Who handles indigenous affairs?
Indigenous Affairs
Indigenous affairs are primarily federal responsibility under Section 91(24) of the Constitution, but reconciliation involves all levels of government. Provinces provide services in their jurisdictions, and municipalities engage locally.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● Approximately 1.8 million Indigenous people live in Canada, representing 5% of the total population — the fastest-growing demographic group.
- ● There are 634 recognized First Nations communities, 13 Inuit communities, and 49 Métis settlements across Canada.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
- ● Indigenous Services Canada (health, education, infrastructure on-reserve)
- ● Treaty rights and land claims
- ● Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
💡 Example: Contact Indigenous Services Canada, or your MP about reconciliation and Indigenous rights.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial Indigenous affairs ministries
- ● Duty to consult on resource development
- ● Provincial child welfare agreements with Indigenous communities
- ● Provincial programs for urban Indigenous peoples
💡 Example: Contact your provincial Indigenous affairs ministry, or your MPP/MLA about reconciliation efforts.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Urban Indigenous programs
- ● Municipal-First Nations relations
- ● Local cultural initiatives and events
- ● Indigenous community partnerships
💡 Example: Contact your councillor about local Indigenous programs and reconciliation initiatives.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Educate yourself on the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
- ● Contact your MP about supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and implementing reconciliation commitments.
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
The relationship is governed by treaties, the Constitution Act 1982 (Section 35), and ongoing negotiations. The federal government has responsibilities toward Status Indians and bands through Indian Affairs, while provinces have jurisdiction on many matters affecting Indigenous communities.
The three groups are First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Each has distinct cultures, languages, histories, and governance structures. The term 'Aboriginal' is also used in the Constitution to refer to all three groups.
Treaty rights are legal rights guaranteed by treaties between Indigenous peoples and the Crown. These include rights to land, hunting, fishing, and self-government. Numbered Treaties cover much of western and central Canada.
Educate yourself about Indigenous history and issues, support Indigenous-led organizations, vote for candidates who prioritize Indigenous reconciliation, and engage with Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action.
The TRC was established to inform Canadians about the history and ongoing impacts of Residential Schools. It issued 94 Calls to Action in 2015, addressing education, child welfare, health, language, and more.