Partnering with Indigenous Peoples
The projects and strategies under consideration by the Major Projects Office (MPO) will create tens of thousands of jobs and attract major private investment while positioning Canada – and Indigenous communities – at the forefront of the clean economy. They represent opportunities for Indigenous ownership, equity participation, environmental stewardship, and generational benefits.
We work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Governing peoples whose rights and interests could be potentially impacted by a proposed project of national interest. This includes respecting the Crown’s legal Duty to Consult with Indigenous Peoples, upholding modern treaty and self-government commitments, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples principles.
We are committed to advancing reconciliation in our work and upholding Indigenous rights, while incorporating Indigenous knowledge into assessments, and ensuring Indigenous Peoples derive economic benefits from major project development.
Indigenous Advisory Council
The Indigenous Advisory Council supports our office by ensuring that partnership and Indigenous economic participation are embedded in major projects advanced in Canada. The Council provides expert advice on policy, operational practices, and process improvements related to the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives on and interests in major projects.
The MPO benefits from the leadership and guidance of eleven representatives from First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Governing communities.
Learn more about the Indigenous Advisory Council.
Indigenous engagement
Indigenous Peoples will help shape how major projects are developed through participation in federal assessments, Indigenous-led assessments, and business and equity opportunities.
We are working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Governing Peoples whose rights and interests may be affected by proposed projects, to find the right path forward. This includes engaging with rights holders to inform decision-making and working to ensure Indigenous Peoples derive economic benefits from major project development.
Virtual Engagement Sessions – Fall 2025
In partnership with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, we held regional engagement sessions with Indigenous groups across Canada, from October 24 to December 10, 2025.
The sessions were a follow-up from the discussions at the July 17, 2025, First Nations Major Projects Summit, and provided an opportunity for dialogue on key topics, including the Building Canada Act, consultation processes, and the Indigenous Advisory Council.
Read the report for a summary of the key themes and takeaways from the sessions.
Summits – Summer 2025
The Government of Canada continues to engage with Indigenous leaders to collaborate in implementing the Building Canada Act. Key engagements included:
- First Nations Major Projects Summit (July 17, 2025): Discussions with over 250 First Nations leaders on building major projects in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
- Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee Meeting (July 24, 2025): Collaborative discussions with Inuit leadership and federal ministers on aligning the Act with Inuit Modern Treaties.
- Métis Major Projects Summit (August 7, 2025): Dialogue with Métis leaders to explore opportunities for working together under the Act.
Insights and priorities from these engagements are summarized in:
Funding opportunities
The Government of Canada is committed to removing barriers to the participation of Indigenous Peoples in major projects.
Capacity funding
The MPO is committing $40 million over three years to increase the capacity of Indigenous Peoples to engage on major projects early and consistently. For more information, please contact info@mpo-bgp.gc.ca.
Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program
The Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program facilitates access to affordable capital to Indigenous groups. Initially launched with $5 billion in loan guarantee authority focused on the energy and natural resources sectors, the Government of Canada doubled the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion and extended its scope to major projects across all sectors of the economy, apart from gaming, in March 2025.
For details, including the application process and eligibility requirements, please visit the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation website.
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