Fifth Annual Statutory Report (2024) Pursuant to Section 10 of the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act, Statutes of Canada, Chapter 29, 2019

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is a key element of the Residential Schools Legacy Program. In 2023-24, CIRNAC provided almost $2.7 million to support the NCTR's continuing efforts to implement Call to Action 72 (National Indian Residential School Student Death Register and public-facing Memorial Register) and Call to Action 73 (National Indian Residential School Online Cemeteries and Burial Sites Register).

Calls to Action 53-56: National Council for Reconciliation

Call to Action 53 calls for the establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation through legislation. Establishing the National Council for Reconciliation has been a key legislative priority in terms of advancing reconciliation in Canada. The National Council for Reconciliation will serve as an important permanent and independent body that will monitor and promote progress on reconciliation in Canada. It will provide an important formal mechanism to share and create dialogue, monitor and celebrate progress as well as recommend areas to improve upon. This formal structure is critically important to advancing reconciliation and leaving a lasting legacy.

Building on the extensive engagements of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the independent Indigenous-led Interim Board (December 2017 to June 2018) engaged with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and organizations on the vision and functions of a National Council for Reconciliation. The independent Indigenous-led Transitional Committee conducted targeted engagement between December 2021 and March 2022 with Indigenous and non-Indigenous technical experts, focused on elements such as governance, finances, legal issues, data, and other operational topics.

Bill C-29, an Act to provide for the establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation, which was tabled in June 2022, respects the vision of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and aligns with the advice provided by the independent, Indigenous-led Interim Board and Transitional Committee for the National Council for Reconciliation. The House completed its study of Bill C-29 in December 2022 and the Senate completed its review in November 2023. On November 30, 2023, the Senate amendments were sent to the House of Commons for consideration. Considerations were ongoing as of March 31, 2024.

Call to Action 66: Indigenous Youth Roots Network

Call to Action 66 calls on Canada to support reconciliation programs for Indigenous youth. An Indigenous youth-led pilot program was launched in 2019 in partnership with Indigenous Youth Roots (formerly known as Canadian Roots Exchange) to support the government's commitment to advancing the related goals of reconciliation, self-determination, co-development and strengthening and rebuilding the Crown-Indigenous relationship with Indigenous youth. Budget 2024 extended the pilot project to March 2026 to support Indigenous Youth Roots identify and partner with Indigenous-led organizations. This will ensure the continued delivery of programming to empower Indigenous youth and further engagement with Indigenous-led organizations in the co-development of options for long-term implementation of this Call to Action.

During the pilot, and continuing in 2023-24, Indigenous Youth Roots established innovative programming to promote traditional First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth culture and languages, Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer identities, regalia-making, wellness, and cross-cultural solidarity and reconciliation. They offered mentorship and policy programming through their Indigenous Youth Research Mentorship program, Indigenous Youth Policy School, and Policy Hackathons, in addition to Creation community grants that include multi-year funding and capacity building for other Indigenous youth non-profit organizations. The pilot program is establishing strong pathways for Indigenous youth from across the country to come together, support each other and engage with federal departments on key policy initiatives that impact Indigenous youth and their communities. The pilot will initiate targeted engagements with Indigenous-led organizations to enhance the evidence and inform recommendations for a longer-term approach to Call to Action 66 that amplifies the perspectives of Indigenous youth in decision-making and advances youth priorities.

Calls to Action 72-76: Missing Children and Unmarked Burial Information

The destructive legacy created by residential schools is complex, and addressing these intergenerational impacts continues to require cooperative relationships with Indigenous communities and sustained whole-of-government coordinated action across federal departments and agencies. At the federal level, CIRNAC leads a Whole-of-Government Horizontal Initiative to advance key commitments addressing the ongoing legacy of residential schools. It includes identification and sharing of residential schools-related records, expanded trauma-informed support services for residential school Survivors and their communities, as well as commemoration and education initiatives. In 2023-24, the internal federal Horizontal Initiative Results Reporting Framework and the related internal governance structure to support it was established with the participation of: ISC, Canadian Heritage (responsible for Library and Archives Canada), Environment and Climate Change Canada (responsible for Parks Canada), Public Safety Canada (responsible for the Royal Canadian Mounted Policy), and Justice Canada.

Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Fund

The Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Fund is a responsive, request-driven contribution program intended to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners and communities in designing and implementing community-led, Survivor-centric, and culturally appropriate initiatives seeking to locate, document, and memorialize burial sites associated with former residential schools, and honour families' wishes to repatriate children's remains.

Since the Fund's launch in June 2021, CIRNAC has received 174 formal requests for funding from Indigenous communities and organizations through the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund, with requested funds totaling over $552 million. One hundred and forty six funding agreements have been put in place, providing over $216.6 million to community-led initiatives for Calls to Action 74-76. This support includes 87 community-led investigations at 84 of the 145 former residential schools. An additional $36.8 million in funding has been contributed to these approved initiatives from other government departments including ISC, Veteran Affairs Canada, and Canadian Heritage, as well as provincial and territorial governments. The number of requests and amount of requested funding demonstrates the need for a phased approach to funding agreement implementation, as some communities need to complete initial research, knowledge gathering and engagement activities to inform subsequent activities like fieldwork investigations (i.e., field surveys and mapping, ground penetrating radar, archeological investigation, and on-site ceremonies). Additional information can be found on the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Funding Recipients website. In 2023-24, CIRNAC funded 119 agreements for a total of $96.3 million. An additional $6.3 million has been contributed to these approved initiatives from other government departments (including ISC).

The National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials

In July 2022, CIRNAC and the NCTR established the National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials (National Advisory Committee) to serve as an independent and trusted source of technical advice for communities in their efforts to locate, identify, honour, and memorialize children who died while at residential schools. Today, the National Advisory Committee continues to provide Indigenous communities with access to independent, trusted, and expert information to support their efforts. The National Advisory Committee is co-administered by CIRNAC and the NCTR, and brings together individuals with experience and expertise in areas such as Indigenous laws and cultural protocols, forensics, archaeology, archival research, criminal investigations, and working with Survivors. The National Advisory Committee is guided by a Circle of Survivors, comprising First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation members, ensuring that Survivors' voices and perspectives remain central to the Committee's work. In 2023-24, CIRNAC provided almost $2 million to the National Advisory Committee which held information webinars to support communities' efforts to search for their missing children and held knowledge sharing gatherings in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and Truro, Nova Scotia.

Residential Schools Documents Advisory Committee

The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) represents the consensus reached between legal counsel for former students, legal counsel for the Churches, the Assembly of First Nations, other Indigenous organizations and the Government of Canada. The implementation of this historic agreement began in September 2007, and brings a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. To continue its commitment to support the implementation of the Agreement, the Government of Canada continues to do all that it can to share IRSSA-related documents that it has, while respecting Survivors' wishes, legislation, court orders, settlement agreements and ongoing litigation processes.

The Government has committed to further sharing of Residential Schools and IRSSA related documents with the NCTR. Former Chief of Cowessess First Nation Cadmus Delorme was named as Chairperson of the Advisory Committee that was established in 2023-24. In his independent role, Mr. Delorme worked with Committee members to provide recommendations to inform potential options for further document sharing with the NCTR. The Advisory Committee worked collaboratively to develop and finalize the definition of a Residential Schools document, review the findings of the department's initial document identification exercise, identify and address potential challenges to document sharing (e.g., solicitor-client and litigation privilege and privacy restrictions), engage with Survivors and communities, and outreach to other government departments that may hold relevant records.

The Daylu Dena Council Multipurpose Building

Since 1993, CIRNAC and the Daylu Dena Council have been working towards demolishing the former Lower Post Residential School, and realizing the community's goal of building a new administration and community center adjacent to the school site resulting in a significant step forward in advancing reconciliation.

In 2023-24, CIRNAC Yukon Region leveraged ISC Residential Schools funding ($11.6 million) to ensure that the Daylu Dena Council in northern British Columbia had the required funds to complete construction of the First Nation's new Multipurpose Building that is expected to have its grand opening in June 2024. Reflecting the community's interests, the new Multipurpose Building will serve as a community hub and gathering place. This important infrastructure will also provide the First Nation with administrative offices and space to deliver programs and services that were previously housed in the remnants of the former Lower Post Residential School.

National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People

Addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People requires effective partnerships and collaboration between all levels of government and Indigenous Peoples. To this effect, Budget 2023 committed $2.5 million over five years to establish a standing Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial (IFPT) Roundtable  on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People.

