Navigating Reconciliation: A conversation with Meisha Stevens
May 20, 2025
Reconciliation with First Nations communities isn¡¯t a checkbox activity¡ªit's a commitment embedded in how we operate and the relationships we build
Guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we¡¯re working to foster inclusion, increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in STEM, and engage meaningfully with First Nations communities.
To uncover our progress, we spoke with Meisha Stevens, a member of Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s RAP committee, to discuss our current journey, the challenges we face and the path forward.
Meisha's passion for reconciliation is deeply personal. Growing up in Murgon, Queensland¡ªa regional community with a high population of First Nations people¡ªshe witnessed the barriers many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face, especially in education. One story stands out.
"My grandmother was a teacher who helped a bright student facing tall poppy syndrome secure a scholarship. That person went on to establish a foundation that supports ." It's a story that¡¯s shaped Meisha's perspective on change: start small, act with intention, and trust the ripple effect. "You don¡¯t have to change the world overnight. Support one person, and that impact can reach families, communities, generations."
Meisha Stevens¡¯ grandmother, Rosemary Bishop, is seen here with Waverley Stanley, founder of the Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship.
Why reconciliation matters to us
"As a Company grounded in communities, reconciliation should be part of who we are," Meisha says. ¡°We¡¯re in the business of solving problems and building better futures for our communities¡ªthis includes living our values and doing what is right for our people."
For Meisha, our values make this work a natural fit. "We put people first. So why wouldn¡¯t we work to break systemic disadvantage where we can? Our strength as a company lies in creating pathways¡ªespecially for young people. If we can help a student finish school, consider STEM, or pursue a career with us, that¡¯s real impact."
¡®Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s Reconciliation Journey¡¯ by Chern¡¯ee Sutton, a proud Kalkadoon woman and artist from Mount Isa, Australia. Discover the meaning behind our artwork on page 4 of?Stantec¡¯s RAP.
Inside the RAP working group
Meisha describes her experience on the RAP working group as energising. "You're working with people who are passionate about change. There¡¯s so much power in that. Together, we¡¯ve secured funding, run school engagement programs with Engineering Aid Australia, and organised reconciliation events."
She also values the strong cross-business relationships formed through the group. "It¡¯s not just networking¡ªthese are connections built on shared purpose. That makes them stronger."
"Senior leadership's support has been monumental, setting a tone of genuine care and inspiring others."
Still, it¡¯s not always smooth sailing. "Finding time and funding can be a challenge¡ªbut if we¡¯re truly committed, we have to make reconciliation part of our everyday business. That means improving engagement and accountability across our teams, allocating resources, and weaving these conversations into how we work."
Stantec staff share their insights at an Engineering Aid Australia Indigenous Student Networking session in Sydney. (L-R: Jessica Finch, EAA student, Meisha Stevens, and Alex Wang)
Breaking through challenges
One of the toughest parts of the journey? Bringing everyone along.
"There¡¯s still a lot of misinformation out there. Some people are disconnected from the lived experiences of First Nations communities, so they struggle to see why this matters. Others are afraid of saying the wrong thing, so they stay silent."
The lack of First Nations representation in STEM also creates barriers. "We want more voices in the room and to grow the pipeline, so we have more representation."
What we¡¯re working on
Under the direction of our RAP, our current focus includes
- Building a central database of First Nations organisations we work with, to better track and grow these relationships
- Coordinating reconciliation events across offices, including NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) and National Reconciliation Week
- Maintaining and auditing Acknowledgement of Country maps in all offices
- Ongoing partnerships with groups like Engineering Aid Australia, including school visits and mentorships
We're not just ticking boxes. Our people are engaging with First Nations businesses not because they have to, but because it's the right thing to do.
The path forward
For Meisha, the future is about education and empowerment.
"I want more people to feel confident and informed. You don¡¯t have to be perfect; you just have to try. It could be to Acknowledge Country in your next meeting or as simple as starting a conversation. One small action can make a big difference."
Meisha also sees a bigger role for us in shaping industry standards. "If we keep prioritising community, reconciliation will follow. We need to keep increasing Indigenous representation in STEM, supporting First Nations businesses, and amplifying diverse voices. At the end of the day, reconciliation is about people.¡±
