United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals

Planned initiatives

National Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA

It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence

Since 2015, the Government of Canada has worked across departments towards a Canada free of violence against Indigenous women, girls, 2-spirit and LGBTQQIA.

In June 2021, the product of collaborative work between the federal government, provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous organizations and governments was released. The 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan contains key priorities and actions to end this violence. The Government will accelerate work with Indigenous partners to address the national tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People through the implementation of the Federal Pathway and the National Action Plan. Families, survivors and communities are, and will continue to be, at the center of the Government's efforts including direct support for family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, as well as policy and programmatic innovation in key areas of priority.

Together with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners, we are responding to the issues identified in the Calls for Justice, as part of the whole-of-Canada response to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. CIRNAC is also working with Women and Gender Equality Canada to ensure alignment between the National Action Plan and the Strategy in key areas of common interest, including human safety and security inclusive of environment and social infrastructure, violence prevention, support for survivors of violence and their families, and the promotion of access to justice and responsive legal systems. This work also extends to discussions on how progress will be measured for the future.

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

Goal 5 of the CIF: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

GIF target 5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere

GIF target 5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation

GIF target 5.c Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

Domestic: A governance structure, primarily made up of Indigenous women, is in place to oversee the development of the National Action Plan. This interconnected structure features the Core Working Group and the National Family and Survivors Circle at the center that serves as a liaison with the broader federal, provincial and territorial governments and Indigenous organizations and communities through a series of sub-working groups which represent various distinctions and other components.

2022‒23 results

2 new online resources to support federal policy and program development were released: the Native Women's Association of Canada's a "Culturally-Relevant Gender-Based Analysis: A Roadmap for Policy Development" and the launch of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada's Inuit-specific Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) Framework. This work was funded through 5-year projects with the 3 national Indigenous women's organizations providing $1.1 million in targeted GBA Plus capacity funding from Budget 2021. CIRNAC continued to work with the 3 national organizations to build relationships and advance priorities to enhance, promote and foster gender equality and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people, as well as foster greater social, cultural and economic well-being of Indigenous women across Canada.

Further, through the implementation of the 3 relationship agreements (Canada-Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Memorandum of Understanding; Canada-Native Women's Association of Canada Accord; and, Canada-Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Declaration), CIRNAC was able to successfully meet with each organization at the ministerial level to help advance their priorities and to address their needs and gaps.

Similarly, the National Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people seeks to improve gender equality by addressing the many factors that underlie the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Through the Federal Pathway, the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Action Plan, investments are being made to reduce income inequality, reduce barriers to education, training, and employment, and improve security for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. These investments include legislation, national strategies, policies, and programs across Canada.

The MMIWG Secretariat published the 2022 Progress Report on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan based on various meetings and coordinated input from Indigenous families, survivors, partners, as well as provinces and territories. The report provides Indigenous, provincial and territorial views on progress as well as an overview of the federal government's programs and initiatives that are working to address priority areas identified by partners.

On June 3, 2022, the federal government, with the participation of almost 20 federal departments and agencies, also published the 2021–22 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report, a first of its kind.

Planned initiatives

Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity (REACHE) Program

The program objective is to reduce northern communities' reliance on diesel for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. This will result in environmental, social and economic benefits to support developing healthier, more sustainable northern communities.

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

GIF 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

CIF 7.3.1: By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources

2022‒23 results

The Northern REACHE program invested $16 million in 59 clean energy projects across the North. This represents an estimated reduction of 830,000 litres in 2022–23 and 2.6 million litres since 2016.

Planned initiatives

Through the implementation of the First Nations Land Management Act and the review of the additions to reserve process, CIRNAC creates strong Indigenous-led partnerships which foster self-sustainability and economic prosperity.

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

Goal 8 of the CIF: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Ambition: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth (targets 8.5 and 8.6)

2022‒23 results

Through the replacement of the First Nations Land Management Act by the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management Act, the government removed the need to bring forward concurrent legislative amendments for future improvements to the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management. This will result in accelerated approval processes and therefore First Nations access to economic opportunities.

Through preliminary engagement and a call for proposals, CIRNAC continues to build strong partnerships with Indigenous partners to support a First Nation-led engagement to co-develop policy options to transform the Additions to Reserve policy in a way that aligns with First Nations' aspirations for self-determination and facilitates sustainable economic development.

Planned initiatives

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada

On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent. The Act affirms the Declaration as a universal international human rights instrument with application in Canadian law and provides a framework for the Government of Canada's implementation of the Declaration.

Specifically, the Act requires the Government to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to take measures necessary to ensure federal laws are consistent with the Declaration, and to develop an action plan to achieve its objectives.

Collaborating with First Nations, Inuit and Métis on the action plan is an opportunity to put in place concrete measures to address injustices, combat prejudice and eliminate all forms of violence, racism and discrimination, including systemic racism and discrimination.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

National Action Plan on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in response to the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice

Arctic Council: Sustainable Development Working Group: The guiding principle running throughout the work of this group is to pursue initiatives that provide practical knowledge and contribute to building the capacity of Indigenous peoples and Arctic communities to respond to the challenges and opportunities in the Arctic region.

The First Nations Fiscal Management Act, its institutions and the on-going enhancements to the regime are contributing towards addressing historical barriers and gaps experienced by Indigenous people, including jurisdictional, capacity, and access to capital gaps, and they are contributing to SDG 10 to reduce inequality.

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

Goal 10 of the CIF: Reduce inequality within and among countries

Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced (target 10.1.1)

GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

2022‒23 results

The First Nations Fiscal Management Act, its institutions and the on-going enhancements to the regime including through Bill C-45 are contributing towards addressing historical barriers and gaps experienced by Indigenous people, including jurisdictional, institutional and access to capital gaps reducing inequality within Canada for Indigenous communities.

As part of implementing the Declaration in Canada, CIRNAC supported Justice Canada to engage with Indigenous partners as part of phase 1 of the drafting of the Action Plan. Text of the draft Action Plan reinforced Indigenous partner priorities regarding combatting injustice, prejudice, violence, racism and discrimination, implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission' Calls to Action, responding to the MMIWG Calls for Justice, among other measures to address barriers directly tied to inequality including age, sex, disability and others.

In 2022–23, a total of 41 projects were funded over $11.5 million to support the capacity of Indigenous women's and 2SLGTQI+ organizations through Budget 2021's initiative. The funded projects aim to engage in the development of policies, programs and legislation, supporting Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ voices in a meaningful and strength-based way, reducing gender inequality.

CIRNAC provides $2.5 million annually to the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples to support the implementation of the Canada-CAP Political Accord through 5-year contribution agreements (entered in 2021–22 and up for renewal in 2025–26). The funding is distributed to support capacity and research to expand body of knowledge on urban and off-reserve Indigenous issues and to support provincial/territorial organization membership, governance and community mapping.

Similarly, the National Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people seeks to improve equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Through the Federal Pathway, the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Action Plan, investments are being made to improve equality and reduce anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination in Canada. Although these investments largely target Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, Indigenous men will also benefit.

Planned initiatives

CIRNAC's 3 climate change adaptation programs (First Nation Adapt, Climate Change Preparedness in North and Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program) support Indigenous and northern communities in adapting to climate change impacts through climate change risk assessments, adaptation planning projects and support projects that facilitate the collection and co-application of scientific data and Indigenous knowledge for community-based climate monitoring.

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

Goal 13 of CIF: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Ambition: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change

2022‒23 results

CIRNAC's 3 climate change programs invested over $23 million in 232 community-driven projects that support Indigenous and northern communities to take self-determined climate action.

Planned initiatives

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada

On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent. The Act affirms the Declaration as a universal international human rights instrument with application in Canadian law and provides a framework for the Government of Canada's implementation of the Declaration.

As the next step, the Government of Canada will engage with Indigenous partners to understand their priorities for the action plan and to identify potential measures for aligning federal laws with the Declaration over time.

This Act – and the ongoing dialogue it promotes – will help us turn the page on colonial structures, build stronger relationships, close socio-economic gaps, and promote greater prosperity for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

National Action Plan on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in response to the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice

Many of the Calls to Action (CTAs) and the Calls for Justice propose specific measures for increased access to justice, culturally-relevant supports, an increase in the use of restorative justice practices for Indigenous peoples within the Canadian justice system, as well as support for Indigenous justice.

Many of the CTAs and the Calls for Justice propose specific measures to reduce inequalities in key areas such as employment, training, housing, and health. As part of the implementation of the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan, programs, policy changes, and legislative initiatives are moving forward into implementation, and a corresponding results framework is being developed.

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

GIF target 16.1 Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

GIF target 16.2 End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children

GIF target 16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

GIF target 16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels

GIF target 16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements

GIF target 16.a Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime

GIF target 16.b Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development

2022‒23 results

As part of implementing the Declaration in Canada, CIRNAC supported Justice Canada to engage with Indigenous partners as part of phase 1 of the drafting of the Action Plan. The draft Action Plan reinforced Indigenous partner priorities regarding combatting injustice, prejudice, violence, racism and discrimination, implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission' Calls to Action, responding to the MMIWG Calls for Justice, among other measures to address challenges to advancing on a just and inclusive society.

In addition to the Action Plan, CIRNAC initiated work to examine how the department will ensure the laws under its purview will be consistent with the Declaration going forward (section 5 of the Declaration).

To date, the Government of Canada has invested $326.6 million towards the advancement of CTAs 72 to 76 as follows:

Budget 2019: $33.8 million over 3 years (2021–22 to 2023–24)

August 2021 off-cycle funding decision: $83.0 million over 3 years (2021–22 to 2023–24)

Budget 2022: $209.8 million over 5 years (2022–23 to 2026–27).

In response to Calls to Action 72 and 73, Budget 2022 allocated $13.6 million over 5 years for the development and implementation of both a National Residential School Student Death Register and a registry of residential school cemeteries. CIRNAC is currently working with the NCTR to establish a funding agreement to advance these CTAs.

For CTAs 74 to 76, the Government of Canada has invested $207.7 million to support Indigenous communities efforts to locate, document, commemorate / memorialize and respond to families' wishes to bring their children home. In 2022–23, CIRNAC put in place 39 new funding agreements and provided additional funding to existing recipients for a total of $46.8 million. This brings the total number of funding agreements to 110 for a total of $125.6 million to support community efforts in response to CTAs 72 to 76.

This funding includes the establishment of the National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials which ensures Indigenous communities have access to independent, trusted and expert information in their efforts to identify, locate and commemorate their missing children.

In 2022–23, Canada provided the NCTR with a one-time grant of $59.7 million to the overall cost of a new building for the NCTR.

The National Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people's (NAP) primary objective is to reduce rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Through the Federal Pathway, the Government of Canada's contribution to the NAP, investments are being made to improve community safety, build housing and shelters, improve transportation, promote rights, increase accountability, and improve access to justice for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The MMIWG Secretariat published the 2022 Progress Report on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan based on various meetings and coordinated input from Indigenous families, survivors, partners, as well as provinces and territories. The report provides Indigenous, provincial and territorial views on progress as well as an overview of the federal government's programs and initiatives that are working to address priority areas identified by partners.

On June 3, 2022, the federal government, with the participation of almost 20 federal departments and agencies, also published the 2021–22 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report a first of its kind.