How co-developing a Modern Treaty oversight mechanism is advancing reconciliation
In the news
Self-determination Recognition of treaties Modern Treaty partners First Nations Inuit Métis
A co-developed Modern Treaty implementation policy and new independent oversight mechanism will hold Canada accountable for its implementation of Modern Treaties
Modern Treaties are a distinct expression of reconciliation – a constitutionally entrenched commitment between the Crown and Indigenous partners to build true nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships. They promote strong and sustainable Indigenous communities and affirm Indigenous rights over lands, waters, and resources, while advancing national socio-economic objectives that benefit all Canadians.
For over 20 years, Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners have been calling for improved and independent oversight so that the federal government is held accountable for its obligations under Modern Treaties.
The establishment of the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation advances UN Declaration Action Plan Measure 9 on co-developing a Modern Treaty oversight mechanism.
Just prior to the 2023-24 fiscal year, the Government of Canada and Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners launched the co-developed Canada’s Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy. This new policy seeks to advance systemic change at every level of the federal government to ensure the Government of Canada is fulfilling its Modern Treaty obligations, advancing Modern Treaty objectives, and strengthening intergovernmental relationships.
The implementation of this policy accelerated throughout the 2023-24 year. During this time, the Government of Canada and Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners co-developed a proposal for a credible, effective, sustainable, and independent oversight mechanism: the Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation.
Thanks to these cooperative efforts, the Prime Minister recently announced the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation, which will work to hold the Government of Canada accountable for its Modern Treaty responsibilities. Additionally, the Commissioner will help ensure the federal government is held accountable for living up to the commitments in Modern Treaties and, more importantly, the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government relationships they embody.
Following consultation with partners, the legislative proposal to establish the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation will be introduced in Parliament.
For more information about this independent oversight mechanism and how it will contribute to Canada’s reconciliation journey see below:
- Learn about how an independent oversight will help advance Modern Treaty implementation in this CBC News story and in this Radio-Canada story (French only)
- Find out about Indigenous Modern Treaty partners advocacy work for an independent oversight mechanism in this Tłı̨chǫ Government news release
- Read about what Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) had to say about the announcement in this NTI news release (English and Inuktitut)
- Read about what Land Claims Agreements Coalition co-chairs Eva Clayton and Aluki Kotierk had to say about the announcement in this CBC News, CTV News, and Toronto Star article
Contributed by: Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Department of Justice Canada
- Date modified: