2024 to 2025 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Progress Report

Mountains, water, and canoes lanscape — Photo credit: Rhonda Steed

Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Sustainable Development Vision
- Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goals
- Sustainable Development Goals
Listening to Canadians
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Commitments
Integrating Sustainable Development

Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first Federal Sustainable Development Strategy to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada supports the goals laid out in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy through the activities described in Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy. This Report provides a report on progress related to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy in the fiscal year 2024 to 2025.

The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out seven principles that must be considered in the development of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy as well as Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy. These basic principles have been considered and incorporated into Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy and 2024 to 2025 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report.

To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's departmental strategy reports on Canada's progress towards implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, supported by the Global Indicator Framework and Canadian Indicator Framework targets and indicators. The Report also now captures progress on Sustainable Development Goal initiatives that fall outside the scope of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Sustainable Development Vision

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy for 2023 to 2027 describes the department's actions in support of achieving the following 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda:

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goals

In alignment with the 2022–2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada contributes to six Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and one target. The department is responsible for eight implementation strategies and undertaking 11 departmental actions with measurable results.

Goal 2: Support a healthier and more sustainable food system
Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality
Goal 11: Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks, and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada
- Target: By 2028, reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households
Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts
Goal 14: Conserve and protect Canada's oceans

Sustainable Development Goals

Progress toward the Federal Sustainable Development goals and targets also advances the department's implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Each goal in the 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy is correlated to a specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. Through its departmental strategy—encompassing targets, milestones, and implementation strategies—the department contributes to these global objectives. In total, 26 departmental initiatives indirectly support progress toward 12 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Listening to Canadians

As required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has taken into account comments on the draft 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy made during public consultations held from March 11 to July 9, 2022 in which more than 700 comments were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics, businesses, and individual Canadians in different age groups and various backgrounds. The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy was also shared with the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for their review and comments.

What we heard

Across the submissions received, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada identified sustainable development priorities and issues that affect us. The key priorities include:

Enhance food security – Canadians noted the importance of improving food security in Indigenous and Northern communities.
Increase the use of clean energy – Canadians highlighted the importance of reducing green-house gas emissions and increasing the use of clean energy.
Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples – During engagement with representatives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, you emphasised on the importance of advancing efforts towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through Indigenous self-governance, sustainable management of traditional lands and waters, and intergenerational equity was emphasized.

What we did

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada took the above-mentioned key priorities and issues into consideration in this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy. The following are examples:

To support a heathier and more sustainable food system, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Nutrition North Canada Program seeks to enhance Indigenous and northern food security through locally driven and co-developed food security programming, including the Harvesters Support Grant and the Community Food Programs Fund. Additionally, the Northern Arctic Environmental Sustainability program provides information on plastic pollution in Arctic and Northern Environments which informs policy and planning efforts to enhance northern food security.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program (also known as REACHE and Wah-ila-toos) seeks to increase access to clean energy in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. It supports communities launching clean energy projects such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydro and biomass along with a new, streamlined service model for communities seeking to access resources and clean energy funding. This program is a partnership between Natural Resources Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada, with support from Infrastructure Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

On advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and taking action on inequality, the Government of Canada, in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Modern Treaty Partners, identified concrete measures necessary to ensure federal laws are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and developed an Action Plan to achieve objectives and report annually on progress. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada plays a key role in 56 Action Plan Measures, all of which contribute to reducing inequalities faced by Indigenous Peoples.

Please find more information on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy public consultation and its results in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Consultation Report.

Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Commitments

Goal 2: Support a healthier and more sustainable food system
SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Nutrition North Canada program supports Goal 2. This program contributes to food security and food sovereignty in eligible isolated northern communities through strengthening local food systems, including market, country and locally produced food. The Nutrition North Canada program subsidy helps make nutritious food and some essential items more accessible and more affordable than they otherwise would be by subsidizing a list of eligible items purchased from northern retailers and southern suppliers, as well as some traditional foods purchased through a country food processor or distributor.

The Harvesters Support Grant increases access to traditional foods by sharing some expenses associated with traditional hunting and harvesting. The Community Food Program Fund builds on the Harvesters Support Grant to support the entirety of traditional food systems, including subsistence food production, food sharing programs and networks.

The program is a horizontal initiative and includes culturally appropriate retail and community-based nutrition education initiatives supported by Indigenous Services Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Indigenous Services Canada serves residents of eligible First Nations and Inuit communities, and the Public Health Agency of Canada serves residents of isolated northern communities that fall outside the mandate of Indigenous Services Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.

Additionally, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Northern Contaminants Program also supports Goal 2 by improving knowledge of plastic contaminants in the Arctic and northern environments, food security policies and infrastructure planning.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy target:

Implementation strategy: Enhance Indigenous and northern food security

Departmental action: Nutrition North Canada Program

Northern and Indigenous communities are resilient to changing environments: Food sovereignty is strengthened in northern and Indigenous communities.

Performance Indicator: Percentage of median income required to purchase sufficient nutritious food.
- Starting point: 29.5 percent (2021)
- Target: at least 3 percent decrease by March 2026
- Result achieved: New data will be available in March 2026.
  Revised Northern Food Basket data for 2024-2025 fiscal year is not available due to backend adjustments to the data being made to improve its accuracy.
Performance indicator: Number of funding agreements supporting local food production, food infrastructure, and community food initiatives.
- Starting point: 24 as of March 2023
- Target: 24 by March 2026
- Result achieved: 24 funding agreements signed
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
Through its suite of food security programming, Nutrition North Canada Program contributes to Goal 2 by supporting Indigenous-led food systems and increasing access to store-bought, country, and locally produced foods for residents in isolated, northern communities. The Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund provide Indigenous governments and organizations with flexible funding resources to increase the availability of culturally appropriate foods, support harvesters, and sustain the network of food security initiatives and programs that contributes to everyone being fed. Additionally, the Nutrition North Canada subsidy program helps lower the cost of nutritious food in stores and provide options at no-cost to northern residents through food banks and not-for-profit. These supports are designed with Indigenous partners to ensure that food security programming is locally driven and is sensitive to the realities of isolated communities. Nutrition North Canada's programming aligns with the goals and objectives of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, reflecting Goal 1 of the Framework: "Canadian Arctic and northern Indigenous Peoples are resilient and healthy."

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets:

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 2.1: Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food.

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program – Northern Contaminants Program

Performance indicator: Percentage of long-term northern and Arctic contaminant monitoring datasets maintained.
- Starting point: 88 percent
- Target: 100 percent by March 2026
- Result achieved: 100 percent
  In 2024-2025, projects funded by the Northern Contaminants Program supported the extension of 36 long-term plastics-related contaminants datasets across the Canadian North and Arctic. Maintaining and building on these long-term datasets enables the detection of specific contaminants of concern and identifying their long-term trends in multiple compartments of the Arctic environment, including in species that serve as important local food sources for Indigenous peoples. These datasets include contaminants found in air and water, seal, beluga, Arctic char, burbot, trout and polar bear. These long-term datasets are critical in supporting the assessment of human health risks and for informing domestic and international pollution and chemicals management initiatives.
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
Information on plastic pollution in Arctic and northern environments collected by the Northern Contaminants Program and made available to broader assessments can inform policy and infrastructure planning in effort to enhance Indigenous and northern food security.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets:

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 2.1.1: Prevalence of food insecurity

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger

The following initiatives demonstrate how Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals), supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned Initiative: Nutrition North Canada Program

The Nutrition North Canada Program supports Sustainable Development Goal 2 in the following ways:

Subsidy program for retailers and not-for-profit entities (e.g. food banks);
Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund;
Nutrition Education Initiatives;
Food Security Research Grant.

The Nutrition North Canada Subsidy Program helps lower the cost of nutritious food and other essential items in 123 isolated communities to make it more affordable and accessible as it would otherwise be without the subsidy. In 2022, the Nutrition North Canada Program extended the subsidy to not for-profit entities to provide eligible communities with food at no cost. The newly launched research program is Indigenous-led and seeks to fill in critical data gaps to drive policy development and provide critical insights on how to better position the program to address Northerners' needs.

Complementing access to market foods, in 2020, the program launched the Harvesters Support Grant to support hunting and harvesting related activities in eligible communities in order to strengthen local food systems and support cultural restoration and revitalization. Through Budget 2021 investments, the Nutrition North Canada Program added the Community Food Programs Fund to support local food security programs such as bulk buying, school and elder meal programs, among others.

Nutrition North Canada's programming aligns with the goals and objectives of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, reflecting Goal 1 of the Framework "Canada Arctic and northern Indigenous Peoples are resilient and healthy." The Framework sets out to achieve its objectives by 2030, informed by the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Consequently, the Nutrition North Canada Program is working towards the Framework's Goal 1 of ending poverty and eradicating hunger by 2030.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 2.1: Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food

Result Achieved

In 2024-2025, Nutrition North Canada continued to meet regularly with the Indigenous Working Group, Advisory Board and Indigenous-Crown Food Security Working Group to support and strengthen the delivery of Nutrition North Canada programming including through culturally-appropriate, locally-led solutions.

In 2024-2025, 100 percent of the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund funding was delivered. The Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund funds a wide range of hunting and harvesting initiatives, and has supported over 15,000 traditional harvesters, with more than 700 new food-sharing initiatives and 400 community hunts and harvests taking place in over 112 remote communities, in partnership with 24 Indigenous governments and organizations. New partnerships are resulting in innovative supply networks, increased access to country food, and the creation of low cost food options that complement and inspire the restoration of traditional practices.

Budget 2024 allocated $96.7 million to the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund for the 2024–2027 funding cycle. In addition, there is an ongoing annual budget of $8 million, totaling $24 million through 2027. Together, this brings the total investment in the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund programs over the three-year period to $120.7 million ($118.4 million has already been allocated, with the remainder in progress).

Nutrition North Canada has now onboarded six food banks and in the past 12 months, more than 100,000 kilograms of free food and essential items have been shipped and distributed within eligible communities. Interest in the expansion has been strong and new food bank organizations often contact Nutrition North Canada officials to find out how they can also participate in the program. Also, local food growers and country food processors and distributors are able to register for the subsidy program in eligible communities.

Nutrition North Canada's Food Security Research Grant funded five projects in March 2022 that focused on food security and food access inequality in isolated northern communities. The research addresses key questions and challenges regarding the dynamics of existing federal food access programs, including recommendations on how to improve Nutrition North Canada's subsidy, and food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples living in isolated communities.

In March 2025, final reports funded under the grant were submitted to the program. Alongside these research projects, Nutrition North Canada officials funded a separate project by an economist at York University to address concerns around pass-through and provide recommendations on how to improve the transparency and accountability of the subsidy.

Phase two of the grant will be launched in 2025-2026 and will explore alternatives to the subsidy model and dive further into how recommendations can be implemented. All future planning commitments and policy changes that are informed by the research grant projects will seek input from Nutrition North Canada's Indigenous partners including its Advisory Board, Indigenous Working Group, and the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group.

In February 2025, the Minister appointed Aluki Kotierk as the Minister's Special Representative to conduct an independent review of Nutrition North Canada. Reporting directly to the Minister, the Special Representative is engaging national and regional Indigenous organizations, stakeholders, and federal departments to assess program effectiveness, with a final report and recommendations expected in 2026. Findings from both the research grant and the external review will guide future policy directions and program improvements.

Nutrition North Canada is doing its part to support food security in eligible northern and isolated communities through its various programs. It was not established to solve food security on its own, this involves a whole-of-government approach that includes working with territories, provinces, and Indigenous leadership and communities.

Goal 4: Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development
SDG 4: Quality Education

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework was launched in 2019 to guide Government of Canada priorities, activities and investments in the region to 2030 and beyond, with various goals and objectives aimed at expanding access to post-secondary education in the north. In particular, Goal 1 of the Framework aims to support resilient and healthy northern and Indigenous Peoples and is advanced through the following objectives:

Create an environment in which children will thrive, through a focus on education, culture, health and well-being;
Close the gaps in education outcomes; and
Provide ongoing learning and skills development opportunities, including Indigenous-based knowledge and skills.

To support the implementation of the Framework, federal investments have been made towards improving post-secondary attainment, including funding to establish a Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education to make recommendations on establishing a robust system of post-secondary education in the North. Task Force members were appointed in October 2020, all of whom were nominated by northern governments, organizations and partners to the Framework. The Task Force's final report, A Shared Responsibility: Northern Voices, Northern Solutions — Report of the Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education, released in March 2022, demonstrated that northern students encounter a wide variety of challenges in accessing post-secondary education that span across ministerial portfolios and levels of government, including limited access to housing, child care, reliable high-speed internet connection, and adequate student financing, among others.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education

Planned initiative: Implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework

To support the implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, the following Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada investments have been made towards improving accessibility of post-secondary education for Northerners:

$26 million over five years towards the construction of a new science building at Yukon University (Budget 2019);
$18.17 million over five years to the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning to support culturally-appropriate and land-based learning and research activities (Budget 2019 and Budget 2024);
$8 million to support the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university (Budget 2021).

The Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning initiative involves programming that is rooted in Indigenous practices, culture, and values.

Yukon University has a commitment to advancing reconciliation in its strategic plan for 2022-2027. As part of achieving that, it will centre Indigenous Knowledge in its curricula, and teaching, its leadership styles and governance, as well as working with First Nations, building an Indigenous student centre, and addressing social injustices.

Support for the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university is anticipated to have significant positive benefits to Indigenous Peoples as a portion of funding will go toward community engagement that will inform programming and campus locations.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework Target: 4.2 Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives. This target tracks the post-secondary education attainment rate but has no specific target.
Global Indicator Framework Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Result Achieved

Following extensive engagement with northerners, the Minister of Northern Affairs' Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education, mandated through the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, released its final report (March 2022) that included 37 Calls to Action targeted to all levels of government and northern post-secondary institutions, to close the post-secondary education gaps across the North and Arctic.

Significant progress is now being made to implement Budget 2019 funding towards the construction of a new science building at Yukon University; in preparation for construction in the first quarter of 2025-26, the final planning was completed and a tender for suppliers and trades was issued and contracts signed.

In addition to delivering programs and research activities in 2024-25, Dechinta also completed an economic evaluation of the impacts of its activities. This demonstrated a return on investment of 225 percent for direct outcomes to students and elders alone, as well as estimating broader economic impacts on labour markets and marginal tax revenues.

Note: This grant was completed in March 2023 and was report on last fiscal.

Goal 5: Champion gender equality
SDG 5: Gender Equality

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's various initiatives contribute to Goal 5. The department has established a Gender-based Analysis Plus Centre of Expertise and has developed an Indigenous culturally competent Gender-based Analysis Plus approach. This guarantees consistency across Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada programs, policies and initiatives to acknowledge the unique historical, cultural, political, socio-economic realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Through the implementation of the three whole-of government relationship agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is advancing Gender Equality by ensuring the inclusion of an intersectional, gender-based analysis lens that is specific to their reality.

Finally, through funding agreements to grassroots and regional Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+^{Footnote 1} organizations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada ensures Gender Equality in leadership roles and stable funding.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality

The following initiatives demonstrate how Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative: Gender-based Analysis Plus – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Gender-based Analysis Plus Centre of Expertise

The Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Gender-based Analysis Plus Centre of Expertise facilitates the transfer of Gender-based Analysis Plus knowledge throughout the department and supports Indigenous culturally competent Gender-based Analysis Plus implementation across the federal government through established partnerships with National Indigenous Women's Organizations. "Indigenous culturally competent Gender-based Analysis Plus" refers to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's approach to Gender-based Analysis Plus that is influenced by Indigenous partner's unique Gender-based Analysis Plus frameworks that are distinctions-based, acknowledges the unique historical, cultural, political, socio-economic realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples that understands colonialism and racism, is strengths-based, inclusive of the gender continuum and values Indigenous Knowledge.

