Annual Statutory Report (2025-26) Pursuant to Section 10 of the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act, Statutes of Canada, Chapter 29, 2019

Inuit

Since 2016, Inuit Treaty Organizations have constructed 640 new housing units (completed or nearing completion), repaired 580 existing units, and built and improved community infrastruture (i.e., sportsplexes, carpentry and repair shops, multi-purpose and youth centres) across Inuit Nunangat. On average, Inuit partners have been able to build 60 new units and repair 40 housing units per year. They have also enhanced Inuit-led housing programs, and undertaken important land acquisition and development work. Inuit have also developed governance models and systems to facilitate housing projects with greater efficiency, equity and transparency. The self-determined funding model enables Inuit Treaty Organizations to increase the impact of other federal investments available to them for housing, including for women and youth shelters.

Métis

Since 2018, Métis governments have used funding to purchase or build 2,025 housing units; provide down payment assistance to 2,809 households; renovate 7,918 housing units; and provide rental supplements to 12,049 households. Investments have also supported infrastructure needs in areas such as shelters, childcare centres, and senior complexes.

Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations

Since 2022, Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations have begun or completed construction on approximately 1,100 housing units in their communities. Investments were often used to support home construction grants for their members. In some cases, they were combined with investments from other governments (including their own) and private lending to maximize the impact of investments. The Collaborative Fiscal Policy Process now supports a lifecycle infrastructure funding approach to meet the needs of Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations. Reports from Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations 2025/26 are expected to be submitted by July 30, 2026.

Northern

Since 2021, First Nations and Métis communities in the Northwest Territories and Yukon without reserves or Modern Treaties have used funding under distinctions-based housing initiatives to undertake a range of housing enabling studies, community assessments, and planning initiatives, while also strengthening community governance and management capacity. To date, communities have completed major repairs on at least 235 housing units, in addition to numerous smaller improvements that enhanced safety and livability. Upgrades included roofing, windows and doors, energy efficiency retrofits, heating systems, and electrical work, as well as substantial restoration projects. Investments have also been directed toward expanding housing supply through the acquisition and installation of new modular or manufactured units, and through acquiring and renovating existing structures to meet the specific needs of community members. For example, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation used funding to acquire and renovate the former Vital Abel Boarding Home, creating 11 single bedroom units. Across projects, communities integrated training and mentorship into delivery where possible, supporting local employment and long term capacity development.

Challenges remain, needs continue to outpace available resources and the high cost of development in areas like Nunavut remains a persistent challenge for private development. However, results to date demonstrate that distinctions-based housing investments are an effective mechanism for advancing Indigenous self-determination and making measurable progress toward closing longstanding housing gaps. These outcomes underscore the importance of sustained and predictable investment.

In recognition of ongoing infrastructure needs in Indigenous communities, Budget 2025 committed the Minister of Indigenous Services with the support of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities to coordinate a cross-government Indigenous Housing Strategy, following engagement with First Nations on reserve, Inuit Treaty Organizations, Métis partners, and Modern Treaty holders and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, and northern Indigenous organizations. This will be coordinated with the National Housing Strategy that Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada is coordinating.

Nutrition North

Together with Northerners, Indigenous Peoples, and partners, Nutrition North Canada is strengthening food security and sovereignty, and bolstering food economies northern communities. Work is ongoing with Inuit partners to advance the Inuit Nunangat Food Security Strategy, which is grounded in an Inuit-led approach and supported by whole-of-government collaboration.

Funding through Nutrition North Canada (NNC), including the Harvesters Support Grant and the Community Food Programs Fund, continues to flow to Inuit and First Nations recipients until March 31, 2027, to support self-determined solutions. These two programs have provided $257.2 million to date and $40.3 million for 2025-26. Over 15,000 harvesters and hunters and over 400 community hunts have been supported since the Harvester's Support Grant was launched in 2020. Seven-hundred food sharing initiatives have been made possible through the Community Food Programs Fund since 2022. To ensure that Northern and Indigenous voices are properly heard and incorporated in NNC reforms, comprehensive virtual engagement sessions were held with NNC communities in the Territories, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. This culminated in a Food Sovereignty Summit in March 2026, hosted by the Department and Food Banks Canada. Over 240 people participated in the Summit, including representatives from Inuit and northern First Nations communities, National Indigenous Organizations, federal departments, food banks, northern retailers, Members of Parliament and Senators. Participants identified innovative solutions for northern food security, including ways to improve food sovereignty, while honouring Indigenous voices and perspectives.

The Food Security Research Grant

Launched in 2022, the Food Security Research Grant is supporting Indigenous-led projects that focus on food security and food access inequality in isolated northern communities. Phase 1 of the grant awarded funding to five successful applicants on April 1, 2023, and invested $1.5 million to generate additional insight and knowledge on the effects of the Nutrition North Canada subsidy. Building on this work, Phase 2 is providing over $2 million in funding from 2025-2028, to nine projects that will look at ways to make healthy food affordable and accessible in northern communities. Projects will examine how food is shipped, owned, and sold, how these systems affect food quality, availability, and cost, and consider how hunting, fishing, and local sharing systems can help improve access to both traditional foods and store bought foods.

Giant Mine Remediation Project

The Giant Mine is located within the city limits of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, approximately five kilometres from the city centre on the western shore of North Yellowknife Bay, an arm of Great Slave Lake. The site is in an area with co-existing rights within the asserted traditional territory of the Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nation and the Môwhì Gogha Nîîtåèè boundary as defined in the Tłı̨chǫ Land Claim and Self Government Agreement; and is adjacent to, or on the boundary of, the Interim Measures Agreement Area of the Northwest Territories Métis Nation. A Minister's Special Representative on Giant Mine was appointed by the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs^{Footnote 1} in March 2025. In 2025-26, the remediation project contributed approximately $400,000 in annual funding to the North Slave Métis Alliance $2.3 million to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation support capacity and socio economic development opportunities. The Project Team also funded the Tłįchǫ Government approximately $2.0 million for an Economic Benefits Agreement (2025), which will continue for the life of the project. The socio-economic agreement also provides work and training opportunities for local Indigenous communities. In 2025, the Project employed over 200 Indigenous people in well-paying and stable jobs.

The majority of sub-contracts are solicited by the Main Construction Manager as part of the Geographically Restricted (Regional) Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (the Regional Strategy). This strategy limits tendering to Indigenous businesses within the area of the contract where capacity exists, therefore maximizing local, regional, and Indigenous employment and business opportunities.

Faro Mine (Tsē Zūl) Remediation Project

Faro Mine was once the largest open pit lead-zinc mine in the world. Located in the south-central Yukon, it is an area of great importance known as Tsē Zūl, within the traditional territory of the Ross River Dena, part of Kaska Nation, and upstream from the Selkirk First Nation.

The Faro Mine Remediation Project Team, in partnership with Ross River Dena Council (RRDC), has continued working towards fully establishing a Community-Based Framework for Project participation. The objective of this Framework is to elevate community member involvement in the long-term planning and implementation of the remediation project. The Community-Based Framework consists of programs and initiatives that are grounded in interests and concerns from elders, First Nation leadership, RRDC's environmental consulting company and other community members.

These programs and initiatives are:

1. The Tsē Zūl Land Care Plan – an engagement mechanism focusing on developing community recommendations relating to long-term land stewardship, project design, environmental monitoring (fish, wildlife and vegetation) and cultural integration.
2. Community Revegetation Strategy – this program has been operational for six years and consists of an annual planting program, an annual seed collection program, and metals uptake investigations. In 2025-26, in addition to community led planting and seed gathering activities, the community hosted a cultural event that supported hands-on participation, learning, and knowledge sharing. Community participation in these programs contributes to re-establishing a relationship with the land at Tsē Zūl and fostering a sense of hope for the future and continues to build sustained and trusting relationships between CIRNAC and community Elders and youth.
3. Community Fish and Wildlife Monitoring – the 2026 field season will see the implementation of this program which is intended to collect and communicate information about the health of fish and wildlife in the Tsē Zūl area.

Taken as a whole, the Community-Based Framework is critical in defining the future of the Tsē Zūl l area and rebuilding trust between Kaska and their traditional Tsē Zūl lands.

Ross River Dena Council's successful development and ownership of heavy equipment, fuel supply and the Tsē Zūl Camp (277-person) continued to represent significant socio-economic achievement for the Faro Mine Remediation Project. Civil and electrical construction of the camp was completed, and operations advanced under RRDC management through Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation (DNDC), reinforcing RRDC's position as the largest Indigenous camp services provider in the Yukon.

Pelly Lake Capacity Building Initiative

Through the Inuit Capacity Development Program, contractors may access project funding to design and deliver training programs for local Inuit and Northerners. The program supports reconciliation and Inuit self-determination of communities located near remediation sites by strengthening community capacity, increasing access to skills development, and enabling participation in remediation and construction-related employment opportunities.

In 2025-26, Salumaq Environmental Contracting Limited, an Inuit-owned firm based in Coral Harbour and the prime contractor for the Pelly Lake Remediation Project, is delivering a community-based capacity training program for residents of Baker Lake. The initiative reflects meaningful progress in advancing Inuit participation, building transferable skills, and supporting local economic development. At the time of reporting, final participant data was not yet available. Preliminary estimates indicate that the training engaged six participants, primarily from Baker Lake and surrounding communities in the Kivalliq region.

Salumaq has expressed strong support for delivering community-focused training and acknowledged the value of the program in strengthening local capacity. At the same time, the contractor noted limitations in the funding criteria, which prioritize benefits flowing directly to members of the affected community rather than contractor employees. This feedback has been noted and reflects an opportunity for continued dialogue with Inuit partners to ensure program delivery continues to align with both community priorities and Inuit-owned business development, consistent with reconciliation objectives.

Signed Governance Agreement with Carcross/Tagish First Nation

On July 29, 2025 the Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) and the Government of Canada marked a major milestone with the signing of a new Governance Agreement to guide the remediation of three significant legacy sites: the former Arctic Gold and Silver Mill and Tailings site, the former Venus Mill and Tailings site and the remaining contamination of the former Chooutla Residential School site. Working together CIRNAC and C/TFN created the Nation-Nation agreement to define a clear path for further remediation of the sites. This includes strategic planning, community engagement, development of specific remediation objectives, and developing, selecting and implementing a remediation option for each site.

C/TFN is a Self-Governing Yukon First Nation, and this signing marks a new chapter in how remediation decisions will be made on these projects in their traditional territory. For many years, Canada has led efforts and, in consultation with C/TFN, made decisions on remediation, maintenance, monitoring and surveillance, and engineering analyses at these sites. Now, with this agreement in place, the path forward is one of collaborative governance and shared decision-making with community values and sustainability leading the way.

The Agreement confirms that the C/TFN's Development Corporation can act on behalf of the First Nation, lead the remediation work at the Arctic Gold and Silver and Venus mine sites and specifies how to provide socio-economic benefits to the community to advance reconciliation. The Agreement outlines the general roles and responsibilities of each organization, with respect to the management, planning and remediation work at the Arctic Gold and Silver and Venus mine sites. To accomplish this, the agreement creates a Governance Committee and an Operations Committee that have representatives from both parties to ensure inclusion and recognition in the decision-making process and implementation of the remediation work.

Clinton Creek Mine Remediation Project

In June 2025, the Government of Canada finalized a transfer of responsibility for the Clinton Creek Mine remediation project through agreements signed with the Government of Yukon and the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in. These agreements reflect a shared commitment to collaboration and reconciliation. Upon signing the agreements Canada assumed full responsibility for the site's control, care and maintenance, and remediation activities from the Government of Yukon. From this, Canada will strengthen a working partnership with the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in to advance remediation planning while ensuring that care and maintenance activities continue without interruption.

The first step post transition is to address risks associated with the water flowing from Hudgeon Lake into and through the Clinton Creek channel. This lake was formed by a landslide/ landform dam resulting from lateral movement of waste rock piles generated during historic mining activities. A previously constructed spillway and associated drop structures have been failing and are at the end of their design life, which poses a risk to the environment and human health and safety. The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in and Canada, along with the Yukon Government's design engineer participated in a joint decision-making process to select the preferred option to address the failing spillway structures. The selected option includes lowering the lake level, re-sloping waste rock, and re-constructing the Clinton Creek Channel through the mine site. This will reduce site risks, result in a more stable regime channel and improve fish habitat and passage. The parties are now working jointly to finalize the engineering design, seek a Fisheries Act Authorization, and source construction material for this Clinton Creek Channel Upgrades project. Concurrently the parties will continue to plan for future work that will address other site risks and advance remediation options.

Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia

Following the initialling of three individual Treaties with K'ómoks, Kitselas and Kitsumkalum First Nations in Summer 2024, each First Nation successfully ratified their comprehensive Modern Treaties through community ratification votes in 2025 – K'ómoks First Nation on March 8, Kitselas on April 10th and Kitsumkalum on November 1st. These Treaties address areas of jurisdictions and responsibilities such as governance, harvesting, and land and resource management. While consultations are ongoing with neighbouring First Nations and a number of other steps must still be undertaken by the parties before enabling legislation is introduced in Parliament to bring the treaties into effect. Concluding these Treaties will advance reconciliation and support these Nations in moving forward as self-determining, self-sufficient and self-governing Nations, while creating enduring intergovernmental relationships, and advance national socio-economic objectives that benefit all Canadians.

Treaty Negotiations in Central Canada

Canada, Ontario and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation negotiated and signed a settlement to resolve the Mississaugas of the Credit's Rouge River Valley Tract Claim, which alleges unextinguished title to approximately 128,697 acres along the north shore of Lake Ontario. The final agreement, executed by all parties on October 17, 2025, provides $108.4 million from Canada and $75 million from Ontario, for a total settlement of $183.4 million for past losses dating back to the late 18th century. The settlement marks an important step toward reconciliation and a renewed Treaty relationship, creating new opportunities for the Mississaugas of the Credit to advance their priorities and foster a more prosperous future for their community.

Treaty Negotiations in Northern Canada

On June 27, 2025, the Athabasca Denesųłiné Final Agreement and Ghotelnene K'odtįneh Dene Final Agreement, two Modern Treaties that address harvesting, land and resource management related rights in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, were successfully ratified by the respective Athabasca Denesųłiné and Ghotelnene K'odtįneh Dene communities. While a number of steps remain before enabling legislation is introduced in Parliament to bring the Agreements into effect, successful community ratification marks a major milestone in the negotiations.

The Final Self Government Agreement for the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'įnę was signed by Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Tlegohli Got'ine Government Incorporated on September 18, 2025. This Agreement is a comprehensive Self-Government Treaty, setting out the jurisdictions and authorities of the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'įnę Government. Federal legislation to give force to the Agreement was introduced in Parliament in March 2026.

Intergovernmental Leader's Forum

Established under Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy, the Intergovernmental Leaders' Forum is a permanent, annual meeting between the Prime Minister, appropriate federal Ministers, and leaders of Indigenous Modern Treaty and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments. The forum provides an opportunity for direct conversations between leaderships on shared priorities and matters of mutual concern. In 2025-26, CIRNAC worked with Indigenous partners to co-develop Terms of Reference for the Forum, as well as a draft agenda for the next Forum. Both of these documents were approved-in-principle at the ministerial level.

While no Forum was held in 2025-26, planning for the next Forum has continued and is ongoing with Indigenous partners and other federal departments. Key priorities include advancing Modern Treaty, Self-Government and intergovernmental relations; promoting shared prosperity and security—including Arctic sovereignty—and building resilient communities.

Oversight Mechanism for Implementation of Modern Treaties

For over 20 years, Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners have been calling for improved independent oversight to hold the federal government accountable for Modern Treaty implementation. Canada and Indigenous Modern Treaty partners co-developed Bill C-10, "An Act respecting the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation" to establish a new Agent of Parliament that will provide credible, effective, sustainable and independent oversight on the federal implementation of Modern Treaties. Introduced in the House of Commons by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations on September 25, 2025, it was awaiting Third Reading by the House of Commons on March 31, 2026.

The establishment of the Commissioner for Modern Implementation advances Measure 9 of the United Nations Declaration Act Action Plan.

Economic Partnerships and Prosperity

In spring and summer 2025, CIRNAC undertook engagements across the federal system and with Indigenous Modern Treaty partners to identify and raise awareness of opportunities for economic collaboration and shared prosperity, particularly in the context of major infrastructure and development projects and the Building Canada Act. National Indigenous Organizations played an important role in supporting dialogue and ensuring Indigenous perspectives were reflected throughout the process.

An Economic Prosperity Table was established, with participation from most Modern Treaty and Self-Governing Partners. The Table supported strengthened engagement between partners and the Major Projects Office within the Privy Council Office, including dialogue related to the Building Canada Act.

In late Summer 2025, the Table was incorporated into the broader Collaborative Fiscal Policy Working Group. It initiated important discussions on economic priorities and concerns, including with the Deputy Ministers' Oversight Committee.

Agreement-Specific Implementation Progress

The following initiatives provide examples of continued progress in implementing and advancing modern treaty and self-government arrangements with specific partners:

Settlement of Agricultural Benefits Claims

Treaties 1 through 11 were signed between 1871 and 1921 between the Crown and First Nations, and are the only Historic Treaties that contained provisions for agricultural benefits. Through the Numbered Treaties, Canada promised ploughs, seeds for important crops, livestock such as cows and bulls, and other farming necessities. These agricultural benefits were intended to facilitate the economic transition, and as a result of Canada's failure to fulfil this Treaty obligation, First Nations did not have the equipment needed to support their members. Using the same approach to determine compensation when many First Nations have similar specific claims can significantly speed up the time it takes to resolve claims.

As of March 31, 2026, 58 agricultural benefits claims have been settled for a total of $7.7 billion.

Childhood Claims

Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation includes class actions, and individual and multi-plaintiff litigation related to the Sixties Scoop, former Residential Schools, Day Schools, Hospitals, Boarding Homes, provincial day schools, joint schools, and other education and care programming.

Progress has been made in resolving claims where the federal government has clear liability. More recent settlements have benefitted from lessons learned from those prior, and balance individual compensation with forward-looking investments in healing, wellness, education, language, culture, and commemoration. The remaining Childhood Claims, including off-reserve child welfare and Métis and Non-Status Sixties Scoop claims, have clearer provincial and territorial involvement and remain before the Courts.

On June 24, 2025, Federal Court approved the settlement agreement for the Federal Hospitals (Hardy) class action. The claims process opened on January 27, 2026 and claimants will have until July 27, 2028 to file a claim for compensation.

Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials

Canada is advancing reconciliation through the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 72 to 76 with respect to missing children and burial information associated with former residential schools.

To advance Calls to Action 74 to 76, CIRNAC continued supporting community-led and Survivor-driven initiatives to locate, document, and memorialize missing children and burial sites and graves associated with the 140 former residential schools included in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) and the five residential schools included in the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

This included supporting initiatives to honour families' wishes to identify and repatriate children's remains through the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund (the "Fund"). In October 2025, the remains of a child attending the Fort Resolution (St. Joseph's) residential school at Fort Resolution in the 1940s were identified and repatriated to her home community to be re-interred next to her mother.

In 2025-26, the Community Support Fund received 104 applications to support work to locate, identify and document missing children and burial sites associated with former residential schools. Of these applications, 52 received funding totalling $37.4 million. Of these, 52 communities (100%) are conducting research/knowledge gathering, 25 (48%) are working on memorialization/ commemoration projects, and 24 (46%) are undertaking technical fieldwork investigations. Additional information can be found on the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund Recipients website.

In 2025-26, CIRNAC supported the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (the National Centre) to implement Call to Action 72 (National Residential School Student Death Register and public-facing Memorial Register) and Call to Action 73 (National Residential School Online Cemeteries and Burial Sites Register), increasing the information available to families and Survivors on children who never returned home from former residential schools. Canada also provided $3.6 million in sustainability funding to the National Centre to support its work in preserving the history and experiences of Residential School Survivors and promoting reconciliation efforts across Canada.

On October 1, 2025, First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school Survivors gathered on Parliament Hill to raise the Survivors' Flag. Survivors came together to share their truths about the residential school system and honour the memory of all the children who never returned home. The Survivors' Flag symbolizes Canada's ongoing commitment to reconciliation and acknowledges the enduring trauma and ongoing impacts on Survivors and the generations that came after them. Survivors were joined at this commemorative event by leaders of National Indigenous Organizations, the Governor General of Canada, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

CIRNAC also supported work related to the legacy of the Île-à-la-Crosse School in Saskatchewan. Founded by the Catholic Oblates of Mary Immaculate and operating from the 1860s until 1975–76, the school separated Métis and First Nations children from their families and communities across northern Saskatchewan. Because the school was not included in the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, Survivors pursued separate legal action. Following years of advocacy by Métis and Dene Survivors, Canada and Saskatchewan announced and signed a proposed settlement agreement in January 2026. A settlement approval hearing was held before the Saskatchewan Court of King's Bench on March 30–31, 2026, and the Court approved the settlements on April 29, 2026, with the order taking effect on May 30, 2026. The settlement represented an important step toward recognition, accountability, healing, and reconciliation for Survivors, families, and affected communities.

National Council for Reconciliation

Established in March 2025, the National Council for Reconciliation (Council) is an independent, Indigenous-led, non-political organization whose purpose is to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada. As required by the Act, CIRNAC worked in collaboration with the Council's Board to develop a protocol for the disclosure of information from the Government of Canada to the Council. The protocol was signed by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Board Chairs on September 30, 2025, ensuring that the Council has access to the information it needs to carry out its mandate. The Department also provided the Council with an inaugural annual report on October 1, 2025, which included information on key indicators identified in Call to Action 55.

The Government of Canada announced $126.5 million in Budget 2019 to support the establishment and operation of the National Council for Reconciliation. This includes a Grant in the amount of $125 million to create an endowment to enable the Council to generate Income that will be used to carry out its purpose and functions as described in the National Council for Reconciliation Act and $1.5 million in contribution funding to support the first year of the Council's operations. In 2025-26, The Council received $65 million for an endowment and $1.5 million to support the first year of the Council's operations, with the plan to receive the second installment of $60 million in 2026-27.

The Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System

The Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System (ATRIS) is an online geography-based information system used by federal employees to help with initial understanding of potential and existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights, and plays a key role in supporting the Government of Canada's Section 35 duty to consult responsibilities. As part of this work, CIRNAC:

• Works with Indigenous communities and organizations to co-develop ATRIS profiles to share information on communities and organizations;
• Provides support to all departments on the Duty to Consult (40 departments and 895 inquiries in 2025-26);
• Delivers regular and in-depth training (32 webinars and 15 tailored training sessions to date in 2025-26) on the system.

In early 2026, CIRNAC incorporated potential projects of national interest and transformative strategies in the ATRIS. With this new information, the ATRIS better supports an initial understanding of Indigenous rights and interests related to these projects.

Further, more than 845 federal employees were trained on the Duty to Consult between April 2025 and January 2026. Indigenous voices are central to CIRNAC training and learning events for federal employees on Indigenous consultations. This includes Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers supporting the delivery of training for consultation practitioners, and may also involve co-developed and co-delivered learning events with Indigenous peoples.

CIRNAC also continuously supports the federal Impact Assessment Process led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to assess major projects under the Impact Assessment Act; providing subject matter expertise about the Duty to Consult and Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples; facilitating issues resolution and participating in the impact assessment governance structures. CIRNAC also supported the assessment of resource and infrastructure development projects assessed under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Act, and the Build Canada Act through the provision of departmental subject matter expertise and issues resolution.

