In the mid-1970s, the first modern treaties were concluded between the federal
and Quebec governments and the Cree, Naskapi and Inuit of northern Quebec
- treaties with a significant self-government component. Since then, momentum
has gathered slowly. Canada’s approach is unique: no other country in the world
is in the process of creating a separate order of government for its indigenous peoples.
The IOG works with organizations and various levels of government - both
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal - to create new initiatives for this important
area. We provide a wide range of services, which include:
-
policy advice and research
- workshop design and facilitation
- professional development courses
- strategic planning
- serving as a neutral resource in negotiations involving two or more parties.
From our work over the years with First Nations, the Congress of Aboriginal
Peoples, Métis, Inuit, and non-indigenous governments and organizations across
Canada, we are well positioned to help address current Aboriginal Governance
challenges. Some of the most significant such challenges include:
- designing governance models respectful of traditional forms but suited
to 21st century needs
- developing and applying principles of good governance
- understanding the relationship between good governance and sound economies
- providing quality services at reasonable cost in small and often remote
communities
- designing regulatory regimes for functions such as the provision of safe
drinking water for First Nation communities
- developing constitutions for Aboriginal governments
- understanding the benefits and costs of various forms of aggregation of
governance responsibilities for Aboriginal communities
- understanding the options for the evolution of Aboriginal governance in
urban settings
- developing models for the evolution of Métis governance in Canada
- achieving the appropriate degree of harmonization of Aboriginal governments
and organizations with other governments in Canada
How Canada and Aboriginal Peoples manage these and other issues will have significant
implications for governments at all levels, civil society organizations, the
private sector, and indigenous people around the world. For these reasons, the
Institute on Governance is dedicated to playing a constructive and innovative
role in this important process.
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