Indigenous relations at Parks Canada

Working together with more than 300 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada, Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples are partners in conserving, restoring, and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.

Strong relationships with Indigenous partners are essential to Parks Canada’s work and contribute to the process of reconciliation between Indigenous peoples, the Government of Canada, and other Canadians, based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

The Agency uses guiding principles for working with Indigenous peoples to provide a consistent approach to building mutually respectful relationships in the work we do together. Three priority areas have been identified to put reconciliation into action at Parks Canada:

• Strengthening Indigenous connections with traditionally used lands and waters
• Expanding and ensuring presentation and commemoration of Indigenous histories and cultures
• Increasing economic opportunities related to Indigenous tourism

These initiatives support the recognition and respect of Indigenous rights and enhance cooperation in the presentation of Indigenous histories and cultures at and near Parks Canada administered heritage places.

The implementation of reconciliation activities is supported by a team of experts in Parks Canada’s Indigenous Affairs Branch, who provide advice to the Agency on advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada.