Built on Land. Built on Trust.
Hiawatha Group Inc. is an Indigenous-owned company rooted in the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe territory of the Hiawatha First Nation, operating on the Williams Treaty lands. We build with pride, purpose, and a deep connection to the land.
Safety is Our Foundation
Safety is no Accident.
At Hiawatha Group Inc., safety is not a checklist — it is a core value embedded in every decision we make on and off the job site. We hold a Certificate of Recognition (COR) and maintain a zero-incident culture across all operations. Safety is no Accident is our culture.
From the Ground Up
Hiawatha Group Inc. was founded by our President and CEO Barry Payne. Barry brings years of experience in business as well as with Procurement Canada as the Indigenous Liaison for the government. Barry uses his extensive network of Indigenous businesses throughout Canada to form strategic partnerships with a clear purpose: to build a construction company that reflects the strength, resilience, and values of the Hiawatha First Nation community.
From our earliest projects on Hiawatha territory to federal contracts across Ontario and beyond, we have grown by doing the work right — on time, on budget, and with the highest standard of safety and craftsmanship.
As an Indigenous-owned company, we bring more than construction expertise to every project. We bring accountability to our community, respect for the land, and a commitment to creating opportunity for Indigenous workers and businesses. We give back to local communities by hiring local and supporting local initiatives where possible through community engagement.
Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe Territory
Hiawatha Group Inc. operates from the Hiawatha First Nation, situated on the north shore of Rice Lake in the Kawartha region of Ontario — part of the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe people, also known as the Mississauga. We acknowledge this land and carry its legacy into every project we build.
Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings
Hiawatha Group Inc. operates by the Seven Grandfather Teachings — the foundational values of the Anishinaabe people. These teachings guide how we work, how we treat one another, and how we serve our clients and communities.
Nibwaakaawin
Wisdom
We bring knowledge and experience to every project, making sound decisions that serve our clients and communities well.
Zaagi'idiwin
Love
We care deeply for our people, our community, and the land — that care shows in the quality of everything we build.
Minaadendamowin
Respect
We honour the land, our clients, our workers, and the communities whose lives our projects touch.
Aakode'ewin
Bravery
We take on challenging projects with confidence, standing behind our commitments even when the work is hard.
Gwayakwaadiziwin
Honesty
We are transparent with our clients, our partners, and our community — in our estimates, our timelines, and our results.
Dabaadendiziwin
Humility
We know that no project is too small and no lesson too minor. We listen, we learn, and we grow.
Debwewin
Truth
We do what we say. Every contract, every deadline, every safety commitment — we stand behind our word.
Our Values
Integrity
We do what we say. Every contract, every deadline, every safety commitment — we stand behind our word.
Community
Our work creates opportunity. We prioritize Indigenous employment, local hiring, and reinvestment in the communities we serve.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standard of construction quality, safety, and project management on every job site.
Respect
Respect for the land, for our clients, for our workers, and for the communities whose lives our projects touch.
Qualified. Bonded. Ready.
- Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB) eligible
- Bonded and insured for federal contract requirements
- Proven delivery with DND, Transport Canada, and PSPC
- Security clearance capable workforce
- COR-certified safety program
- Design-build and general contracting capacity
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you're a federal procurement officer, a municipal client, or a First Nation community — we'd like to hear about your project.