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.
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
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