First Nations Municipal Collaboration
Many municipalities and First Nations want to collaborate as neighbours, but they don’t always know where to begin. The Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI), implemented in partnership by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), aims to improve the economic prosperity of First Nations and adjacent municipalities through joint community economic development planning and initiatives.
CEDI’s approach is to convene, listen and unite. CEDI gives First Nations and municipalities a chance to come together, learn from each other and work on common priorities, all while building respectful and sustainable government-to-government partnerships.
Since 2013, CEDI has helped dozens of municipalities and First Nations develop partnerships that establish and support their mutually beneficial economic development. This website includes tools, guides, case studies, friendship accords, videos and seminars.
The CEDI Stronger Together Toolkit offers step-by-step suggestions on how to bridge differences so partners can find new ways to work together for mutual prosperity.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
Background
The High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) by the General Assembly on 13 September 2007, as a triumph for justice and human dignity following more than two decades of negotiations between governments and Indigenous peoples' representatives.
It was adopted with 144 votes in favour, 11 abstentions and four States against (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America). Since then, a number of States have changed their position, including the four which voted against but have now endorsed the Declaration.
Summary
The Declaration is the most comprehensive instrument detailing the rights of Indigenous peoples in international law and policy, containing minimum standards for the recognition, protection and promotion of these rights. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of the world's Indigenous peoples.
The Declaration addresses both individual and collective rights, cultural rights and identity, rights to education, health, employment, language, and others. It outlaws discrimination against Indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them. It also ensures their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own priorities in economic, social and cultural development. The Declaration explicitly encourages harmonious and cooperative relations between States and Indigenous peoples.
UNDRIP and Canadian municipalities: Examples
Vancouver
On July 8, 2014, Vancouver was designated a City of Reconciliation when Council adopted the Reconciliation Framework. Since then, the City of Vancouver has embarked on a Reconciliation journey to advance Reconciliation.
In 2021, Vancouver City Council created the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) Task Force. The Task Force was convened in partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
An outline of the complete journey of Vancouver’s Reconciliation work
Resources for Indigenous People
Resources for Non-Indigenous People
Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon recognizes it has an important leadership role to play in Reconciliation, and that healing and repairing the relationship requires increased understanding of the legacy and the impacts still being felt.
On these pages you'll find more information about how the City of Saskatoon is responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and working to promote Reconciliation in their community.
Ottawa
The City of Ottawa shares their City of Ottawa Reconciliation Action Plan, Official Statement of Reconciliation and other actions taken toward truth and Reconciliation.
What is Allyship?
The word ally comes from the Latin word “alligare” which means “to bind to.” It is defined as an individual, country or organization that unites with another in a mutually beneficial friendship.
Every individual has the opportunity to be an ally and take a stand for a person or group that is being discriminated against. As an ally, there are many actions you can take to challenge oppressive power structures, from educating yourself, taking a stand against oppressive jokes in the workplace to organizing and attending events against discrimination. Being an ally is an ongoing journey that forces you to challenge and re-examine your own bias and prejudices and ultimately, use your privilege to take a stand when individuals or groups are targeted unjustly. The journey toward becoming an ally can be an uncomfortable one where you need to truly self-reflect on what you believe to be true and question whether your preconceived notions reflect the truth.
It is important to remember that not all forms of allyship look the same, as different scenarios require different actions and support. For some, being an ally means showing up to social movement protests and for others it means interrupting a comment or joke that is insensitive toward a target group. Within a municipal context, reflect on your existing policies, by-laws, and practices that may be creating barriers for access to equity and ask how you can be an ally for disproportionately disadvantaged people in your community.
Acts of allyship may be public or private and both can be equally powerful. Whether a leader of people or not, we all have an opportunity to be allies.
When it comes to AREI and Reconciliation, there are many ways in which an individual can use their privilege and power to take action toward dismantling systems of oppression. Being an ally goes beyond checking actions off a list to meaningfully finding ways to help those who have less power or privilege and to centre those who are impacted.