Conclusion

Mindful that reconciliation is a journey, not a destination, this year’s Annual Report details some of the work that the Government of Canada has undertaken with Indigenous peoples to implement the UN Declaration federally in Canada over the fiscal year 2025–26. Government departments continued to advance work with Indigenous partners towards achieving the objectives of the UN Declaration in Canada. These achievements can be seen in both the laws and regulations that were assessed for consistency as well as the APMs that were advanced.

At the same time, partners have reported that there continues to be a gap between federal commitments and tangible on-the-ground change that enable Indigenous peoples to exercise their rights. Indigenous partners have identified a number of challenges that if addressed can help push forward implementation. While some of these challenges are being addressed through the Action Plan and/or legislative and regulatory changes, other challenges require new solutions and concerted action. Indigenous partners have identified many solutions to these challenges have been included in this report which can guide departments and agencies in the continued implementation of the UN Declaration.

With the UN Declaration Act now five years old and the Action Plan three years old, this report provides valuable perspective on the success and practical challenges of implementing the UN Declaration. As attentions begins to turn towards the review and update of the Action Plan, lessons learned to date from Indigenous peoples and from departments and agencies will help to ensure that progress to date can be consolidated and future progress will have a strong foundation to build upon.