Reconciliation and natural resources
NRCan is the first federal department to have a sector with an Indigenous name gifted by Elders. Nòkwewashk (No-kway-washk) is an Algonquin word for sweetgrass and is NRCan’s newest sector. Learn more about its significance.
On this page
- Strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- National Benefits-Sharing Framework
Partnering with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and businesses is critical to building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient natural resource sector in Canada.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is 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
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
On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) received Royal Assent and immediately came into force. This legislation advances the implementation of the Declaration as 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:
- safety and security of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people
- guidance for achieving free, prior and informed consent with Indigenous Peoples on natural resources projects
- economic participation of Indigenous Peoples and their communities in natural resource development (including through the National Benefit Sharing Framework)
- increasing Indigenous participation in decision-making
National Benefits-Sharing Framework
NRCan is engaging with Indigenous governments, communities and organizations, as well as industry partners on the development of a National Benefits-Sharing Framework.
The Framework will set forward a path to reducing the barriers Indigenous Peoples face in receiving consistent and equitable benefits from major natural resource projects on their territories.
Budget 2023 proposed $8.7 million in 2023-24 to support deeper engagements with Indigenous partners, including Indigenous rights-holders, towards the development of a National Benefits-Sharing Framework.
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