Release of “First Annual (2020) Statutory Report Pursuant to Section 10 of the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act, Statutes of Canada, Chapter 29, 2019“.

The Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act came into force on July 15, 2019 and established CIRNAC, while the Department of Indigenous Services Act established ISC. The former INAC – legally, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development – was abolished by the Budget Implementation Act, 2019. CIRNAC was established to carry out activities that support the Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Its primary focus is renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships based on affirmation and implementation of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.

CIRNAC also works to promote respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Such activities include:

• facilitating collaboration and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples and with the provinces and territories in relation to entering into and implementing agreements;
• the recognition and implementation treaties concluded between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples;
  promoting self-reliance, prosperity and well-being for the residents and communities of the Canadian North, taking into account their respective needs and challenges;
• recognizing and promoting Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing; and,
• promoting public awareness and understanding of the importance of working toward and contributing to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

The whole-of-government approach to reconciliation and supporting Indigenous self-determination is rooted in three pillars:

• acknowledging and addressing the past;
• closing socio-economic and service gaps; and
• supporting visions for self-determination and renewed relationships.

As of March 31, 2020 the government claims to have completed 12 of the TRC Calls to Action.

For compete details on what the government has accomplished in the fiscal year April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020, please see the following:
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1603127273100/1603127325936 – chp19