Exploring new ways of working together

Canada is moving forward with Indigenous partners on different paths toward reconciliation, including Recognition of Rights discussion tables. Find a list of these tables by region.

About Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables

The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous groups at over 80 discussion tables across the country to explore new ways of working together to advance the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination. These discussions represent more than 390 Indigenous communities, with a total population of more than 760,000 people.

The goal is to bring greater flexibility to negotiations based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. At these tables, Canada and Indigenous groups can explore new ideas and ways to reach agreements that will recognize the rights of Indigenous groups and advance their vision of self-determination for the benefit of their communities and all Canadians.

These discussions are community-driven and respond to the unique rights, needs and interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups where existing federal policies have not been able to do so. This may involve:

jointly developing new ways to recognize rights and title in agreements
building agreements in steps
exploring ways to advance treaty rights and interests
finding common ground to settle litigation outside of the courts
using existing tools that are available government-wide outside of treaty and self-government processes to help address the unique needs of each group
building awareness of the treaty relationship

The priorities identified by Indigenous groups are the starting point for these discussions. Discussions can focus on one priority area or cover many issues.

The process for moving forward is jointly designed by the parties through co-developed agreements (such as Letters of Understanding, Memoranda of Understanding and Framework Agreements).

Under the agreed-upon process, the parties then work to find the common ground for moving ahead in partnership toward a shared and balanced solution.

These discussions can also seek to address longstanding issues that are not covered by existing treaty or self-government negotiations. This kind of dialogue is open to all Indigenous groups with Section 35 rights to address longstanding issues that may fall outside the scope of other federal policies.

Canada recognizes that federal policies and approaches will continue to evolve over time and looks forward to working with Indigenous communities to co-develop agreements that work for and benefit the parties.

Discussion tables by region

Indigenous groups currently engaged at Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables with Canada include those listed below. Discussions are confidential. Key facts and links are provided for discussion tables that have been jointly announced or made public by the parties.

British Columbia

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

Participating Indigenous communities	Seven Carrier Sekani First Nations: Nadleh Whut'en, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Saik'uz First Nation, Stellat'en First Nation, Takla Lake First Nation, Tl'azt'en Nation and Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation (Burns Lake Band).
When discussions began	2018
Key milestones	On January 23, 2019, the parties signed a Letter of Understanding.
Related links	Canada and Carrier Sekani First Nations advance reconciliation with signing of Letter of Understanding

Coastal First Nations

Participating Indigenous communities	Seven Coastal First Nations (as represented by the Great Bear Initiative Society): Gitga'at First Nation, Gitxaala Nation, Heiltsuk First Nation, Kitasoo First Nation, Metlakatla First Nation, Nuxalk Nation, and Wuikinuxv Nation
When discussions began	2015
Key milestones	On July 26, 2019, the parties signed the Coastal First Nations Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement. On October 11, 2017, the parties signed a framework agreement for Fisheries Resources.
Related links	Government of Canada signs historic reconciliation agreement with B.C. Coastal First Nations Canada and the Coastal First Nations take a step forward in the management of fisheries resources for the central coast of British Columbia

Council of Haida Nation

Esquimalt

Heiltsuk Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Heiltsuk Nation
When discussions began	2016
Key milestones	On August 30, 2019, Canada, British Columbia and the Heiltsuk Nation signed the Tuígila "To Make a Path Forward" Agreement. On July 25, 2019, Canada and Heiltsuk Nation signed the Haíɫcístut Incremental House Post Agreement. On January 28, 2017, Canada and Heiltsuk Nation signed a framework agreement for Reconciliation.
Related links	Tripartite Agreement Creates Path to Negotiate the Implementation of Heiltsuk Nation Title and Rights Canada and Heiltsuk Sign the Haíɫcístut Incremental House Post Agreement Reconciliation in Action: Minister Bennett and Chief Slett sign the Heiltsuk Hai´¿ci´stut Framework Agreement for Reconciliation

Lake Babine First Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Lake Babine First Nation
When discussions began	2017
Key milestones	On November 30, 2018, Canada, BC and Lake Babine First Nation signed the Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding to Guide Rights Implementation and Reconciliation Negotiations.
Related links	Canada, Lake Babine Nation and British Columbia join together on road to long-term reconciliation

Métis Nation of British Columbia

Participating Indigenous communities	Métis Nation of British Columbia
When discussions began	2017
Key milestones	On July 25, 2018, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding on reconciliation.
Related links	Canada and Métis Nation British Columbia solidify their relationship

Musqueam Indian Band

'Namgis First Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	'Namgis First Nation
When discussions began	2017
Key milestones	On February 18, 2019, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding.
Related links	Canada and 'Namgis First Nation advance reconciliation with signing of Memorandum of Understanding

Okanagan Nation Alliance

Secwépemc Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Eleven Secwépemc Nation First Nation communities: Skeetchestn, Tk'emlúps, Esketemc, Splatsin, Shuswap, Adams Lake, Simpcw, High Bar, Bonaparte, Neskonlith and Whispering Pines/Clinton
When talks began	2017
Key milestones	On July 23 and October 17, 2018, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance reconciliation on child and family services.
Related links	Secwépemc Nation Secwépemc Nation, British Columbia, Government of Canada, sign memorandum of understanding on jurisdiction for child and family services Minister Philpott joins Secwépemc Nation in signing ceremony on Child and Family Services reform

shíshàlh Nation (formerly the Sechelt Indian Band)

Participating Indigenous communities	shíshàlh Nation
When discussions began	2018
Key milestones	On February 15, 2019, the parties signed a letter of understanding.
Related links	Canada and shíshálh Nation strengthen nation-to-nation relationship with signing of Letter of Understanding

Shuswap Nation Tribal Council

Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance

Participating Indigenous communities	The Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance includes the following First Nations: Lhoosk'uz Dené Nation, Lhtako Dené Nation, Nazko First Nation and Ulkatcho Nation
When discussions began	2017
Key milestones	On June 25, 2019, the parties signed a Pathways Agreement. On July 22, 2018, the parties signed a Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Memorandum of Understanding.
Related links	Canada and Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance strengthen nation-to-nation relationship with signing of Pathways Agreement Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance and Canada celebrate key step on path of renewal and reconciliation

Snuneymuxw First Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Snuneymuxw First Nation
When discussions began	2018
Key milestones	On August 26, 2019, the parties signed a letter of understanding
Related links	Canada and Snuneymuxw First Nation advance reconciliation with signing of Letter of Understanding

T'aaq-wiihak First Nations

Taku River Tlingit First Nation

Tiyt Tribe First Nations

Participating Indigenous communities	Five Tiyt Tribe First Nations: Chawathil, Peters, Seabird Island, Shxw'ōwhámel and Yale
When discussions began	2018
Key milestones	On August 27, 2019, the parties signed a letter of understanding.
Related links	Tiyt Tribe First Nations and Canada strengthen nation-to-nation relationship with signing of Letter of Understanding

Tsartlip First Nation

Tŝilhqot'in Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Tŝilhqot'in Nation comprises six communities: Tl'etinqox (Anaham), Tsi Del Del (Alexis Creek/Redstone), Yunesit'in Government (Stone), ?Esdilagh (Alexandria), Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government (Nemiah) and the Tl'esqox (Toosey Band)
When talks began	2016
Key milestones	On August 28, 2019, Canada, British Columbia and Tŝilhqot'in Nation signed the the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement. On November 2, 2018, the Prime Minister visited Tŝilhqot'in title lands and delivered a statement of exoneration. On March 26, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered in Parliament a statement of exoneration for 6 Tŝilhqot'in Chiefs. On January 27, 2017, Canada and the Tŝilhqot'in Nation signed a Letter of Understanding to renew relationships and advance reconciliation.
Related links	Canada, British Columbia, and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation Sign Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement Tŝilhqot'in and Canada take first steps towards reconciliation with signing of Letter of Understanding Prime Minister delivers a statement of exoneration for 6 Tŝilhqot'in Chiefs Prime Minister visits Tŝilhqot'in Nation to personally deliver statement of exoneration

Tsleil-Waututh Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Tsleil-Waututh Nation
When talks began	2016
Key milestones	On September 4, 2017, the parties signed a Letter of Understanding to renew relationships and advance reconciliation.
Related links	Canada and Tsleil-Waututh Nation take steps to advance reconciliation with signing of Letter of Understanding

Wet'suwet'en Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs, Witset First Nation and Hagwilget Village Council
When talks began	2017
Key milestones	On October 11, 2018, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance reconciliation on child and family services.
Related links	Canada, British Columbia and Wet'suwet'en make progress on child and family services

WSÁNEĆ Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Three W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations: Tsartlip First Nation, Tseycum First Nation and Tsawout First Nation
When discussions began	2018
Key milestones	On January 24, 2019, the parties signed a Letter of Understanding.
Related links	Canada and W̱SÁNEĆ Nation strengthen nation-to-nation relationship with signing of Letter of Understanding

Alberta

Blood Tribe

Participating Indigenous communities	Blood Tribe
When discussions began	2017
Key milestones	On July 5, 2018, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding on reconciliation.
Related links	Blood Tribe Blood Tribe and Canada celebrate key step on path of renewal and reconciliation

Métis Nation of Alberta

Participating Indigenous communities	Métis Nation of Alberta
When talks began	2016
Key milestones	On June 27, 2019, the parties signed a Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement. On November 16, 2017, the parties signed a framework agreement that sets out a process to begin formal negotiations. The framework agreement is the result of exploratory talks held under a Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Reconciliation signed in January 2017.
Related links	Métis Nation of Alberta Historic self-government agreements signed with the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta advance reconciliation with signing of Framework Agreement

Métis Settlements General Council

Participating Indigenous communities	Métis Settlements General Council
When talks began	2017
Key milestones	On December 17, 2018, the parties signed a Framework Agreement. On December 14, 2017, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Related links	Canada and the Métis Settlement General Council Sign Framework Agreement Canada and the Métis Settlements General Council moving forward on reconciliation with signing of Memorandum of Understanding

Mikisew Cree First Nation

Sawridge/Kapawe'no First Nations

Participating Indigenous communities	Sawridge and Kapawe'no First Nations
When talks began	2018
Key milestones	On November 13, 2018, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Related links	Sawridge and Kapawe'no First Nations and Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Self-Determination

Stoney Nakota (Chiniki First Nation, Bearspaw First Nation and Wesley First Nation)

Treaty #6 First Nations

Treaty #8 First Nations

Saskatchewan

Meadow Lake Tribal Council

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan

Participating Indigenous communities	Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
When talks began	2017
Key milestones	On June 27, 2019, the parties signed a Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement. On July 20, 2018, the parties signed a framework agreement. On February 22, 2018, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding.
Related Links	Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Historic self-government agreements signed with the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and Canada set to begin reconciliation negotiations

McArthur - Treaty #4 (Ocean Man, White Bear and Pheasant Rump Nakota)

Participating Indigenous communities	Ocean Man Band, White Bear Band and Pheasant Rump Nakota Band
When talks began	2016
Key milestones	On May 30, 2017, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

Poundmaker Cree Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Poundmaker Cree Nation
When talks began	2018
Key milestones	On May 23, 2019, the Prime Minister delivered a statement of exoneration for Chief Poundmaker.
Related links	Poundmaker Cree Nation Chief Poundmaker Exoneration Statement of Exoneration for Chief Poundmaker Prime Minister delivers a statement of exoneration for Chief Poundmaker

