Context

State of the Canadian Electricity Industry 2022 Accelerate Net Zero

Theme 4: Time to Accelerate Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

After more than a century of systemic racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples, Canada is at an inflection point. Twenty-twenty-one was a milestone year for two reasons. First, the federal government formally adopted an Act to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 44 an interpretive tool that could redefine relations with Indigenous peoples. Second, 2021 was a year of reckoning and reflection for many Canadians, who were shocked and saddened by the discovery of mass graves of Indigenous children who went missing during the days of the Residential Schools system,45 a bleak part of Canadian history that lasted until the mid-1990s. These events also highlighted the need for Canadians, including businesses, to learn more about Indigenous peoples and work toward genuine reconciliation. While Canada has a long reconciliation journey ahead, the relationship with Indigenous peoples is continuing to evolve—for the better. The recognition and affirmation of Indigenous rights and title under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 was a turning point in Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples, as it provided the initial impetus for reconciliation. In fact, since then, the courts have provided significant clarity on Indigenous rights and title, which has had a positive impact on Canadians’ understanding of Indigenous issues. Over the last two decades, there has been exponential growth in efforts to learn about Indigenous culture, values and traditions; their inherent and existing rights and title to land; and how industry can work with Indigenous peoples as partners across the country.

State of the Canadian Electricity Industry 2022 Accelerate Net Zero

Theme 4 Time to Accelerate Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

Section 35 of the Constitution Act46 states:

01

The existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed.

03

For greater certainty, in subsection (1) “treaty rights” includes rights that now exist by way of land claims agreements or may be so acquired.

02

In this Act, “aboriginal peoples of Canada” includes the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.

04

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the aboriginal and treaty rights referred to in subsection (1) are guaranteed equally to male and female persons.

This desire to learn more about Indigenous peoples and their culture has had a beneficial effect on our sector. Relative to the distant past, industry workers today are much more culturally competent; they understand the cornerstones of Indigenous rights and title; they appreciate the connection of Indigenous peoples to their land; and most importantly, they respect Indigenous worldviews, especially their Seven Generation approach to decision-making.

Learning and respecting these fundamentals have led to a range of mutually beneficial electricity industry initiatives, including meaningful early consultations with local Indigenous communities; joint business ventures and equity partnerships; access to employment, education and training opportunities; supply chain procurement and contracts; and intercultural competency training for management and staff. Many of these initiatives are also listed in the Electricity Canada’s compendium of member Indigenous engagement Initiatives, “Taking Action: Collaborating with Indigenous Communities.”