Sixth Annual Statutory Report (2025) Pursuant to Section 10 of the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act, Statutes of Canada, Chapter 29, 2019

Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia

In British Columbia, progress was made towards concluding treaty negotiations. Notably, Canada and the Province of British Columbia initialed three individual treaties with Kitselas, Kitsumkalum, and K'ómoks First Nations, in summer 2024. This was a critical step in closing treaty negotiations at each of the three tables, signaling that substantive negotiations are complete. All parties are now working towards ratification (K'ómoks First Nation held a successful community ratification vote on March 8, 2025) and to address remaining issues including overlap consultations with neighbouring First Nations. If the treaties are successfully ratified by all parties, the treaties will be signed and take effect on their to-be-determined effective date.^{Footnote 1} Concluding these treaties will advance reconciliation and support these First Nations in moving forward as self-determining, self-sufficient and self-governing nations, create enduring intergovernmental relationships, and advance national socio-economic objectives that benefit all Canadians.

Treaty Negotiations in Central Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario)

The Government of Canada is dedicated to working with First Nations to resolve past wrongs through negotiated settlements. In 2024-25, Canada concluded settlements pertaining to past implementation of historic treaties:

• Lake Nipigon Plaintiffs – The Lake Nipigon Plaintiffs represent four Robinson-Superior First Nations, including Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek, Whitesand First Nation, Red Rock Indian Band and Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek. In 2024-25, Canada and the respective Lake Nipigon Plaintiffs signed agreements to resolve the First Nations' Treaty Reserve Claims against Canada, which relate to a Treaty promise for reserve lands that date back to the signing of the Robinson-Superior Treaty in 1850. These agreements represent an important step in renewing the Nation-to-Nation relationship between Canada and the First Nations and Canada remains committed to longer term work with these First Nations and the Province of Ontario towards a land-related settlement.
• The United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising (UCCMM) – represents five Manitoulin Island First Nations including the Aundeck Omni Kaning; M'Chigeeng; Sheguiandah; Sheshegwaning; and Zhiibaahaasing. On August 12, 2024, Canada and five Manitoulin Island First Nations signed the Manitoulin Project Settlement Agreement.

Treaty and Self-Government Negotiations North of the 60th Parallel

On May 27, 2024 Canada and Ghotenlene K'oditneh Dene (GKD) representing Sayisi Dene First Nation and Northlands Denesuline First Nation, re-initialed the GKD Treaty with a revised capital transfer offer. On July 16, 2024,  Canada and Athabasca Denesuline (AD) representing Black Lake First Nation, Fond Du Lac First Nation, and Hatchet Lake First Nation re-initialed the AD Treaty. Together, these modern treaties without self-government would bring a full and final settlement in respect to AD and GKD Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

On November 19, 2024, the negotiators' draft of the Final Self-Government Agreement for the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'įnę was initialed by representatives from the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'įnę Government, the Government of Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories. Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'įnę community members voted to ratify the agreement on March 31, 2025 with an absolute majority voting in favour of the agreement. There are a number of steps that the parties must undertake before enabling legislation is introduced in Parliament to put the agreement into effect. This marks a major milestone in advancing longstanding commitments to First Nations and Métis people under the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim that was signed in 1992.

Memorandum of Understanding on the Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke and Canada Relations: a New Path Forward, with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on April 17, 2024 and marked a renewed commitment between the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and the Government of Canada to dialogue, collaborate, and to work together in the spirit of good faith and mutual respect to strengthen the parties' relationship and advance self-determination. This agreement set the stage for exploring renewed relationships on subject matters such as lands, environment, registration, gaming, justice, fiscal relations, consultation, economic development, and child and family services.

Parks Rights Reconciliation Agreements

CIRNAC and Parks Canada concluded two Parks Rights Reconciliation Agreements (RRAs) towards implementing Aboriginal and treaty rights in national parks and Parks Canada administered national heritage places; Toquktmekl Agreement (Parks Rights Reconciliation Agreement with the Mi'kmaq of PEI) signed September 2024 and  Mi'gmawe'I Tplu'taqnn – Kopit Lodge (Parks Rights Reconciliation Agreement with the Mi'gmaq of New Brunswick) signed December 2024.