The second IFPT Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People was held in Ottawa, and virtually via Zoom, on February 7-8, 2024. Discussions at the roundtable demonstrated that there is a need for a critical and immediate response to the national emergency and a great interest from Indigenous communities in a Red Dress Alert. Indigenous partners have asked to move quickly to put an Alert in place, and at the same time to continue to ensure that families and survivors and other Indigenous partners are part of the development and implementation of the Alert.

This IFPT Roundtable included 100 individuals in-person and 130 virtual participants from all provinces and territories. Participants included: six federal Ministers, as well as 72 Indigenous partners representing National Indigenous Organizations, national Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations including the Native Woman's Association of Canada (NWAC), elected leadership from Indigenous governments and bands, and regional and grassroots Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations representing First Nations, Inuit, Métis, off-reserve, Non-Status, Urban and 2SLGBTQI+ People. Together, Indigenous leaders and grassroots organizations joined federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers and officials in discussing a Red Dress Alert, the Ministerial Special Representative's final report on an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson and Call for Justice 1.7, and monitoring progress and exploring opportunities for collaboration. Participants also shared and discussed best practices, key priorities, and opportunities for collaboration.

Exploring a Red Dress Alert

Over the past year, the Government of Canada has been meeting with a variety of parties to collect information on their views for a Red Dress Alert, as well as on existing alerting systems that can inform an approach to a Red Dress Alert pilot project. Some of these exploratory discussions are happening jointly with provincial and territorial counterparts.

In Fall 2023, CIRNAC developed an engagement paper in collaboration with Public Safety and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to form the basis for pre-engagement discussions with Indigenous partners. In December 2023 and January 2024, 16 pre-engagement sessions were held with a variety of Indigenous partners and grassroots organizations to hear their perspectives on the development of a system to alert and inform the public when an Indigenous woman, girl or 2SLGBTQI+ person goes missing, so that action can be taken immediately. These sessions, as well as other meetings with Indigenous partners, discussed the vision, goals, obstacles for such an alert, the key elements and criteria to consider in implementing an alert, as well as some information about existing alerting systems.

At the second IFPT meeting, a summary of these pre-engagement sessions was presented, and discussions were held both in plenary and break-out sessions to discuss how a Red Dress Alert can be implemented. Continuing discussions from that meeting, engagements about the potential for a Red Dress Alert have taken place with provincial and territorial governments. These discussions have provided an opportunity to explore the level of readiness to partner to swiftly advance the important work, and co-development with Indigenous partners to create a Red Dress Alert. The Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with Indigenous partners and provinces and territories to end the violence towards Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People.

Oversight of the Calls for Justice

The Government of Canada acknowledges that oversight of the implementation of the Calls for Justice and ending the violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People is required. In order to fulfill this commitment, Budget 2023 committed $2.2 million over five years in order to continue work toward the implementation of Call for Justice 1.10^{Footnote 1} and the establishment of an oversight body to monitor government progress on the Calls for Justice. Work on Call for Justice 1.10 started in 2022 through initial engagement by CIRNAC with Indigenous partners. In January 2023, an Indigenous company continued this engagement to develop options for further consideration on the oversight mechanism. This company conducted interviews and regional meetings with Indigenous partners to seek their input, in addition to holding sessions to validate findings and recommendations. In spring 2023, the final report drafted by the Indigenous company was shared with Indigenous partners, provinces, and territories. The report called for an independent, Indigenous-les and legislated mechanism, that covers all jurisdictions, ensure that all of the Calls for Justice are implemented, and reports annually to Parliament. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of an oversight body and continues to validate these finding and next steps as its development and implementation are being considered.

Call for Justice 1.7

In January 2023, Jennifer Moore Rattray was announced as the Ministerial Special Representative and tasked with providing advice and recommendations, through engagement with Survivors, families, partners and organizations, in support of Call for Justice 1.7^{Footnote 2} to create an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson. The Ministerial Special Representative met with over 600 people representing 125 organizations, including national and regional Indigenous organizations, of all distinctions, federal government departments, and provincial and territorial governments. The preliminary recommendations of her report were presented during the National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Roundtable on February 7, 2024. The final report was published on March 30, 2024 and can be found online.

Improving Data to improve the safety of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People in Canada

The National Inquiry's Final Report, the National Action Plan Data Strategy, and Indigenous partners have noted that any measurement of progress needs to stem from Indigenous ways of understanding safety, and needs to be developed with Indigenous partners. As the National Action Plan Data Strategy stated, safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People should be measured by the presence of safety factors (such as access to culture and language, access to health and access to justice) rather than the absence of violence. The Government of Canada recognizes the expertise of Indigenous communities in this area, and in 2023-24, has continued to fund several data initiatives that support Indigenous ways of understanding safety. In December 2023, CIRNAC announced the investment of $7.1 million to support 18 new Indigenous-led projects that improve the collection of consistent and reliable data and address current gaps in knowledge to better develop and support Indigenous-led, evidence-based solutions to improving the safety of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People in Canada.

Transparency and Accountability

As a way to increase transparency and accountability on the federal government's actions to support the National Action Plan, advance work on the Federal Pathway, and implement the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice, on June 3, 2023, the MMIWG Secretariat coordinated and published the 2022-23 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report to outline progress to date on federal government initiatives related to MMIWG and the Calls for Justice.

Monitoring progress on the implementation of the Federal Pathway also continued to advance in 2023-24 through the MMIWG2S+ Horizontal Initiative. The Horizontal Initiative consists of Federal Pathway investments from CIRNAC, ISC, Canadian Heritage, Public Safety Canada, Justice Canada, Library and Archives Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Health Canada, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, Transport Canada, Statistics Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Working together, the participating departments in the Horizontal Initiative developed performance indicators that allow the federal government to measure the effectiveness of their investments and subsequently determine whether violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People is being reduced. These new indicators and targets are published in CIRNAC's 2024-2025 Departmental Plan and will begin to be reported on in the 2023-24 Departmental Results Report, due for publication in Fall 2024. 

Supporting Healing of Families and Survivors

To support the healing of families and Survivors, CIRNAC funded 33 projects through the Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. In 2023-24, $3.5 million was allocated for 11 new projects. Budget 2023 also committed a direct investment of $2.6 million to the National Families and Survivors Circle over the next three years to ensure that families and Survivors are centered in the implementation of the National Action Plan and the Federal Pathway.

Grassroots and Indigenous-led Solutions

CIRNAC supports longer-term multi-year projects and approved seven new agreements in 2023-24 through the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations program. This brings dedicated funding under this program for regional and grassroots Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations since 2021-22 to $30.2 million, which is 90% of the total program funding. The Department is currently negotiating agreements for fiscal year 2024-25 that will utilize the remaining funds. These multi-year projects provided the organizations with the ability to self-determine priorities and interests to inform policies and programs, including those that are Indigenous-led. For example, the Department provided funding for the Alberta regional Indigenous women's organization Esquao Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women to host a gathering of Indigenous women leaders and organization representatives in February 2024. This gathering focused on advancing priorities and the identification of concrete substantive actions for the federal government. The program the capacity of Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to engage in the development of policies, programs, legislation and other decision-making processes that impact their lives.

Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Settlement

On June 17, 2023, the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund leadership and representatives of the governments of Canada and Ontario announced a proposed out-of-court settlement in the outstanding litigation around the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty. In March of 2024, the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund leadership and representatives of the governments of Canada and Ontario concluded an out-of-court settlement in the outstanding litigation around the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty.  Canada paid five billion in settlement funds for the Restoule out of court settlement, matched by the Government of Ontario for a total settlement amount of $10 billion. The settlement honours the governments of Canada and Ontario's Treaty obligations, provided compensation to address past claims, and will support the Robinson Huron First Nations to invest in a brighter future for their communities and grow the local economies in the Treaty territory.

Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation

Childhood Claims are largely historic claims against the Crown that stem from harms committed against Indigenous People in various educational and care settings. Key activities captured under this program include negotiations, implementation of settlement agreements, and engagement with Survivors and other Indigenous stakeholders. The program's objective is to address historic harms committed against Indigenous People outside of the courts.

CIRNAC continues to support the implementation of several class actions settlement agreements, totaling over $8.6 billion in compensation for approximately 200,000 survivors, most notably through the McLean Federal Indian Day Schools settlement agreement and the Indian Residential Schools Day Scholars settlement agreement.

In 2023-24, the Percival Boarding Homes settlement agreement was approved by the Federal Court. The parties continue to work with the court to finalize the terms of the claims process in order to set an implementation date. 

Settlement of Specific Claims

The resolution of Specific Claims, through the acknowledgement of and compensation for past wrongs, is a key element in advancing reconciliation with First Nations. Specific Claims are grievances that First Nations have against the Government of Canada for its failure to discharge its lawful obligations with respect to pre-1975 Treaties or its management of First Nations lands, funds and other assets. Between January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2024, compensation totaling $10.7 billion was paid to settle 291 claims. In 2023-24 alone, 42 claims were settled, for a total of $2.5 billion in compensation going to First Nations across the country. One of these claims was the Williams Lake First Nation Village Site Specific Claim, which was settled in September 2023. After the claims was settled, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous delivered an apology on behalf of Canada for the harms suffered as a result of the unlawful and wrongful actions that separated the First Nation from their village lands. In addition, in 2023-24, significant progress was made on an Expedited Agricultural Benefits Claim resolution initiative for Treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10, which has been launched early in 2023. As of March 31, 2024, 77 of these claims has been filed across these Treaty areas and 9 had been settled.   

While progress continues to be made in resolving Specific Claims, a large inventory remains. At the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year, there was a total of 680 active claims, of which 190 were under assessment; 378 were under negotiation, 72 were awaiting a response from the First Nation to Canada's offer to negotiate, and 40 were before the Specific Claims Tribunal.

In line with the UN Declaration Act Action Plan measure 2.3 Canada continues to co-develop options for reform of the Specific Claims program. The Specific Claims reform co-development process was officially launched in November 2022, and in 2023-24, Canada and the Assembly of First Nations have made significant progress in developing a Specific Claims reform proposal. 

Additions to Reserve Policy Redesign

In 2019, the Additions of Lands to Reserves and Reserve Creation Act  was introduced to provide the same procedural tools for Additions to Reserve (ATR) to all First Nations that were previously only available through the former Claim Settlement Implementation Acts in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The Act also enables First Nations to designate pre-reserve lands and address third-party interests prior to lands being set apart as reserve.

Although the Act provided some streamlining of the ATR process, individual First Nations and Indigenous organizations have called for the ATR Policy to be completely overhauled. The current ATR policy is complex, time-consuming, risk-averse, and not aligned with First Nations priorities, interests, and governance structures. Consistent with  the UN Declaration Act Action Plan measure 5, CIRNAC is committed to delivering a comprehensive redesign of the ATR policy, co-developed with First Nation partners, which prioritizes First Nation interests when adding lands to their reserve land base. A redesigned ATR policy will recognize the various land management regimes for reserve lands including lands managed through the Indian Act, land code for First Nations operating under the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, and self-governing First Nations land laws.

To facilitate ongoing co-development, in 2023-24, CIRNAC shared principles to guide the policy redesign process with the aim of prioritizing First Nation interests. In 2023-24, CIRNAC provided approximately $4 million to 58 First Nation communities and organizations to conduct First Nation-led engagement on ATR Policy redesign. Reports from these partners are anticipated in Summer/Fall 2024.

CIRNAC and the Assembly of First Nations continue to advance ongoing bilateral work on ATR policy redesign. CIRNAC is also engaging directly with provincial and territorial governments along with First Nations and other key partners such as the Lands Advisory Board Resource Centre and the National Aboriginal Lands Managers' Association.

Creating a National Space for Indigenous Peoples

Ottawa's 100 Wellington Street building is a classified heritage building located directly across from Parliament Hill. The building was constructed in 1931 to 1932, and was occupied by the United States embassy until 1992, but has since remained vacant. Following a nation-wide consultation of over 7,000 participants, it was announced in 2017 that the building would be transformed into a national space for Indigenous Peoples.

CIRNAC, in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), is working with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council to transform 100 Wellington Street, and 119 Sparks Street, the former Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce building into a national space for Indigenous Peoples in the Parliamentary Precinct. In parallel, CIRNAC and PSPC are collaborating with the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation Tribal Council (AANTC) to create a distinct Dedicated Algonquin Space (the infill) between the 100 Wellington Street and 119 Sparks Street given the buildings sit on the traditional, unceded, unsurrendered land of the Algonquin People.

In the short-term, the AFN, ITK, and MNC have been provided with access to 100 Wellington Street to use as a temporary space. The AANTC were similarly provided with access to 119 Sparks Street.  In 2023-24, many of the partners made use of the venues to host educational events such as on Canada Day and hold meetings with Indigenous leadership.

Negotiations with the AANTC towards a final agreement advanced significantly throughout 2023-24. CIRNAC, Public Services and Procurement Canada and the AANTC worked collaboratively to present options for a distinct Algonquin space to the Nation's leadership. Following a period of deliberation, Chiefs selected a site for the Dedicated Algonquin Space and consensus was reached on the language and terms of the agreement.

Qikiqtani Truth Commission

The Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) was established in 2007 to bring forward the voice of Qikiqtani Inuit. Throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the Government of Canada introduced colonial policies in the Qikiqtani region and took actions against Qikiqtani Inuit that had deep and lasting effects on them, including forced relocation and family separation, and the killing of qimmiit (sled dogs) that are essential for travel and food security in Inuit Nunangat. A full account of these policies and their effects are outlined in the QTC's Final Report.

On August 14, 2019, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations formally acknowledged the findings of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission's Final Report and apologized to Qikiqtani Inuit for the effects of federal policies undertaken in the Qikiqtani region

Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the Government of Canada  and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) have been collaborating to implement the findings of the QTC's Final Report. One of the major contributions has been financial contributions to the Saimaqatigiingniq Fund, which designs and develops programming administered by QIA to promote Inuit culture, healing and well-being for current and future generations. In March 2024, a Grant Funding agreement was signed between CIRNAC and the QIA for a third and final payment supporting the QIA Saimaqatigiingniq Fund.

Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration)

CIRNAC played a significant role in the development of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, and its finalization in June 2023, collaborating closely with Justice Canada and Indigenous partners on the Action Plan Measures for inclusion. Notably, efforts included spearheading the co-development of the Indigenous Modern Treaty Partner Priorities chapter with a coalition of Modern Treaty partners.

Of the 181 Action Plan Measures, CIRNAC is implicated in 55 as the lead, co-lead, or in a supporting role. CIRNAC has developed and implemented a framework to monitor and coordinate these Measures, and to date, 41 (75%) are currently in progress. CIRNAC reported on these Action Plan Measures, as well as legislative and regulatory initiatives that align with the UN Declaration Act through the Justice Canada's annual progress report on the implementation of the UN Declaration Act issued in 2023.

To further support a coordinated and strategic approach to the implementation of the Act, in 2023-24 CIRNAC developed and operationalized various tools and processes for CIRNAC employees to engage with Indigenous Peoples. Most notably:

• A Consistency Assessment Tool that supports alignment of policy, legislative, programmatic, and regulatory initiatives within the Department with the UN Declaration Act; and,
• Piloting an internal introductory training module focused on raising awareness of human rights, the UN Declaration, the UN Declaration Act, and the associated Action Plan, as well as the Consistency Assessment Tool. Between January 2024 and March 2024, almost 500 (just under 25% of total) CIRNAC employees have received the training. Following the piloting period, the training was made available to all CIRNAC employees in March 2024.

Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy

In 2023-24, CIRNAC and Indigenous Modern Treaty partners continued to advance work under Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy to support the full, effective, and timely implementation of all modern Treaties in Canada. This is done by increasing understanding and awareness within the federal public service to advance a systemic shift in federal behaviour and culture, and address institutional legacies of colonialism. This policy was collaboratively developed by CIRNAC and Indigenous Modern Treaty partners through the Modern Treaty Implementation Policy Working Group. It was released in early 2023, and is also part of Canada's commitment to advance work with Indigenous partners to implement the aims and objectives of the UN Declaration Act.

In 2023-24, work progressed on several priorities identified by members of the Modern Treaty Implementation Policy Working Group under Section 8 of Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy. Priorities included the establishment of the Intergovernmental Leaders Forum revising the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approval to Modern Treaty Implementation and co-developing options for an independent oversight mechanism.

Annex A of the Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy also established an Intergovernmental Policy Circle, with representatives of Indigenous Modern Treaty partners and Government of Canada officials. The Policy Circle is intended to serve as a senior level forum for working collaboratively on cross-cutting implementation issues, and to discuss federal legislative, policy, and program initiatives. It is also serving to strengthen relationships and advance matters of importance to all parties.

In 2023-24, three Policy Circles were held, one in September 2023, one in January 2024, and one in March 2024. Officials from several federal departments met with Modern Treaty Partners to discuss a range of topics, including an Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, Indigenous Health Legislation and the Indigenous Health Equity Fund, and Emergency Management.

Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiation in British Columbia

The Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia (the Policy), co-developed by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit in 2019, replaces the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies in the context of Treaty negotiations in British Columbia and supports a rights-based approach to the negotiation of Treaties, Agreements and other constructive arrangements among participating Indigenous Nations, Canada and British Columbia.

Where there is interest, Canada is prepared to engage using the approaches found in the Policy with negotiation partners elsewhere in the country.

In 2023-24, CIRNAC continued to advance the implementation of the Policy in partnership with the First Nations Summit, the Province of British Columbia and the British Columbia Treaty Commission through key initiatives:

• the conclusion of a tripartite-sponsored, external review of the Policy that examined successes and challenges in implementing the Policy at negotiation tables and opportunities to support the Policy's implementation going forward;
• co-hosting a tripartite session in January 2024 for negotiators, policy analysts and representatives who are involved in negotiations and the development of mandates in the British Columbia treaty process with a focus on mandate co-development and redress; and,
• concluding a multi-year funding agreement with the British Columbia Treaty Commission that allows for a more flexible approach to funding First Nations in the British Columbia treaty negotiations.

Collaborative work has also continued with the Province of British Columbia and participating Indigenous Nations to address the Policy's Schedule A: Commitments to Further Work, with a focus on land-related issues including the constitutional status of lands.

Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management

Over the 2023-24 fiscal year, six First Nations have become signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management bringing the total signatory First Nations to 209, of which 113 are now fully operating in accordance with their community-approved land laws. Eight of these First Nations have approved their Land Codes over the last twelve months, and one (for a total of four) First Nation transitioned to comprehensive self-governance arrangement- with the Government of Canada.

Budget 2023 committed $35.3 million over three years (2023-2026) towards the co-development of a new First Nation-led land registry with the Lands Advisory Board. The new Registry is to be made available to First Nations that are operational under a land code developed under the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management as well as any self-governing First Nation that chooses to use it, provided their lands are defined within the meaning of s.91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867 as outlined in the Act. A funding agreement between CIRNAC and the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre (Resource Centre) was signed to support the development of a modern land registry to be owned, managed and administered by a First Nation-led organization.

An amendment process to the current First Nations Land Registry Regulations was initiated for transferring the administration of the modernized registry to an independent Indigenous organization, which is intended to provide communities under the First Nation Land Management regime with modernized registry, which could facilitate more opportunities to realize the economic benefits arising from local control over their lands. The regulatory changes will advance further once the registry project is further developed.

Child and Family Services

The Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families (the Act) received royal assent in 2019 and came into force on January 1, 2020. This Act aims to support the well-being and rights of Indigenous children, youth, and families, recognizing the legacy of residential schools and the importance of reuniting Indigenous children with their families and communities. It emphasizes self-determination, diversity, and is aimed at eliminating the over-representation of Indigenous children in child and family services systems.

Efforts to advance this legislation in the Northwest Territories have focused on community-based approaches, allowing Indigenous governing bodies to develop services tailored to their unique circumstances. Work has been advancing specifically with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Dene Nation, and the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'įnę Government.

In February 2024, the SCC found that the Act is valid in its entirety and falls squarely within Parliament's legislative jurisdiction under section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867. This decision validates Canada's approach to advance reconciliation through legislation to recognize and implement inherent rights. ISC, with CIRNAC's support, continues to work with Indigenous and provincial and territorial partners to implement this Act through the conclusion of coordination agreements.

Inuit Nunangat Policy

The Inuit Nunangat Policy was co-developed with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the four Inuit Treaty Organizations and was endorsed by federal and Inuit leadership at the April 21, 2022, Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee Leaders Meeting, co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The Inuit Nunangat Policy is intended to promote prosperity and support community resilience and individual well-being to create socio-economic and cultural equity between Inuit of Inuit Nunangat and others living in Canada, while improving coordination across federal departments, agencies, programs and operations. It promotes Inuit self-determination by providing guidance to all federal departments and agencies to improve the creation and implementation of their programs, policies and initiatives in Inuit Nunangat and for Inuit.

In 2023-24, CIRNAC led Whole-of-Government efforts to accelerate awareness and implementation of the Policy. Activities included the delivery of 28 individual training sessions for federal organizations, from the Deputy Minister level to working-level, establishing a federal working group to advance implementation, collaborating with the Canada School of Public Service and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami on the delivery of two educational events for all public servants on "The Shared Responsibility of Implementing the Inuit Nunangat Policy" and "Implementing the Inuit Nunangat Policy: Improving Outcomes for Inuit".

Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda

Indigenous People have long been climate leaders, but often face significant barriers in addressing their self-determined climate priorities and are left out of key climate-related decision-making processes. Indigenous partners have communicated that more must be done to truly support Indigenous climate leadership and uphold rights that are impacted by the changing climate. In response, Canada has committed to co-developing with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda that ensures Indigenous People have a seat at the table in federal climate decision-making and have the resources and authorities to take action on their self-determined climate priorities.

Over the course of 2023-24, CIRNAC continued to work with Environment and Climate Change Canada and with over 40 Indigenous governments and national and regional Indigenous partners on the collaborative process for this Agenda. In 2023-2024, CIRNAC invested over $13 million to support the participation of these Indigenous governments and representative organizations, including enabling Indigenous-led engagement with rights-holders and communities, and the development of their distinctions-based climate strategies and approaches. CIRNAC also ensured close collaboration with these Indigenous governments and representative organizations through various meetings throughout the year, including multiple national-level gatherings with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners, on a distinctions-basis.

International Leadership and Collaboration

On the international stage, CIRNAC has an active profile multilaterally, bilaterally, and in trade relations, collaborating with Indigenous and government partners to ensure that international work contributes to positive domestic outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. Working closely with Global Affairs Canada and other departments, CIRNAC promotes the enhanced participation of Indigenous partners in international fora to ensure opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to articulate their positions and interests.

CIRNAC engages constructively across a large spectrum of United Nations (UN) mechanisms and processes. Since 2017, CIRNAC has led efforts and remains committed to advancing resolutions on the enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples, which could lead to the creation of a status for Indigenous representatives within the UN system.

In 2023-24, CIRNAC continued to lead bilateral engagements on Indigenous issues with various international partners through working groups, information exchanges, Indigenous-to-Indigenous engagement, and established mechanisms including the renewal of the previously signed Canada-Mexico Memorandum of Understanding on Indigenous priorities.

CIRNAC also engages with UN Special Procedures such as the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples following his March 2023 visit to Canada, and works with other government departments on responses and appearances before various UN Human Rights Treaties bodies.

In April 2023, CIRNAC led Canada's delegation at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. In July 2023, CIRNAC participated in the 16th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Throughout 2023-24, the Department contributed to numerous UN resolution negotiations, including in the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, the Committee on the Status of Women, the Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Commission on Population and Development, and the Global Biodiversity Framework, among others.

In September 2023, CIRNAC chaired the Fifth Convening of the Trilateral Working Group on Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls in collaboration with Indigenous leaders from Canada, the United States, and Mexico, subject-matter experts, and officials from the governments of Mexico and the United States. As an outcome of this international dialogue, the voices of Indigenous women, young women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, Survivors and families have been central in shaping the development of impactful supports, programs and services that will positively influence the lives of Indigenous Peoples across Northern America.

CIRNAC participated in the UN Universal Periodic Review appearance in November 2023, which resulted in a total of 332 recommendations from 122 member States on how Canada can better implement its human rights obligations, many of which focused on improving the rights of Indigenous Peoples. CIRNAC is now supporting the implementation of the accepted recommendations.

CIRNAC also actively promoted the recognition and respect of Indigenous Peoples' rights and perspectives on trade policy issues, advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making on matters affecting them.

Modern Treaties and Self-Government Agreements

Modern Treaty and self-government agreements set out enduring and shared understandings of rights and interests, between Canada and Indigenous partners including access to fisheries, land use, and the requirement to be consulted and accommodated as they pertain to rights and interests.

Canada is currently implementing 27 modern Treaties (19 of which include or have associated self-government agreements), three stand-alone self-government agreements, and nine education agreements including seven in British Columbia, one in Ontario and one in Nova Scotia.

On May 2, 2023, after over 14 years of negotiations, Canada and the Whitecap Dakota Nation signed a Self-Government Treaty, and on September 1, 2023, A Self-Government Treaty Recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate came into effect. This Treaty recognizes the Whitecap Dakota Nation as one of the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada and affirms their inherent right to self-government under the Constitution Act, 1982. This Treaty gives the Whitecap Dakota Nation jurisdiction and law-making powers on their reserve lands over governance, land, natural resources, membership, cultural matters, language revitalization and preservation, education, financial management and accountability, health and social services.

On February 29, 2024, Canada and Birdtail Sioux First Nation signed an Agreement-in-Principle that will help guide their work as Treaty partners to implement the First Nation's inherent right to self-government, support reconciliation measures and reaffirm their Nation-to-Nation relationship. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between Canada and Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation on March 1, 2024 that will frame how the parties will work together on delivering results on community priorities.

On February 28, 2023, an Order-In-Council was approved to amend Section 17.0 Programs and Services of the Self-Government Agreements for Little Salmon / Carmacks First Nation, Selkirk First Nation, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council and Carcross / Tagish First Nation with respect to the division and sharing of responsibility for the design, delivery and administration of programs in relation to education within their Traditional Territory. These amendments already existed within the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Self-Government Agreement and were further amended to address some outstanding corrections and updating the language within that Agreement. On August 10, 2023, the Replacement Jurisdiction Framework Agreement was signed. Through the conclusion of this Self-Government Agreement, the participating First Nations have recognized law-making authority over Kindergarten-Grade 12 education on their lands.

Canada signed updated self-government agreements with the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, and Métis Nation of Ontario in February 2023. These updated Agreements recognize the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, and Métis Nation of Ontario as Indigenous Governments, are binding on the Parties, and commit Canada to negotiating replacement self-government Treaties. Bill C-53, an Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, to give effect to treaties with those governments and to make consequential amendments to other Acts was introduced in Parliament on June 21, 2023. It was adopted with amendments in February 2024 by the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs. The intent of the bill is to recognize the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, and Métis Nation of Ontario as Indigenous Governments authorized to represent and advance the section 35 rights of their collectivities, in the areas of citizenship, internal governance, and administrative matters.

On March 28, 2024, the Federal Court of Canada granted judicial review applications filed by the Métis Settlements General Council and Fort McKay Métis Nation on the decision of the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations to enter into the Métis Nation Within Alberta Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement. Consultations are underway with the applicants and the Métis Nation of Alberta to discuss the implications of the Federal Court decision and to establish a path forward.

On March 27 2024, Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishnaabek Treaty Reserve Claim Agreement was signed. This out of court settlement concludes a special claim that was filed with the department in 2018, and addresses a related court action that was filed in 2019. The claim shows how CIRNAC prioritizes the resolution of litigation cases through negotiation and settlement.

Other Constructive Arrangements

There are many paths to self-determination. CIRNAC has worked with Indigenous Nations and groups on a variety of agreements and arrangements to advance their priorities and shared interests.

The Nang K̲'uula • Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement between Canada and the Haida Nation was signed on July 18, 2023. The agreement recognizes the Haida Nation as the holder of Haida Title and Rights – including inherent rights of governance and self-determination – and the Council of the Haida Nation as the governing body of the Haida Nation, authorized by the Haida Nation Constitution. To implement certain sections of the agreement, Bill S-16 an Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation, was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples on February 29, 2024.

The Interim Land Reconciliation Agreement between Canada and the Snuneymuxw First Nation was signed January 27, 2024. This Interim Land Reconciliation Agreement returns 80 hectares of land near Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo to the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

New Fisheries Rights Reconciliation Agreements (RRAs) have also been reached between  Canada and the Peace and Friendship Treaty Nations in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, as well as an addendum to an existing RRA. These agreements were co-signed by CIRNAC and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) with the aim of supporting both Indigenous fisheries governance as well as advancing their historic Treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood:

• The Collaborative Fisheries Management Agreement was signed by Canada and Abegweit First Nation on April 14, 2023;
• Canada and the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik signed the Hybrid Fishery Agreement on April 27, 2023;
• The Agreement on Fisheries Between Canada, the Micmacs of Gesgapegiag and the Micmac Nation of Gespeg was signed on June 2, 2023; and,
• The Rights Implementation Agreement on Fisheries Between Canada and Mi'gmawe'I Tplu'taqnn Incorporated (MTI) signed on July 5, 2023.

CIRNAC and Parks Canada concluded two Parks RRAs towards implementing Aboriginal and Treaty rights in national heritage places administered by Parks Canada. These agreements enable joint management structures to be established, economic opportunities to be maximized, and for the conservation, protection and presentation of Indigenous culture and heritage in various Parks Canada administered sites. Key agreements that were concluded in 2023-24 are:

• An Interim Agreement on Matters Pertaining to Parks Canada signed between Canada and the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik on August 8, 2023; and,
• The Accord de réconciliation et de reconnaissance des droits concernant le parc national Forillon [Rights and Reconciliation Agreement with respect to Forillon National Park] was signed between Canada and Nation Micmac de Gespeg on January 30, 2024.

Preliminary-type Agreements

Preliminary-type agreements such as Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Framework Agreements, and Letters of Understanding are those that scope out and commit to future negotiations. In 2023-24, five MOUs were signed.

Two were signed to frame discussions with Indigenous partners around the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination process, between Canada and La Nation Anicinape de Kitcisakik, and one between Canada and la Nation Huronne-Wendat.

On June 1, 2023, a Letter of Understanding between Canada and the Shuswap Band was signed, which commits Canada and the Shuswap Band to a focused discussion regarding the potential negotiation of a reconciliation agreement as part of the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination process.

On March 6, 2024, Canada and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation signed a MOU on Advancing Reconciliation. The purpose of the MOU is to guide the work of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and Canada, as Treaty partners, to advance reconciliation and renew their relationship, and to establish a process to discuss matters of importance for Inuvialuit.

Guidance, Tools, and Information and Training Services

Consultation activities are key opportunities for Canada to demonstrate its continued commitment to rebuilding and maintaining collaborative relationships with Indigenous People through meaningful involvement in decision-making. CIRNAC provides funding for the co-development and implementation of consultation tools for Indigenous partners, such as Consultation Protocols and Resources Centres, thus enhancing foundational capacity for Indigenous People to manage consultation consistent with their self-determination objectives. Additionally, the Consultation and Accommodation Unit within CIRNAC offers guidance and tools to federal officials in order to support Canada's Whole-of-Government approach to the Duty to Consult.

Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process

Since 2016, Canada and representatives from 25 Self-Governing Indigenous Governments (SGIGs) have worked together to co-develop Canada's Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy, which was introduced in August 2019. The Policy addresses the fiscal relationship between Canada and SGIGs and focuses on the actual expenditure needs of self-governments, rather than linking funding to previous levels under the Indian Act.

Expenditure need is a measure of the estimated cost of performing a set of services, functions, or activities to meet a set of responsibilities, based on comparative measures or standards. The Policy also guides fiscal transfers to SGIGs from Canada. In 2023-24, fiscal transfer payments of over $2 billion were made to Indigenous signatories in support of their jurisdictional responsibilities and governance activities under the new policy framework.

Since the introduction of the Policy, CIRNAC has been working with SGIGs through the same Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process. With the addition of Whitecap Dakota First Nation this past year, the number of SGIGs participating in the Process is now 26. The Process includes regular "in-person" meetings and key working groups, and involves over 150 SGIG representatives, 90 federal employees and impacts over 38,000 individuals from SGIG communities This process has continued to strengthen relationships and trust between Indigenous Governments and the Government of Canada and across Indigenous Governments themselves.

For two areas within this process, the five Modern Treaty holders (MTs) without self government agreements (Gwich'in, Sahtu, Inuvialuit, Makivik, and Naskapi), negotiated prior to the 1995 inherent right policy being created, were invited to participate on developing the expenditure models. The first area is Land Management, in consideration of the authorities within the modern treaties being the same as those found in combined modern treaty/self government agreements negotiated after 1995. A second area is a modified version of the capital infrastructure expenditure model, again, in view of the infrastructure requirements associated with discharging their responsibilities in relation to Land Management in their agreements.

In 2023-24, fiscal policy work has continued in three key areas:

• Capital infrastructure: The (stage one) capital infrastructure policy enhancements from Fiscal Year 2022-23 were applied this year increasing funding for the Fiscal Transfer Agreements. Canada and SGIGs continued to work together on the development of a community infrastructure proxy model (stage two) designed to establish the capital core funding levels for required (as opposed to existing) infrastructure as informed by benchmarks established in communities of comparable size and circumstance;
• Language revitalization: Canadian Heritage and CIRNAC work closely with SGIGs on the development of a funding model focused on adult immersion programming; and,
• Land management: SGIGs and Canada have continued their collaborative work to identify and measure the key policy elements required to establish an appropriate land management expenditure need model.

The Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process also includes a shared focus on working towards closing socio-economic and wellness gaps. Tailored initiatives, supported with funding from Budget 2018, continue with on-going evaluation and reporting to assess progress. The on-going Data Project: Indigenous Data Toolkit continues to support SGIGs to build data collections and management capacity on the ground within each community. This year's enhancements included increased SGIGs staff on-line training and topic specific direct expert assistance. As part of the work to address socio-economic and wellness gaps, Canada and SGIGs continue co-development efforts on data indicators.

Financial Transfer Agreements

In 2023-24, a total of 95 Financial Transfer Agreement amendments were ratified with self-governing Yukon First Nations, including:

• 39 Financial Transfer Agreement amendments in the areas of post-secondary education, family violence, income assistance, and infrastructure;
• 34 Program and Service Transfer Agreements in the areas of adult education and Indigenous languages; and,
• 22 amendments to the terms and payment schedules of the Financial Transfer Agreements.

First Nations Fiscal Management Act

The opt-in First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) supports reconciliation, self-determination, and socio-economic development of First Nations. The institutions created under the legislation provide First Nations with the institutional supports, capacity building services and the tools they need to exercise jurisdiction in the areas of taxation, fiscal and financial management, infrastructure, and access to capital.

In 2023-24, 16 additional First Nations opted-in to the FNFMA for a total of 364 communities, or over 60% of all First Nations, participating in the regime to advance their self-determination and socio-economic development.

Bill C-45, an Act to amend the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts, and to make a clarification relating to another Act, received Royal Assent on June 20, 2023. This Bill brought forward legislative amendments to the FNFMA, co-developed with the FNFMA institutions and the First Nations Infrastructure Institute Development Board, that modernized the mandates of the First Nations Tax Commission and the First Nations Financial Management Board, stabilized their operations, and established a national First Nations Infrastructure Institute under the Act. Canada also invested $69.4 million over five years to support these enhancements and to close Indigenous infrastructure, institutional, and support gaps.

CIRNAC continues to work with the fiscal institutions, Modern Treaty First Nations and the Province of British Columbia on draft regulations to enable Treaty and self-governing First Nations to borrow using "other revenues" (i.e., revenues that are not property tax revenues but include government transfers, lease revenue, business, etc.). Work continues on drafting regulations for the use of local revenues (property taxes) as well as on the policy approach for public service-centered Indigenous organizations, such as health or education authorities, to benefit from the Act.

CIRNAC continues to support the FNFMA institutions' work on options for additional fiscal revenues, enhanced access to pooled insurance, capital and investment, and assets management for communities.

Canada's New Approach to Indigenous Tax Policy for Modern Treaty Partners

Specific tax exemptions for First Nations property situated on reserves were created by the Indian Act to protect property on reserves. Since the mid-1990s, Finance Canada's Modern Treaty negotiation mandate has required phasing out section 87 taxation exemptions for individuals registered under the Indian Act who become Modern Treaty beneficiaries. The phase-out is applied to former reserve lands that are converted into Treaty settlement land held by the Indigenous signatory, and on land maintained as reserve land.

In July 2022, Canada changed its approach to the phasing out of section 87 (taxation) of the Indian Act as a requirement in Canada's Modern Treaties. The tax exemption is available for Indigenous governments' former reserve lands and on other First Nation reserves in Canada for prospective and existing Modern Treaty beneficiaries who are registered pursuant to the Indian Act. These changes were made so that First Nation community members can benefit from the exemption from non-Indigenous government taxation while leveraging community level advantages through self-determination.

Indigenous governments have the choice to maintain existing tax arrangements or take up direct tax powers on their own timeline, consistent with the commitment to advance the priority of Indigenous communities to reclaim jurisdiction over tax matters and be consistent with the principle of self-determination.

Notably, in 2023-24, Canada and British Columbia worked collaboratively with BC Treaty Partners (Maa-nulth First Nations, Nisga'a Nation, Tla'amin Nation, Tsawwassen First Nation) to amend their Treaty and reinstated the application of the tax exemption on former reserve lands and for members registered under the Indian Act in Spring and Summer of 2023.

Assembly of First Nations Permanent Bilateral Mechanism

The PBM between the Assembly of First Nations and Canada was established in 2017 through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on shared priorities. This Memorandum of Understanding commits Canada and the Assembly of First Nations to hold at least three leadership meetings per year to discuss joint priorities and monitor progress. One of these meetings is to be co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the National Chief.

On March 5, 2024, the Prime Minister and National Chief Cindy Woodhouse reaffirmed their mutual commitment to revitalizing the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism process, supported by an updated list of joint priorities to better reflect the current priorities of the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations it serves. In 2023-24, two Senior Officials meetings were held with the Assembly of First Nations and Government of Canada officials to prepare for leadership meetings that will be held in 2024-25. These Senior Officials meetings, held on June 14 and December 12, 2023, helped set the path for the proposed updates to be made to the existing Joint Priorities list, as well as the collaborative approach to be used to advance work on these priorities.

Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee

The Government of Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivvik Corporation, and the Nunatsiavut Government all participate in Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC), which enhances Canada's Whole-of Government approach to engaging with Inuit partners through cooperation, implementation, and accountability. The ICPC was established in February 2017 with the signing of the Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership and currently has thirteen joint priority areas each with its own work plan that includes tangible deliverables.

Since its inception, the ICPC has made important progress in key areas of shared priorities, including the co-development of the National Inuit Housing Strategy (2019), the Inuit Nunangat Policy (2022), and the Inuit-Crown Co-Development Principles (2022). The co-developed ICPC evaluation report that looks back on the progress made over the last five years along with key recommendations for moving forward was endorsed in 2023-24. Homelessness was adopted as a new ICPC priority area, and other key reconciliation measures were advanced throughout 2023-24. This work was progressed through two Inuit-Crown Senior Officials meetings and, and two Leaders Meetings, one of which was co-chaired by the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Prime Minister of Canada in May 2023 in Nain, Nunatsiavut.

Métis Nation Permanent Bilateral Mechanism

The Government of Canada and the Métis National Council and its Governing Members are advancing work on the joint priorities identified through the Canada-Métis Nation Accord, which was signed in April 2017 and forms the basis for their PBM.

In 2023-24, a number of key meetings occurred including the Métis-Crown Summit on June 1, 2023, co-hosted by the President of the Métis National Council and the Prime Minister. At this meeting, the Terms of Reference for the PBM were endorsed, and the shared priorities for 2023-24 were affirmed: Co-Development Principles, Economic Development, K-12 Education, Health, Emergency Management, and International Engagement.

There was also a Leaders Meeting on January 31, 2024, co-chaired by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the President of the Métis National Council. At this meeting, Leaders accepted the co-developed Métis Nation Co-Development Principles.

Intergovernmental Leaders Forum

Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy commits to the establishment of a permanent forum between the Prime Minister, appropriate federal Ministers, and leaders of Indigenous Modern Treaty and Self-Government partners. The purpose of the Intergovernmental Leaders' Forum is to provide an opportunity for direct conversations between leadership on shared priorities and significant matters of concern. The Forum is also an opportunity to ensure that federal departments better understand partner priorities so efforts can be advanced together.

The inaugural Intergovernmental Leaders' Forum took place on May 8, 2023, with all parties acknowledging the considerable progress made in regard to the announcement of Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy. The co-developed Forum agenda covered 10 established and emerging priorities that were spoken to by Indigenous Modern Treat and Self-Government leaders, as well as the Prime Minister and key federal Ministers. Among the critical points discussed, some accomplishments that were noted at the Forum included the inclusion of a Modern Treaty Chapter in the UN Declaration Act Action Plan 2023-2028 and the progress made by the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process on housing and infrastructure. While successful initiatives were highlighted, the Forum also served as a venue for productive, ongoing conversations on critical topics where important work remains to be done.

Advancing the priorities of Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQI+ People

CIRNAC continues to support the three national Indigenous Women's organizations to advance the unique priorities and interests of Indigenous women through Whole-of-Government relationship agreements including the inclusion of this important collaboration as Action Plan Measure 69 in the UN Declaration Act Action Plan. The Canada-Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Memorandum of Understanding (June 2017), the Canada-NWAC Accord (signed February 2019) and the Canada-Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Declaration (signed August 2021) relationship agreements are critical vehicles to ensuring the inclusion of Indigenous women's perspectives on matters that impact their lives.

Through these relationship agreements, CIRNAC supported the Native Women's Association of Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak - Women of the Métis Nation to advance their Whole-of-Government relationship agreements by developing or updating their own culturally competent and distinctions-based GBA Plus frameworks and tools. CIRNAC provides the three national Indigenous women's organizations with funding to support the implementation of their respective relationship agreements, and operations.

Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples' Political Accord

Canada and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples continue to implement the Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord, signed in 2018 and launched on March 4, 2020. Canada and the Congress co-developed the implementation process which seeks to address joint priorities through working groups co-led by various Departments and the Congress. Five working groups met regularly through 2023-24 on justice, Indigenous languages, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, family programs, and housing.

Inuit

In support of Canada's commitments to improve housing and infrastructure in Indigenous communities, CIRNAC has been delivering direct, distinctions-based investments to Inuit Treaty Organizations since 2016. Budgets 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2022 included direct investments in support of this commitment. These investments are guided by and aligned with the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, which was co-developed with Inuit through the ICPC and released in April 2019. The Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy Implementation Plan, also co-developed with Inuit, was endorsed by federal and Inuit leadership through the ICPC in December 2022. The goal of the Strategy is to address and improve housing outcomes in Inuit Nunangat in line with outcomes for the rest of Canada.

CIRNAC continues to deliver distinctions-based housing and infrastructure investments to Inuit partners for Inuit-led prioritization and delivery to address housing and infrastructure gaps. The Department continues to work with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Inuit Treaty Organizations to implement the co-developed Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy. Housing and infrastructure are standalone priorities of the ICPC.

Housing and infrastructure funding for fiscal year 2023-24 was delivered to Inuit partners to support housing and infrastructure needs based on plans developed by Inuit. This funding is delivered through flexible grant agreements ensuring that partners are able to deliver results based on their needs, and alleviates some of the significant challenges associated with construction in remote, isolated Inuit communities. In addition to supporting new and improved housing and infrastructure, self-determined delivery is also leading to greater local benefit through Inuit driven contracting, employment, capacity enhancement and partnerships.

In 2023-24, Inuit partners constructed 86 units and repaired 58 units, bringing the overall total since 2016 to 626 units constructed and 469 repaired These investments enable Inuit Treaty Organizations to target the funding where needs are greatest. While most of the housing investments are being put towards construction and repairs, all four Inuit Treaty Organizations are also using the funding to enhance the effectiveness of other federal investments available to them for shelters, including women's and youth shelters. This approach ensures that Inuit housing investments and programs are responsive to Inuit needs.

Métis Nation

In 2018, the Métis Nation Housing Strategy was put in place with an initial investment of $500 million over 10 years. This Housing Strategy aims to address the housing crisis faced by Métis communities in a culturally appropriate and distinctions-based manner. The goal of the Strategy is to reduce the gap in core housing need between Métis and non-Indigenous people in Canada by 50% by 2028. Budget 2022 announced an additional $190.2 million over seven years to improve housing in Métis communities, including the north, of which approximately $127 million will enhance implementation of the Métis Nation Housing Strategy.

Over the past year, great progress has been made by Métis National Council Governing Members (the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Ontario, Métis Nation of British Columbia), and the Manitoba Métis Federation to improve housing conditions for their citizens by further developing their housing programs and capacity to deliver those programs. Reporting numbers for 2023-24 have not yet been finalized , but as of March 31, 2023, 1,575 housing units have been bought or built; 1,537 households have been provided down payment assistance; 4,600 housing units have been renovated; and 9,528 households have been provided rental supports.

CIRNAC regularly meets with Governing Members of the Métis National Council through the Métis Housing and Homelessness Technical Working Group, and bilaterally with the Manitoba Métis Federation to address the housing needs of Métis communities. The Technical Working Group is Métis-led and provides a productive forum for parties to collaborate, support the implementation of the Housing Strategy, and improve data collection practices. In 2023-24, specifically, a series of housing-focused meetings were held with Métis partners, annual reporting templates were updated in consultation with partners, and a housing needs assessment survey was designed.

Budget 2021 announced the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund (ICIF), a $4.3 billion investment and the first federal, distinctions-based infrastructure investment (outside of housing) that includes Métis. Of this, $240 million over four years is being delivered by CIRNAC to Métis partners (the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Métis Nation Ontario, Métis Nation of British Columbia, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and the Métis Settlements General Council) through flexible grant and contribution funding agreements to support self-determined project selection and delivery. In 2023-24, Métis partners continue to support critical infrastructure projects including road work, wastewater management, health centers, senior centers, and addictions treatment facilities.

Modern Treaty and Self-Governing Partners

To date, CIRNAC has transferred a total of $153.2 million to Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations to support housing initiatives in their communities; $89.2 million of this was transferred in 2023-24. All projects undertaken using these funds are managed by the Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations. These investments help address critical housing needs, as well as support the provision of adequate and affordable housing to achieve better health and socio-economic outcomes. Both Budget 2021 and Budget 2022 Housing and Infrastructure funding are being administered in a self-determined approach that relies on partners to develop action plans to identify infrastructure and housing needs which reflect community priorities.

The Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy

Budget 2023 committed $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement a co-developed Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy (U.R.N. Strategy) while Indigenous People living in urban, rural, and northern areas face unique challenges accessing adequate housing. In 2023, under the lead of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a range of Indigenous-led engagements with Indigenous organizations (including Indigenous Women's organizations), some modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations, and Indigenous housing and service providers were held. Overall, more than 6,000 individuals participated in the engagement process. CMHC also received written submissions and conducted an online survey. The process has demonstrated the complexity of the indigenous housing landscape.

Following those activities, the Government of Canada developed a strategy framework and in December 2023, announced its intention to launch a Request for Proposals for the selection of an Indigenous-led organization that will become the National Indigenous Housing Centre that will help flow part of the U.R.N. funding.

CIRNAC and ISC will work with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty Self Governing Indigenous Government partners on their distinctions-based housing strategies to make U.R.N. funding accessible in fiscal year 2024-25.

Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Program's Fund

The Harvesters Support Grant (HSG) was implemented in early 2020, its design directly informed through feedback and consultation from northern and Indigenous partners. The HSG is one of the first co-developed initiatives recognizing a decolonized model recommended by the TRC and MMIWG final reports/recommendations. It encourages self-determination and local decision making by helping recipient organizations and communities develop and deploy their own solutions to improve food security in the North and Arctic, based on traditional decision-making and local priorities. In 2022, with investments from Budget 2021, the Community Food Programs Fund (CFPF) was implemented. The HSG and CFPF provides grant funding through partnerships with Land Claim Organizations, self-government entities and Indigenous organizations to support hunting, harvesting and food sharing activities and networks in 112 eligible communities. Recognizing the connection between traditional and market foods, the CFPF expands the scope of the HSG to initiatives such as school food programs, elders' meal programs, and group ordering; supporting and strengthening the work communities do to support local food security through culturally appropriate, locally led solutions. The program provides flexible funding, allowing communities to respond to individual needs and evolve local food systems over time.

In 2023-24, Nutrition North Canada (NNC) signed Grant agreements with 24 Indigenous governments and organizations to strengthen supports for traditional food systems in 112 isolated communities. In the first two years of implementation, the Grant has supported over 15,000 hunters and harvesters, in addition to 410 community hunts and harvests, and 717 food sharing initiatives. In Inuit Nunangat, in particular, the Grant supports activities consistent with Inuit Nunangat Food Security Strategy and its associated implementation plan.

Additionally, NNC registered three food banks: 1) Harvest Manitoba; 2) Second Harvest; 3) the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) in an effort to expand community support. Support from the Community Food Programs Fund and the NNC subsidy also enabled the creation of a new partnership between Wiiche'iwaymagon members and food bank agencies and non-profit in December 2023 to strengthen food security outcomes in the North.

Food Security Research Grant

The Food Security Research Grant is supporting Indigenous-led research projects looking at food access inequality, the dynamics of existing federal food access programs and food insecurity among Indigenous People living in eligible communities under the NNC program. The research will inform the ongoing evolution of NNC to meet the program's food security mandate and inform the enhancement and redesign of the subsidy model to support equitable access to market (store-bought) food.

In 2023, the Food Security Research Grant funded five Indigenous-led research projects to identify data gaps in isolated communities and strengthen evidence-based policy making. Research efforts will strengthen the Program's policy options moving forward.

Implementation of the Representative Public Service Plan – Yukon

In 2023-24, Canada continued to advance the development and federal approval of a Representative Public Service Plan ("the Plan"), in accordance with the obligations contained in Chapter 22 of the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements. The Plan is designed to ensure that the federal public service in the Yukon is representative of Yukon First Nations people.

During the spring/summer of 2023, Canada continued to work with First Nation partners to review the Plan and address any concerns raised. By October 2023, the Yukon regional office started to work internally with Pilimmaksaivik and the Yukon Federal Table (senior officials representing all federal departments with offices located in Yukon) to gain final federal approval. The Plan was officially recorded as approved at the March 7, 2024, Pilimmaksaivik ADM Steering Committee meeting.

Implementation of Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement

Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement requires the Government of Canada and Nunavut to take measures to pursue workforces that reflect the ratio of Inuit to the total population of Nunavut at all occupational groupings and levels within each governments respective public service. In an effort to meet Article 23, CIRNAC continues to implement and update its departmental Inuit Employment Plan with input from Inuit and Northern partners and support the development of the Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan.

