IAAC is first out of the gate with engagement and consultation protocol

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)’s Reconciliation Framework puts truth and reconciliation into practice in all that the agency does. That means cultivating meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, respecting their governance and knowledge systems, and maximizing their leadership in impact assessments – all key actions for delivering effective assessments and getting important infrastructure built.

Putting these principles into action, IAAC became the first federal agency to sign on to a consultation and engagement protocol established earlier between the Government of Canada and the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance.

On hand for the signing were Ian Ketcheson, IAAC’s vice-president of Indigenous Relations, and Laxwiye (Chief Angie Bailey) from Ăthelets First Nation representing S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance. The signing took place on May 27, 2025, in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

"Witnessing and signing our first official Federal Engagement Protocol Agreement with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is an important ice-breaker for all other Canadian agencies who are contemplating how to engage in meaningful work with First Nations – not just from S’ólh Téméxw but from across the country," says Laxwiye.

The protocol was established in 2019 between the Government of Canada and the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance, representing 17 Stó:lō First Nations in British Columbia. The protocol clarifies, standardizes and streamlines how federal departments will collaborate with this alliance in relation to its work.

While all federal departments implicated by the protocol are expected to formalize their commitment, IAAC is first out of the gate.

The timing could not be more important as Canada is poised to actively pursue more infrastructure projects and build one economy.

"As Canada redefines its international relationships with its neighbours, it is my hope that by strengthening cooperation between the Crown and Indigenous Rights Holders, we can set a strong example of what is possible when everyone comes from a place of mutual understanding and respect," explains Laxwiye.

"We are firmly committed to reconciliation and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)," says Ketcheson.

"Our relationship with Stó:lō First Nations is truly unique. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we have made our two systems work together in a way that puts reconciliation, respect for Stó:lō knowledge and governance systems and collaboration at the forefront of what we do."

Since 2019, IAAC has worked with the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance on assessments of five projects that could potentially affect its members’ territory and has been implementing the protocol prior to this formal commitment for several years. The S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance (STSA) via their operational wing, the People of the River Referrals Office (PRRO), facilitates this meaningful engagement and decision-making on behalf of the 17 Stó:lō STSA communities using Stó:lō Connect, a custom designed engagement management web portal.

"This mutual understanding and way of working together provides positive benefits through more clarity and efficiency. It reaffirms our commitments to building meaningful relationships. As the Government of Canada, we need to ensure Indigenous Rights are protected, and we know that partnering with Indigenous Peoples is key to a good assessment. The protocol is making it easier for everyone to meet these objectives," adds Lisa Poier, a regional director at IAAC.

As part of this commitment, IAAC agrees to work collaboratively in an open and transparent manner to build consensus on decision-making with the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance.

While Canada embraces the challenge to assess projects quickly, the commitment to reconciliation and UNDRIP remains.