Learn how to engage Indigenous communities in flood mapping projects

The Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation has released its Indigenous Engagement Guidelines for Flood Mapping, which seeks to inform officials, scientists, public servants and practitioners about the best ways to engage Indigenous communities in flood mapping projects. This includes guidance on communicating with Indigenous community representatives, best practices for developing effective working relationships, and help clarifying responsibilities outlined by Canadian law and policy surrounding projects taking place on traditional territory.

An important part of Natural Resources Canada's work is its commitment to truth and reconciliation. The Indigenous Engagement Guidelines for Flood Mapping offers a clarifying direction on the nuances of creating effective project plans, and establishing jointly beneficial working relationships with Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations.

Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by floods and that risk is increasing. The Guidelines represent a starting point for building trust, demonstrating transparency, and empowering each other towards shared success amidst a complicated socio-political landscape which includes many layers of governments, organizations and agencies.

While designed with engineering, mapping, and policy practitioners in mind, these core principles can be used by anyone in a similar field or those wanting to learn more about Indigenous Engagement.

What do the guidelines cover?

• Intercultural considerations and Guiding Principles that establish expectations between communities and government officials around who, what, where, and when to engage
• The five stages of an Indigenous Engagement Process: Identify, Share Information, Contact, Maintain Relationship and Follow Up with Results
• Methods to include traditional knowledge into project design and engaging with diverse community members including elders, youth, government officials
• Strategies to create a single point of contact and facilitate properly even with limited resources
• Incorporating principles like ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP® ) and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent during Information Sharing
• A history of court rulings, legislation, and policy decisions showcasing Government-Indigenous relations that inform roles and responsibilities of the parties

For more information, please email geoinfo@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.