As the federal lead in the implementation of the Nunavut Agreement and the largest federal employer in Nunavut, in 2023-24, CIRNAC met its short-term targets and is on track to meet its medium-term targets as outlined in the departmental Inuit Employment Plan. CIRNAC has increased Inuit employment from 35.0% in April 2020 to 46.2% in April 2022, and then to 49.5% in March 2023.

The First Nation Adapt Program

The program supports First Nations South of 60 to address climate impacts and plan for adaption. As one example, the Program is funding Siksika Nation, in Alberta, to develop a Water Resiliency Strategy that will support communication, integration and community awareness of climate change and water security risks; progress water resilience initiatives; and support exploration of climate change impacts to existing and future water infrastructure. The multi-year project is anchored in community engagement and is supported by a project team led by Siksika Nation Land Management, and directed by an Elder's Advisory Group, Water Advisory Task Force, as well as technical advisors. Through the inclusion of traditional knowledge alongside Western scientific knowledge (known as "two-eyed seeing" Siksika Nation will build on several separate projects linked to water resiliency, to identify adaptation measures and address community concerns in a holistic way. This approach will assist in minimizing risks and strengthening the Nation's resilience, through learning, planning and proactively working with its community members and all service Areas to collectively adapt to climate change.

The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program

This program supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis-led projects that monitor climate and the environmental effects of climate change using Indigenous Knowledge Systems and western science and builds capacity for long-term monitoring. As an example, the program is funding the Manitoba Métis Federation's community-based monitoring initiative, which trains and equips Red River Métis citizen scientists to collect data and monitor climate and environmental changes. Their network uses western science and traditional knowledge to monitor weather, wetlands, water quality, and winter conditions. The initiative raises climate change awareness and provides capacity building and knowledge sharing opportunities among Red River Métis Citizens to support climate adaptation efforts.

The Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program

This program works with communities across the North to address climate impacts and plan for and implement adaptation measures. As an example, the program is supporting First Nations Wildfire, an emergency relief association that provides emergency management and training services, to implement a Yukon First Nations Wildfire project to include traditional land management practices in fire prevention practices. The project will strengthen Yukon First Nations' climate resiliency by determining best practices for traditional land management in regard to wildfires and will help ensure communities and traditional landmarks are better protected from the threats of wildfires.

The Northern REACHE program

This program supports the development of renewable energy across the North. The program is funding Nukik Corporation, an Inuit-led corporation, to begin development work on the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link (KHFL), a 1,200 kilometre overhead hydroelectric transmission line between Churchill, Manitoba and the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. This nation-building project would be the first land connection between the Manitoba and Nunavut and would provide clean, reliable power to five Inuit communities and two mining operations. The project would also deliver high-speed internet via fibre-optic cable to the region. The project is a model example of an Indigenous-led initiative having the potential to bring a wealth of social, economic and environmental benefits to Indigenous communities.

Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act

CIRNAC Yukon Region has continued working with partners on implementation of Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA). The Act's development assessment processes are rooted in the implementation of Chapter 12 of the Yukon First Nation Final Agreement and have been developed collaboratively by the Parties. CIRNAC works to uphold a robust, reliable co-management process, supporting the implementation of modern Treaties and ensuring that Indigenous People are able to meaningfully participate in resource development and environmental decision-making in the Yukon.

In 2023-24, CIRNAC provided $7.05 million in operational funding to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB), an arm's length development assessment board established through the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements. These funds supported YESAB's work in assessing approximately 120 developments, including YESAB's ongoing screening and pre-screening activities of five major projects including the Faro Mine Remediation and the Mount Nansen Mine Remediation. An additional $1.1 million was provided for YESAB's preparatory work associated with the Casino Mine Project Panel Review.

CIRNAC also provided YESAA Implementation funding to partners to assist them in participating in YESAA assessment processes (rooted in the implementation of Chapter 12 of the Umbrella Final Agreement and developed collaboratively by the Parties) and providing information around potential impacts to their rights and values, including approximately:

• $3.5 million to the 11 self-governing Treaty Yukon First Nations via their Financial Transfer Agreements;
• $399,000 to the Government of Yukon; and,
• $840,000 to Yukon First Nations without Final Agreements (comprehensive land claim agreements).

Northern Regulatory Initiative

Northern regulatory regimes implement commitments from modern Treaties for integrated, coordinated, and participatory systems of natural resource management. Their successful implementation relies on community participation, intergovernmental relationships, and traditional, local, and scientific knowledge.

The Northern Regulatory Initiative (NRI) was formed under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to support clear, trusted, and functional regulatory regimes in a way that reflects and respects their unique contexts in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Over the course of 2023-24, CIRNAC worked with northern governments, rights holders, and stakeholders in each of the three territories to design and implement actions under the NRI.

In 2023-24, the NRI dedicated $3.31 million to supporting:

• the participation of otherwise unfunded Indigenous governments and organizations in impact assessment and land use planning processes in areas of critical minerals and enabling infrastructure potential;
• early planning phases of a regional study in the Northwest Territories' section of the Slave Geological Province requested by the Tłı̨chǫ Government;
• work with partners to identify gaps and opportunities in Crown consultation; and,
• completing action plans under the Mackenzie Valley Operational Dialogue, which brings rights holders and stakeholders together to share perspectives, build relationships, and co-develop action plans to advance common regulatory priorities.

Northern Participant Funding Program

The Northern Participant Funding Program (NPFP) was renewed through Budget 2023 with $13.3 million over five years (2023-24 to 2027-28) in grants and contributions to support Indigenous Governments and organizations to participate meaningfully in impact assessments of major development projects in Canada's territories. It also supports participation in related regulatory processes and provides dedicated capacity building funding to Indigenous groups to enhance their ability to participate in future impact assessment processes.

In 2023-24, the NPFP distributed $2.4 million in funding across all three territories to support Indigenous governments and organizations' participation in impact assessments of major infrastructure and resource projects that have the potential to affect their land, lives or livelihood. The opportunity to have their voices heard early on in assessment processes is part of Canada's ongoing effort to advance reconciliation.

Almost $1 million in funding was distributed for three Nunavut reviews (Chidliak Diamond Mine, Back River Energy Centre, Mary River Iron Mine Sustaining Operations Proposal) so that perspectives on impacts to rights and other concerns (e.g., maximizing community benefits) could be shared broadly, and considered by the Review Board and federal decision-makers. Over $1.4 million was also distributed to 13 recipients for the environmental assessment of the Government of the Northwest Territories' Mackenzie Valley Highway proposal.

In November 2023, the NPFP held their first in-person engagements in Whitehorse so that representatives from Indigenous Governments and Organizations could become more familiar with the Program and offer their feedback on how it could better meet their needs.

Offshore Oil and Gas

In 2016, the Government of Canada pivoted to a science-based approach to Arctic oil and gas and announced an offshore oil and gas moratorium in Canada's Arctic waters. CIRNAC is working with territorial and northern Indigenous governments to co-develop climate and science-based life-cycle reviews to oil and gas in the Arctic offshore every five years.

In 2022, CIRNAC, the three territorial governments, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), and the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) finalized the Arctic review for the western Arctic and eastern Arctic offshore areas. Their findings contributed to Canada's consideration to maintain the moratorium. CIRNAC is working with northern partners to co-develop a second five-year science-based review process to be completed in 2027.

Budget 2023 announced over $6.9 million over five years to support research and traditional indigenous knowledge in the Arctic offshore. Co-developing the science-based approach with northern Indigenous groups ensures Indigenous views and regional approaches to Indigenous knowledge are a key feature of the approach and its findings while supporting Canada's ongoing commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Northwest Territories

Yukon

Nunavut

The Nunavut region has held pre- and post-remediation community meetings with nine communities affected by the Department's projects: Coral Harbour Remediation Project, Otter and Montgomery Remediation Project, Akpatok Remediation Project, Pioneer Remediation Project, Bathurst Island and High Arctic Remediation Project and the Pelly Lake Remediation Project. These meetings serve as a forum for community engagement and gathering of feedback. At the Coral Harbour Remediation Project meeting, community members raised concerns about additional suspected contaminated sites, which have now been reviewed, assessed, and expanded the scope of work of the project to ensure community concerns are addressed.

The cleanup of contaminated site in overlapping land regimes can be very challenging and often require rigorous consultations and engagements with the stakeholders of the involved land regimes. During 2023-2024, one of the sites in Nunavut fell within the overlapping land areas of Nunavut and Nunavik regions. CIRNAC successfully facilitated consultations between these regions leading to the eventual completion of the remediation of the site and notable employment and economic benefits within these two regions.