These agreements enable traditional activities such as harvesting and other cultural practices in National Parks and provide for the establishment of joint management structures, the maximizing of economic opportunities, and the conservation, protection and presentation of Indigenous culture and heritage in various Parks Canada administered sites. They are legally binding and are supported through grants from Parks Canada for the duration of the agreements. These agreements continue to build towards the longer-term objective of reconciliation through the recognition and implementation of Mi'kmaq Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, as affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada in the 1999 Marshall decision.

Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process

The Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development process (the Collaborative Process) brings together Self-Governing Indigenous Governments to co-develop fiscal policy that supports the implementation of self-government agreements.

In 2024-25, Canada and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments  partners completed the co-development of expenditure need proposals in three key areas: infrastructure (Stage roman numeral 2II), language revitalization, and lands and resources management. While approval of this fiscal model has not yet occurred, the Collaborative Process has been a model for transparent and constructive collaboration.

Oversight Mechanism for Implementation of Modern Treaties

For over 20 years, Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners have been calling for improved independent oversight to hold the federal government accountable for modern treaty implementation. The Policy included a commitment to co-develop, within six months, recommendations to put in place credible, effective, sustainable and independent oversight mechanisms to hold the federal government accountable to Parliament.

In October 2024, Bill C-77, An Act Respecting the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation was introduced in the House of Commons and completed first reading. However, due to the prorogation of Parliament in January 2025, all bills that had not received Royal Assent, including Bill C-77, would need to be re-introduced in order to proceed through the legislative process.

Nunavut Contract Renewal and Core Funding

On March 8, 2025, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Nunavut signed a renewed Nunavut Implementation Contract for 2024-25 to 2033-34. This is the first time since the original Nunavut Implementation Contract came up for renewal in 2003, that the Parties were able to successfully renew the Contract through negotiations. The Contract will be investing $1.5 billion over 10 years into the territory for the benefit of Inuit and Nunavummiut. The renewed funding includes:

• funding to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated for institutional capacity, tripartite efforts to design/develop pre-employment training for Inuit, and one-time funding for the Inuit Heritage Trust for the construction of a new Nunavut Cultural Centre;
• funding to the Government of Nunavut for incremental implementation funding, as well as funding to support the design/development of programming to advance Inuit employment in government (in-service delivery and pre-employment training);
• funding to better support CanNor (including Pilimmaksaivik as the federal centre of excellence in Inuit employment in government) in its significant coordination efforts to raise Inuit employment levels, including program funding for in-service delivery and pre-employment training for Inuit; and,
• renewed core funding levels for the 5 institutions of public government in Nunavut, including the 3 Regional Wildlife Organizations and the 27 Hunters and Trappers Organizations.

Gwich’in Tribal Council

Over the past several years, collaborative work with the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Government of the Northwest Territories resulted in the approval of amendments to Chapter 6 of the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement. Amended languages create new Dispute Resolution mechanisms as requested by the Gwich'in Tribal Council. The amendments package received approval and was signed by Her Excellency the Governor General on June 20, 2024. These changes strengthen Canada's commitment to collaborating and resolving disputes with Indigenous partners.

Administration of Justice

February 8, 2025, marked a historic moment with respect to the future of justice for self-governing First Nations in the Yukon. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, along with Teslin Tlingit Council's Naa Shaáde Háni and the Yukon Premier, signed an amendment to the Teslin Tlingit Council Administration of Justice Implementation Plan related to corrections and community services. Teslin Tlingit Council is the first modern treaty First Nation with a completed Administration of Justice Agreement. With the corrections and community services component of the Implementation Plan now in place, Teslin Tlingit Council can fully exercise self-government jurisdiction over justice matters, and move forward with implementing their vision for justice, peace, and safety in their community.

New Joiners to the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement

The Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation and Sheshegwaning First Nation requested to be added as parties to the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement. Both First Nations completed community approval processes and met all the conditions required to be added as parties to the Agreement. Canada, B'Maakonigan (the Anishinabek Nation  Government) and the two First Nations agreed on an adhesion date of April 1, 2025.

To add the new joiners, the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement and the Schedule to the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act was amended to reflect the addition of two First Nations to the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement to ensure consistency between the agreement and the legislation. These amendments were approved by Governor in Council on December 16, 2024. 

Resolution of Specific Claims

Settlement of Agricultural Benefits Claims

Treaties 1 through 11 signed between the Crown and First Nations from 1871 and 1921 and are the only Historic Treaties that contained provisions for agricultural benefits. Through these treaties, Canada promised ploughs, seeds for important crops, livestock such as cows and bulls, and other farming necessities. These agricultural benefits were intended to help First Nations economic development. However, as a result of Canada's failure to fulfil these treaty promises, these communities lacked the necessary equipment to support their members.

Using a consistent method to determine compensation can significantly speed up the resolution process when multiple First Nations have similar specific claims. This approach expedited the resolution of agricultural benefits claims with Treaty 8 First Nations (e.g.: claims that Canada did not provide the agricultural implements and benefits it committed to in the treaty). To make compensation negotiations quicker and easier, the Department has adopted an expedited resolution framework for agricultural benefits claims under treaties 4, 5, 6 and 10.

In February 2025, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, acknowledged the settlement of Agricultural Benefit Claims with the following First Nation Communities: Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation; James Smith Cree Nation #370; Little Black Bear First Nation; Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation; Moosomin First Nation; Mosquito, Grizzly Bear's Head, Lean Man First Nation; Pasqua First Nation; Piapot First Nation; Pelican Lake First Nation; Poundmaker Cree Nation; Saulteaux First Nation; Sweetgrass First Nation; Waterhen Lake First Nation and Witchekan Lake First Nation.

Once fully settled, $1.72 billion will be provided in combined compensation to these First Nations. Under the expedited resolution framework for agricultural benefits claims, Canada has settled 69 claims for $7 billion in 2024-25, including 37 settlement from $5.28 billion under the Expedited Agricultural Benefits Claims initiative.

Childhood Claims

Addressing the Legacy of Residential Schools

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: Advancing the Calls for Justice

Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Advancing the Calls to Action

In 2021, the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations was given the responsibility of leading federal efforts to speed up the process of carrying out all of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action. So far, over 85 percent of the Calls to Action that the federal government is responsible for, either alone or shared with other jurisdictions or partners, are complete or well underway. Details about progress on the 76 Calls to Action under federal jurisdiction can be found on Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. Further details on the Government of Canada's progress in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action can be found in the Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

United Nations Declaration Act: Advancing the Action Plan

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (the Act) recognizes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Declaration) as an international human rights tool and provides a framework to move forward with applying the Declaration at the federal level. Under the Act, the Government of Canada must work in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to meet three obligations: take all measures necessary to ensure the laws of Canada align with the Declaration (section 5); prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration (section 6); and write annual progress reports and submit them to Parliament (section 7).

Justice Canada leads the whole-of-government approach called for in the Action Plan for the Act which includes measures that reflect the priorities and proposals identified by First Nation, Inuit, Métis and Modern Treaty Partners. The objectives of the Declaration and the related Act are aligned with CIRNAC's mandate, resulting in CIRNAC involvement in about one-third of the measures included in the Action Plan. Indigenous partners have formally called on the Government of Canada, namely CIRNAC, ISC and Justice Canada, to make sure the Declaration is implemented across provincial and territorial jurisdictions.

The fourth annual report on implementation progress will be presented by the Minister of Justice to Parliament in 2025 and will include updates on the status of the 44 Action Plan Measures CIRNAC leads from April 2024 to March 2025. While progress has been made over the past year, there are ongoing challenges and limitations in advancing this work and that further efforts are needed to achieved the objectives of the UN Declaration and advance reconciliation.  

Whole-of-Government Approach to Consultation

Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms

The Department coordinates efforts across the Government of Canada to improve its relationships with Indigenous Peoples through the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms. These mechanisms provide a structured platform for identifying joint priorities, co-developing policies, and monitoring progress on shared goals.

National Space for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis & Dedicated Algonquin Space

The national space for First Nations, Inuit and Métis and dedicated Algonquin space, at 100 Wellington Street and 119 Sparks Street, is located in the heart of Canada's Parliamentary Precinct in Ottawa, which is on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin. First Nations, Inuit and Métis and local Algonquin representatives will continue to refine the vision for this space that is expected to provide a place for Indigenous Governments, institutions, and organizations to conduct intergovernmental meetings and host events. It will also provide Canadians from coast to coast to coast and visitors around the world with a unique opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and their important contributions to Canada's past, present, and future.

In summer 2024, 100 Wellington Street was opened to the public every Wednesday to Sunday, offering tours of exhibit spaces to highlight the rich histories and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Public education events were also held on National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day.

On March 4, 2025, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the President of the Métis National Council signed a Letter of Intent and a Collaboration Implementation Framework that solidifies the permanent First Nations, Inuit and Métis presence and the dedicated Algonquin space in the Parliamentary Precinct. 

Indigenous Climate Leadership

In 2022, the Government of Canada committed to advance Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda and launched a three year co-development process that empowers self-determined climate action. 2024-2025 saw the conclusion of the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda's co-development process which culminated in the submission of 37 region-specific climate recommendations from First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments and representative organizations and endorsement by Indigenous political leaders.

Through the co-development process, it was determined that regional capacity on a distinctions basis was required for meaningful Indigenous-led climate action. With support from the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners were able to hire 44 regional climate coordinators to conduct community level engagement on climate recommendations. Engagement was Indigenous-led, enabling Indigenous Governments and organizations to undertake data collection in a culturally competent manner, consistent with Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, traditions of gathering, and governance. This process helped establish regional governance to carry out climate action at the local level.

With funding from the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda and building off of regional engagement, First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners advanced the development of their climate change strategies. In 2024-2025 the Métis National Council released the Métis Nation Climate Change Strategy while Métis regional strategies neared completion. In Inuit Nunangat, while renewing the existing National Inuit Climate Change Strategy, regional climate change strategies for Nunavik and Nunatsiavut were released. Regional climate strategies for First Nations are under development and many will be finalized in 2025-2026.  

Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy

Implementation of Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement

Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement specifies Inuit employment obligations. In an effort to meet Article 23, CIRNAC, with input from northern and Inuit partners and in support of the Whole-of-the Government Inuit Employment Plan, submitted its departmental specific Inuit Employment Plan (IEP) in September 2024. As the federal lead in the implementation of the Nunavut Agreement and the largest federal employer in Nunavut, CIRNAC has taken on the leadership role in implementing the federal commitments.

The Giant Mine Remediation Project

Faro Mine (Tsē Zūl) Remediation Project

Faro Mine was once the largest open pit lead-zinc mine in the world. It is located in the south-central Yukon, near the town of Faro, on the traditional territory of the Kaska Nations, and upstream from the Selkirk First Nation. The Faro Mine Remediation Project Team has continued working with First Nation partners to fully develop a community-based framework for Project participation.

The Community-Based Revegetation Strategy achieved significant milestones with its fourth annual planting program and third annual seed collection and metals uptake investigation. Notably, 100,000 plants were re-established at the Faro Mine site, with many grown from Kaska-collected seeds and planted by Kaska people. Additionally, the seed collection work in August 2024 saw participation from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and North Slave Métis Alliance, highlighting the success of the Community-Based Revegetation Strategy. This success is paving the way for an Indigenous-led revegetation program for the Giant Mine Remediation Project. Learning from the success of the Community-Based Revegetation Strategy, CIRNAC and Ross River Dena Council are now collaborating on the Tsē Zūl Land Care Plan. The goal of this initiative is to articulate a Ross River Dena Council (RRDC) vision for community involvement in the remediation project and objectives for the long-term care and stewardship of Tsē Zūl.

Ross River Dena Council's successful development and ownership of the Tsē Zūl Camp represents a significant socio-economic milestone for the Faro Mine Remediation Project. Through collaboration with Parsons, Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation, and the Faro Mine Remediation Project team, RRDC has established itself as the largest Indigenous camp services provider in the Yukon. This success not only strengthens RRDC's future role in workforce and economic development but also positions it for involvement in other major projects across the territory.

The Faro Mine Remediation Project continues providing consistent annual funding, including in 2024-25, to Ross River Dena Council, Liard First Nation and Selkirk First Nation for their meaningful involvement in the Project. This encompasses both leadership level strategic involvement in the governance and day to day technical meetings and workshops.

Nunavut Region

Under the Inuit Capacity Development Program, contractors have access to funding up to 2% of the total project cost to develop and deliver a training program to local Inuit and Northerners. The intent of this training is to offer further capacity building in communities near remediation work to enable those interested in developing skills that could be used in the labour market and often targets skills needed to work in the construction and remediation field. In 2024-2025, Salumaq Environmental Contracting Limited, an Inuit-owned contractor, located in Coral Harbour, delivered a capacity training program to community members.