2025-2026 Gender-based analysis Plus

1.1 Consultation and Accommodation

Program goals: To provide support to federal departments and agencies as they work to fulfill the federal government's legal duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous Peoples whose asserted or established Aboriginal or treaty rights may be adversely impacted by a federal activity. The program also provides capacity support funding and tools to Indigenous partners across regions in Canada. Indigenous representation within the program is determined by each Nation or community and reflects their own approaches to GBA Plus goals.

Target population: Indigenous Peoples, federal departments and agencies, federal-provincial-territorial relationships.

Distribution of benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: no significant distributional impacts.
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: The program primarily supports Indigenous Peoples' self-determination within their political, economic, social, and cultural development. The program supports Indigenous Peoples directly through enhanced capacity support provided via the implementation of consultation resource centres and co-developed consultation protocols. In addition, the program supports Indigenous Peoples indirectly by supporting federal officials in carrying out meaningful consultation through the provision of Indigenous-informed guidance, tools, and training. The activities of the program help to decrease litigation risks related to consultation, ensure a clearer path to achieving economic development/stimulus, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and respect the federal government's legal obligations related to section 35 Indigenous rights with a view to self-determination. These efforts will benefit Indigenous communities, including equity-seeking subgroups. There are currently 13 consultation protocols and eight resource centres in place through the Federal Initiative on Consultation; collectively, these mechanisms provide consultation capacity support to more than 400 Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations in Canada. Five additional protocols are in active co-development, with varying timelines for completion. In 2025–26, the department began funding the implementation of three new resource centres, enabling greater regional representation in provincial areas not previously served by the Federal Initiative on Consultation. In total, these resources are located in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and serve Métis and First Nations.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: The program supports Indigenous Peoples to determine their political, economic, social, and cultural development. The program transfers funds to First Nation and Métis partners through the Federal Initiative on Consultation, benefiting the diverse membership of all groups involved. The Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System (ATRIS) supports effective and meaningful consultation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments by providing federal officials with key information on rights-holders which informs processes to be supportive of reconciliation and self-determination goals. Similarly, consultation training opportunities ensure federal officials are well informed and able to facilitate meaningful, culturally appropriate, and equitable consultation processes.

While there is no specific population data available to understand the full scope of impacts from the program, the 2021 Census provides statistics on Indigenous Peoples living in Canada, which may be used to better understand the program's impacts on gender and diversity.

According to the Census, the Indigenous population grew by 9.4% from 2016 to 2021, surpassing the growth of the non-Indigenous population during the same period (+5.3%). Similar to the general population, each distinction-based group was represented by women at a rate of 50–52%. Indigenous populations are also the youngest in Canada, with 41.2% of Indigenous Peoples being under the age of 25, compared to 27.3% of non-Indigenous people. Additionally, a significantly higher proportion of Indigenous Peoples live in remote areas than non-Indigenous Peoples. Between 2017 and 2020, 68% of Inuit lived in remote or very remote areas, compared to 13.5% of First Nations people, 10.5% of Métis, and 3.3% of non-Indigenous people. Overall, the beneficiaries of this program represent a fast-growing, young, and diverse population across the country.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The department acknowledges that reliance on Indigenous partners for data related to program measurement may create an administrative reporting burden. The department continues to look for opportunities to work collaboratively towards the collection of GBA Plus-relevant data, where appropriate, and where Indigenous partners are interested in collaborating on GBA Plus objectives.

1.2 First Nation Jurisdiction over Land and Fiscal Management

Program Goals: The program 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.

Target population: Indigenous people

Distribution of Benefits:

• By gender: 60% to 79% women.
• By income level: somewhat benefits low income individuals (somewhat progressive).
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: The program has focused on supporting First Nations in exercising jurisdiction over land and fiscal management outside of the Indian Act. This focus has limited participation from self-governing and modern treaty First Nations, and Indigenous organizations providing services to First Nation communities. The expanded mandates of the First Nations Tax Commission and the First Nations Financial Management Board and the wide client-base of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute granted through Bill C-45 in June 2023, and regulations passed in October 2025 to enable self-governing groups to access the pooled-borrowing regime, will allow self-governing First Nations and Indigenous organizations to leverage the supports and tools of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which will help broaden the positive impacts on First Nations communities.

The program works directly with the land management organizations (Lands Advisory Board and the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre) and the fiscal institutions (the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Finance Authority, and the First Nations Infrastructure Institute) and other federal departments on ways to continue to improve the supports, tools, and powers available to First Nations under the two regimes, and increase First Nations participation.

While the program does not directly benefit a specific demographic group, the younger generations are expected to see a greater impact from strong jurisdiction and enhanced capacity over land and fiscal management over the course of their lifetimes, as improvements progressively generate tangible impacts on communities over several years.

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity: Overall, participation in opt-in agreements, such as the First Nations Fiscal Management Act and the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, on community well-being is associated with improvements in the areas of educational attainment, employment, income and housing, which in turn indirectly benefits vulnerable population groups, such as women, Elders, youth, people with disabilities and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

GBA Plus data collection plan: CIRNAC collects data and can report on distinctions, geographical location (province/territory, urban/remote), and population sizes for this program. As First Nations-led independent institutions, the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Finance Authority, and the First Nations Infrastructure Institute are responsible for data collection in relation to the delivery of their services, based on what information they deem necessary to ensure efficient support to First Nation governments and organizations. As such, they can collect data to support GBA Plus analysis, in a complementary fashion to what Canada is collecting through the program, should they choose to.

1.3 Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support

Program Goals: This program groups departmental activities that support the capacity of Indigenous organizations to operate in a sustainable manner, their ability to effectively identify and represent the needs and priorities of their respective memberships, and to engage with the federal government to advance policy and program positions that address their priorities. These organizations may represent First Nations (Status, Non-Status, On-Reserve and Off-Reserve), Métis, or Inuit communities living in urban or rural communities, as well as Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQI+ people, youth and other traditionally under-represented Indigenous people. Program goals are advanced through funding support to Indigenous organizations as well as through the implementation of various Crown-Indigenous relationship agreements. These activities aim to facilitate Indigenous organizational capacity and engagement, to ensure Indigenous voices and priorities are reflected in program and policy direction.

Target population: Indigenous Band, Tribal Council, Nation and/or Alliance, Indigenous organizations, Indigenous People, federal departments and agencies.

Distribution of Benefits:

• By gender: 60% to 79% women.
• By income level: somewhat benefits low income individuals (somewhat progressive).
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: For the initiative Supporting Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations demographic groups that benefit directly from the funding include Indigenous women, girls and 2-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) people.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Considering this is a new program, some of the impacts are that Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations have an increased ability to engage with their membership and government. Also, federal departments and agencies have access to culturally competent GBA Plus toolkits and guidance developed by Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people across the country.

GBA Plus data collection plan: CIRNAC developed and tested a verbal reporting option with recipients that complemented the standardized quantitative data collection instruments and financial reports. Verbal reports provided the opportunity for recipients to provide information about the impact of project funding on the organizations and their communities.

The department developed program specific terms and conditions for the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Program. This included the development of a program application, reporting templates to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, including disaggregated data (demographic, gender/identity, geography, etc.) to measure the impact of funding, activities and outcomes. The new Terms and Conditions came into effect with the launch of the national call for multi year concept submissions, which closed in September 2025. Funding agreements are currently being finalized and issued during the 2026–27 fiscal year.

1.4 Indigenous-led Services

Program Goals: This program groups departmental activities supporting Indigenous organizations in delivering services to Indigenous individuals and communities in support of Canada's response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S+) Calls for Justice. Proposal or distinctions-based funding is allocated to Indigenous organizations to deliver a range of programming and services, such as housing infrastructure, youth leadership development, cultural programming, and wellness and healing services to MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ survivors and their families. This funding aims to enhance First Nations, Inuit, and Métis access to culturally competent and Indigenous-led services, with the ultimate goals ultimate goals of supporting Indigenous Peoples' strengthened socio-economic conditions and well-being, and recognizing and resolving past injustices.

Target population: Indigenous Peoples

Distribution of Benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: strongly benefits low income individuals (strongly progressive).
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: The departmental activities/initiatives under the Indigenous-led Services Program benefit all three Indigenous distinctions: First Nations (on- and off-reserve), Inuit (in Inuit Nunangat and in urban/southern areas), and Métis (represented by six Métis organizations). The program also supports Indigenous organizations in delivering services to Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals as well as Indigenous youth. For example:

• Through the Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People initiative, CIRNAC provides Indigenous organizations with funding to provide services to Indigenous women and girls, as well as 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, both in rural and urban communities.
• Through the Call to Action 66 - Youth initiatives program, CIRNAC funds Indigenous organizations to provide services to Indigenous youth, including those in urban communities.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: The program advances gender equity, inclusion, and cultural well-being by supporting Indigenous-designed and -delivered services that respond to the diverse needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Through distinctions-based approaches, the program also helps address barriers experienced by Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, youth, Elders, survivors and families, while recognizing that experiences and priorities differ across communities, regions, and cultural contexts.

A key impact of the program is its support for culturally grounded services and healing initiatives that address the legacy of past harmful policies, historical displacement and family separation, and systemic inequities. Investments support access to housing, wellness, cultural revitalization, community healing, leadership development, and socio-economic opportunities, contributing to improved outcomes for populations that may face heightened vulnerabilities.

The program also advances inclusion by improving access to services for Indigenous people living in diverse geographic contexts, including urban, rural, remote, northern, and Inuit Nunangat communities. By supporting Indigenous organizations to design and deliver programs based on community-identified priorities, the program strengthens Indigenous self-determination while enabling partners to incorporate gender, diversity, and cultural considerations in ways that reflect local needs, identities, and governance approaches.

Consistent with the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation, the program seeks to balance GBA Plus objectives with respect for Indigenous self-determination, recognizing that Indigenous partners are best positioned to determine how gender, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion considerations are reflected in the design and delivery of services for their communities.

Supplementary Information Sources: MMIWG 2023–24 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report

GBA Plus data collection plan: As the initiatives/programs under the Indigenous-led Services Program are delivered by Indigenous partners, CIRNAC's access to GBA plus data is limited. Recognizing this, CIRNAC is taking a collaborative approach to strengthening its data collection while respecting Indigenous-led service delivery models and self-determination. The objective is to improve the availability and quality of GBA Plus data over time to better understand who is benefitting from investments and support program design.

To advance this work, CIRNAC is encouraging Indigenous partners to incorporate GBA Plus considerations into their program planning, monitoring, and reporting, and to share relevant GBA data when possible. This includes asking Indigenous partners to collect data on demographics, and outcomes related to housing and infrastructure, to better assess impacts across diverse population groups.

The development of GBA Plus data collection is at different stages across program initiatives. As data collection approaches improve, the program will continue to strengthen its understanding of key program impacts on gender and diversity through initiative-specific reporting.

1.5 Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties

Program Goals: The program aims to create, foster, and maintain ongoing relationships to support the fulfilment of Canada's legal obligations and objectives pursuant to modern treaties, self-government agreements and other constructive arrangements including the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples. It supports Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities in articulating their interests, participating in economic activities, and managing and developing land and resources. The program demonstrates the importance of agreements and related partnerships between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples by honouring Canada's obligations as set out in modern treaties and self-government agreements, and by improving collaboration between Canada and Indigenous Peoples, particularly between Canada and modern treaties and self-government agreement holders.

Target population: Indigenous Peoples (the program targets modern treaty, self-government and other constructive arrangement partners whose members, citizens and beneficiaries are First Nations, Inuit and Métis, across Canada).

Distribution of Benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: no significant distribution impacts.
• By age: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youth and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: The purpose of the program is not to dictate the needs of Indigenous partners, but to support them in making decisions for their communities within the context of modern treaties, self-government agreements, and other constructive arrangements. The intent is to narrow the gaps in social well-being between Indigenous Peoples who are members or beneficiaries of the treaties, agreements and other arrangements. Through their programs, partners also support marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as, but not limited to Indigenous women and girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and Indigenous youth.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: The program currently transfers funds to partners under modern treaties, self-government agreements, and other constructive arrangements, representing all distinctions-based groups. While there is no population data specific to all members and beneficiaries of our partners, the 2021 Census provides statistics on Indigenous Peoples living in Canada, which may be used to better understand the program's impacts on gender and diversity.

