Chapter 1: Shared priorities

As a preliminary note to this Chapter, Canada recognizes that the UN Declaration Act states that “measures to implement the Declaration in Canada must take into account the diversity of Indigenous peoples and, in particular, the diversity of the identities, cultures, languages, customs, practices, rights and legal traditions of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis and of their institutions and governance structures, their relationships to the land and Indigenous knowledge.”

Canada recognizes that while some priorities may be shared among First Nations, Inuit and Métis, adopting a distinctions-based approach requires that Canada’s relationships and engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Métis include different approaches or actions and result in different outcomes. Canada also recognizes the importance of historic and modern treaties in informing its relationships and approaches. Finally, Canada acknowledges the need for sensitivity to the impacts that colonization and various forms of discrimination have had on Indigenous identities and the ability of some Indigenous people to maintain their connections to traditional lands, cultures, languages and communities.

Legislated priorities

Measures for ensuring that the laws of Canada are consistent with the UN Declaration

Accompanying Documents

Related Resources

The goal of this priority area is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Respect for Indigenous rights is systematically embedded in federal laws and policies developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples affected by them

The Government of Canada will take the following measures in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Develop and implement a process and further direction for federal government departments and agencies to ensure bills and proposed regulations are consistent with the UN Declaration through measures such as:
    • Building on initial interim guidance for assessing consistency of federal laws with the UN Declaration (Justice Canada)
    • Cabinet directives or mandatory assessment tools on consistency with the UN Declaration (Privy Council Office, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)
    • Other tools to advance the implementation of section 5 of the UN Declaration Act. (Various departments)
  2. Identify and prioritize existing federal statutes for review and possible amendment, including:
    • A non-derogation clause in the Interpretation Act (Justice Canada)
    • An interpretive provision in the Interpretation Act or other laws that provides for the use of the UN Declaration in the interpretation of federal enactments (Justice Canada)
    • Any other specific pieces of legislation either already under review or which Indigenous peoples and relevant departments have jointly identified as a priority for review. (All departments)
  3. Where a statute requires periodic review, responsible departments will conduct that review in a manner that ensures consistency with the UN Declaration and meets applicable consultation and cooperation requirements in the UN Declaration Act. (All departments)

Addressing injustices, prejudice, violence, systemic racism and discrimination

The goal of this priority area is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples fully express and exercise their distinct rights, and enjoy living in Canada without interpersonal, systemic and institutional interference, oppression or other inequities associated with Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination, wherever they reside.

The Government of Canada will take the following measures in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Co-develop a comprehensive approach to combat anti-Indigenous racism in support of Canada’s new Anti-Racism Strategy. (Canadian Heritage)
  2. Provide program funding to support community-based initiatives to combat anti-Indigenous racism. (Canadian Heritage)
  3. Fully implement Joyce's Principle and ensure it guides work to co-develop distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation to foster health systems that will respect and ensure the physical, mental and cultural safety and well-being of Indigenous peoples. Co-development of the distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation will be undertaken with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, intersectional partners, and provinces and territories to inform potential legislative options. (Indigenous Services Canada)
  4. Work with partners, including Indigenous organizations, health systems partners, educational institutions and engage with provincial and territorial governments, to develop a longer-term national approach to addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health systems to support health equity and accessibility for Indigenous peoples. This work includes:
    • Developing a longer-term national approach to improving access to culturally-safe health services and integrating cultural and patient safety in health systems
    • Introducing measures to increase accountability within health systems
    • Support for and capacity building in health human resources.

    The longer-term approach will be informed by the ongoing National Dialogues, the renewal of Canada’s Anti Racism Strategy, and the co-development of distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation in order to fully implement Joyce’s Principle. (Indigenous Services Canada, Health Canada)

  5. Work with provinces and territories to improve fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe health services, including through seamless service delivery across jurisdictions and meaningful engagement and work with Indigenous organizations and governments. (Indigenous Services Canada, Health Canada)
  6. Guided by the findings of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the Métis-specific calls for Miskotahâ, work to end systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people by:
    • Continuing to implement the Federal Pathway to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
    • Developing a comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy to expand culturally relevant gender-based supports for Indigenous women, children, families and 2SLGBTQI+ people facing gender-based violence
    • Working in partnership with Indigenous peoples and organizations, as well as provincial and territorial governments, and other partners to develop effective and culturally-appropriate solutions for people seeking to escape abusive environments including access to safe housing, shelters, counselling services, legal assistance and healing projects, across the country including on reserve, in the north and in urban areas. (Various departments)
  7. Continue to inform the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly Pillar 4, in conjunction with Indigenous peoples. The National Plan to End GBV was launched in November 2022 and includes a pillar specifically on Indigenous-led approaches that is complementary to and aligned with the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. Pillar 4 recognizes the importance of preventing and addressing GBV against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people through Indigenous-led, gender-based approaches. (Various departments)
  8. Implement Pillar 3 of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, “Support Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ Resilience and Resurgence,” focusing on advancing rights and equality of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people through collaboration and cooperation with Indigenous peoples and national Indigenous organizations, governments, and representative institutions, while recognizing distinct cultural approaches to identity. (Various departments)
  9. Partner with Indigenous communities and organizations, industry, other federal departments and provinces and territories to develop and implement a strategy to:
    • Increase safety and security of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people at all stages of resource project development
    • Empower Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people to influence and equitably benefit from resource development through increased participation across disciplines and occupations, leadership positions and throughout the supply chain
    • Partner and pathfind with other federal departments to identify whole of government responses to mitigate the impacts of resource development projects on Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. (Natural Resources Canada)
  10. Ensure that federal laws comprehensively protect Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals from coerced sterilizations. (Justice Canada)

Promoting mutual respect and understanding as well as good relations, including through human rights education

The goal of this priority area is to ensure a Canada where:

  • All peoples and sectors of Canadian society respect the diversity and distinctiveness of Indigenous peoples and their inherent, constitutional and human rights and there are systems, structures and processes that uphold those human rights.