New tools and resources are being funded through three five-year projects with each the three national organizations providing $1.1 million in targeted Gender-based Analysis Plus capacity funding from Budget 2021.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Support Canada's capacity for Gender-based Analysis Plus that enables consistent application of robust intersectional and Indigenous culturally competent Gender-based Analysis Plus to meaningfully inform decision making through the use of toolkits developed by National Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations. This will also advance Canada's commitments for reconciliation and commitments to intersectionality, anti-racism, and gender equality.

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 5.1: Eliminate gender-based violence and harassment.
Global Indicator Framework Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
Global Indicator Framework Target 5C: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

Result Achieved

In 2024-25, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada continued to work with the three national organizations to build relationships and advance priorities to address gender-based violence and discrimination. This was achieved by leveraging opportunities where Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada promoted and encouraged the utilization of the following online, culturally-specific Gender-based Analysis Plus resources: the Native Women's Association of Canada's a "Culturally Relevant Gender-Based Analysis: A Roadmap for Policy Development", Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada's Inuit-specific Gender-based Analysis Plus Framework, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak's Metis-specific Gender-based Analysis Plus Toolkit both internally and inter-departmentally. Additionally, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada worked closely with grassroots partners to support gender based violence prevention programming.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada also created opportunities where National Indigenous Women's Organizations provided education directly to public servants on their culturally specific frameworks. In 2024-25, through Gender-based Analysis Plus Awareness Week, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada provided learning opportunities about Gender-based Analysis Plus to public servants.

These face-to-face events resulted in further opportunities for National Indigenous Women's Organizations to provide tailored training and guidance regarding their Frameworks to various sectors within Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.

Planned initiative: Whole-of-Government Relationship Agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations

The Department is responsible for overseeing and reporting on the going implementation of three whole-of-government relationship agreements with the three National Indigenous Women's Organizations: Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada (Memorandum of Understanding June 2017); the Native Women's Association of Canada (Accord February 2019); and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (Declaration August 2021).

The relationship agreements support the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 through a collaborative and coordinated horizontal approach with each organization to identify and work on joint priorities. This ensures the inclusion of an intersectional, gender-based analysis lens in policy, programs and legislation that directly impact First Nation, Métis and Inuit women, girls and gender-diverse peoples experiences, including environment and climate change.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

The implementation of the three whole-of government relationship agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations contributes to reconciliation.

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 5.2: Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision making; and implementation of Gender-based Analysis Plus as a means of advancing gender and intersectional equality, directly supporting the "leave no one behind" principles.

Result Achieved

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada sustained its whole of government relationship agreements with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, the Native Women's Association of Canada, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak—continuing $360,000 per organization annually under a five year, $1.08 million investment (2021–26)—which this year supported co developing work plans, enhancing capacity in staffing, engagement, research, and strategic planning, and integrating distinctions-based Gender-Based Analysis Plus in policy, program, and legislative development, while undertaking a whole of government stock take to assess effectiveness and dismantle systemic gender and race-based barriers.

Planned initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program

Through Budget 2021, the Department provides $36.3 million over five years and $8.6 million ongoing through longer-term multi-year project funding agreements to grassroots and regional Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations. The program Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations contributes to the capacity of organizations to engage with grassroots communities to bring forward the unique needs and perspectives to the Government to inform priorities and policies, programs and legislation.

A total of 30 projects with over 24 organizations across the country were funded in fiscal years 2023-24 providing approximately $6,076,000 million in project funding.

Key activities that support this initiative include regular meetings with Indigenous partners, the annual Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting, and engaging with Indigenous partners to inform government decisions on future initiatives such as the Red Dress Alert Pilot.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

This funding program contributes to advancing reconciliation by providing longer term, stable funding to enhance self-determination.

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 5.2: Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision making; and implementation of Gender-based Analysis Plus as a means of advancing gender and intersectional equality, directly supporting the "leave no one behind" principles.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 5.2.1: Eliminate gender-based violence and harassment by reducing self-reported rates of intimate partner violence, indicated by the proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner.

Result Achieved

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada allocated $7.34 million to 30 multi year projects, empowering 23 grassroots and regional Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations. This sustained investment strengthened organizational capacity—through staffing, engagement, research, and strategic planning—while enabling these groups to set their own priorities and play a meaningful role in shaping both Indigenous led and federal policy, program, and legislative development.

Goal 7: Increase Canadian's access to clean energy
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program, also called the Northern REACHE Program, contributes to Goal 7. This program contributes to increasing the resilience of northern and Indigenous communities by supporting initiatives reducing reliance on diesel and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The program takes a collaborative and capacity building approach to support northern communities, governments, and organizations to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy target:

Implementation strategy: Streamline federal investments to advance clean, reliable energy in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities

Departmental action: Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program

Working to reduce northern communities' reliance on diesel for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency while also supporting the feasibility and planning stages of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North.

Performance indicator: Litres of diesel avoided with clean energy
- Starting point: 830,000 litres avoided in 2022-2023
- Target: 7 million litres by 2030
- Result Achieved: 1.8 million litres of diesel avoided in 2024-25
  The annual estimated reduction of 1,800,000 litres of diesel results from 5.8 million kWh of installed clean energy capacity which is equivalent to an estimated reduction of 5.109 tonnes greenhouse gases. This supports Canadian Indicator Framework 13.1.1 and Global Indicator Framework 7.2.
  
  Many projects supported by the program are in the planning stage. As the systems are commissioned through support from Wah-ila-toos, diesel reductions are expected to increase significantly, contributing to the target of 7 million litres avoided by 2030.
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program supports clean energy initiatives in northern, Indigenous and remote communities with the aim of reducing reliance on diesel. These projects increase Canada's supply of clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program is part of Wah-ila-toos, an interdepartmental single-window initiative designed to streamline access to federal clean energy funding and resources for remote and Indigenous communities. This work is aligned with Federal Sustainable Development Strategy targets of achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions as well as Sustainable Development Goal 7 by improving access to clean energy.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets:

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13.1.1: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Global Indicator Framework Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

Planned initiative: Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 7.2: Canadians reduce their energy consumption.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 7.3: Canadians have access to clean and renewable energy.
Global Indicator Framework Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Result Achieved

In 2024-25, the program generated the following results:

5.8 million kilowatt-hour of clean electricity;
5.109 tonnes of greenhouse gas reduced;
13 number of energy efficiency projects funded in 2024-25.

Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity projects support the generation of clean energy as well as the planning of future clean energy projects which supports affordable, reliable, modern energy for Canada's North supporting Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 7 and Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 7.3. Energy efficiency projects support northerners to reduce their energy consumption which supports Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 7.2.

Goal 8: Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management contributes to Goal 8. The implementation of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management contributes to the development of strong First Nations governance and capacity and provides them with options to exercise jurisdiction, control and management over their own affairs and resources and pursue economic development activities. The department and Indigenous institutions are working together with First Nations to develop the tools they need to drive local economic development, empower their communities, and promote prosperity.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Planned initiative: Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management

Through the implementation of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, enhancements to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, and the redesign of the Additions to Reserve policy and process, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada creates strong Indigenous-led partnerships which foster self-sustainability and economic prosperity. This initiative also contributes to Goal 10 – Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality.

Additions to reserve support First Nations in reclaiming their traditional lands and advancing their vision of self-determination, economic development, community wellbeing, and build a more prosperous future for generations to come. Additions to reserve can provide greater opportunities for growth and prosperity and demonstrate a new way of thinking and doing business that benefits all. A First Nations-led National Land Registry will provide increased certainty in land transactions. A modern accurate and sustainable land registry is an important tool in land administration that would:

Lead to greater outside investments on First Nation lands;
Support community development and land use planning;
Add to economic development and growth in First Nations communities through increased land market efficiency, access to credit, tenure security and competitiveness.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework and Global Indicator Framework Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 8.5 and 8.6: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth.
Global Indicator Framework Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.

Result Achieved

First Nations Fiscal Management Act

First Nation Land Management

Three new First Nations have become signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management for a total of 212 signatory First Nations of which 118 are now fully operating in accordance with their community-approved land codes. Five First Nations approved their Land Codes over the last twelve months and one First Nation who transitioned to comprehensive self-governance arrangement with the Government of Canada.

In 2024-25, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada in collaboration with the Lands Advisory Board, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre, and Indigenous Services Canada, continued its work on the First Nation Land Governance Registry and ongoing relationship under the Framework Agreement. The development of the registry has advanced significantly over the 2024-25 fiscal year and is on track for implementation by 2027-28. Key steps included:

the development of multiple versions for user testing;
regular user testing by a First Nation working group to address any issues;
the creation of the not-for-profit organization to manage the registry – First Nation Land Governance Registry Inc.;
and significant progress to facilitate the transfer of data and address privacy issues under the Privacy Act.

Steps were also taken towards the development of proposed amendments for the First Nation Land Registry Regulations and the Framework Agreement.

Additions to Reserves

Twelve additional First Nations "opted-in" to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act for a total of 376 communities or 64 percent of all First Nations participating in the regime to advance their self-determination and socio-economic development.

In 2024-25, a Technical Advisory Committee was created to facilitate the co-development of the Additions to Reserve Policy redesign. The committee includes representatives from First Nations, First Nation organizations, and key federal government departments involved in the Additions to Reserve process. The Government of Canada also approved nine interim changes to the Additions to Reserve policy, which focus on streamlining processes, easing requirements, and removing key barriers, offering immediate benefits to all First Nations seeking to add land to reserve while broader policy reform continues. A report summarizing the results of First Nation-led engagement was developed and published to the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada website, identifying 672 recommendations to improve the Additions to Reserve Policy. Lastly, the department, in collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada, has approved 67 additions to reserve and reserve creation submissions for 2024-25.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, the Assembly of First Nations and the Lands Advisory Board continue to advance ongoing work on Addition to Reserves Policy redesign.

Goal 9: Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada contributes to Goal 9 through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund. This program aims to close the infrastructure gap in Indigenous communities by supporting and investing in the immediate infrastructure needs of Indigenous communities for ongoing, new and shovel-ready projects.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Planned initiative: Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund

The Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund supports and invests in the immediate infrastructure needs of Indigenous communities for ongoing, new and shovel-ready projects. The funding is to be used to support infrastructure and housing initiatives as determined by the funding recipient.

Funding provided to Indigenous communities through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund was (sunset fiscal year 2024-25) to enable Indigenous communities to have quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Targets/objects were established by recipients through their respective infrastructure action plans which delineated the goal/objective of the funding.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

$517.8 million over four years was delivered to the four Inuit Treaty Organizations;
$521 million over four years to Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations;
$240 million over four years was delivered to Métis partners; and
$18 million over four years was delivered to First Nations off-reserve without Modern Treaties or Self Government Agreements in the Northwest Territories as well as Métis communities in the Northwest Territories not represented by a national Métis Organization.

Result Achieved

100 percent of funding for the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund was transferred to Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations, in accordance with the terms and provisions of their fiscal arrangements, to support their infrastructure action plans.

Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's key role in the 56 Action Plan Measures and the establishment of First Nations Fiscal Management Act contributes to Goal 10. It supports Canada's commitment to the negotiation of treaties, self-government agreements and other constructive arrangements to reconcile Indigenous rights with the sovereignty of the Crown. The intent is to co-create an enabling environment where Indigenous Peoples can exercise their right of self-determination and improve the political, cultural and socio-economic conditions within their communities. The department, in collaboration with First Nations-led institutions (First Nations Tax Commission, First Nations Financial Management Board, and First Nations Finance Authority) is also providing legislative and institutional frameworks for First Nations jurisdiction over local taxation and financial management, as well as provides First Nations with access to long-term and affordable financing, which contributes to reducing inequalities. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is also involved in the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee and provides funding to specific Indigenous groups to advance reconciliation. Finally, by implementing the three whole-of-government relationship agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations, the department aims to reduce intersectional inequality based on gender identity, race, ethnicity, origin, regional, and economic status.^{Footnote 2}

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Planned initiative: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent. The Act requires the Government of Canada to collaborate with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Modern Treaty Partners, to identify the measures necessary to align federal laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to develop an Action Plan to achieve its objectives, which was released on June 21, 2023 and to report annually on progress towards implementation.

The Action Plan contains concrete measures to address injustices, combat prejudice and eliminate all forms of violence, racism and discrimination, including systemic racism and discrimination. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada leads the implementation of 44 Action Plan measures and supports the implementation of an additional 11 measures, all of which contribute to advancing reconciliation and self-determination and reducing inequalities faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will continue to work in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples and with federal partners to advance the implementation of the 2023 to 2028 Action Plan , and meet the obligations of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 10.1: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
Global Indicator Framework Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
Global Indicator Framework Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.
Global Indicator Framework Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

Result Achieved

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada continues to make meaningful progress in advancing the action plan measures that the department leads and supports working in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous partners and other federal departments and agencies.

Many Action Plan measures are long-term undertakings to effect systemic change, and continue to progress through sustained engagement, policy development, and capacity-building efforts.

Planned initiative: First Nations Fiscal Management Act

The First Nations Fiscal Management Act, its institutions and the on-going enhancements to the regime support the department's goals for addressing historical barriers and gaps experienced by Indigenous Peoples, including jurisdictional, capacity, and access to capital gaps. This work contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal 10 to reduce inequality.

The First Nations Fiscal Management Act regime plays an important role to advance self-determination and economic reconciliation in First Nations communities. Established in 2006, the First Nations Fiscal Management Act is an optional, First Nations-led alternative to the Indian Act that provides First Nations with a legislative and institutional framework through which to assert jurisdiction in the areas of financial management, property taxation, and access to capital markets. With the support of the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, and the First Nations Finance Authority, the regime helps First Nations strengthen their financial administration capacity and systems to establish a strong foundation of good governance in their communities.

Recent legislative amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (Bill C-45, June 2023) have modernized and broadened the mandate of the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission to empower them to support non scheduled First Nations and Indigenous organizations. Those amendments also formally established the First Nations Infrastructure Institute, which can assist interested First Nations and their organizations with the development and management of infrastructure throughout its lifecycle to improve the sustainability of infrastructure assets on their lands, and to support access to economic development opportunities.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will also continue to work with the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority, the Province of British Columbia, and interested self-governing First Nations on implementing regulations that would allow self-governing and treaty First Nations to access financing through the First Nations Finance Authority for infrastructure and economic development.

Building on this important work, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will continue to collaborate with the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Finance Authority, and the First Nations Infrastructure Institute on priorities relating to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to further enhance the regime and advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Registration and Membership

The department will consult with First Nations and other impacted Indigenous groups to support the co-development of alternatives to Indian Act registration and membership. This work supports increased self-determination for First Nations in the determination of their own people and away from government controlled Indian Act registration which is viewed by many First Nation people as a significant contributor to the racialization of their peoples. Indigenous Peoples are the foundation of the Crown-Indigenous relationship and moving forward with this key element of self-determination and reconciliation in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will contribute greatly in reducing racialization of First Nation People and increase self-determination.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 10.1: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
Global Indicator Framework Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

Result Achieved

First Nations Fiscal Management Act

In 2024-2025, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has continued to collaborate with the four fiscal institutions to strengthen the legislative and institutional frameworks, supports, and tools available to First Nations under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. More specifically, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has worked closely with the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, Modern Treaty First Nations and the Province of British Columbia, to co-develop regulations that adapt the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to enable self-governing groups to access the pooled-borrowing regime under the Act. The draft regulations were completed in early 2025 and published for consultation.

As of March 31, 2025, a total of 376 First Nations (64 percent of all First Nations under the Indian Act) have opted into the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, with 302 having created financial administration laws, and 153 having put in place taxation laws which produce over $100 million in annual tax revenues. A total of 167 First Nations are borrowing members of the First Nations Finance Authority. Of these, 87 have borrowed over $3.1 billion since 2014 (the first year the they issued its inaugural bond) for infrastructure and community economic development.

Registration and Membership

In 2024-25, internal work was undertaken to develop the foundation for moving forward with the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan Measure 2.9 to support the co-development of alternatives to Indian Act registration and membership in order to move towards a First Nation citizenship model where First Nations take control over the determination of their own people. Advancements were made in understanding how First Nations could see a shift to a First Nation citizenship model could be developed.

Planned initiative: Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee

Through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada provides direct funding to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Inuit Treaty Organizations to support joint priority areas in order to advance reconciliation.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Implement activities of the 13 joint priority areas identified through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, including through mandated Senior Officials and Leaders meetings held annually.

Result Achieved

The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee held two Leaders meetings and three Senior Official meetings in 2024–2025 to support Inuit self-determination and prosperity in Inuit Nunangat.

In 2024–2025, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada provided $2.4 million to support work in 13 active priority areas advancing reconciliation and self-determination; the Environment and Climate Change area is currently on hold.

At the May 2024 Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Leaders meeting, Inuit leadership and the Prime Minister endorsed co-developing a Cabinet Directive to implement the Inuit Nunangat Policy. On February 6, 2025, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announced the Cabinet Directive, establishing guidance and accountability for consistent policy application across departments.

On November 23, 2024, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations issued an official apology to Nunavik Inuit for the historic dog slaughter, alongside a $45 million investment for healing and cultural revitalization, led by the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Missing and Murder Indigenous Women Girls Working Group.

Other accomplishments have included:

Ongoing implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Inuit Action Plan recommendations.
$25 million over five years (2022–27) to support implementation of the Inuit Nunangat Policy by federal departments.
$518.8 million over four years (2021–25) to Inuit Land Claim Organizations for Inuit-led infrastructure via the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund.
Continued application of the Inuit-Crown Co-Development Principles across federal departments.

Planned initiative: Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord

Implement Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord to support the inclusion of Métis and Non-Status Indian perspectives in the development of federal policies and programs.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Respond to the joint policy priorities identified in the Canada- Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord, in partnership with Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and eight federal departments.

Result Achieved

For 2024-25, $2.5 million in funding supported ongoing work in five active priority areas (housing, justice, Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls , Indigenous languages, family programs) resulting in advancements towards reconciliation, improved relationships, knowledge transfer, and gaps analysis on issues of importance to the Congress and its constituents (Métis and Non-Status Indians and urban Indigenous Peoples).

Planned initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program

Implementation of dedicated Budget 2021 funding, supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations, of $36.3 million over five years and $8.6 million ongoing. This program provides Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations with project funding to engage with grassroots communities and government to bring forward the unique needs, interests, and perspectives of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples to inform policies, programs, and legislation that impacts their lives. Projects funded under this initiative speak in part, to addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ Call for Justice 1.8, and to inform the Government of Canada on improving the social, health, and economic outcomes of Indigenous women and Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQI+ people.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Implementation of Gender-based Analysis Plus as a means of advancing gender and intersectional equality, directly supporting the "leave no one behind" principles.
Reconciliation by providing longer term, stable funding to enhance self-determination.
Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan Measure 70.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 10.2: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

Result Achieved

In 2024-25, a total 33 projects allocating $7,336,000 in funding was provided to regional and grassroots Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations through the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program.

By enhancing opportunities for self-determination, the program supports the reduction of inequalities, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 10. For example, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada funded the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ through Connection project with $174,800 in 2024-25. This initiative aims to address gender-based violence by creating a template for healthy alliances, supporting safer, more inclusive environments for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and informing similar efforts across organizations.

Planned initiative: Whole-of-Government Relationship Agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations

Implementation of the three whole-of-government relationship agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations aim to reduce intersectional inequality based on gender identity, race, ethnicity, origin, regional, and economic status.

Relationship agreements include: Canada – Pauktuutit Inuit Women Memorandum of Understanding (signed in June 2017); Canada – Native Women's Association of Canada Accord (signed in February 2019); and Canada – Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Declaration (signed in August 2021).

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

The whole-of-government relationship agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations contributes to advancing:

The "leave no one behind" principles;
Reconciliation by providing longer term, stable funding to enhance self-determination;
Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan Measure 69;
Implementation of Indigenous culturally competent Gender-based Analysis Plus as a means of advancing gender and intersectional equality;
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Articles 21.2 and 22.1 by working to mitigate the impact of gender differences and considerations for specific groups. Article 22.1 indicates that particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of Indigenous elders, women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 10.2: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

Result Achieved

In 2024–25, relationship agreements resulted in collaboration across federal departments to co-develop work plans, support organizational capacity (staffing, engagement, research, strategic planning), and integrate distinctions-based, intersectional Gender-based Analysis Plus approaches.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Goal 11: Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

By providing funding to Territorial Governments, Northwest Territories Métis and Inuit Treaty Organizations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is directly addressing the critical needs for housing and infrastructure within Indigenous communities, and therefore contributes to Goal 11.

Target theme: Affordable Housing and Homelessness

Target: By 2028, reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)

Implementation strategy: Support affordable housing and related infrastructure for Indigenous communities in the North

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships Program

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada provides funding to Territorial and Indigenous partners in relation to affordable housing and related infrastructure for Indigenous communities in the North.

Performance indicator: Specific to Indigenous and territorial partners.
- Starting point: Specific to Indigenous and territorial partners.
- Target: By 2030 ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
- Result Achieved: 100 percent of funding to targeted recipients has been distributed in accordance with the terms and conditions of this respective funding agreements in support of their respective housing plans.
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
The funding provided territorial and Indigenous partners in relation to housing and infrastructure contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goal 11.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 11: Canadians have access to quality housing
Canadian Indicator Framework Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of households in core housing need
Global Indicator Framework Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

The following initiatives demonstrate how Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada supports the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned Initiative: Funding to Territorial Governments

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada provides direct funding to Territorial Governments to address critical housing and infrastructure needs.

Associated Domestics Targets or Ambitions and/or Global Targets

Targets/objectives are established by recipients (self-determination) through their respective housing action plans which establishes the goal/objective of the funding.

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 11: Canadians have access to quality housing
Canadian Indicator Framework Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of households in core housing need
Global Indicator Framework Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

Results Achieved

Funding has been fully committed. This funding sunsetted at the conclusion of the 2023-24 fiscal year. Results achieved with this funding include:

Northwest Territories

Delivery of 37 new public housing units across rural and remote communities in the Northwest Territories, including:
- 10 units specifically designed for seniors and persons with limited mobility, and
- 10 units targeted toward single individuals—a particularly vulnerable demographic.
Completion of 25 major modernization and repair projects to maintain and extend the lifespan of existing public housing units.
Execution of approximately 104 additional major repair projects, including:
- environmental risk mitigation through the replacement of aging fuel tanks and
- energy efficiency upgrades such as the installation of medium-scale biomass district heating systems.
Implementation of priority minor repair and maintenance initiatives across numerous public housing units throughout the territory.
Increased investment in capacity-building initiatives, including training in maintenance and financial services for Local Housing Organizations.

Nunavut

Construction of 89 new public housing units across seven high-need communities: Coral Harbour, Pond Inlet, Gjoa Haven, Sanirajak, Sanikiluaq, Kugaaruk, and Naujaat.
Procurement and deployment of 22 modular housing units, enabling rapid response to urgent housing pressures.
Implementation of major mold remediation and essential repairs, preserving and extending the usability of aging housing stock across the territory.

Yukon

Development of a Mixed-Use Housing and Health Centre in Old Crow: Delivered in partnership with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, this project involved the construction of a 10-unit residential complex integrated with a new community health centre.
Territory-Wide Community Housing and Repair Initiatives.

Planned initiative: Funding for Northwest Territories Métis

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affaires Canada provides additional funding for Northwest Territories Métis to support housing and infrastructure needs. This funding is to be determined by recipients (self-determination).

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Funding provided for Metis communities in the Northwest Territories is to ensure that Northwest Territories Metis have quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Targets/objects are established by recipients (self-determination) through their respective infrastructure action plans which establishes the goal/objective of the funding.