Canada-First Nations Engagement

On July 17, 2025, the Prime Minister convened the First Nations Major Projects Summit, bringing together more than 430 First Nations leaders from across Canada alongside federal government representatives to engage on the implementation of the Building Canada Act. This was followed by nine regional engagement sessions attended by over 310 First Nations leaders and representatives for more direct discussions on implementing the Act, the work of the Major Projects Office, and major projects of national interest. Throughout the year, CIRNAC continued to work with the Assembly of First Nations on a myriad of policy initiatives including, Additions to Reserve Policy Redesign, attendance at the Special Chiefs Assembly whereby the Prime Minister committed to a first ever First Nations First Ministers Meeting, and engaging with the Regional Executive leadership regularly.

Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee

Significant progress to support implementation of joint priorities identified by Inuit and the Government of Canada continued to be made through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC). In July 2025, ICPC Leaders met in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, with nine federal ministers attending in person, underscoring the federal commitment to collaboration and open dialogue with Inuit. The meeting, co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), included a comprehensive discussion on major projects of national interest as well as important discussions on the infrastructure needs in Inuit Nunangat, Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy, and the need to further protect the security and sovereignty of the Arctic and Inuit Nunangat. This was followed by a ICPC Leaders meeting co-chaired by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the President of ITK in November 2025.

Through this work Inuit and Canada are advancing key commitments in priority areas. For example, in response to an obligation of the United Nations Declaration Act, the draft Consultation and Cooperation Guidance developed by the ICPC Legislative Priorities Working Group, which provides federal departments with advice for undertaking consultation and cooperation activities with Inuit; was conditionally approved at ICPC for one year at the November 24, 2025, ICPC Leaders meeting, and has since been officially approved by the Minister of Justice.

CIRNAC continued to promote awareness of the Inuit Nunangat Policy (2022) and its associated Cabinet Directive (2025). Training and education continues to be provided by the Inuit Nunangat Policy (INP) Implementation Secretariat through general and customized presentations, learning materials, and the facilitation of federal working groups. From April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, the INP secretariat:

• Delivered 31 INP tailored presentations at multiple levels from working-level analysts to executive tables;
• Conducted 23 bilaterial meetings and reviews of Cabinet documents with and for other government departments;
• Had 14 ICPC sub-working group meetings with Inuit to co-develop a guidance document to accompany the Cabinet Directive;
• 17 meetings with the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) and Inuit to develop learning tools and courses; and,
• Held five INP Federal Working Group meetings at the director-level.

The policy promotes prosperity, supports community and individual wellbeing throughout Inuit Nunangat, and recognizes Inuit Nunangat – the Inuit homeland – as a distinct geographic, cultural, and political region. It promotes a distinctions-based approach for federal policies, programs, services, and initiatives in Inuit Nunangat or that impact Inuit.

Canada-Métis Nation Engagement

On August 7, 2025, a Métis Summit on Major Projects was hosted by the Prime Minister to bring together Métis leaders with federal ministers. The Summit focused on substantive discussions on implementing the Building Canada Act with participants emphasizing the centrality of Métis rights, the need for meaningful involvement in major projects, and a shared commitment to advancing project-specific consultations and economic opportunities. CIRNAC continues to engage with Métis partners on their priorities such as housing, economic interests, and self-government.

Key Relationships - Other Indigenous Organizations

Canada maintains ongoing relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities not represented in permanent bilateral mechanisms through a variety of agreements to ensure diverse perspectives and voices inform the decision making regarding federal program, policy, legislation, and services with a goal to advance reconciliation.

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

CIRNAC has been working closely with Indigenous partners to advance a National Peoples Space for First Nations, Inuit and Métis within the heart of Canada's Parliamentary Precinct in the National Capital Region. It will provide a place for Indigenous governments, institutions, and organizations to conduct intergovernmental meetings and host events.

In 2025-26, the Department, in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada carried out extensive engagement with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council and the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council to define the vision for the buildings, including the design and operational requirements, as well as the connectivity of the respective spaces. This work will continue as Indigenous partners engage with their communities to further refine the needs and requirements for the spaces.