Red Earth Cree Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Red Earth Cree Nation
When discussions began	2018
Key milestones	On March 19, 2019, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding.
Related links	Red Earth Cree Nation Canada and Red Earth Cree Nation sign Memorandum of Understanding to advance discussions on administration of justice

Treaty #4 First Nations

Treaty #10 First Nations

Wahpeton Dakota

Whitecap Dakota First Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Whitecap Dakota First Nation
When talks began	2016
Key milestones	On January 22, 2018, the parties signed a Framework Agreement for advancing reconciliation.
Related links	Whitecap Dakota First Nation Whitecap Dakota First Nation and Canada sign historic Framework Agreement towards treaty

Manitoba

Birdtail Sioux First Nation

Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation

Dakota Plains First Nation

Fisher River Cree Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Fisher River Cree Nation
When talks began	2018
Key milestones	On December 6, 2018, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding on advancing reconciliation.
Related links	Fisher River Cree Nation Fisher River Cree Nation and Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Reconciliation

Island Lake Tribal Council

Manitoba Metis Federation

Participating Indigenous communities	Manitoba Metis Federation
When talks began	2016
Key milestones	On September 22, 2018, the parties announced a 3-part action plan to advance reconciliation. On November 15, 2016, the parties signed a Framework Agreement that sets out a process to begin formal negotiations. The Framework Agreement is the result of exploratory talks held under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2016.
Related links	Manitoba Metis Federation Manitoba Metis Federation and Government of Canada announce joint action plan on Advancing Reconciliation Canada and Manitoba Metis Federation celebrate key milestone on road to reconciliation

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Sioux Valley Dakota Nation
When talks began	2016
Key milestones	On September 22, 2018, the parties signed a Framework Agreement.
Related links	Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, Canada and Manitoba sign Framework Agreement on Reconciliation

Treaty #2 First Nations

Participating Indigenous communities	First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory
When talks began	2017
Key milestones	On December 6, 2018, the parties signed a Protocol Agreement for advancing reconciliation.
Related links	First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory and Canada sign Protocol Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation

Treaty #5 and Treaty #5 Adhesions First Nations

Ontario

Grand Council Treaty# 3

Métis Nation of Ontario

Participating Indigenous communities	Métis Nation of Ontario
When talks began	2016
Key milestones	On June 27, 2019, Canada and Métis Nation of Ontario signed a Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement. On December 11, 2017, the three parties signed a Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation. On December 11, 2017, Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario also signed an Agreement on Advancing Reconciliation with the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community. On February 3, 2017, Canada and Métis Nation of Ontario signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Reconciliation. This led to exploratory discussions in which Ontario was invited to participate.
Related links	Métis Nation of Ontario Historic self-government agreements signed with the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Canada, Ontario and the Métis Nation of Ontario sign Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario sign Agreement on Advancing Reconciliation with Métis Community in Northwestern Ontario

Michano Litigation (Biigetikong Nishnaabeg, Pic Mobert First Nation, Pawgwasheeng, Long Lake Number 58 First Nation, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek and Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek)

Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation
When talks began	2017
Key milestones	On September 10, 2019, the parties signed a preliminary agreement. On September 6, 2018, the parties signed a consultation protocol.
Related links	Canada and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation mark key milestone on road to reconciliation Canada and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation forge new relationship with signing of consultation protocol

Nishnawbe Aski Nation

Robinson-Huron Treaty First Nations

Temagami First Nation

United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising

Participating Indigenous communities	United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising representing Aundeck Omni Kaning, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Whitefish River and Zhiibaahaasing First Nations
When discussions began	2017
Key milestones	On July 16, 2019, the parties signed a framework agreement.
Related links	United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising Tribal Council and Canada sign framework for moving forward in partnership to advance reconciliation

Wiikwemkoong

Williams Treaties First Nations

Participating Indigenous communities	Williams Treaties First Nations: Alderville First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island, Chippewas of Rama, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Mississaugas of Scugog Island
When talks began	2016
Key milestones	On November 17, 2018, Canada and Ontario delivered historic apologies to the 7 Williams Treaties First Nations. On September 13, 2018, the parties announced a negotiated settlement agreement resolving the Alderville litigation. In February 2017, the parties agreed to a process to begin formal negotiations.
Related links	Williams Treaties First Nations Canada and Ontario advance reconciliation with historic apologies to the 7 Williams Treaties First Nations communities Canada, Ontario and Williams Treaties First Nations reach negotiated settlement agreement for Alderville Litigation Statement of Apology for the Impacts of the 1923 Williams Treaties Williams Treaties First Nations Settlement Agreement Canada, Ontario and Williams Treaties First Nations take first step towards a negotiated resolution of Alderville litigation

Quebec

Huron-Wendat of Wendake

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
When discussions began	2019
Key milestones	On March 18, 2019, the parties signed a historic memorandum of understanding on reconciliation.
Related links	Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and Canada take major step forward on path of reconciliation

Long Point First Nation

Makivik Corporation

Participating Indigenous communities	Inuit of Nunavik
When discussions began	2019
Key milestones	On June 19, 2019, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding on self-determination.
Related links	Makivik Corporation Makivik Corporation and Canada are moving forward on the path of reconciliation

Maliseet of Viger

Participating Indigenous communities	Maliseet of Viger First Nation
When discussions began	2018
Key milestones	On March 5, 2019, the parties signed a framework agreement on the renewal of the relationship.
Related links	Maliseet of Viger First Nation Canada and the Maliseet of Viger First Nation embark on the journey to reconciliation: Conclusion of Framework Agreement to renew the nation-to-nation relationship

Mi'gmaq of the Gaspé region of Quebec

Participating Indigenous communities	Listuguj Mi'gmaq La Nation Micmac de Gespeg Micmacs of Gesgapegiag
When discussions began	2018
Key milestones	On November 12, 2018, Canada and the Listuguj Mi'gmaq Government signed a Canada-Listuguj First Nation Fish Framework Agreement.
Related links	Government of Canada and Listuguj Mi'gmaq Government conclude agreement on fishery

Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke

Mohawks of Kanehsatà:ke

Naskapi Nation of Kawachikmach

Atlantic

Elsipogtog First Nation

Participating Indigenous communities	Elsipogtog First Nation
When discussions began	2019
Key milestones	On May 9, 2019, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding to advance reconciliation and renew their relationship.
Related links	Elsipogtog First Nation Canada and Elsipogtog First Nation advance reconciliation through a Memorandum of Understanding

Mi'gmaq of New Brunswick

Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia

Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island

NunatuKavut Community Council

Participating Indigenous communities	NunatuKavut Community Council
When discussions began	2018
Key milestones	On September 5, 2019, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding on self-determination. On July 12, 2018, the parties announced the start of discussions on recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination.
Related links	Moving Forward on Self-Determination: MOU between Canada and the NunatuKavut Community Council NunatuKavut Community Council Canada and NunatuKavut enter into historic talks to recognize Indigenous rights and self-determination.

Peskotomuhkati

Wolastoqey of New Brunswick

Nunavut

Ahiarmiut (Ahiarmiut Relocation Society)

Participating Indigenous communities	Ahiarmiut (Ahiarmiut Relocation Society)
When discussions began	2017
Key milestones	On January 22, 2019, Canada delivered a historic apology to the Ahiarmiut for past wrongs related to multiple relocations in the 1950s. In April 2018, the parties agreed to a process to begin formal negotiations toward a settlement.
Related links	Canada advances reconciliation with historic apology to the Ahiarmiut Statement of Apology for the Relocation of the Ahiarmiut Ahiarmiut Relocation Claim Settlement

Northwest Territories

Gwich'in Tribal Council

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Kátł'odeeche First Nation

Yukon

Kaska Dena Council

Kwanlin Dun First Nation

Liard First Nation

White River First Nation

Date modified:: 2019-12-20

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