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 11.2.1: Proportion of households in core housing need.
Global Indicator Framework Ambition 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

Result Achieved

100 percent of funding for this fiscal year was delivered to Metis communities in the Northwest Territories to help address housing needs in their communities.

Planned initiative: Distinction-based investments to Inuit Treaty Organizations

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affaires Canada is providing distinctions-based investments (Budgets 2018, 2022, 2023) to Inuit Treaty Organizations to help address critical housing needs.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Targets for new construction are between 60-80 units per year and renovation is 40-60 units per year.

Result Achieved

2024-25 results from Inuit Treaty Organizations are expected in September 2025.

Planned initiative: Funding for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is providing funding to Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations through Budget 2022 to address housing needs. Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations have jurisdiction over housing in their communities and have the ability to direct funding from this initiative to meet self-determined housing needs.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Targets/objectives are established by recipients (self-determination) through their respective housing action plans which establishes the goal/objective of funding.

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 11: Canadians have access to quality housing.
Global Indicator Framework Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

Result Achieved

100 percent of funding for this fiscal year was delivered to Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations through their fiscal arrangements to help address housing needs in their communities.

Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada contributes to Goal 12 through the remediation of its contaminated sites and the monitoring of plastics in the North. The Northern Contaminated Sites Program contributes to the sustainable management of northern lands and resources. The program ensures that contaminated sites in the territories are managed to reduce risk to human and environmental health and safety for all Northerners. Managing contaminated sites refers to site assessments, care and maintenance, remediation and monitoring activities. The Northern Contaminants Program ensures efficient and effective monitoring systems in the North by coordinating, generating and managing scientific and environmental data and by publishing results and data. Providing scientific data can help research innovative solutions.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy target

Implementation strategy: Remediate high-priority contaminated sites

Departmental action: Northern Contaminated Sites Program

Manage the Department's portfolio of contaminated sites under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action plan and the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program.

Performance indicator: Percentage of high-priority contaminated sites that are actively managed.
- Starting point: 92 percent
- Target: 80 percent
- Result Achieved: 92 percent
  In 2024–2025, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada continued to ensure the management of its portfolio of over 160 northern contaminated sites located across the three territories. Of these sites, 71 are considered high priority for action. These sites pose significant risks to the environment and to human health and safety of northern and Indigenous communities.
  
  Through the Northern Contaminated Sites Program, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada advanced site remediation and long-term monitoring activities, with 92 percent of high-priority sites under active management. The department also continued to invest in collaborative strategies with territorial governments and Indigenous rights holders, ensuring that remediation decisions are guided by local priorities, Indigenous knowledge, and community input.
  
  Key milestones for our high priority sites in 2024–2025 include:
  - In the Yukon, United Keno Hill Mine Remediation Project completed its first year of active remediation.
  - In the Northwest Territories, active remediation continued at the Giant Mine and Rayrock Remediation Projects, while the O'Connor Lake Remediation Project completed active remediation and will be entering long-term monitoring in 2025-2026.
  - 29 sites are in post remediation long-term monitoring (12 in Nunavut and 17 in the Northwest Territories).
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
Actions that reduce the number of contaminated sites will help reduce the risk of contaminants being released to air, water and soil and will allow the department to reduce or eliminate risks to human health and the environment.

Actively managed sites include sites undergoing planning, remediation or long-term monitoring activities. In a given year, the Northern Contaminated Sites Program is able to actively manage the majority of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's high priority contaminated sites.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets

Global Indicator Framework Target 12.4: By 2020. Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

Implementation strategy: Research innovative solutions for plastics

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program - Northern Contaminants Program - Monitoring of contaminants in the North

Performance indicator: Percentage of Northern Contaminants Program plastics-related projects that contribute to broader, relevant observation systems and assessments on plastics.
- Starting point: 0 percent
- Target: 80 percent by March 2027
- Result Achieved: 100 percent
  In 2024-2025, the Northern Contaminants Program supported 22 plastics pollution projects that are producing data and information in relation to plastic fragments, microplastics and specific plastic additives, and which have the potential to contribute to broader, relevant observation systems and assessments, including under the Arctic Council.
  
  Many of these projects are the first to collect data and information from their northern locations or in particular wildlife species, and therefore will provide important foundational contributions to newly established international bodies and assessments, and leading to innovative solutions for plastics.
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
Information on plastic pollution in Arctic and northern environments collected by the Northern Contaminants Program and made available to broader assessments can inform policy and infrastructure planning in efforts to reduce and eliminate plastic waste.

The seven plastics monitoring and research projects supported in 2022-2023 are all producing data and information that have potential to contribute to broader, relevant observation systems and assessments, including an upcoming (2023-2025) review of national implementation of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program circumpolar Litter and Microplastics Monitoring Plan, and to support negotiation efforts under way on a Global Plastics Treaty.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Planned initiative: Advancing a circular plastics economy for Canada

Found in even the most remote environments, plastic and microplastic pollution is a global concern, although there is currently very limited Arctic data. The Northern Contaminants Program has identified priority science needs to improve the detection, sampling and analysis of plastics in Arctic and northern atmospheric, terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments and wildlife. These research and monitoring activities will contribute to Canada's Plastics Science Agenda, furthering our understanding of how plastics and microplastics are distributed and move through Arctic ecosystems. As plastics science advances, it will better inform policy development and improve the ability to track the effectiveness of actions taken.

Initiatives also support the horizontal core theme of international engagement through links to the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program Circumpolar Monitoring Framework and the negotiations of an international plastics treaty.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework and Global Indicator Framework Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Global Indicator Framework Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
Canadian Indicator Framework and Global Indicator Framework Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Global Indicator Framework Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

Result Achieved

In 2024–2025, the Northern Contaminants Program supported monitoring and research projects that add plastic pollution data for 10 unique environmental compartments (air, snow, ice, sediment, sea water, fresh water, Arctic char, freshwater fish, seabirds, and mammals) across Canada's Arctic and Northern regions.

Research and monitoring of plastic pollution in the Arctic provide critical data on where plastics are entering the environment, how they move through ecosystems, and their effects on species like Arctic char and marine mammals. This information supports efforts to reduce waste at its source, improve waste management, and prevent pollution in northern freshwater and marine environments. It also informs policy decisions and international negotiations focused on protecting environmental health and reshaping human consumption practices.

Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts
SDG 13: Climate Action

Through its climate change adaptation programs, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is contributing to Goal 13. Funding is provided to Indigenous and northern communities, governments, and organizations to support self-determined climate action such as monitoring climate change impacts, conducting risk assessments, adaptation planning projects, and the implementation of adaptation actions.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy target

Implementation strategy: Strengthen Indigenous leadership on climate action

Departmental action: Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda

Working alongside Indigenous partners of all distinctions to advance an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, including distinctions-based strategies, that builds regional and national capacity and progressively vests authorities and resources for climate action in the hands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and representative organizations.

Performance indicator: Number of distinctions-based co-developed Indigenous Climate Leadership roadmaps established.
- Starting point: Zero
- Target: Three by March 2025 (one for each: First Nation, Inuit and Métis)
- Results Achieved: All three distinctions established Indigenous Climate Leadership recommendations.
  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 Metis governments and representative organizations and endorsement by Indigenous political leaders.
  
  The implementation of the Indigenous Climate Leadership agenda will better support Indigenous peoples to implement self-determined climate priorities thus supporting Sustainable Development Goal 13 and Canadian Indicator Framework 13.3.
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
By advancing an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada will transform ways in which Indigenous Peoples access climate funding opportunities by reducing barriers and improving equitable access to funding processes. This work is aligned with the goals and vision of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and will work towards supporting self-determined Indigenous climate action.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets:

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13.2: Canadians are well equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.

Implementation strategy: Support climate change adaptation across Canada

Departmental action: Climate Change Preparedness in the North

The program supports community driven projects that allow northern and Indigenous communities in northern Canada to take action on climate change. Eligible projects include: climate change risk assessments; development of hazard maps and adaptation plans; development of adaptation options; and the implementation of structural and non-structural adaptation measures.

