We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.
- Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.
- Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
Why ”Stalled”?
Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Conference Board of Canada, Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) and numerous business associations have all made recommendations or commitments aligned with C2A 92. Very little follow-up activity though especially in response to the number of Indigenous protests across the country in relation to Free, Prior and Informed Consent, Duty to Consult, environmental impacts etc.
“85 percent of Canadian businesses are in no way engaged with Indigenous communities.” A new report commissioned by Indigenous Works and prepared by R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd.
June 6, 2022: “National Indigenous Economic Strategy: Pathways to Socioeconomic Parity for Indigenous Peoples” identifies 107 Calls to Economic Prosperity across 4 strategic pathways: People, Lands, Infrastructure and Finance – that taken together will eliminate barriers to the full participation of Indigenous people in the Canadian economy.
https://niestrategy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/NIES_English_FullStrategy.pdf
Current Status
Stalled
Call to Action
last updated
July 19, 2024
Latest Updates
Individual Business Initiatives
Kitigan Zibi, Abitibiwinni and Lac Simon – Anishnabeg communities and Hydro-Québec agree to negotiate in good faith the settlement of past differences
July 18, 2024 NationTalk: Chantal Kistabish, Chief of the Abitibiwinni First Nation, Lucien Wabanonik, Chief of the Nation Anishnabe of Lac Simon, Dylan Whiteduck, Chief……
July 19, 2024
Individual Business Initiatives
Sudbury’s Stobie Mine getting new life above ground
Vale has partnered with First Nations, Steelworkers and an operator to start an open-pit mine at old site CBC News · Posted: Jul 17, 2024 6:09 PM……
July 18, 2024
Individual Business Initiatives
PwC Canada announces commitment to the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program as part of its ongoing Reconciliation journey
NationTalk:TORONTO – PwC Canada is proud to announce our commitment to the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program to advance our Indigenous reconciliation efforts. Established in……
July 11, 2024
Individual Business Initiatives
Vancity announces new Indigenous Advisory Committee
NationTalk; TERRITORIES OF MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH AND TSLEIL-WAUTUTH NATIONS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Vancity today announced its newly formed Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC), an independent……
July 4, 2024
Individual Business Initiatives
Hydro-Québec announces $9B wind power project, one of the largest in North America
5,000 sq. km wind farm could generate up to 3,000 megawatts of power, says utility Hydro-Québec wants to create a $9-billion wind farm in the……
July 4, 2024
Individual Business Initiatives
Non-profit organization meant to get more Indigenous people into agriculture launches
NationTalk: NortheastNOW – Farm Credit Canada says a new organization that it has helped support, one meant to get Indigenous peoples involved in the agriculture……
July 2, 2024
Individual Business Initiatives
SAP Canada Reflects on its Indigenous Reconciliation Journey
NationTalk: TORONTO — This June, during National Indigenous History Month, SAP is taking the opportunity to reflect on the importance of learning about the rich……
June 25, 2024
Individual Business Initiatives
Woodland Cree, Obsidian Energy resolve northern Alberta standoff
CTV News: Edmonton: The Canadian press – CALGARY – An energy company says a First Nations blockade and standoff that kept it from using an oil……
June 11, 2024
Government Programs
Boosting Gaspésie’s Blue Economy: Minister Lebouthillier launches a lobster data collection plan in collaboration with First Nations and industry
NationTalk: Fisheries and Oceans Canada – (Gaspé (Quebec) – In the context of climate change and the resulting warming of the oceans, it is more……
June 6, 2024
Individual Business Initiatives
AFNQL Welcomes Hydro-Québec’s Intentions Regarding Wind Energy Projects
NationTalk: WENDAKE, QC – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) views with interest the announcement made by Michael Sabia, President and CEO of Hydro-Québec,……
May 31, 2024