The Government of Canada will take the following measures in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Develop and implement foundational training co-created by Indigenous subject matter experts, including with the Canada School of Public Service, for federal public servants that will build fundamental understanding and competence about the history, rights and title of Indigenous peoples, treaties, the UN Declaration, the UN Declaration Act, the dynamics of respectful relations, Indigenous-specific systemic racism, and meaningful reconciliation. (Justice Canada and various departments)
  2. Create an Intercultural Learning Strategy that utilizes consultation with both internal and community stakeholders to inform the review, procurement, promotion, design and delivery of learning products to promote intercultural competence in all aspects of learning. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
  3. Encourage federally regulated employers to work in partnership with their employees and Indigenous organizations and groups to ensure workplaces and practices are equitable and inclusive, while raising awareness of Indigenous culture and issues. This work is to be done in a manner that is measurable. (Employment and Social Development Canada)
  4. Work with the National Judicial Institute to explore options for the provision of training on the UN Declaration to the judiciary. (Justice Canada)
  5. Develop and distribute, in collaboration with Indigenous educational organizations, museums and other organizations, as appropriate, educational materials to inform non-Indigenous Canadians on the UN Declaration and the human rights of Indigenous peoples. (Justice Canada and various departments)

Ensuring oversight and accountability on the implementation of the UN Declaration

The goal of this priority is a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples can expect and trust that the Government of Canada will honourably fulfill all of its legislated (including under the UN Declaration Act), common law, fiduciary and constitutional obligations and responsibilities.
  • Indigenous peoples can easily access processes and mechanisms to ensure accountability on the part of the Government of Canada in meeting the objectives of the UN Declaration and upholding Indigenous title and rights.

The Government of Canada will take the following measures in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Establish an independent Indigenous rights monitoring, oversight, recourse or remedy mechanism or mechanisms to provide Indigenous peoples with access to and prompt decision through just and fair procedures for dispute and conflict resolution and effective remedies for infringements/violations of their individual and collective rights.

    Functions could also include:

    • Advancing, monitoring and/or reporting on implementation of the UN Declaration and the UN Declaration Act, as part of ensuring accountability
    • Promoting Indigenous rights through research and education
    • Advancing initiatives to prevent and end systemic discrimination and other human rights violations experienced by Indigenous peoples
    • Contributing to the goal of rebuilding Indigenous governance and ongoing implementation of international human rights instruments in Canadian law

    Any Indigenous rights mechanism or mechanisms will:

    • Be Indigenous-led and include representation from First Nations, Inuit and Métis and equitably reflect gender and other diversity
    • Be distinctions-based by reflecting the distinct rights, interests and circumstances of First Nations, Inuit and Métis
    • Be informed by the customs, traditions, rules, and legal systems and legal understandings of Indigenous peoples and international human rights
    • Be accessible and easy to use for Indigenous peoples
    • Be appropriately resourced
    • Be complementary and not duplicative of other monitoring, oversight and dispute resolution mechanisms. (Justice Canada)

Monitoring the implementation of the Action Plan and reviewing and amending the Action Plan

The Government of Canada will take the following measures in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Publicly report on progress in an annual report to Parliament and work to ensure coordinated and comprehensive monitoring of implementation of the action plan across existing and new bodies that may be created. (Justice Canada)
    • Include in the UN Declaration Act Annual Report on implementation a section describing progress towards dismantling the Indian Act and recognizing the self-determination of Indigenous nations, as well as monitoring and evaluating the application and outcomes of GBA+. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Justice Canada and various departments)
    • Coordinate for the UN Declaration Act Annual Report the comprehensive reporting of the actions taken in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples pursuant to section 5 by each relevant federal department and agency. (Justice Canada)
    • Develop metrics with Indigenous peoples and representative organizations to ensure that useful measurements are being reported on. (Justice Canada)
  2. Co-develop and implement a process to review and update the action plan every five years, and a process for making amendments to the action plan. (Justice Canada)

  3. Establish an Action Plan Advisory Committee (APAC) that will include First Nations, Inuit, and Métis experts selected by First Nations governments and representative institutions, Métis governments and representative institutions and by Inuit Treaty Organizations, or their designates, to provide support and advice, upon request, related to the implementation of shared priorities included in this action plan.

    Advice from the APAC will be considered as the Minister, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples and with other federal ministers, implements the shared priorities in this action plan. (Justice Canada)

Cross-cutting priorities

Self-determination, self-government and recognition of treaties (articles 3, 4, 37)

The goal of this priority area is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples exercise and have full enjoyment of their rights to self-determination and self-government, including developing, maintaining and implementing their own jurisdiction, laws, governing bodies, institutions and political, economic and social structures related to Indigenous communities.
  • Treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements with Indigenous peoples are affirmed and fully implemented.
  • Colonial laws, policies and practices that have interfered with Indigenous peoples’ self-government are repealed or amended.
  • Legal pluralism in Canada recognizes and reflects Indigenous legal orders. Recognition of the inherent jurisdiction and legal orders of Indigenous nations is therefore the starting point of discussions aimed at interactions between federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous jurisdictions and laws.
  • Indigenous governments, like any order of government, have access to ongoing, long-term and stable fiscal mechanisms and revenues to fulfil their roles and responsibilities as governments, and ensure their citizens’ wellbeing and ability to thrive.

