Empowering First Nations in impact assessments: How a toolkit can advance reconciliation and self-determination
Group photo of the Focus Group meeting that took place from September 21 to 22, 2022, in Huntsville, Ontario.
Dr. Dan Longboat, Lynn Rosales, and Lillian Trapper in one of the Focus Group sessions in Huntsville, Ontario September 21-22, 2025.
The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) believe in the sovereignty of First Nations and their right to make decisions that affect their future. Rooted in the wisdom of Knowledge Holders and committed to future generations, the COO supports First Nations in Ontario in exercising their inherent and Treaty rights, advancing sovereignty, building strong, healthy communities and asserting their responsibilities of stewardship.
To bring this closer to home, the COO developed the Environmental Assessment Toolkit. The toolkit is a comprehensive resource to support First Nations’ understanding of environmental, impact and regional assessments processes, as well as the Duty to Consult and Accommodate processes under Canadian law.
This practical resource empowers First Nations by providing the knowledge they need to make decisions on assessments, protect their rights, and advocate for their communities and respective territories. The toolkit highlights:
Did you know?
The COO received funding from the Government of Canada's Indigenous Capacity Support Program (ICSP) to develop the capacity of First Nations in impact assessment. The ICSP helps to enhance the meaningful engagement and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in current and future assessments.
- the legal duties of the Crown towards Indigenous Peoples, including the obligation to consult;
- how to achieve meaningful consultation and accommodation;
- the importance of Indigenous laws, Traditional Knowledge and of assessing cumulative impacts;
- how funding and professional support can improve meaningful participation; and,
- practical guidance for asserting Indigenous rights throughout EA/IA processes.
By laying down this foundation, the COO is paving the way for Indigenous-led assessment and environmental governance that respects Indigenous knowledge, rights, and priorities.
About
The Chiefs of Ontario support all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Guided by the Chiefs-in-Assembly representing 133 First Nations, they uphold the self-determination efforts of the Anishinaabek, Mushkegowuk, Onkwehonwe, and Lenape Peoples in protecting and exercising their inherent and Treaty rights.
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