%20sustainable%20communities.) is at the forefront, and Black Diamond Group is leading the way.

Host of Built Modular, Tyler Kern, welcomed Black Diamond Group’s Scott McLeod, Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor, and Jonathan Stringer, VP of Marketing and Community Relations to the [show](https://marketscale.com/shows/built-modular/) to discuss:

1. Why reconciliation matters and how it isn’t something that’s “scary”
2. How best to form a trusting relationship with Indigenous communities
3. Black Diamond Group’s guiding principles and its opportunities for [Indigenous partnerships](https://www.blackdiamondgroup.com/responsibility/indigenous-partnerships/)

McLeod spoke in-depth on the importance of building trust in his relationships, based on a sacred Indigenous tradition:

“We’re always guided at Black Diamond… by the [Seven Grandfather Teachings](https://aihschgo.org/seven-grandfather-teachings/#:~:text=The%20Seven%20Grandfather%20Teachings%20are,%2C%20Honesty%2C%20Humility%20%26%20Wisdom.). These traditional teachings have been passed down generations in Indigenous communities across the country and is a concept we aim to embody in everything that we do.”

As a leading company focusing on reconciliation in Canada, McLeod and Stringer encourage other Canadians to join Black Diamond Group in making everyone’s community better, including Indigenous people. Visit Black Diamond’s [corporate responsibility](https://www.blackdiamondgroup.com/responsibility/) page for more information.

For more episodes of [Built Modular](https://marketscale.com/shows/built-modular/), visit their show page on MarketScale.com or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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