The Government of Canada will take the following actions in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Canada will withdraw the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right Policies and will issue a public statement that clarifies Canada’s rights recognition approach, including identifying laws and policies that guide the negotiation of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements. The public statement will include that the extinguishment of rights is not a policy objective. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
  2. Remove and address jointly identified barriers to settlement, and co-develop approaches for the implementation of the right to self-determination through treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements, as well as through new policies and legislative mechanisms. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada) 
  3. Consistent with article 37 of the UN Declaration, honourably implement historic and modern treaties, self-government arrangements, agreements and constructive arrangements – see specific measures found in subsequent chapters. (All departments)
  4. Co-develop, in cooperation with Self-Governing Arrangement Holders, solutions to policy impediments impacting the implementation of stand-alone self-government agreements/arrangements and work to resolve them through appropriate actions and mechanisms. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
  5. Engage with partners on the co-development of a Service Transfer Policy Framework. The purpose of the Framework would be to jointly advance the transfer of responsibility for the design, delivery and management of services from Indigenous Services Canada to Indigenous partners. (Indigenous Services Canada)
  6. Increase access to justice for Indigenous peoples, strengthen communities and advance self-determination by:
    • Finalizing an Indigenous Justice Strategy, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, that will provide the framework for concrete actions to address systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the Canadian justice system (Justice Canada and various departments)
    • Providing on-going support for community-led work and initiatives related to revitalization and enforcement of Indigenous laws and legal orders. (Justice Canada, Public Safety Canada, and various departments)
  7. Continue to implement the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families which affirms the inherent right of self-government, including jurisdiction in relation to child and family services, and sets minimum standards in relation to the delivery of culturally appropriate and Indigenous led services with the aim to reduce the number of Indigenous children in care and ensure they remain connected to their families, communities and culture. (Indigenous Services Canada)
  8. Continue to support Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous-led data strategies through legislative, regulatory and policy options to help ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have the sufficient, sustainable data capacity they need to control, manage, protect, and use their data to deliver effective services to their peoples, tell their own stories, participate in federal decision-making processes on matters that impact them, and realize their respective visions for self-determination. This should include nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government approaches to streamline timely sharing and access to federal data and information holdings with Indigenous partners, while respecting the privacy of individuals. This will support Indigenous jurisdiction over their data, and enable Indigenous-led survey and other data collection strategies, such as for the purpose of processing claims; facilitating decision-making; and for genealogical research. (Indigenous Services Canada, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Library and Archives Canada, and various departments)
  9. Building on ongoing policy and program renewal, the Government of Canada will work in collaboration with Indigenous partners to identify opportunities to reform and strengthen the foundational elements that support rights-based negotiations and approaches. This collaborative work may include a review of program administration, capacity support, funding, and delivery models, including the management of the process for determination of section 35 rights. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)

Lands, territories and resources (articles 10, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32)

The goal of this priority area is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples exercise and have full enjoyment of their inherent rights, including the right to own, use, develop and control lands and resources within their territories.
  • Indigenous jurisdiction over lands and resources is fully exercised and respected, including through processes for harmonization where necessary.
  • The Government of Canada fully respects Indigenous title and rights, and the sacred relationship and responsibilities of Indigenous peoples to their lands, waters and resources, including through its laws, policies and practices.

The Government of Canada will take the following actions in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Develop guidance on engaging with Indigenous peoples on natural resources projects, including in collaboration with provinces, territories, and industry, that:
    • Aligns with the UN Declaration, including article 32(2), which calls for consultation and cooperation in good faith with the Indigenous peoples concerned in order to obtain free, prior and informed consent, prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories and other resources
    • Provides practical recommendations for successful free, prior and informed consent implementation (including in situations where multiple regulatory processes are involved) consistent with the outcome(s) of action plan measure 66
    • Supports the integration of specific, localized knowledge held by Indigenous peoples in the design and governance of projects
    • Informs improved and enhanced engagement processes with Indigenous peoples on natural resources projects. (Various departments)
  2. Develop and implement actions to increase the economic participation of Indigenous peoples and their communities in natural resource development. (Natural Resources Canada)

  3. Work in consultation and cooperation with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, governments and organizations to (i) enhance the participation of Indigenous peoples in, and (ii) set the measures that could enable them to exercise federal regulatory authority in respect of, projects and matters that are currently regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER).

    Steps to achieve these objectives include to:

    • Develop regulations respecting the Minister of Natural Resource Canada’s power to enter into arrangements that would enable Indigenous governing bodies to be authorized to exercise specific powers, duties and functions under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.
    • Amend the Canadian Energy Regulator Onshore Pipeline Regulations and Filing Manuals applicable to the lifecycle (design, construction, operation and abandonment) of CER-regulated infrastructure, in a manner that:
      • incorporates specific localized knowledge held by Indigenous peoples, as well as Indigenous laws, policies, practices, protocols, and knowledge
      • strengthens measures to prevent and address impacts to Indigenous rights and interests, including in relation to heritage resources and sites of Indigenous significance.
    • Develop a systemic model to enhance Indigenous peoples’ involvement in compliance and oversight over the lifecycle (design, construction, operation and abandonment) of CER-regulated infrastructure. The model should integrate learnings from existing structures and relationships.   
    • Consult and cooperate to identify and take the measures needed to support Indigenous governing bodies, and/or the potential establishment of new Indigenous decision-making institutions, to exercise regulatory authority on projects and matters regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator, including:
      • Co-develop with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, governments and organizations and relevant federal departments and regulators the mandate of such bodies or institutions, as well as the mechanisms required for empowering them with certain regulatory authorities
      • Identify the actions and allocate the resources required to further develop capacity and expertise for the exercise of regulatory authority by such bodies or institutions.

