Reconciliation Framework: Our own action-based reconciliation plan

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• What is the Reconciliation Framework
• What is the context for the Framework

What is the Reconciliation Framework

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)’s Reconciliation Framework (the Framework) outlines how IAAC will put truth and reconciliation into practice in all the work it does. It will do this through four pathways:

• Cultivating meaningful relationships
• Respect for governance and knowledge systems
• Maximizing Indigenous leadership in impact assessments, and
• Building education, awareness, and inclusion

The Framework was developed with input from Indigenous partners, IAAC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, and IAAC staff, including Indigenous staff. The Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council and the Native Women’s Association of Canada were among the Indigenous partners who provided initial input into the Framework. It is an "evergreen" document, meaning that it will be updated as new information such as feedback from Indigenous Peoples becomes available.

What is the context for the Framework

Colonization has hurt Indigenous Peoples and kept them culturally, politically, socially, and economically marginalized. In 2015, Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission centred reconciliation on the importance of respectful relationships in its report called Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future. The Commission emphasized how the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples set out the necessary principles, norms and standards for reconciliation to guide this process.

The Government of Canada is embarking on a reconciliation process with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, pledging to renewed nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationships. IAAC acknowledges the truth of Canada’s colonial past and its legacy. It is ready to do the work to eliminate the painful reminders of colonialism from its policies, processes, and ways of thinking. This requires learning, commitment, cultural competency, and humility reflected throughout the organization.

The Framework is IAAC’s next step in achieving reconciliation goals by focusing on better relations with Indigenous Peoples.

Learn more about the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s Reconciliation Framework.