Performance indicator: Number of funded projects implementing adaptive measures.
- Starting point: 106 (2021)
- Target: 202 by March 2028
- Result Achieved: 283 funded projects
  The implementation of adaptation actions is an example of climate action and builds resilience to face the effects of climate change thus supporting Sustainable Development Goal 13 and Canadian Indicator Framework 13.2.
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
By supporting community-driven climate adaptation actions, Climate Change Preparedness in the North is helping Indigenous and northern communities build climate resiliency through self- determined adaptation projects. This work is aligned with the Canadian Indicator Framework ambition of being well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change as well as Sustainable Development Goal 13 by directly supporting climate action by helping to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, building regional and local capacity, and improving impact reduction.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets:

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.

Departmental action: First Nation Adapt Program

Supports community driven projects that allow First Nations south of the 60th parallel to take action on climate change. Eligible projects include: climate change risk assessments; integration of climate change risks into community planning documents; identification of adaptation measures to reduce climate change impacts; collection of Indigenous Knowledge regarding community-based local knowledge of past climate events and trends; floodplain mapping to assess current and future projected flood risks to community infrastructure.

Performance indicator: Number of risk and adaptation assessments completed.
- Starting point: 167 (2021)
- Target: 362 by March 2028
- Result Achieved: 280 risk and adaptation plans completed were completed as of March 2024 (data lags by one year).
  Climate change risk assessments and adaptation plans makes climate risk information available to be integrated into planning and decision-making and enables community-led climate action supporting Sustainable Development Goal 13 and Canadian Indicator Framework 13.2
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
Through supporting First Nation community driven projects, the First Nation Adapt program helps enable First Nations south of the 60th parallel in taking self-determined climate actions within their traditional territories. This work is aligned with the ambitions set out in the Canadian Indicator Framework's Goal 13 as well as Sustainable Development Goal 13 by directly supporting community-led and driven climate actions that support First Nations in building a safe, sustainable, and resilient future.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets:

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.

Departmental action: Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program

Supporting Indigenous Peoples in monitoring climate and climate change impacts for use in decision-making using both Indigenous Knowledge and science. Supported projects may include: training and hiring of community members; developing monitoring plans; monitoring key climate indicators; assessing and managing data; communicating results; networking and community engagement.

Performance indicator: Number of communities that participated in community-based climate monitoring (cumulative).
- Starting point: 173 (2022)
- Target: 224 by March 2028
- Result Achieved: 197 communities have participated in community-based monitoring projects from 2017 to March 2024 (data lags by one year.)
- Participating in community-based climate change monitoring projects allows Indigenous communities to gather data that can be incorporated into decision making for self-determined climate action thus supporting Sustainable Development Goal 13 and Canadian Indicator Framework 13.2
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
By working with Indigenous Peoples across Canada to monitor climate and climate change impacts, the Indigenous Community-based Climate Monitoring program is supporting Indigenous communities, groups, and governments in gathering data that help them to make informed decisions by using a blend of Indigenous Knowledge and science. This work directly supports progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 13 by improving awareness, building capacity, and strengthening the resilience of Indigenous communities.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets:

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: United Nations measures related to the fight against climate change.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate action

Planned Initiative: Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets:

Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
Global Indicator Framework Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Global Indicator Framework Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Results Achieved

Indigenous Climate Leadership funding supported the development of national and regional climate strategies for Indigenous organizations. Implementation of these strategies will support Sustainable Development Goal 13 and Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 13 Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13, Canadian Indicator Framework Target 13.2 and Global Indicator Framework 13.3.

Planned initiative: Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework targets:

Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.

Results Achieved

Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program funded 101 projects in 2024-2025.

Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program projects support urgent and necessary climate action, while also strengthening community resilience to face the effects of climate change across Canada's North. Some projects support adaptive capacity building towards climate-related hazards such as wildfires, permafrost thaw, and changes to sea-ice thickness. Many projects have a capacity-building component that builds institutional capacity with respect to climate change adaptation.

Planned initiative: First Nation Adapt Program

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.

Results Achieved:

The First Nation Adapt Program funded 70 projects in 2024-2025.

The First Nation Adapt Program projects support urgent and necessary climate action, while also strengthening First Nation community resilience to face the effects of climate change. Some projects support adaptive capacity building towards climate-related hazards such as wildfires and flooding. Many projects have a capacity building component that builds institutional capacity with respect to climate change adaptation.

Planned initiative: Indigenous Community-based Climate Monitoring Program

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 13: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.

Results Achieved

In 2024-2025, Indigenous Community-based Climate Monitoring Program funded 67 projects.

Indigenous Community-based Climate Monitoring Program combats climate change by assisting Indigenous Communities to be leaders in monitoring and understanding the impacts that a changing climate is having on a variety of different environmental factors in their local areas. Funded projects help equip Indigenous Peoples across Canada to become more resilient to the effects of climate change through capacity building, knowledge transfer, and tool development projects that help identify, educate, and mitigate climate change impacts of many types such as biodiversity loss and changes to water quality and quantity.

Goal 14: Conserve and protect Canada's oceans
SDG 14: Life Below Water

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada contributes to Goal 14 by supporting research, Indigenous knowledge, and monitoring studies led by scientific researchers and Indigenous organizations, which contribute to informing marine conservation and spatial planning.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy target.

Implementation strategy: Marine conservation and spatial planning are informed by science, Indigenous Knowledge, monitoring and stakeholder input

Departmental action: Marine Conservation Targets Initiative

Performance indicator: Percentage of research, harvest and monitoring marine studies that will serve to inform conservation and spatial planning.
- Starting point: 0 percent
- Target: 100 percent by 2026 (program ends in 2026)
- Result Achieved: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada funded 48 new and ongoing science, Indigenous knowledge and monitoring studies in 2024-25. When projects are completed, results, reports and publications will be available to inform conservation. In addition to findings, projects are contributing to the development of community research capacity and participation in conservation efforts.
  
  Many projects are ongoing and funded across multiple years; therefore, not all results are available yet. Once the multi-year projects are complete, we expect to meet the target of 100 percent of studies that will help inform marine conservation and planning.
  
  Although not all results are available yet, the projects are enabling Northern and Indigenous partners to develop, lead and implement valuable conservation efforts. Selected projects ensure that research and conservation measures continue to respond to local values and priorities, and include community engagement components such as project co-development, training and employment opportunities.
How the departmental action contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals:
The Marine Conservation Targets Initiative supports Canada's commitment to conserve 30 percent of our oceans by 2030. Fisheries and Oceans Canada leads on this horizontal initiative.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water

The following initiatives demonstrate how Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development goals, supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative: Marine Conservation Targets Initiative - Marine Studies

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada provides funding to academia, federal researchers and Inuit organizations for science, Indigenous Knowledge, monitoring to inform marine conservation and spatial planning.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

The Marine Conservation Targets Initiative goal is to ensure Canada meets the goal to conserve 25 percent of our lands and waters by 2025, and 30 percent of each by 2030. The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change have the lead on this initiative.

Result Achieved

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada continues to support Fisheries and Oceans Canada in advancing the Marine Conservation Targets horizontal initiative.

In 2024-25, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada provided over $4.5 million to support 48 new and ongoing projects across the North, which incorporate Indigenous knowledge and scientific information to strengthen the knowledge base for decision-making around marine conservation and planning.

The funding was distributed directly to Indigenous organizations, or to academia and other federal departments who worked closely with Indigenous organizations and communities on collaborative projects that respond to local priorities, while aligning with federal outcomes for conservation.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Goal 16: Promote a fair and accessible justice system, enforce environmental laws, and manage impacts
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada contributes to the Goal 16 by administering funding for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Actions 72-76. The program funding supports Indigenous community-led initiatives to locate, document, commemorate, and memorialize unmarked burial sites associated with the 140 residential schools. Ultimately, this program aims to advance the departmental goal of recognizing and resolving past injustices.

The implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada advances Indigenous rights, including those recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act (1982) and described in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Planned initiative: Implementation of Calls to Action 72 – 76

The Resolution and Partnerships Sector administers funding for implementation of Calls to Action 72 - 76, for initiatives through to 2026-27. Regarding Missing Children and Burial Information, the department will continue to collaborate with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to update and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register (Call to Action 72) and support the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in developing and maintaining a registry of residential school cemeteries (Call to Action 73).

This ongoing work will increase the information available to families and Survivors on student deaths and burial places; accelerate the progress made to fill gaps in data collected to date; and improve access to information on missing or deceased family members. Additional planned funding to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, upon completion of an agreed-upon work plan, to flow Year one of a four-year funding commitment to provide stable, predictable funding and a one-time contribution of $59.7 million towards the overall construction costs of a new building.

In support of Calls to Action 74-76, the department will continue to support funding initiatives to locate, document, commemorate, and memorialize unmarked burial sites associated with former residential schools, as well as honour families' wishes to bring children's remains home, through the Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Fund. The department recently expanded eligibility of community support funding to include five non-Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement residential schools included in the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The department will continue to co-administer the National Advisory Committee on Missing Children and Unmarked burials, which will provide advice and guidance to Indigenous partners.

The department will also lead a horizontal initiative involving six federal departments and agencies to address the ongoing impacts of the residential schools system and commemorate their history and legacy. The appointment of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools is part of the whole-of-government approach. At the end of her two-year mandate, the Special Interlocutor will present final recommendations for a new federal legal framework to identify, protect and preserve unmarked graves and burial sites connected to former residential schools. Those recommendations will inform the appropriate actions to be taken by the Government of Canada towards the implementation of a new federal legal framework and new needed initiatives and measures over and above those currently presented in the Horizontal Initiative.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Extending funding and support to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to update and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register (Call to Action 72) and in developing and maintaining a registry of residential school cemeteries (Call to Action 73).
Expanding and extending access to the Community Support Funding program to support Indigenous communities and organizations.
Providing stable, predictable, and long-term funding support to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and making a significant contribution to the overall construction costs of a new building for the Centre.
The National Advisory Committee will provide expertise to Indigenous communities and organizations to support their search efforts.
The Horizontal Framework ensures visibility and a coordinated whole-of-government approach to addressing the legacy of residential schools.
Global Indicator Framework Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
Global Indicator Framework Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Results Achieved

Since the launch of the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund in 2021, 161 agreements totaling over $246.8 million have been established, directly addressing Calls to Action 72–76 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These efforts advance Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting inclusive and just societies, and empower Indigenous communities to lead culturally grounded responses to the legacy of residential schools.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is a key element of the Residential Schools Legacy Program. In 2024-25, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada provided $2.33 million to support the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's continuing efforts to implement Call to Action 72 (National Indian Residential School Student Death Register and public-facing Memorial Register) and Call to Action 73 (National Indian Residential School Online Cemeteries and Burial Sites Register).

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada co-administered the National Advisory Committee, which continued to work with Survivors and provided independent, trusted, and expert information in areas such as Indigenous laws and cultural protocols, forensics, archaeology, archival research, and criminal investigations to Indigenous communities. Guided by a Circle of Survivors, comprising First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation members, the National Advisory Committee ensured that Survivors' voices and perspectives remained central to the Committee's work. In 2024-2025, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada provided $2.29 million to the National Advisory Committee, which held information webinars to support communities' efforts to search for their missing children and hosted knowledge sharing gatherings in Quebec City, Quebec; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whitehorse, Yukon Territory; and Calgary, Alberta. Funding for the National Advisory Committee concluded in March 2025.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada continues to lead the Horizontal Initiative to Address the Legacy of Residential Schools with six other federal departments. The Horizontal Initiative was established to address the ongoing impacts of the residential schools system and commemorate their history and legacy in a whole-of-government approach.

Planned initiative: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act came into force on June 21, 2021. The Act affirms the United Nations Declaration as a universal international human rights instrument with application in Canadian law and provides a lasting framework to advance the implementation of the United Nations Declaration at the federal level.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan was developed by the Government of Canada, in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, as are annual progress reports on its implementation.

Several of the measures led by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada contribute directly to this goal, such as: ending systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people; advancing self-determination; implementing self-government agreements; and strengthening Indigenous Peoples' participation in decision-making.

The Act and the ongoing dialogue it promotes, create a framework for reconciliation and stronger relationships with Indigenous Peoples stemming from the principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and good faith.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 16.5: Canadians have equal access to justice.
Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition 16.7: Canadians are supported by effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.
Global Indicator Framework Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
Global Indicator Framework Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
Global Indicator Framework Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
Global Indicator Framework Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

Result Achieved

This progress is outlined in the 2024-25 United Nations Declaration Act Annual Report, led by Justice Canada, which is tabled in Parliament and published alongside previous annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Many Action Plan measures are long-term undertakings to effect systemic change, and continue to progress through sustained engagement, policy development, and capacity-building efforts.

Integrating Sustainable Development

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment process. Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment for a policy, program or regulatory proposal includes an analysis of the climate, nature, environmental and economic effects of the given proposal.

Public statements on the results of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's assessments are issued when an initiative that was the subject of a detailed Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment is implemented or announced. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental and economic effects, including contributions to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets, of an initiative have been considered during proposal development and decision making.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada did not complete any detailed Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessments in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

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Date modified:: 2025-10-31

2024 to 2025 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Progress Report

Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Sustainable Development Vision

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

Listening to Canadians

What we heard

What we did

Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Commitments

Goal 2: Support a healthier and more sustainable food system SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy target:

Implementation strategy: Enhance Indigenous and northern food security

Departmental action: Nutrition North Canada Program

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program – Northern Contaminants Program

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger

Planned Initiative: Nutrition North Canada Program

Result Achieved

Goal 4: Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development SDG 4: Quality Education

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education

Planned initiative: Implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework

Result Achieved

Goal 5: Champion gender equality SDG 5: Gender Equality

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality

Planned initiative: Gender-based Analysis Plus – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Gender-based Analysis Plus Centre of Expertise

Result Achieved

Planned initiative: Whole-of-Government Relationship Agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations

Result Achieved

Planned initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program

Result Achieved

Goal 7: Increase Canadian's access to clean energy SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy target:

Implementation strategy: Streamline federal investments to advance clean, reliable energy in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities

Departmental action: Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

Planned initiative: Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program

Result Achieved

Goal 8: Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Planned initiative: Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management

Result Achieved

Goal 9: Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Planned initiative: Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund

Result Achieved

Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Planned initiative: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Result Achieved

Planned initiative: First Nations Fiscal Management Act

Result Achieved

Planned initiative: Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee

Result Achieved

Planned initiative: Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord

Result Achieved

Planned initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program

Result Achieved

Planned initiative: Whole-of-Government Relationship Agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations

Result Achieved

Goal 11: Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Implementation strategy: Support affordable housing and related infrastructure for Indigenous communities in the North

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships Program

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Planned Initiative: Funding to Territorial Governments

Results Achieved

Planned initiative: Funding for Northwest Territories Métis

Result Achieved

Planned initiative: Distinction-based investments to Inuit Treaty Organizations

Result Achieved

Planned initiative: Funding for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations

Result Achieved

Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy target

Implementation strategy: Remediate high-priority contaminated sites

Departmental action: Northern Contaminated Sites Program

Implementation strategy: Research innovative solutions for plastics

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program - Northern Contaminants Program - Monitoring of contaminants in the North

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Planned initiative: Advancing a circular plastics economy for Canada

Result Achieved

Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts SDG 13: Climate Action

Goal 2: Support a healthier and more sustainable food system
SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Goal 4: Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development
SDG 4: Quality Education

Goal 5: Champion gender equality
SDG 5: Gender Equality

Goal 7: Increase Canadian's access to clean energy
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Goal 8: Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Goal 9: Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Goal 11: Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts
SDG 13: Climate Action

Goal 14: Conserve and protect Canada's oceans
SDG 14: Life Below Water

Goal 16: Promote a fair and accessible justice system, enforce environmental laws, and manage impacts
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions