Engagement protocols with Indigenous Nations and communities
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) works with Indigenous Nations and communities through engagement protocols. These frameworks guide long-term collaboration on nuclear projects and facilities.
Purpose
Engagement protocols are mutually agreed frameworks that describe how the CNSC and each Indigenous Nation or community work together over time.
Approach
These protocols:
- are co-developed with the Nation or community
- define purpose and responsibilities
- identify shared priorities
- guide dialogue, information sharing and planning
- build relationships
- support capacity building
Each protocol includes an annual work plan that the CNSC and the Nation or community co-develop and update annually.
Rights and interests
Indigenous Nations and communities have rights and interests related to nuclear projects and facilities.
These protocols:
- respect Indigenous rights, cultures and knowledge
- build and maintain trust
- support transparency
- ensure Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully considered
Engagement protocols
The CNSC and Indigenous Nations and communities agree on engagement protocols and terms of reference (ToRs) that outline how we engage on nuclear projects and facilities.
| Date | Indigenous Nations and communities | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | English River First Nation | ToR | Guides regular meetings, information sharing and joint planning on nuclear activities in the territory of the English River First Nation |
| May 2024 | Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation | ToR | Sets a framework for communication and collaboration on projects that may affect the rights, lands and interests of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation |
| November 2022 | Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation | ToR | Establishes processes for engagement and sharing information on nuclear projects in the traditional territory of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation |
| June 2022 | Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources | ToR | Provides a structured approach for discussing nuclear matters important to the Athabasca Basin communities it represents |
| March 2022 | Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation | ToR | Defines how the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the CNSC share information and work together on nuclear issues identified by the community |
| February 2021 | Curve Lake First Nation | ToR | Sets out steps for engagement and collaboration on nuclear projects so the perspectives of the Curve Lake First Nation inform decisions |
| December 2019 | Métis Nation of Ontario | ToR | Establishes dialogue and cooperation on nuclear topics affecting Métis citizens across Ontario |
| May 2019 | Saugeen Ojibway Nation | ToR | Details how the CNSC and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation communicate and work together on matters involving nuclear facilities in their territory |
| May 2019 | Historic Saugeen Métis | ToR | Outlines commitments for sharing information and engaging on nuclear projects affecting Métis rights and interests |
The CNSC is authorized to enter into engagement protocols under section 21(1)(a) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
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