About Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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