According to the Census, the Indigenous population grew by 9.4% from 2016 to 2021, surpassing the growth of the non-Indigenous population during the same period (+5.3%). Similar to the general population, each distinction-based group was represented by women at a rate of 50–52%. Indigenous populations are also the youngest in Canada, with 41.2% of Indigenous Peoples being under the age of 25, compared to 27.3% of non-Indigenous people. Additionally, a significantly higher proportion of Indigenous Peoples live in remote areas than non-Indigenous Peoples. Between 2017 and 2020, 68% of Inuit lived in remote or very remote areas, compared to 13.5% of First Nations people, 10.5% of Métis, and 3.3% of non-Indigenous people. Overall, the beneficiaries of this program represent a fast-growing, young, and diverse population across the country.

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity: The program transfers over $2B to partners who have the authority to invest these funds in their communities and for their citizens as they see fit. This enables them to address socio-economic gaps—disparities in social well-being outcomes such as health, housing, income, and education—between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in Canada. As a result, partners focus on a wide range of programs. Some target both men and women through programs such as Indigenous health care and social support, for which Indigenous partners can set their own priorities, administer their budgets, and manage their resources independently.

Through the program, partners identify specific community needs, which may lead to the prioritization of gender-specific projects. For example, they may invest in new or existing women's shelters and develop community programming that responds directly to local priorities. Other projects may target a more specific population, such as a specific age group, for specific distinctions groups, and within specific regions. In 2025–26, the program managed and implemented nine Sectoral Education Agreements for First Nations youth in British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, leading to positive changes for students. For example, the Mi'kmaq First Nations took control of their education system in 1998, and since then, the percentage of students graduating has increased from 30% to at least 90%.

Additionally, the program partners with other federal departments to transfer federal investments and programming such as the Indigenous Health Equity Fund, School Food Programing, Indigenous Languages, Family Violence Prevention, and Adult Education and Early Learning and Child Care. These transfers enhance the ability of Indigenous partners to make decisions that directly respond to their community needs. Ultimately, the program supports partners under modern treaties, self-government agreements, and other constructive arrangements, with the overarching goal of empowering Indigenous Peoples to control their political, economic, social, and cultural development, while improving socio-economic conditions and well-being.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The plan supports the annual collection of various data related to key program indicators outlined in the Performance Information Profile. It includes details on partners under modern treaties, self-government agreements, and other constructive arrangements, such as their distinctions group and geographic location. The program gathers Indigenous and non-Indigenous sourced qualitative information and analysis to support evidence-based decision-making. Additionally, the program continues to engage with partners who, through the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Development Process, aim to develop data tool kits, which may eventually be used to provide more in-depth GBA Plus analysis of the impact of the program on Indigenous women, men, 2SLGBTQI+, Elders and youth.

1.6 Negotiations of Treaties, Self-Government Agreements and other Constructive Arrangements

Program goals: This program 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 groups can exercise their right to self-determination and improve the political, cultural, and socio-economic conditions within their communities. GBA Plus principles are reflected in the negotiation process in various ways. For example, the parties may identify ways to ensure that the process is community-led through inclusive and accessible outreach and ratification efforts. These may focus specifically on women, youth and other socially vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and include thoughtful consideration of the most appropriate times, locations, individuals, and methods for delivering information to different subgroups. Further, considerations may be given to how a provision proposed for a treaty or self-government agreement would impact individuals based on the intersection of various identity characteristics including gender, sexual orientation, age, educational attainment, family and socio-economic status. Once an agreement has been concluded, Indigenous groups have the sole authority to allocate the associated funding. In doing so, Indigenous groups are able to allocate funding towards their own self-determined priorities. They are encouraged to apply GBA Plus principles, but it is not a requirement in the agreements.

Target population: All Indigenous groups in negotiations with the Government of Canada.

Distribution of benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced (48.6% men; 51.4% women).
• By income level: no significant distributional impacts.
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Negotiation of treaties and self-government agreements are anticipated to help close socio-economic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Published research (Deloitte, 2016) has shown that Indigenous groups with modern treaties, have, on average, higher community well-being (with respect to education, labour force activity, income, and housing) compared to those without modern treaties. In addition, Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people face gender-based barriers to participate in the exercise of Indigenous self-government, stemming from past and present discriminatory provisions in colonial policies and legislation, such as the identity and status provisions of the Indian Act which stripped many Indigenous women and youth of their cultural identities. As a result, they are often excluded from governance processes and decisions. The negotiation of treaties and self-government agreements may help to reconcile this exclusion of people that face gender-based barriers. Modern treaties, for example, are correlated with increased rates of gender equality of leadership compared to Indian Act bands.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Canada will continue to ensure that underrepresented groups have a voice in the engagement and co-development of policies, and will encourage diverse perspectives at negotiation tables where appropriate. CIRNAC recognizes that there are opportunities during the negotiation and ratification of an agreement to promote GBA Plus principles. For example, considering that marginalized and vulnerable groups can often be missed in voting and information dissemination activities, the department will work with Indigenous partners to co-develop an engagement and ratification strategy that applies a GBA Plus lens to ensure full accessibility. This includes developing a flexible strategy for engagement sessions to ensure they are held at optimal times and locations, including appropriate methods of delivering information to different sub-groups, and a flexible engagement and ratification strategy that allows for the participation of all community members.

Supplementary Information Sources: Deloitte (2016), Socio-economic Benefits of Modern Treaties in BC, BC Treaty Commission (PDF)

GBA Plus data collection plan: Impacts on Indigenous men, women, youth, Elders, 2SLGBTQI+ people, persons with disabilities, persons of various family and socio-economic status, and additional diversity groups are possible but yet to be established. The requirement to collect disaggregated data relating to 2SLGBTQI+ people has been discussed and included in the MMIWG National Action Plan Data Strategy.

1.7 Other Claims

Program Goals: CIRNAC has the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation strategy. In meeting these objectives, Canada works with partners to ensure that class members, their communities, their families, and those intergenerationally impacted will be able to participate. This includes those who are marginalized due to an intersection, or intersections of identity factors (e.g. 2SLGBTQI+, remoteness, disability, family status, location outside of community, etc.) will be able to participate in the various elements of the proposed initiative.

Target population: All Indigenous individuals and/or groups engaged in litigation with various parties, including Canada, involving Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation.

Distribution of Benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: no significant distributional impacts.
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Demographic groups impacted are claim-specific. All claims involve Indigenous individuals and/or groups, yet different cross-sections of the population. As such, any impacts and barriers are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: As settlements are implemented by an independent third party, data collection of this nature is not available. Further, it is unlikely that survivors, their counsel or the courts would agree/approve sharing of this information given the sensitive and confidential nature of the claims.