    This work could lead to other federal departments, regulators or institutions, similarly working in consultation and cooperation with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, governments and organizations, to:

    • enhance the participation of Indigenous peoples
    • set the measures that could enable them to exercise regulatory authority,in respect of federally regulated natural resource projects. (Natural Resources Canada, Canada Energy Regulator)
  4. Indigenous peoples exercise harvesting rights (for example, by hunting, trapping, gathering and fishing) in the majority of lands, waters and ice administered by Parks Canada, as they have for millennia. To implement Indigenous peoples' rights and responsibilities for lands, waters, and ice, and advance the requirements of section 5 of the UN Declaration Act, Parks Canada will enable harvesting by Indigenous peoples within heritage places where barriers remain. This will be accomplished through the co-development of legislative amendments and policy initiatives that respect section 35 rights, such as stewardship agreements that align with Indigenous laws and protocols, support access and enhance roles of Indigenous Guardians, including enforcement. This work will be coordinated with other action plan measures and include cultural competency training for Parks Canada employees to reinforce understanding of Indigenous rights and responsibilities. Work will be undertaken in collaboration with federal government departments with overlapping mandates and authorities, as required. (Parks Canada)
  5. Pursue amendments and reforms to fisheries legislation, regulation, or policies to support self-determination and the meaningful implementation and exercise of Indigenous fishing rights, including Aboriginal and treaty rights. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
  6. In a manner that is measurable, enhance collaborative tools agreements and transparent approaches to better deliver on the collaborative design, development, delivery and management of fisheries, as well as conservation and protection of fish habitat. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will continue to pursue fisheries-related collaborative governance opportunities through nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government negotiations. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
  7. Provide predictable and flexible funding that will ensure Indigenous partners have the capacity to provide fisheries, habitat, science, and oceans and marine-related services. Provide predictable and flexible funding to ensure Indigenous nations and organizations have the capacity to meaningfully participate in advisory, co-management, and decision-making processes tied to aquatic resources and oceans management. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
  8. Develop and implement legislative, policy, or program supports, as well as provide predictable and flexible funding, to ensure fisheries guardians can meet community needs. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
  9. Develop and employ mechanisms that respect and incorporate Indigenous Knowledge as a distinct knowledge system in the management of fisheries, fish habitat, conservation, marine safety and protection of the marine environment. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
  10. Through meaningful consultation and collaboration and partnerships with Indigenous groups and British Columbia and Yukon partners, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will implement the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative to protect and revitalize salmon populations and their habitats. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
  11. Through meaningful consultation and collaboration and partnerships with Indigenous governments, organizations, communities and other partners , advance marine Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas to support Canada’s commitments to reconciliation and marine conservation. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
  12. Establish effective mechanisms and processes to address systemic racism in the enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
  13. Pursue the development of national aquaculture legislation that will support self-determination and the meaningful implementation of Aboriginal and treaty rights. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
  14. Co-develop frameworks, mechanisms, processes and policy approaches that assist the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces in aligning its programs and activities with article 30 and other relevant articles of the UN Declaration. (Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces)

Environment (article 29)

The goal of this priority area is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples enjoy the right to a healthy natural environment with Indigenous ways of knowing incorporated into the protection and stewardship of lands, waters, plants and animals.
  • Indigenous peoples play a central role on biodiversity conservation, water and environmental conservation, and climate change action planning, policy development and decision-making.
  • Self-determined climate action is supported as critical to advancing Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The Government of Canada will take the following actions in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Together with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, advance an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, including distinctions-based strategies, that vests the resources and authorities necessary for Indigenous peoples to fully exercise their right to self-determination on climate. This includes ensuring that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have stable, long-term financing to implement their climate actions, make climate related-decisions with the Government of Canada, and that systemic barriers to Indigenous climate leadership are addressed. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada)
  2. Continue to support Indigenous leadership in conservation through initiatives such as Indigenous Guardians, Indigenous Partnerships Initiative and Indigenous-Led Area Based Conservation that will provide capacity support until 2026, as well as the Project Finance for Permanence. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
  3. Build on important work that has already occurred, to recognize, elevate, and incorporate Indigenous science into Environment and Climate Change Canada scientific inquiry by continuing to stand up the new Indigenous Science Division, established in 2022, to bridge, braid, and weave Indigenous science with western science to inform Environment and Climate Change Canada’s science, policy, and program decision making. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
  4. Create a Canada Water Agency and advance the modernization of the Canada Water Act to reflect Canada’s freshwater reality, including climate change and Indigenous rights. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
  5. Monitor the implementation of the 2022-26 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and in developing a new strategy for 2026, through their engagement in the Minister’s Sustainable Development Advisory Council as well as other consultative methods. Involvement of Indigenous peoples is a core principle of the Federal Sustainable Development Act. The 2022-2026 Federal Sustainability Development Strategy includes perspectives from members of National Indigenous Organizations, a commitment to report on the implementation of the UN Declaration Act, , and to take a wide range of actions in support of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
  6. The Impact Assessment Agency will implement the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) in a way that aligns with the objectives and spirit of the UN Declaration. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Carrying out impact assessments in a manner that emphasizes the need to seek free, prior, and informed consent
    • Maximizing Indigenous collaboration and partnership, including the advancement of regulations to enable agreements under p.114(1)(d) and (e) of the IAA
    • Early, consistent, and meaningful engagement and participation through all phases of impact assessment
    • Respect for Indigenous rights, culture and jurisdiction
    • Mandatory consideration of Indigenous Knowledge in impact assessment
    • Continually building Crown-Indigenous relations
    • Supporting Indigenous capacity in impact assessment
    • Consideration of health, social and economic factors, including impacts to women, youth and Elders
    • Consideration of any cumulative effects that are likely to result from a designated project in combination with other physical activities that have been or will be carried out. (Impact Assessment Agency of Canada)

Civil and political rights (articles 6, 7, 9, 17, 33, 35, 36)

The goal of this priority is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Indigenous people enjoy equal respect and protection of their civil and political rights.
  • Indigenous peoples enjoy their right to maintain and develop contacts, relations and cooperation, including activities for spiritual, cultural, political, economic and social purposes, with their own members as well as other peoples across borders.

The Government of Canada will take the following actions in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Pursue legislative amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, amendments to relevant Regulations and revisions to policies in order to address complex border crossing and migration challenges faced by Indigenous peoples divided by Canada's international borders, including options to amend Canada’s right of entry provision, and work and study permit requirements.

    Engagement with Indigenous peoples and their representative organizations to implement the action plan measure is being initiated in 2023, with a view to advancing amendments and policy reforms in 2024. In parallel, the Government of Canada will continue discussions with international partners on Indigenous border crossing issues. (Canada Border Services Agency, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)

  2. Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R. v. Desautel1 by undertaking exploratory discussions with section 35 rights holders to contribute to addressing the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous groups affected by international borders. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
  3. Leveraging the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP), engage and work with Indigenous communities and provinces and territories on approaches to enhance policing services that are professional, dedicated and responsive to First Nation and Inuit communities, with a focus on supporting:
    • Culturally responsive policing in First Nation and Inuit communities
    • Self-administered policing in First Nation communities
    • Expansion of the FNIPP to additional First Nation and Inuit communities
    • Operational needs for current FNIPP communities. (Public Safety Canada)
  4. Explore community-based approaches to public safety in Indigenous communities by supporting the implementation, and assessing the effectiveness, of Community Safety Officer Pilot projects approaches to help meet community safety needs of Indigenous communities. (Public Safety Canada)
  5. Through the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, continue to invest in trauma-informed and culturally relevant community-based projects and support the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking and its hotline. (Public Safety Canada)
  6. Through the National Crime Prevention Strategy’s Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund, continue to invest in Indigenous-led crime prevention strategies and community services. (Public Safety Canada)
  7. Through the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning (CSP) Initiative, continue to:
    • support Indigenous-led efforts and community-based solutions that identify and address the unique safety and wellbeing priorities of Indigenous communities in an holistic and culturally relevant manner through the creation of community safety plans
    • support Indigenous rights, including rights to self-determination and self-government, by seeking community-informed and full consent before beginning the CSP process which is foundational to its success
    • support capacity building within Indigenous communities as they deliver projects they have identified as a priority
    • support action to address violence against Indigenous women and girls. (Public Safety Canada)
  8. Through the National Office of Investigative Standards and Practices within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, continue to coordinate and provide oversight for high-profile and major case investigations, with a portion of the work dedicated to Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people who are overrepresented as victims of crime in Royal Canadian Mounted Police jurisdictions. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
  9. Correctional Service of Canada will continue to:
    • Reduce the disproportionate Indigenous population in correctional facilities through consultation, education, funding and cooperation for policing and restorative justice initiatives
    • Expand existing Section 81 Healing Lodge capacity, identify geographical gaps to capitalize on developing additional Healing Lodges and revisit communities that previously expressed interest in a Section 81 Healing Lodge
    • Provide effective, culturally competent, and non-discriminatory interventions and reintegration support for Indigenous offenders
    • Provide programs, policies and practices designed to respect gender, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic differences and are responsive to the special needs of Indigenous offenders
    • Work in collaboration with northern communities and Inuit stakeholder in shaping the Anijaarniq Strategy to address the needs of Inuit offenders to support successful reintegration into their home communities
    • Promote the Indigenous Offender Reintegration Contribution and review existing proposals to assist in meeting the reintegration and healing needs of Indigenous offenders
    • Provide employment and employability on-the-job and vocational training to Indigenous offenders through CORCAN
    • Actively participate in whole of government and pan-Canadian initiatives, such as the Indigenous Justice Strategy  and the Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism
    • Communicate with the peoples who have been harmed by crime and give them the opportunity to communicate with the offender who harmed them through the Correctional Service of Canada’s Restorative Opportunities
    • Collaborate with the Learning and Development Branch of Correctional Service of Canada to formally educate staff about Indigenous peoples
    • Proactively incorporate the requirement to consider Indigenous Social History as part of its decision-making framework. (Correctional Service of Canada)
  10. Support the safe and successful reintegration of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system into the community by:
    • Looking to reduce overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system by supporting rehabilitation and safer communities (including through culturally appropriate interventions), through the Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism
    • Collaborating with stakeholders to provide tailored supports for community reintegration
    • Continuing to invest in Indigenous-led community corrections programming, through the Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative, to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in corrections and the criminal justice system by supporting community-led alternatives to custody and reintegration projects responsive to the unique circumstances of Indigenous people in Canada
    • Continuing to support culturally-appropriate programs, led and designed by Indigenous organizations, to ensure appropriate attention and accountability towards Indigenous issues in the correctional systems and addressing overrepresentation of Indigenous offenders (particularly women). (Public Safety Canada)
  11. Support Indigenous people during the conditional release process by continuing to:
    • Provide training to staff and Board members of the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) to support cultural competency, including Indigenous Cultural Responsiveness Training
    • Offer culturally adapted hearing processes to increase responsivity to the needs of Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people who have demonstrated a commitment to an Indigenous way of life through the involvement of Elders and Cultural Advisors and the Indigenous community at PBC hearings
    • Reflect in policy the requirement for Board members to consider social history factors in every decision taken involving an Indigenous offender, and to demonstrate consideration of those factors in their reasons for decision where applicable
    • Reflect in policy the requirement for Board members to consider culturally appropriate community alternatives in decision-making for Indigenous peoples. (Parole Board of Canada)
  12. Establish a federally-led FPTI working group in 2023 on Indigenous emergency management comprised of federal senior officials, national Indigenous organization leaders and provincial and territorial representatives. (Public Safety Canada)
  13. In order to protect the safety and security of First Nations, Inuit and Métis and their right and ability to exercise self-determination and self-governance in matters with a nexus to national security, Canada will share information to support decision-making. The information shared will be unclassified and/or classified when appropriate security clearances are in place. (Canadian Security Intelligence Service)
  14. Continue to work collaboratively with Indigenous partners throughout the development and implementation of firearms legislation and related initiatives to ensure consistency with the UN Declaration, and to identify potential unintended impacts to Section 35 rights in its implementation. (Public Safety Canada)

Participation in decision-making and Indigenous institutions (articles 5, 18, 19, 34)

The goal of this priority is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples enjoy and exercise the right to participate in decision-making in all matters that affect them.
  • Indigenous peoples, governments, industry and other implicated sectors develop a shared understanding of the objectives of, and when and how to seek Indigenous peoples’ free, prior and informed consent.

The Government of Canada will take the following actions in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Develop coordinated, whole-of-government approaches to the implementation of the right to participate in decision-making related to legislative, policy and program initiatives, consistent with the UN Declaration, including articles 18 and 19, which could include:
    • Elements to ensure relevant processes respect and reflect consultation and cooperation with affected Indigenous peoples to obtain their free, prior and informed consent
    • Measures to address barriers to full and effective participation by Indigenous peoples, including, for example, in relation to access to information and capacity supports
    • Identifying and pursuing potential legislative changes and changes to Government of Canada decision making practices and processes to implement the right to participate in decision-making
    • Providing guidance on identifying Indigenous representative institutions for the purposes of implementing the right to participate in decision-making. (Various departments)
  2. Work with Indigenous partners to ensure co-development of legislation, policies, programs, regulations and services furthers the right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination, led by priorities and strategies determined and developed by Indigenous peoples, and that co-development processes result in initiatives that comply with Indigenous rights and advance Indigenous priorities. This includes advancing concrete measures co-developed under the permanent bilateral mechanisms process such as the Inuit Nunangat Policy and distinctions-based co-development principles. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and various departments)
  3. Strengthen Indigenous peoples’ participation in decision-making through an improved whole-of-government approach to consultation and accommodation which is aligned with the UN Declaration by:
    • Co-developing consultation arrangements with Indigenous partners that establish agreed-upon duty to consult and engagement processes, in a manner that is consistent with self-determination objectives and free, prior and informed consent
    • Co-developing information on Aboriginal and treaty rights through a system newly co-managed with Indigenous partners
    • Establishing a permanent Indigenous advisory committee to guide the federal approach to consultation and to explore considerations for an Indigenous-managed consultation capacity support fund. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
  4. Utilizing a gender-based lens, develop a strategic and holistic approach to implementing relationship agreements with Indigenous Women’s Organizations to ensure the equality rights of Indigenous women, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women. The agreements support these organizations’ ability to advocate for Indigenous women's rights, define their own priorities, and partner with federal government departments to ensure programs, policies, and legislation respect/uphold Indigenous women's distinct rights and gendered needs. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
  5. Increase the ability of grassroots organizations to bring forward the interests and perspectives of Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ grassroots organizations’ voices to influence the development of federal policy, programs, and legislation. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
  6. Strengthen Indigenous engagement by improving bilateral mechanisms with Indigenous partners, improve linkages between federal/provincial/territorial officials and Indigenous representatives across public health and health care systems and better align the Health Portfolio and Indigenous Services Canada on strategic direction. (Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada)
  7. Co-develop with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis right holders or their national designates distinctions-based, whole of government policy guidelines on fully and effectively engaging Indigenous peoples on international issues affecting them, with a commitment to explore the development of policy in specific areas where appropriate. This work will seek to enhance the participation of Indigenous peoples in decision-making on matters which would affect their rights and to advance Canada’s contribution to the work of the entities of the UN system and other intergovernmental organizations in their implementation of article 41. (Global Affairs Canada)
  8. Centralize review of policy and program documents to ensure UN Declaration Act engagement principles with Indigenous peoples are respected and maintained. (Canadian Heritage)

Economic, health and social rights (articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)

The goal of this priority is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples are supported by initiatives that promote connection, development, access and improvement, as well as full participation in all aspects of Canada’s economy.
  • Indigenous peoples are healthy, adequately housed and safe.

The Government of Canada will take the following actions in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Building on the work from the National Indigenous Economic Development Board Report on Economic Reconciliation, as well as the First Nations Financial Management Board’s Roadmap Project and the National Indigenous Economic Strategy, advance economic reconciliation through engagement on key aspects for Indigenous economic development such as initiating discussions on an Indigenous-led investment and financial asset management regime, and address persistent economic barriers for Indigenous businesses and communities, including the impacts of colonization and inequitable policies. (Indigenous Services Canada and various departments)
  2. Ensure that the unique differences in how poverty is experienced among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are recognized in the design and delivery of Government of Canada programs, policies, and services by fulfilling the commitment outlined by the Poverty Reduction Strategy to work with National Indigenous Organizations and others to identify and co-develop indicators of poverty and well-being, including non-income-based measures of poverty, that reflect the multiple dimensions of poverty and well-being experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis. (Employment and Social Development Canada)
  3. Strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities through outreach activities to increase access to Government of Canada benefits and programs, including Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Social Insurance Numbers. (Employment and Social Development Canada)
  4. Increase Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship to reduce socio-economic inequity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations and between Indigenous men and women; and support self-determination and economic reconciliation. (Indigenous Services Canada and various departments)
  5. Advance discussions on the participation of Indigenous peoples in the gaming industry and in its regulation across Canada, collaboratively with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners. (Justice Canada)
  6. Award a minimum of 5% of the total value of all federal contracts to Indigenous businesses. (Public Service and Procurement Canada)
  7. Co-develop a new and more holistic long-term and continuing care framework, that is culturally appropriate, gendered, safe and accessible to Indigenous peoples is crucial in helping to improve the quality of aging and health outcomes. The Government of Canada anticipates the distinctions-based co-developed long-term care framework to be finalized by 2025. (Indigenous Services Canada)
  8. Improve health equity through access to culturally-appropriate health and wellness services and support for holistic approaches to healing, including community-based, land-based, culturally relevant and trauma informed mental health services addressing – among other things – suicide and addictions crises. (Indigenous Services Canada)
  9. Collaborate with Indigenous representative organizations on a palliative and end of life care framework, that is culturally appropriate, safe, and accessible for Indigenous peoples. (Health Canada)
  10. Collaborate with Indigenous representative organizations on Medical Assistance in Dying policy so that it respects and considers Indigenous knowledge and views on death. (Health Canada)
  11. Continue to support Friendship Centres and other urban Indigenous organizations and coalitions in their work to identify and address local needs and priorities of urban/off reserve Indigenous peoples in a manner that is safe, secure, accessible and culturally-relevant. (Indigenous Services Canada)
  12. Ensure that the equality rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities are respected in the design and delivery of Government of Canada programs, policies, and services. The Government of Canada will work with Indigenous communities and their representatives on the realization of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This includes seeking concrete data solutions to better understand the socio-economic situation of Indigenous persons with disabilities. The Government of Canada will also work with and fund Indigenous representative organizations and/or communities through existing programs, such as the Social Development Partnership Program (Disability), to support the implementation of the Convention. (Employment and Social Development Canada)
  13. Support the right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination and food sovereignty according to their own priorities through the provision of long-term and flexible funding to strengthen access to traditional foods and local food systems, including – but not limited to – expanding the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
  14. Support Indigenous peoples’ food security, sovereignty and sustainability through:
    • Funding and other program measures
    • Promoting food-focused research to better understand the intersection of Indigenous peoples’ food security, sovereignty and sustainability
    • Promoting trade in Indigenous peoples’ food products and removal of barriers to that trade. (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
  15. When people have access to safe and affordable housing, they are more economically secure, healthier, and see brighter futures for themselves and their families. While the National Housing Strategy prioritizes Indigenous and northern housing projects, significant gaps exist in addressing the housing needs of Indigenous peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas. The Government of Canada is committed to implementing a co-developed Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy with Indigenous partners. The Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy will complement the three existing distinction-based housing strategies: First Nations Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy, the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy and the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord. (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada)
  16. Work with partners and Indigenous organizations on mental health promotion programming and prevention initiatives, including using distinctions-based approaches where feasible to support culturally safe, relevant and trauma-informed initiatives. (Public Health Agency of Canada)
  17. Address policy, program, and socio-economic gaps, and strengthen interdepartmental and intergovernmental relations, in full partnership with Métis, non-status, off-reserve, and urban Indigenous peoples, consistent with the CAP/Daniels decision.2 (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)

Cultural, religious and linguistic rights (articles 8, 11, 12, 13, 25, 31)

The goal of this priority is to establish a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples fully enjoy and exercise their distinct rights to maintain, control, develop, protect and transmit their cultural heritage, Indigenous knowledge, languages, food systems, sciences and technologies, without discrimination.
  • Indigenous peoples are thriving, including through connection to culture and community, the use of their languages and the expression of their spiritual heritage.

The Government of Canada will take the following actions in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Work with Indigenous governments, other Indigenous governing bodies and a variety of Indigenous organizations to review and consider proposed amendments to strengthen the Indigenous Languages Act pursuant to the independent review process. (Canadian Heritage)
  2. Continue establishing measures to facilitate the provision of adequate, sustainable and long-term funding for the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of Indigenous languages through ongoing implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act. (Canadian Heritage)
  3. Advance access to federal services in Indigenous languages; including translation of key departmental documentation. (Canadian Heritage)
  4. Establish a process to engage Indigenous peoples on go-forward UN Declaration-related interests relevant to arts, culture, commemorations and heritage. (Canadian Heritage)
  5. Enable broadened approaches to cooperative management, governance and decision-making with respect to the heritage places that Parks Canada has a role in administering. Parks Canada will work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis through a distinctions-based process to develop policy, regulatory and legislative options to recognize and support implementation of Indigenous systems of law and governance through a spectrum of governance, decision-making and management approaches in areas of interest including, but not limited to: economic and employment benefits; tourism; management plans; protection and conservation strategies; establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas; access; archaeology; research, and restoration initiatives. (Parks Canada)
  6. In coordination with other action plan measures, advance policy and on-the-land initiatives within the heritage places it has a role in administering to support and revitalize the relationships and connections of Indigenous peoples with lands, waters and ice that are essential to the overall well-being of Indigenous communities and individuals. A range of initiatives that will result in economic and employment opportunities will be implemented including, among other things, enhanced and sustainable Indigenous Guardian programs, support for on-the-land language and cultural learning by and for Indigenous peoples including youth, Indigenous-led place-renaming and revitalization of the stories of these places, promotion of public education to build understanding of Indigenous histories and stewardship approaches, and other policy-based initiatives that promote cultural continuity and revitalization. This work will be guided by the Indigenous Stewardship Circle, a diverse group of Indigenous leaders providing advice on how Parks Canada can support the implementation of the UN Declaration. (Parks Canada)
  7. In coordination with other action plan measures, formalize the role of Indigenous knowledge in decision-making and support Indigenous data sovereignty through co-development of policy initiatives and tools, establishment of employee training and learning opportunities delivered by Indigenous organizations and experts, and by facilitating data access for Indigenous partners as appropriate. To affirm the value of Indigenous knowledge systems, Parks Canada will implement appropriate and respectful payments for the guidance received from Indigenous knowledge holders. (Parks Canada)
  8. Co-develop with First Nations, Inuit Treaty Organizations or their designates, and the Métis a distinction-based comprehensive approach, which will include legislative, programming and/or service measures, to enable the repatriation/rematriation of Indigenous cultural belongings and ancestral remains. (Canadian Heritage)
  9. Utilizing a culturally appropriate and gender-based lens, support the Calls for Justice by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Métis-centred Calls for Miskotahâ through applicable program and policy supports, leading engagement with other government organizations and Indigenous peoples to co-develop an approach to support funding for Indigenous-led cultural initiatives. (Canadian Heritage)
  10. Support Indigenous peoples through applicable program and policy measures, including:
    • Targeted funding for commercial Indigenous music artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations to increase the participation of Indigenous peoples within the Canadian music industry
    • Supporting students through the Canada Arts Training Fund and Indigenous Arts Knowledge Exchange.(Canadian Heritage)
  11. Work in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to ensure appropriate measures are in place for Indigenous peoples to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, including working in partnership with responsible government departments to ensure that Canada’s intellectual property legislative and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Copyright Act, Trademarks Act, Patent Act) are consistent with the UN Declaration. (Canadian Heritage, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)

Education, information and media (articles 14, 15, 16)

The goal of this priority area is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples enjoy the equal right to education, including post-secondary education, with necessary funding and supports, and have access when possible to education in Indigenous languages and cultures.
  • All Canadians have increased knowledge of the UN Declaration as well as Indigenous rights, cultures, histories, stories and ways of knowing.

In addition to the measures set out under the “Promoting mutual respect and understanding as well as good relations, including through human rights education” element of the “Legislated Priorities” section, the Government of Canada will take the following actions in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Deploy necessary efforts to support Indigenous peoples’ and communities’ right to self-determination on socio-economic issues including access to post-secondary education, skills training and employment. Such efforts will be inclusive of Indigenous peoples regardless of where they reside. (Employment and Social Development Canada)
  2. Continue to advance and support self-determination in the provision of culturally competent early learning and childcare for Indigenous children, through the co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework and dedicated federal investments to support its implementation. Continue to provide sustainable funding for self-determined early learning and child care services in Indigenous communities that emphasize Indigenous language and culture to support Indigenous youth’s early-age language development in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous language keepers. (Employment and Social Development Canada and Indigenous Services Canada)
  3. Co-develop options to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 66, to “establish multi-year funding for community-based youth organizations to deliver programs on reconciliation and establish a national network to share information and best practices”. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
  4. Provide increased ongoing funding for the Indigenous Screen Office Program to support Indigenous narrative sovereignty and self-determination in the audiovisual sector. (Canadian Heritage)
  5. Provide increased ongoing funding for Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting and expand nationally to support Indigenous broadcasting and the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures. (Canadian Heritage)

Implementation and redress (articles 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46)

The goal of this priority area is to ensure a Canada where:

  • Indigenous peoples participate as equal partners in a sustainable, adaptive, regionally-sensitive and transparent UN Declaration implementation process that is distinctions-based in its approach and informed by culturally relevant gender-based analysis.
  • There are accessible and effective processes and mechanisms for negotiation of nation-to-nation, government-to-government, Inuit-Crown agreements, as well as for the resolution of disputes that reflect and respect legal pluralism and Indigenous laws and legal traditions. Dispute resolution processes would include the negotiation of redress for impacts upon Indigenous title and rights flowing from federal actions and practices.

In addition to the measures set out under the “Oversight and Accountability” and “Monitoring and Reviewing” elements of the “Legislated Priorities” section, the Government of Canada will take the following actions in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  1. Support the ongoing work of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools and act upon her recommendations, including with a view to aligning federal laws with the UN Declaration. (Justice Canada)
  2. Support an independent Advisory Committee that will provide guidance on prioritization, standards and recommendations on approaches to sharing different types of Indian Residential School documents, and to lead a whole-of-government process to scope and develop a federal approach to identify and share Indian Residential Schools-related documents with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
  3. Develop distinction-based mechanisms to formalize participation of Indigenous peoples’ representative institutions throughout the Government of Canada’s processes for: ongoing implementation of Canada’s obligations under international human rights treaties; monitoring and reporting on Canada’s obligations under those treaties; follow-up on recommendations by international human rights bodies; and consideration of adherence to international human rights treaties to which Canada is not yet party. (Canadian Heritage)
  4. In coordination with other action plan measures, implement actions to support truth-telling and respond meaningfully to historic and ongoing harms that resulted from the establishment, management and operation of heritage places it has a role in administering, in collaboration with other relevant federal government departments, as required. This will include the co-development of site-specific apologies and acknowledgements with potentially implicated Indigenous nations and/or partners. Parks Canada will seek mandates and authorities for the delivery of apologies with any associated redress as required, and upon receiving authorities, will work with Indigenous nations and/or partners to co-develop and co-deliver apologies or acknowledgements, as appropriate, and co-implement redress-related actions in a manner that respects the interests and protocols of implicated Indigenous nations and/or partners. (Parks Canada)
  5. Collaborate with Indigenous partners and the Province of British Columbia on the implementation of provincial measures in support of British Columbia’s Declaration Act Action Plan, where federal involvement is appropriate, including through the bilateral process established through the Letter of Understanding between Justice Canada and the First Nations Leadership Council to advance implementation of the federal action plan in British Columbia. (Various departments)

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