On this page
- Strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
We are committed to working together with Indigenous Peoples to build nation-to-nation relationships founded in mutual respect, partnership, and recognition of rights. Advancing reconciliation means not only transforming our words, but our actions, particularly when it comes to the development of projects related to resource extraction.
Strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities
Partnering with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and businesses is critical to building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient natural resource sector in Canada.
We are proud to partner with Indigenous communities to increase participation and enable the development of innovative natural resource projects and policies that will have benefits for generations to come.
We are working to renew our relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. This also includes ongoing consultation and cooperation to secure free, prior, and informed consent for decisions that impact Indigenous communities and their rights, including their lands, territories and resources.
Ongoing actions
Our journey towards reconciliation is not a process that can be completed overnight. Continuous and meaningful efforts must be made to cultivate long-lasting relationships and support meaningful Indigenous participation and ownership in the net-zero future.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) is a key step in renewing the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
This Act requires the Government of Canada, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, to:
- take all measures necessary to ensure the laws of Canada are consistent with the Declaration
- prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the Declaration’s objectives
- table an annual report on progress to align the laws of Canada and on the action plan
The Action Plan sets out 181 measures that Canada will take with Indigenous Peoples to implement the UN Declaration.
NRCan is leading/co-leading the implementation of 4 measures in the action plan related to federally regulated natural resources projects, with commitments to make progress in the following areas:
- Safe, secure, and equitable resource development for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ persons
- Guidance on engaging on natural resources projects to obtain free and prior informed consent
- Increasing economic participation in natural resources projects
- Enhancing participation in natural resource projects regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator
