2021-22 Operating context
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) was officially established on July 15, 2019, with the coming into force of the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act. CIRNAC was established to carry out activities that support the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Its primary focus is renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships based on affirmation and implementation of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. The Government works in partnership with Indigenous communities so that they are better positioned to govern their own affairs and achieve self-determination, and promotes the prosperity and well-being of residents and communities in the North.
In delivering its mandate, CIRNAC is facilitating collaboration and cooperation with Indigenous peoples and with the provinces and territories in relation to entering into and implementing agreements; recognizing and implementing treaties concluded between the Crown and Indigenous peoples; addressing past wrongs by negotiating and resolving historical grievances put forward by First Nations; promoting self-reliance and supporting climate change actions as well as easier access to healthy food for the residents and communities of the Canadian North; recognizing and promoting Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing; and, promoting public awareness and understanding of the importance of working toward and contributing to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
In the context of the challenges brought forward by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government works on balancing the need to focus on public health and economic recovery with the need to sustain momentum on the longer-term reconciliation agenda. Although the pandemic could affect the achievement of CIRNAC's results in 2021–22 and beyond, the department remains committed to meeting the various needs and responding to the unique realities of all Indigenous peoples and Northerners in these unprecedented times. While considerable work remains to be done, measures taken to-date demonstrate the strength of the government's commitment going forward.