Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.

What success looks like

A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.

Government's narrative on progress

Indigenous organizations have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. This continued dialogue plays a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare. Indigenous representatives continue to be involved in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues on a bilateral and multi-lateral basis. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care. Following this, on November 30, 2018, the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, together with the leaders of Metis Nation, the Assembly of First Nations and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, announced that the government will move forward with co-developed federal legislation on Indigenous child and family services with Indigenous and provincial-territorial partners. On November 2nd, 2018, a conference call was held by the Minister of Indigenous Services, with provincial and territorial Ministers to discuss federal options for the Indigenous child and family services legislation. This discussion also included the participation of leaders from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council. In December 2018, leaders of national Indigenous Organizations again met with First Ministers to discuss continued economic growth and prosperity for Indigenous peoples. Joint Gathering 2019 was co-hosted in Vancouver in January by the BC First Nations Leadership Council and the BC Region of Indigenous Services Canada and the Treaty and Aboriginal Government-Negotiations West branch of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. The 2019 Joint Gathering brought together federal government officials and 502 delegates represented 158 First Nations in BC, 8 Child and Family Services agencies and 15 Tribal Councils and treaty organizations to discuss emerging issues, build relationships, promote partnerships, and foster leadership for a sustainable future.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.