1.8 Residential Schools Legacy

Program Goals: Program funding supports Indigenous community-led initiatives to locate, document, commemorate, and memorialize unmarked burial sites as well as to honour families' wishes to bring children's remains home. There are currently 76 lead communities advancing investigations at 89 of the 145 former residential schools (some recipients lead initiatives on multiple schools). The GBA Plus outcome is that partners and communities have timely access to information to plan and implement Calls to Action 72 to 76 initiatives, successfully secure funding to plan and implement Calls to Action 72 to 76 activities, and implement initiatives to locate, document, and commemorate/memorialize missing children and burial sites associated with former residential schools.

Target population: First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples

Specifically, the focus for GBA Plus considerations is on residential school survivors, their communities and families, including those intergenerationally impacted and who could be marginalized due to an intersection of multiple compounding factors. The survivor community is a large and diverse cross-section of the Indigenous population, comprised of women, men, and gender-diverse people, including individuals from all distinction groups and regions, residing both on- and off-reserve, and in urban and remote communities.

Distribution of benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: somewhat benefits low income individuals (somewhat progressive).
• By age group: primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations.

Specific demographic group outcomes:

• First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples may benefit directly and indirectly.
• Residential school survivors, their communities and families, including those intergenerationally impacted, may benefit directly.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: While there is presently no data available to determine the impacts through an intersectional lens, existing research indicates that women and 2SLGBTQI+ survivors are more likely to face barriers to access and participation. Age is another important consideration that may be a barrier or impede participation, since residential school survivors are an aging population, with the majority being over the age of 65.

Other key program impacts: Disaggregated data is not available to track benefits of new funding agreements to particular populations. Increasing data collection could inadvertently negatively impact partners, small communities, and organizations and be perceived as an additional burden. These organizations often rely on volunteers to organize events and may reconsider applying for funding if the process becomes too complex; therefore, reporting requirements are limited. While recipients are required to report on the number of participants reached by an activity or initiative, they are not obliged to track intersectional identity factors of participants.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Limited disaggregated data and existing challenges with measurement and the quality of available data means that measuring progress needs to be considered against the need for meaningful reporting. In order to address GBA Plus challenges (such as capacity challenges, small population challenges, absence of identifiers for all Indigenous identity groups, including for 2SLGBTQI+ people, inconsistent data collection methods, and low rates of participation of key groups in survey instruments) there is significant work underway by the Government of Canada and its partners in key areas, some of which is being leveraged. The use of program data can enhance the understanding of results and impacts. CIRNAC will be collecting enhanced data on program recipients, as part of their regular reporting exercises during the program duration, that may contribute to better understanding the impacts through a GBA Plus lens.

1.9 Specific Claims

Program Goals: Specific claims are past grievances made by a First Nation against the federal government which relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets and to the fulfilment of historic treaties and other agreements. The specific claims process provides an alternative dispute resolution process specifically for First Nations. CIRNAC is considering the best approach to gather disaggregated data related to specific claims for the purpose of intersectional analysis while ensuring Indigenous data sovereignty.

Target population: First Nations

Distribution of Benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: somewhat benefits low income individuals (somewhat progressive).
• By age group: primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Demographic groups affected by this program include men, women and gender diverse members of First Nations.

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity: CIRNAC will ensure that GBA Plus considerations are integrated in the specific claims resolution process.

Supplementary Information Sources: Fiscal Realities Specific Claims Compensation and Economic Reconciliation (PDF), Fiscal Realities Economists, March 27, 2024.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The Performance Information Profile has been updated to clarify the program's results story, strengthen its performance indicators, align them with recently reported results, and respond to a recent evaluation of the program.

Although disaggregated data is not currently tracked or collected at negotiation tables, discussions are underway to identify the most appropriate approach for gathering such data to support intersectional analysis. These efforts are being guided by a commitment to uphold data sovereignty. Federal negotiators practice inclusive communication, and are mindful that colonial and patriarchal structures, as well as rhetoric, may impact the type and subject matters of negotiations.

2.1 Climate Change Adaptation and Clean Energy

Program goals: To provide programming to support Indigenous and Northern communities, organizations, and Peoples to help monitor and adapt to a changing climate, while also working to mitigate emissions through diesel reduction initiatives. The program takes a collaborative and capacity building approach, working with governments, communities, and Indigenous organizations to first identify priorities and then provide direct funding support to monitor, collect and develop climate data, conduct assessments and plans to identify and address the impacts of climate change, and to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. This work helps communities, governments, and Indigenous organizations with decision-making and the implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation actions, while ensuring that these measures are self-determined and community driven. GBA Plus considerations are applied through a variety of methods to mitigate impacts. For example, committees are integrated into the governance structures of the First Nation Adapt (FNA), Northern REACHE, Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring (ICBCM), and Climate Change Preparedness in the North (CCPN) initiatives to help bring diverse voices and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, youth, and women to the table when making funding decisions. These approaches also consider the realities of community remoteness, regional differences, and Indigenous distinction-based priorities.

Target population: Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and Northern communities.

Distribution of benefits:

• By gender: 60 to 79% men.
• By income level: no significant distributional impacts.
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Demographic groups affected by this program include Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and rural and remote communities. These groups stand to benefit directly and indirectly from program activities. Barriers to participating in this program include capacity issues, resulting in communities and organizations being unable to submit program applications and manage projects.

The program benefits all distinction-based Indigenous Peoples. It responds to priorities consistently voiced by Indigenous participants in consultations ongoing since the release of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Indigenous voices have called for "multi-dimensional, interconnected and interrelated solutions" and for "systemic change, grounded in a reconnection to the land". They have emphasized the importance of self-determination in climate action and have asked to be recognized not as vulnerable populations, but as agents of change with the knowledge, means, and motivation to shape their collective future.

Indigenous participants have also called for approaches grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, which are centered on a unique relationship with the environment. These approaches emphasize the reciprocity between humans and the ecologies of which they are a part, and a long-term perspective informed by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, which promote a seven-generation outlook on the benefits of current actions.

It is important to note that women are disproportionally affected by the impacts of climate change globally. Their traditional roles as primary users and managers of natural resources, caregivers, and keepers of the home mean they are closely connected to, and depend on, resources most at risk from climate change. Their knowledge and lived experiences are vital to shaping effective community-based adaptation strategies.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: The initiatives within this program have incorporated specific, intentional measures to ensure they are responsive to the unique contexts and strengths of Indigenous Peoples and Northern communities. Programs such as FNA, CCPN, and ICBCM are designed to be distinction-based and community-led, embedding flexibility to accommodate differing regional realities and cultural priorities.

Funding application and project design processes are adapted to reflect local capacity and allow for community-defined timelines, priorities, and knowledge systems, including Indigenous languages, land-based knowledge, and oral histories. Across these initiatives, governance and decision-making structures, such as committees, are built to be inclusive of youth, women, Elders, and knowledge holders, ensuring that multiple and diverse perspectives guide both funding decisions and project implementation.

Reporting from the ICBCM program indicates that projects are frequently led by, or directly involve, Indigenous women and youth, whose lived experiences and knowledge strengthen the accuracy, relevance, and cultural grounding of climate monitoring activities. Northern REACHE supports clean energy projects that not only aim to reduce diesel use but also create training and employment opportunities targeted at women and youth in remote and Northern communities.

By embedding inclusive approaches into program design and delivery, the initiatives aim to reduce systemic barriers, support self-determined solutions, and promote equitable participation in climate decision-making and action.

GBA Plus data collection plan: While data gaps limit the ability to fully identify potential negative effects of the proposed activities, the program supports several data collection efforts to capture GBA Plus information:

• Proposal templates across program initiatives now include a question asking what steps the project will take to incorporate the views of vulnerable groups, such as women, gender-diverse people, youth, Elders, 2SLGBTQI+ or people with disabilities. This is subsequently tracked through a question in the annual activities reporting template. The programs have been using a distinctions-based and region-based approach to apply funding, while also supporting and encouraging communities to submit youth-led and youth-targeted projects. Where possible, distinction based data is collected although targets are primarily set as pan-northern or pan-Indigenous.
• Data is gathered on a distinction basis, including information such as distinction type, region/geographic considerations, gender of project lead, and if a project is youth-led or has a youth focus.
• Use of geographic information to identify the Index of Remoteness for project locations and to distinguish the province or territory in which a project is located.

2.2 Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability

Program goals: To contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples, Northerners and Canadians through sustainable management, monitoring and assessment of land and resources throughout the North. The program ensures that decision making is fully informed by providing science and policy reports and advice informed by scientific and Indigenous knowledge and meaningful engagement, and by co-developing strategic plans to address environmental concerns and impacts. The program ensures efficient and effective monitoring systems in the North by coordinating, generating and managing scientific and environmental data and by publishing results, reports and data.

Initiatives under the NAES are developed and implemented using a GBA Plus lens to ensure equitable access, meaningful participation, and culturally informed outcomes. This includes proactively identifying and addressing potential differential impacts on diverse groups, with particular attention to Indigenous peoples, such as First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities – including Elders, women, youth and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Program design and delivery incorporate engagement approaches that respect Indigenous knowledge systems, lived experiences and community priorities. This approach supports more responsive and effective initiatives that contribute to equitable outcomes for participants.

Target population: Indigenous Peoples and Northern communities.

Distribution of benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: somewhat benefits high income individuals based on their availability to obtain access to the information.
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Students, workers, higher-educated individuals benefit directly and lower-educated individuals, newcomers or immigrants benefit indirectly.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: The Northern Participant Funding Program supports Indigenous participation in impact assessments and some board-led regulatory processes of major projects in the three territories. That participation has a bias towards the effects of projects on traditional male land use and activities, to the detriment of looking at the impacts on Indigenous women. Quantitative data is sparse, but there is growing qualitative evidence supporting this difference.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The Northern Participant Funding Program includes a GBA Plus performance indicator that tracks how many recipients incorporated GBA Plus into their funded activities and interventions. At this time, the program has received 18 of 46 activity reports for 2025–26, of which 17 recipients responded with "yes" to indicate that they took steps to incorporate GBA Plus in their work (responding to the question is voluntary). The remaining responded with "no," due to their focus on Inuit participation through the board-led process. In addition, administrative data can be used to inform impact assessments, however applicants are not requested to confirm their gender identity when applying to the Northern Participant Funding Program. This type of quantitative data would demonstrate the level of support for women in science, however there is currently no plan to collect this information.

2.3 Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships

Program goals: This program strengthens northern communities and people by: devolving responsibilities for lands and natural resources to territorial governments; fostering effective intergovernmental relations with territorial and Inuit governments; collaborating with Inuit organizations and providing support to Territorial Commissioners; and providing grants for hospital and physician services in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Canadians and Northerners will benefit from territorial governments ultimately having more control over their own affairs.

Target population: All Northerners, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the territories, Provincial and Territorial governments, Indigenous government and partners.

Distribution of benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: no significant distributional impacts.
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Devolution is expected to benefit all residents of Nunavut, particularly Inuit, who make up 85% of the population. Currently in the implementation phase, devolution aims to transfer land and resource management decision-making from the federal government to the territorial government. Strategies to maximize employment benefits and opportunities have drawn on lessons from efforts to achieve 85% Inuit representation in public sector workplaces, where current Inuit employment ranges between 30% and 50%. However, poor educational outcomes in the territory limit the pool of qualified Inuit candidates. A minority of adult Inuit obtain a high school diploma, and post-secondary opportunities within Nunavut remain limited. Gender disparities in science-based education and employment also present barriers. According to the 2016 Census, women in Nunavut were more likely to have a university-level credential, but men were more likely to have studied in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The 2021 Census continued to show that women in Nunavut led in overall postsecondary attainment, particularly in fields such as education, health, and social sciences; however, comparable gender-specific percentages for university-level and STEM credentials were not broken down in the same detail as in 2016. As some post-devolution positions will require scientific or technical expertise, Inuit men with STEM field degrees may have an advantage.

Additionally, housing shortages in many communities affect employment opportunities, mobility, and decision-making when job offers are presented. The lack of affordable and safe housing disproportionately affects women, particularly those supporting families or fleeing domestic violence, further limiting their employment options.

Initiatives led by CIRNAC are targeted towards Indigenous Peoples and Northerners, where identifiable barriers relate to limited connectivity in the North, which may restrict the virtual participation of Indigenous project partners from remote northern communities.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: To address and mitigate potential barriers to Inuit employment benefits flowing from devolution, the parties co-developed and are now implementing the Transitional Human Resources Development Strategy. The objective is to maximize Inuit employment by focusing on training and skills development in lands and resources related jobs. This initiative can increase the pool of qualified candidates and further develop the skills and experience of Inuit with existing qualifications. The Transitional Human Resource Development Strategy is built on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit social values including: Pilimmaksarniq /Pijariuqsarniq (development of skills through observation, mentoring, practice, and effort); Qanuqtuurniq (being innovative and resourceful); Piliriqatigiinniq /Ikajuqtigiinniq (working together for a common cause); and, Tunngaviqattiarniq (reflecting and establishing a solid foundation).

The Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement provides ongoing funding for the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to bilaterally develop a post-devolution strategy to continue encouraging and supporting Inuit education and employment in government.

Further investments in housing, through the construction of new units and leasing of existing privately-owned units, will create an environment where Inuit from across the territory can enjoy greater mobility and take work outside their home communities.

The department is also responsive to Indigenous Peoples and Northerners by prioritizing meaningful engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities, leaders, and stakeholders across diverse cultural, linguistic, and geographical backgrounds. There is also a need to recognize the dynamic and evolving needs of Indigenous Peoples and Northerners; as such, program design should remain flexible and adaptable. This allows for responsive adjustments based on community feedback, changing priorities, emerging issues, and lessons learned.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The program draws on Inuit employment data for the public service in Nunavut, currently between 30% and 50% against the 85% representation objective. Progress under the Transitional Human Resources Development Strategy is reported as a data point in the absence of a formal indicator.

2.4 Northern Contaminated Sites

Program goals: The Northern Contaminated Sites Program (NCSP) addresses risks to the environment and human health and safety posed by legacy mining, petroleum, and government military activities dating back over half a century. These activities have resulted in approximately 150 active contaminated sites in the three territories, impacting the fragile northern environment and local communities. The program's responsibilities include site assessments, care and maintenance, remediation, and monitoring activities aimed at reducing federal environmental liabilities. Concurrently, the NCSP promotes new socio-economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and Northerners through its contaminated sites projects.

Indigenous and northern communities benefit from enhanced access to employment and business opportunities generated by the program, fostering long-term partnerships and capacity building. The NCSP also collects training and employment data, including statistics on northern and Indigenous workforce participation, and adheres to the Treasury Board Secretariat's Direction to Modernize the Government of Canada's Sex and Gender Information Practices. Additionally, the program collects gender-disaggregated data to complete, implement, and monitor GBA Plus considerations.

Target population: Indigenous Peoples and Northerners living in proximity to contaminated sites in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Distribution of benefits: By gender: broadly gender-balanced.

Specific demographic group outcomes: The NCSP aims to remediate contaminated sites in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut directly benefiting Indigenous Peoples and Northerners living nearby. Positive outcomes across various demographic groups are primarily realized by reducing human health risks, enhancing community well-being, and increasing opportunities through employment and business growth.

Indigenous Peoples, particularly impacted due to their reliance on country foods, stand to gain significantly from the NCSP, which improves food security by eliminating contaminants from local ecosystems. Elderly individuals, vulnerable to health impacts from contaminants, and adults alike will also benefit.

Youth and future generations stand to gain the most in the long-term, with cleaner lands supporting cultural and community health and biodiversity. The program also creates substantial employment opportunities, particularly in STEM and construction fields, benefiting both men and women, though with a greater impact on men due to the industry's gender imbalance.

Indigenous communities benefit from increased accessibility to jobs and business ventures, fostering partnerships and capacity building. However, challenges remain for women's equal access to employment, including barriers such as lack of specific skills, childcare responsibilities, and transportation issues. Similarly, Elders and disabled individuals face hurdles related to the physical demands and mobility challenges present in contaminated site work.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: The NCSP is responsive to diverse Indigenous Peoples and Northerners by understanding the direct and indirect impacts contaminated sites in the North have on these individuals and ensuring that the remediation of contaminated sites is done in a way that provides socio-economic benefits to affected groups. The program measures the percentage of training hours and person-hours received by Northerners, Indigenous Peoples, women, and Indigenous women, as well as the percentage of expenditures paid through contracts awarded to Indigenous and northern businesses, while working to ensure that these groups benefit most from remediation activities. In addition, all Northern Contaminated Sites Projects are part of the Government-wide procurement directive that has set a minimum of 5% of the value of procurement being awarded to Indigenous businesses.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The NCSP collects socio-economic data on each of its projects, which include statistics on the number of Indigenous, northern, women and Indigenous women employees, as well as the number of expenditures paid to Indigenous and northern businesses. This data is collected on a quarterly basis and is used to meet a number of internal and external reporting requirements. The program will continue collecting data in a similar manner to track the impacts of projects on affected sub-groups. The NCSP continues to collect and report socio-economic data, including from contracts issued through Public Services and Procurement Canada on behalf of the program. In line with the Treasury Board Secretariat's Direction to Modernize the Government of Canada's Sex and Gender Information Practices, the program collects data disaggregated by gender, Indigenous identity and northern residence for the purposes of completing, implementing, and monitoring GBA Plus considerations.

2.5 Northern Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks

Program Goals: The objective of the program is to support the management, sustainable development and regulatory oversight of the land, water, natural resources, and environment of the North, delivering on the department's role as the Government of Canada's natural resource manager in Nunavut and the northern offshore, and its post-devolution responsibilities in the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Northern regulatory processes are rooted in modern treaties, with the program actively supporting Indigenous knowledge and participation in decision making. Specific responsibilities include:

• Managing oil and gas resource development.
• Supporting the sustainable management of active mineral exploration and development in the remaining department-managed land and water areas in the North.
• Supporting efficient and effective legislative and regulatory environments that respect and reflect modern treaties.

Target population: All Canadians, with a particular focus on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, as well as Northern populations, territorial governments, and stakeholders including the mining and oil and gas exploration industries.

Distribution of benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: no significant distributional impacts.
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Target populations affected by this program stand to benefit directly and indirectly from program activities (i.e. the management of renewable and non-renewable resources). Supporting the capacity of Indigenous governments and organizations to participate in resource co-management regimes will benefit all Canadians by creating better informed legislation, regulations, and operations that promote healthy national ecosystems, economies, and societies. Barriers to participating in this program include capacity issues, resulting in communities and organizations being unable to submit comments/recommendations and/or participate in proceedings pertaining to resource management legislation, project applications, etc.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: According to reports commissioned by organizations representing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women and underrepresented groups in the North, northern resource development has an ongoing legacy of perpetuating harassment, violence, and discrimination against Indigenous women, youth, and the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The program aims to mitigate adverse impacts from development by promoting the sustainable management of northern lands, waters, natural resources and environments. This approach responds to needs identified by partners, including Indigenous governments and organizations, territorial governments, resource management boards, and industry, while respecting structures established by modern treaties. This includes collaborative efforts with partners to identify and advance regulatory and legislative priorities. Examples include the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA) Oversight Group and YESAA Forum in Yukon, the Mackenzie Valley Operational Dialogue in the Northwest Territories, and various board forums across the North.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Research conducted by the program in 2022–23 indicated that the development of an optional GBA Plus reporting question for contribution agreements would support GBA Plus and disaggregated data collection moving forward. In 2023–24, the program began collecting data on what steps Indigenous governments, organizations, and Northerners who received funding under the Northern Regulatory Initiative, took to include GBA Plus and intersectional considerations as part of regulatory development activities in the North. Insufficient data provided in previous years contributed to the program's inability to monitor and report on program impacts by gender and diversity effectively. Since a baseline for analysis and evaluation could not be established in 2022, the program will look at proponent considerations for advancing culturally competent GBA Plus, while respecting the right of Indigenous governments and organizations towards self-determination.

Through reporting under the Northern Regulatory Initiative, this program will track the percentage of Indigenous representation at regulatory dialogue sessions. This information will help determine whether Indigenous governments and organizations are being provided sufficient opportunities to meaningfully participate in and engage with resource management practices in the North. Providing opportunities for Indigenous governments and organizations to share their perspectives and knowledge strengthens co-management processes, leading to better decision outcomes for Indigenous peoples who are disproportionately negatively impacted by resource management and mining activities.

2.6 Northern Strategic and Science Policy

Program goals: The objectives of the program are to ensure that Canadians benefit from well-informed northern policy and to position Canada as a leader in integrated policy development. The focus is on supporting Canada's Arctic and northern organizations, individuals, communities, and governments in achieving a strong, inclusive, vibrant, prosperous, and self-sufficient North, as outlined in Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF). This involves coordinating federal efforts, providing scientific leadership, and effectively delivering federal programs, alongside fostering strong relationships with Indigenous and territorial partners.

The program's role in implementing the ANPF includes:

• Coordinating whole-of-government approaches to Arctic and northern issues.
• Engaging with Indigenous, territorial and provincial partners.
• Implementing strategic initiatives through budget requests (e.g., in support of post-secondary education in the North) that advance Government of Canada priorities and those of its partners.
• Participating in federal government initiatives or programs that support the goals and objectives of the ANPF (sometimes led by other government departments or agencies).

Target population: Indigenous Peoples, Northerners, and provincial and territorial governments

Distribution of benefits: By gender: broadly gender-balanced

Specific demographic group outcomes: Although the ANPF is designed primarily to benefit Northerners and Indigenous Peoples who live in the North, there are benefits for all Canadians. Targeted initiatives intended to enhance access to northern post-secondary education will deliver benefits to Indigenous Peoples in the North and will also benefit the Canadian economy as a whole by building and expanding the Canadian workforce that can support the development of the North.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: The program seeks to inform strong policy analysis, through engagement with Indigenous and government partners, as well as with community and non-governmental organizations. ANPF partners have established guiding principles for its co-implementation, emphasizing diversity, equality, and the use of GBA Plus to assess impacts on diverse groups. ANPF implementation is focused on closing gaps in areas such as healthcare, education, economic prosperity, housing, infrastructure, security, and environmental protection.

Other key program impacts: The program provides support for the shared priorities, goals and objectives of Canada's ANPF, specifically for Goal 1: Canadian Arctic and northern Indigenous Peoples are resilient and healthy. Significant disparities exist in health and social development outcomes between Arctic and northern Indigenous Peoples and most other Canadians. Initiatives such as the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning and the construction of a science building at Yukon University aim to reduce these inequalities caused by poor access to education for Arctic and northern Indigenous Peoples.

Support for a new science building at Yukon University is expected to benefit all genders, while investment in the Dechinta Centre will particularly support Indigenous women. Dechinta provides integrated childcare and schooling for students' children, addressing what students identified as the primary barrier to women's post‑secondary participation in the Northwest Territories. In its 2019–2024 impact report, Dechinta noted that 22.54% of applicants required childcare; of these, 27.78% were Indigenous northern students. Among Indigenous northern applicants overall, 60.42% identified a childcare need. Each program includes an average of 10 children attending with their parents. Dechinta also supports the 2SLGBTQI+ community through its 2022 Gender and Queer Terminology Toolkit, with about 100 copies printed and distributed to students, faculty, guest lecturers, staff, and community members.

Yukon University's 2022–2027 strategic plan embeds a commitment to advancing reconciliation by prioritizing Indigenous knowledge in curricula, teaching, leadership, and governance. The university will also collaborate with First Nations, create an Indigenous student centre, and address social injustices. Its support for women and non‑binary students includes programs in gender studies, women's history, and intersectional perspectives. A pre‑apprentice welding program designed for women and non‑binary learners provides tuition coverage and supports such as childcare, rent, and food through Yukon Women in Trades and Technology.

GBA Plus data collection plan: For some initiatives, the ANPF relies on data provided by its partners, such as territorial governments and post-secondary institutions in the North and the Arctic, supported through one completed grant (March 2023) and two ongoing contributions, to assess progress on gender-based issues. The program utilizes gender and regional aggregated data provided by these partners.

Annual reports are collected from the Government of Northwest Territories/Aurora College, the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning, and Yukon University. Additionally, available data from Statistics Canada is accessed to support this work, including census data aggregated by region, gender, and Indigenous identity.

Currently, the program aggregates these data sources to support GBA Plus results and continues to explore options for integrating GBA Plus into reporting requirements for future funding recipients, where feasible.

2.7 Nutrition North

Program goals: The goal of the program is to improve the accessibility and affordability of market and traditional foods to individuals living in northern isolated communities. Given women's roles as caregivers and their direct involvement in food preparation and caregiving activities within households, the subsidy, which reduces food prices, directly benefits women and other vulnerable groups, such as children and Elders. While the subsidy applies broadly, the Harvesters Support Grant (HSG) and Community Food Programs Fund (CFPF) specifically target the most vulnerable groups, ensuring the equitable distribution of food among women, Elders, and children. This is achieved by increasing access to country food through funding support for traditional hunting, harvesting, and food sharing activities.

Target population: Indigenous Peoples and Northerners.

Distribution of benefits:

• By gender: broadly gender-balanced.
• By income level: strongly benefits low income individuals (strongly progressive).
• By age group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors for the subsidy (However, the HSG and the CFPF directly benefit intergenerational learning and knowledge transmission from Elders and experienced community members to youths. This helps to promote the continuation and, at times, the reinvigoration of traditional practices in communities).

Specific demographic group outcomes: NNC programming supports residents of isolated, northern communities who are of Indigenous majority (predominately Inuit and First Nations, with a smaller Métis population). It includes the subsidy program and CFPF, which aim to increase food accessibility and affordability. The HSG a distinctions-based approach, benefiting communities with harvesting rights. The Research Grant emphasizes collaboration between academic and Indigenous communities. These initiatives aim to address food insecurity among marginalized groups, including Indigenous women, children, lone-parent households, differently abled individuals, and Elders. Collectively, HSG and Research Grants are designed to restore traditional food practices, strengthen community ties, and support mental health and physical well-being. The programming aligns with Indigenous self-determination principles and responds to calls for justice concerning Indigenous health, culture, and safety, contributing to broader sustainability goals under international frameworks like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the ANPF.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: The HSG and CFPF prioritize Indigenous self-determination and local decision-making. These programs support the revitalization of traditional governance structures like Elders and Women's Councils, and the enhancing of community leadership and cultural practices. Regular engagement with Indigenous partners through advisory boards and working groups ensures diverse perspectives to inform program policies and decisions. The CFPF facilitates community feasts and food preparation classes, supports local food security initiatives, such as initiatives for adapting to climate challenges, and fosters inclusive participation. The Women's Council guides program design and funding decisions, ensuring a gender sensitive approach that addresses diverse community needs. Additionally, the Food Security Research Grant promotes Indigenous-led research on food security, aiming to fill knowledge gaps and improve policy outcomes. Expansion efforts include supporting small retailers, local growers and producers, non-profits, and food banks, enhancing access to affordable food and fostering economic opportunities in northern communities.

Supplementary information sources:

• Aboriginal Peoples Survey (2017)
• Final Report on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2019) (PDF)
• Canadian Community Health Survey, 2014, 2015–16
• Nutrition North Canada Engagement 2016, Final report on what we heard
• Council of Canadian Academies | CCA | Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge
• Lemke, S., & Delormier, T. 2017. Indigenous Peoples' food systems, nutrition, and gender: Conceptual and methodological considerations. Maternal & child nutrition, 13(3)
• Food Security Research Grant
• Evaluation of the Nutrition North Canada Horizontal Initiative
• Nutrition North Canada Engagements: What We've Heard About the Reform of the Program

GBA Plus data collection plan: In 2025–26, NNC hosted four regional engagement sessions in Inuit Nunangat, Northern Ontario, Northern Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. These engagements culminated in a Food Sovereignty Summit held in March 2026 that brought together Indigenous leaders, community partners, local producers and harvesters, researchers, and government officials to advance northern food security and food sovereignty. The summit focused on hearing a diversity of voices regarding local food economies, hunting, harvesting and food-sharing practices, food access and affordability, and strengthening collaborative relationships across communities. NNC also hosted regular engagement sessions with the NNC Advisory Board, NNC Indigenous Working Group, and Inuit Crown Food Security working group. These regularly scheduled dialogues continued to support and strengthen the delivery of NNC programming including through culturally appropriate, locally-led solutions that support the most vulnerable and food insecure. This work includes efforts to ensure women's participation to support and amplify their role as keepers of communities and traditions.

The HSG program receives recipient reports regarding progress communities have made towards their self-determined goals. Often these reports include descriptions of harvesting and food sharing activities that are directly supported by NNC's HSG. These reports provide a qualitative lens to the program on how the HSG is benefiting Indigenous groups, with a lens on vulnerable groups including single-women, youth and Elders. NNC continues to consult with Indigenous partners to gain a more nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of women and other vulnerable groups in eligible communities. These consultations will help to inform program reform.

Since expanding eligibility to local northern food growers, harvesters and country food processors, NNC has onboarded eight food banks and two local producers, with additional applications currently being processed. To date, participating food banks have shipped more than 497,000 kilograms of free food and essential items to eligible northern communities. These partnerships support a range of local, community-led food production and processing initiatives in eligible communities. These partnerships strengthened locally driven food systems, increased access to locally produced and culturally appropriate foods, and supported a more resilient northern food economy.

Phase 2 of NNC's Food Security Research Grant is investing over $2M in nine Indigenous-led projects focusing on alternative subsidy models, supply chains, harvesting economies, and Indigenous-led food sovereignty solutions. All future planning commitments and policy changes that are informed by the research grant projects will seek input from NNC's Indigenous partners including its Advisory Board, Indigenous Working Group, and the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group. All recipients incorporated a GBA Plus lens in their research design, methods, analysis and interpretation, and dissemination of findings.

The horizontal evaluation of NNC covering fiscal years 2019-20 to 2024-25 was completed this year. The evaluation provided a picture of NNC programs and the extent to which NNC is improving food security, especially among the most vulnerable. The evaluation found that the program remains valued by northern and Indigenous communities and has contributed to food security and food sovereignty objectives. It also identified opportunities to strengthen governance, transparency, affordability measurement, Indigenous leadership, and support for community-led food systems. The evaluation was informed by the direct involvement of Indigenous partners, local communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and others affected by NNC. The findings will be used to inform future NNC program reform.

NNC advances the Gender Results Framework objective of reducing food insecurity by improving access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods while strengthening Indigenous-led governance, cultural continuity, and community-led food systems. In all NNC data collection initiatives, we recognize that traditional Indigenous societies take different, varying approaches to gender balance. Pre-colonization, Indigenous communities included a significant role for women as keepers of the community, with many First Nations communities being historically matrilineal. To honour traditional cultures, NNC recognizes the need for women's participation in all aspects of society. NNC also responds to the Calls to Justice of the MMIWG in the thematic categories of Health and Wellness, Culture and Human Security and Safety. The long-term benefits of NNC programming will manifest in women's participation in traditional decision-making, mental health and spiritual well-being, as well as strengthened food security for women and marginalized groups.