2020-2021 Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada departmental progress report for Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security

Introduction

Canada’s second National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security (2017-2022) mentions some of the issues facing First Nation, Inuit, and Métis women and girls in Canada. It states that, although Canada is not a conflict-affected state, Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) people in particular face intersecting discrimination and violence based on gender, race, socioeconomic status, and other identity factors, as well as underlying historic causes—in particular the legacy of colonialism and the devastation caused by the residential school system. The lessons-learned from the experiences and consequences of colonialism and the continued challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada will help improve Canada’s capacity to respond to challenges faced by women and girls abroad.

Furthermore, during engagement with Indigenous women in the context of Canada’s National Action Plan, Indigenous women’s organizations and partners have been clear that the security of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is an important challenge and concern.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and Indigenous Services Canada’s (ISC) Joint Implementation Plan is the first of its kind. It is a domestic blueprint of some of the Government of Canada’s initiatives to address the insecurity faced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada. These initiatives seek to address the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, to promote gender equality, and to promote the empowerment of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people wherever they reside.

CIRNAC and ISC’s Joint Implementation Plan also reflects the Government of Canada’s commitments regarding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Declaration) and the Sustainable Development Goals. For example, Article 22 of the Declaration states that particular attention ought to be paid to the rights of Indigenous women and Global Goal #5 of the Sustainable Development Goals is focused on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

Since officially becoming supporting partners of Canada’s second National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security in November 2018, CIRNAC and ISC are committed to supporting its implementation. This joint implementation plan is another step towards the advancement of the Women, Peace and Security agenda domestically, and is informed by Indigenous and civil society organizations. It will be updated as objectives are met and priorities are further developed.

Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) were happy to announce the publication of their joint implementation plan on Women, Peace and Security in June 2021. As two distinct departments that work collaboratively, CIRNAC and ISC are proud to work in partnership on the Women, Peace and Security mandate with the seven other implementing partners.

The departmental report below covers the period of April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, with the exception of the release of the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. For every target, it provides a high-level snapshot of the progress achieved to date, outlines completed activities, and analyzes results and progress.

1. Recognizing the rights of indigenous women

Target 1.1:

• Continue to review options for replacing outdated Indigenous rights-based policies that negatively impact Indigenous peoples, including women and girls, with rights-based approaches that guide the negotiation of agreements and arrangements, which advance the self-determination of Indigenous peoples, and can include traditional forms of governance respecting the inclusion and participation of women.

Baseline:

• Colonial barriers, including the Indian Act, impede the exercise of Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous women and girls, leading to their disempowerment and oppression in the context of community life.
• As of January 2020, there are 151 discussion tables or reconciliation tables that advance the self-determination of Indigenous peoples, including women and girls.
• As of January 2020, there are 38 modern treaties, self-government arrangements or agreements signed that advance the self-determination of Indigenous peoples, including women and girls.

Activities:

• CIRNAC will continue to engage with Indigenous partners, including women, to replace outdated policies with a new rights-based approach.

Indicators:

• Number of negotiation tables that advance the self-determination of Indigenous peoples, including women and girls.
• Number of modern treaties, self-government arrangements or agreements signed that advance the self-determination of Indigenous peoples, including women and girls.

Completed Activities:

• As of March 2021, there are over 160 discussion tables that advance the self-determination of Indigenous peoples, including women and girls.
• As of March 2021, there are 39 modern treaties, self-government arrangements or agreements signed that advance the self-determination of Indigenous peoples, including women and girls.

Results and Progress:

• Canada is committed to supporting the self-determination of Indigenous peoples. Enabling and supporting self-government allows for a transition away from colonial systems of administration and governance, including, where it currently applies, under the Indian Act.
• It is the Government of Canada’s view that the negotiation of treaties, self-government agreements, and other constructive arrangements are the preferred means of advancing the self-determination of Indigenous groups. Treaties and agreements provide a framework for ongoing reconciliation between the Crown and Indigenous governments based on co-existence of rights, and advance their visions of self-determination and governance, including re-establishing the roles of women in governance structures, and to pursue their cultural traditions in their constitutions and laws.
• Work is currently underway across the country at more than 160 discussion tables, where matters of governance are advanced, such as traditional forms of governance respecting the inclusion and participation of women.
• CIRNAC and ISC have ensured that all proposals involving Memorandums to Cabinet, Treasury Board Submissions, budget submissions, as well as policy and program architecture, include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) considerations in a clear, evidenced-based, and rigorous manner.
• CIRNAC follows GBA Plus negotiation guidelines at discussion tables to facilitate opportunities for GBA Plus informed initiatives that are community-identified, community-led, community-owned, and culturally appropriate.
• Treaties, self-government agreements and other constructive arrangements concluded at negotiation tables lead to improved outcomes, which advances the self-determination of Indigenous groups, including Indigenous-led gender-based inclusion.

2. Increasing participation of indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in consultation and engagement processes

Target 2.1:

• Increase the participation of Indigenous women in consultation and engagement processes.

Baseline:

• Indigenous women currently face barriers to fully participating in governance activities and decision-making, including consultation and engagement processes.

Activities:

• CIRNAC and ISC will promote enhanced engagement with Indigenous women as they lead or advise on engagement and consultation activities.

Indicators:

• Development of new consultation and engagement policies.
• Number of women consulted in the development of new consultation and engagement processes.

Completed Activities:

• In 2020-2021, CIRNAC (Consultation and Accommodation Unit) continued to ensure that advice provided at the whole-of-government level is supporting an inclusive approach to consultation and engagement activities.
• While the Consultation and Accommodation Unit did not participate in any consultation or engagement activities in 2020-2021, the development of new consultation and engagement policies has commenced. This policy development process is still in the early stages.
• The Collaborative Process on Indian Registration, Band Membership, and First Nations Citizenship led by CIRNAC, sought to continue the conversation on the inclusion of Indigenous women in consultation with First Nation and Indigenous stakeholders on broader issues relating to registration, band membership and First Nations citizenship. It included listening to the experiences of women and their descendants who were impacted by historically sex-based laws and policies.
• On August 15, 2019, the entirety of Bill S-3 was brought into force and eliminated all known sex-based inequities from the registration provisions of the Indian Act. ISC recognizes that the previous sex-based inequities have residual impacts and continue to affect registration.
• ISC is continuing its communications and outreach efforts by partnering with various organizations across the country to address Bill S-3 and how the new legislation may impact individuals who are registered or could be entitled to registration under the Indian Act.

Results and Progress:

• The development of new consultation and engagement policies has been challenging due to a number of competing priorities in the area of consultation, and to a need for more resources to meaningfully undertake this work in consultation with Indigenous peoples.
• ISC has partnered with the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), including granting funding over two fiscal years for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to undertake research, communications, and outreach through its affiliate organizations at the grassroots level.
• ISC’s Minister and other Departmental officials have met with the Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA), who have expressed interest in supporting our ongoing work. ISC is seeking to develop a working relationship with FAFIA affiliate organizations.

3. Including a gender-based analysis plus lens in the development of policies affecting indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people

Target 3.1:

• Including Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people in policy development through the integration of GBA Plus into decision-making, policy, and service delivery.

Baseline:

• The Government of Canada committed in its Action Plan on Gender-based Analysis (2016–2020), to use GBA Plus to ensure that the development of policies, programs and legislation includes the consideration of differential impacts on diverse groups of Indigenous women and men.

Activities:

• CIRNAC and ISC will work with Indigenous partners to co-develop Indigenous GBA Plus frameworks and tools respectful of distinctions.
• CIRNAC and ISC will dedicate departmental resources for GBA Plus implementation.

Indicators:

• Number of employees in CIRNAC and ISC who have completed GBA Plus training.
• Increase in the quality of GBA Plus within memoranda to Cabinet and other policy documents that are submitted within the Department.
• Co-develop a competent GBA Plus Toolkit with Indigenous partners.

Completed Activities:

• CIRNAC is committed to using GBA Plus in order to attain better results in promoting self-determination, strong governance, and the prosperity of Indigenous peoples. CIRNAC recently formalized its GBA Plus Centre of Expertise (2019-2020) with three dedicated full time employees and nominated GBA Plus Sector Focal Points and Branch Representatives (2020-2021). CIRNAC’s GBA Plus governance structure enables consistent application of robust intersectional and culturally-competent GBA Plus to meaningfully inform decision-making.
• ISC is committed to making its policies, programs, and work environments inclusive, culturally-competent, and responsive to the unique needs of Indigenous women, men, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Over the last six months, ISC made great progress in building the GBA Plus governance structure to support this vision. A GBA Plus Responsibility Centre with four dedicated full-time employees was established in February 2021 to lead the overall implementation of GBA Plus within the department. Additionally, a Community of Practice was launched in Spring 2021, which serves as a forum to bring together employees with interest in expertise in GBA Plus/intersectionality to share information and best practices. Work is also underway to define roles and responsibilities for future GBA Plus Sector Focal Points at ISC.
• CIRNAC and ISC continue to work together in support of Indigenous Women’s Organizations’ work to advance culturally-competent GBA Plus resources. CIRNAC and ISC also work with the department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) to ensure that an Indigenous lens is included as part of a robust approach to intersectional policy analysis and program design across the federal government.
• CIRNAC and ISC were engaged by WAGE in strengthening of GBA Plus to ensure that Indigenous considerations were built into the new suite of GBA Plus tools for the Government of Canada. This included ensuring that a intersectional Indigenous considerations were present throughout the new GBA Plus Lens Compendium tool and the GBA Plus Step-by-Step Guide. In addition, both CIRNAC and ISC are members of the recently formed GBA Plus Learning Advisory Committee and will advise on and support the integration of Indigenous considerations in the Canada School of Public Service and WAGE GBA Plus learning products.
• Collaboration with Indigenous women’s organizations is ongoing. In the spirit of reconciliation and self-determination, the Government of Canada is supporting the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak - Women of the Métis Nation, and the Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council to develop and/or update their own culturally-competent and distinctions-based GBA Plus frameworks and tools. This work will inform the development of more Indigenous culturally-competent advice and tools at CIRNAC, ISC, and across the government of Canada. As CIRNAC and ISC continue to support Indigenous partners in this work, they will bring forward advice on how to include Indigenous considerations in all of the Government of Canada’s work on GBA Plus and how to support a more culturally-competent approach to GBA Plus.

Results and Progress:

• CIRNAC’s GBA Plus Centre of Expertise and ISC’s GBA Plus Responsibility Centre work to ensure that culturally-competent GBA Plus is undertaken on all departmental initiatives, including program and policy architecture and implementation. While the quality of GBA Plus has improved over time, challenges persist as the current Government of Canada GBA Plus tools have limited Indigenous-specific considerations. There continues to be gaps in gender and Indigenous disaggregated data and evidence to support GBA Plus assumptions, and there remain opportunities to improve the use of qualitative data and Indigenous knowledge.
• CIRNAC’s GBA Plus Centre of Expertise and ISC’s GBA Plus Responsibility Centre are supporting their respective departments to move beyond a ‘checklist’ approach towards robust and integrated culturally-competent GBA Plus. Both teams work with all sectors to ensure that quality GBA Plus is incorporated into all key policy proposals, including Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board Submissions, budget proposals, regulations, evaluation, and departmental planning documents. However, both teams are limited to providing GBA Plus tools and resources, as well as review and advice, and the responsibility for the application of GBA Plus still resides with each program area.
• Given CIRNAC’s unique departmental mandate, the GBA Plus Centre of Expertise is working towards modernizing the GBA Plus Policy and associated tools informed by the relationships with National Indigenous Women’s Organizations, and the collaborative work on Indigenous culturally-competent GBA Plus. Collaboration with ISC, WAGE, and National Indigenous Women’s Organizations to advance culturally-competent GBA Plus is key.
• CIRNAC and ISC have not been tracking completion rates of GBA Plus training among employees because existing training does not include guidance on culturally-competent GBA Plus. Given their departments’ unique mandates, CIRNAC’s GBA Plus Centre of Expertise and ISC’s GBA Plus Responsibility Centre have focused on creating and supporting the development of tools that center Indigenous-specific considerations within a GBA Plus context.
• CIRNAC and ISC are no longer aiming to co-develop a culturally competent GBA Plus toolkit with Indigenous partners. NWAC, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak and the AFN Women’s Council have expressed their interest for developing or updating their own, distinctions-based, culturally competent GBA Plus frameworks and tools. CIRNAC and ISC are supporting this work, which will inform how culturally-competent GBA Plus is integrated in both departments and across the government of Canada.
• ISC is currently engaging with First Nations and Inuit partners to develop a holistic long-term care strategy. The object of this engagement will be to co-develop a new continuum approach to delivering a range of services related to long-term care, and services for persons with disabilities, in First Nations and Inuit communities. Findings from this process will help inform the development of its GBA Plus reporting strategy. Engagement discussions will include topics such as: more equitable representation of First Nations and Inuit women in health related occupations; and differences in informal caregiving on reserve between Indigenous women and men.

4. Eliminating known sex-based inequities in Indian registration

Target 4.1:

• All sex-based inequities in Indian registration are eliminated.

Baseline:

• August 2015, decision in the Descheneaux case which declared key provisions of the Indian Act unjustifiably violated equality rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by perpetuating sex-based inequities in eligibility for Indian registration between descendants of the male and female lines.
• Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général).

Activities:

• Continue to share information with First Nations on the issues identified in the Collaborative Process and changes to the registration provisions under Bill S-3.
• Work to assess, address and simplify aspects of the application process for Indian registration.

Indicators:

• Develop an implementation plan for the removal of the 1951 cut-off.
• Demonstrate progress towards implementing the removal of the 1951 cut-off.

Completed Activities:

• Between August and November 2020, ISC held meetings with over 100 First Nations via teleconference or videoconference through bilateral engagements and training sessions to discuss changes to the registration provisions under Bill S-3. ISC will continue to engage with First Nations and Indigenous partners to address both the residual impacts of sex-based discrimination and other non sex-based inequities identified in consultation.
• ISC distributed public-facing materials on Bill S-3 in both official languages with the intent of building awareness, highlighting how the recent legislative changes may entitle more individuals to registration, and informing the public on the registration process for Bill S-3 applications and where to apply. These products were disseminated through an external partner, Indigenous Link, to over 25,000 unique email addresses at various Indigenous organizations, businesses, and band offices early in the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
• ISC simplified aspects of the application process for registration under the Indian Act, including a less prescriptive and more flexible approach to documentation and evidence to support application on the balance of probabilities. ISC continues to work towards making the application process more client-centered, recognizing that unnecessary delays in registration exist and impact equitable access to benefits and services, especially for those who are newly entitled under Bill S-3.

Results and Progress:

• On December 22, 2017, Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général), partially came into force to address known sex-based inequities in registration.
• After robust national consultations with First Nations and partners, the final amendment removing the 1951 cut-off was brought into force on August 15, 2019. This final amendment responded to longstanding concerns raised by First Nations people, the United Nations Human Rights Committee, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and worked to align the matrilineal and patrilineal lines.
• Bill S-3 corrected historical wrongdoings in the registration provisions of the Indian Act that affected women and their descendants for generations. S.3 also responded to Call for Justice 1.2 of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
• On December 11, 2020, the Final Report to Parliament on the Review of Bill S-3 was tabled by Minister Miller, and reported that all known sex-based inequities have been eliminated from the registration provisions of the Indian Act.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person meetings were not possible but ISC pivoted to a virtual communications strategy to continue engagement with First Nations and Indigenous partners. This was a key component to ensuring that Bill S-3’s elimination of the sex-based inequities among women and their descendants in the registration provisions are practically implemented among women and their descendants through access to registration.

5. Developing more inclusive gender identifiers on documents

Target 5.1:

• Renew CIRNAC’s and ISC’s approach to the collection, use and display of sex and gender information to ensure the department is inclusive of transgender, non-binary and Two Spirit individuals.

Baseline:

• Only binary sex and gender is collected and recorded in the Indian Register and displayed on the Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Activities:

• ISC will review and modify existing policies to align registration and card issuance policies with Canada’s policy direction to modernize departmental sex and gender information practices.
• The program for the issuance of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status will undertake a review to ensure a clear and appropriate rationale for the collection of sex or gender information. Where possible, the program will default to gender.

Indicators:

• Coming into force of a national directive providing individuals a non-intrusive option for updating sex or gender in the Indian Register.
• Coming into force of a national directive providing individuals a non-binary gender option, signified by a culturally sensitive symbol, to be recorded in the Indian Register and displayed on the Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Completed Activities:

• ISC is reviewing and modifying existing policies to align registration and card issuance with Canada’s Policy Direction to Modernize Departmental Sex and Gender Information Practices.
• The program for the issuance of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status reviewed its collection of sex or gender information. The program has defaulted to gender.

Results and Progress:

• On August 1, 2020, a national Directive on Recording or Amending Sex or Gender Information in the Indian Register and on the Status Card came into force. It implemented a non-intrusive change of gender identifier and introduced a non-binary gender identifier option.
• As of August 1, 2020, gender identifiers are recorded or amended in the Indian Register and on the status card based solely on the applicant’s declaration of their gender identifier: M (male), F (female), or X (another gender).
• Due to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) standards for the Machine-Readable Zone, a gender identifier is mandatory on the Secure Certificate of Indian Status and “X” is the only non-binary symbol in compliance with ICAO standards at this time.

6. Building relationships with Indigenous women’s organizations

Target 6.1:

• Enhance the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous organizations that advocate on the behalf of Indigenous women.

Baseline:

• Canada has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and an Accord with the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Discussions are ongoing with other Indigenous women’s organizations to ensure that the voices of grassroots Indigenous women are taken into consideration in the development of policies and programs.

Activities:

• CIRNAC and ISC will co-lead with the organizations a whole-of-government approach that supports activities in the context of the Memorandum of Understanding with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and the Accord with the Native Women’s Association of Canada and continue to work with other Indigenous women’s organizations to support the advancement of the interests of grassroots Indigenous women.

Indicators:

• Increased engagement of government departments with Indigenous women’s organizations through meetings and discussions.
• Enhanced engagement of Indigenous women’s organizations in policy and program development through a GBA Plus lens.

Completed Activities:

• CIRNAC is working on the co-development of a whole-of-government declaration with Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak to ensure that the voices of grassroots Métis women are taken into consideration in the development of policies and programs.
• Interdepartmental working groups were held on October 6, November 26, and December 10, 2020 in collaboration with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, to support the implementation of the Canada-Pauktuutit Memorandum of Understanding, which led to new partnerships and funding opportunities. Most notably, Pauktuutit met with Public Safety officials on July 29, 2020, to discuss and establish a new funding relationship.
• Budget 2021 proposed to provide $36.3M over five years and $8.6M ongoing to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to enhance support for Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, are reflected in all aspects of decision-making that impacts their lives.
• Collaboration and co-development with Indigenous women’s organizations is ongoing and in the spirit of reconciliation and self-determination, the Government of Canada is supporting the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak - Women of the Métis Nation, and the Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council to develop and/or update their own culturally-competent and distinctions-based GBA Plus frameworks and tools to inform the development of an Indigenous-specific lens. As CIRNAC and ISC continue to support Indigenous partners in this work, they will bring forward advice on how to include Indigenous considerations in all of the Government of Canada’s work on GBA Plus and how to support a more culturally-competent approach to GBA Plus.
• ISC is partnering with a variety of organizations across the country to increase awareness on the legislative changes to the Indian Act and encourage persons who are newly entitled to apply for registration.
• In particular, ISC has partnered with the Native Women’s Association of Canada, including granting funding over two fiscal years for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to undertake research, communications, and outreach through its affiliate organizations at the grassroots level.
• The Minister of Indigenous Services, along with Departmental officials, have met with the Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) who expressed interest in supporting our ongoing work. ISC is seeking to develop a working relationship with FAFIA affiliate organizations.
• ISC is working with Women and Gender Equality Canada along with federal, provincial, and territorial offices responsible for the Status of Women, as well as the Coalition of Provincial and Territorial Advisory Councils, on the Status of Women to discuss and disseminate information on Bill S-3.
• ISC continues outreach to urban communities and urban Indigenous organizations to ensure that those who may not yet know that they are newly entitled to registration are aware of the legislative changes and are provided the opportunity and support to apply. ISC is actively exploring trusted source partnerships with urban Indigenous service providers as a means of supporting Bill S-3 outreach.

Results and Progress:

• CIRNAC, ISC, and Indigenous partners faced new challenges in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including remote work, adaptation to new technology, and changes in decision-making and approval processes. All this impacted regular work. However, CIRNAC and ISC’s relationship with Indigenous women’s organizations remained strong and its ongoing support was maintained in new and challenging situations.

7. Working with North American partners to prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls

Target 7.1:

• Work with North American partners to analyze violence against Indigenous women and girls in a meaningful, constructive, and forward-looking way to address the disproportionate level of violence and victimization they face in North America.

Baseline:

• In June 2016, Canada, Mexico and the United States established the Trilateral Working Group on Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls in North America to address the disproportionate level of violence and victimization they face in North America.
• As of July 2019, the Working Group has held three meetings and five public side events at international conferences such as the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Activities:

• CIRNAC and ISC will continue to work with Indigenous women and Indigenous organizations in support of meetings and activities of the Working Group.
• CIRNAC and ISC will develop a National Action Plan in response to the recommendations of the National Inquiry.

Indicators:

• Number of meetings and activities held in the context of the agreement.
• Utilization of the National Action Plan to respond to recommendations.

Completed Activities:

• As part of the Gender Equality Forum administered by UN Women, Canada committed to the resumption of the meetings of the Trilateral Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls.

Results and Progress:

• Annual meetings have not occurred since 2018 due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. CIRNAC is working to prepare for the next meeting of the group.
• For this year, CIRNAC will continue to share best practices and lessons learned through the development and implementation of the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

8. Moving forward with a response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Target 8.1:

• Address the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Baseline:

• Canada launched the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls) in September 2016. The Inquiry released its Final Report on June 3, 2019. The Inquiry ceased operations on June 30, 2019. In response to an Interim Report published by the Inquiry in November 2017, the Government of Canada announced measures including: $21.3M for health support and victim services supports; $10M towards the establishment of a commemoration fund; $1.25M towards a review of police policies; and $9.6M towards a national investigative standards and practices unit.
• As of July 2019, the current existing network of on-reserve shelters funded by the Family Violence Prevention Program is 46, including construction of five new shelters under Budget 2016 investments.
• As of July 2019, some 329 First Nations communities (55%) are served by the 41 ISC-funded shelters.
• As of July 2019, over 300 family violence prevention projects are funded annually on and off-reserve of which 90% are targeting First Nations on-reserve, and less than 10% are targeting First Nations off-reserve, Métis and/or Inuit.
• Starting in fall 2019, CIRNAC has provided funding to National Indigenous Organizations, including to the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Women of the Métis Nation, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and 2 Spirits in Motion Foundation, to lead engagement sessions with their members to identify priorities from the Calls for Justice and best practices for addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Activities:

• ISC will continue investments in women’s shelters, housing, education, health supports and the reform of child and family services.
• CIRNAC will accelerate work with federal ministers to develop and implement the Federal Strategy and with various provincial/territorial ministers and Indigenous leaders to develop and implement the National Action Plan in response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice.
• CIRNAC will continue to update the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls website, allowing the public to view progress made on the Calls for Justice in real time.
• CIRNAC will continue to support the governance structure, comprised of First Nations, Inuit, Métis women and 2SLGBTQQIA people, which is in place to oversee the development of the National Action Plan. It includes a Core Working Group and a National Family and Survivor’s Circle which serve as a liaison with the broader federal, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and communities as well as be distinctions-based (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), and represent the urban and 2SLGBTQQIA communities. CIRNAC will continue to co-host virtual discussions into 2021.
• CIRNAC will provide $6M per year over the next five years dedicated to victim’s families supports. The 2020 Fall Economic Statement proposed addition Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls-related investments including $781.5M over five years starting in 2021–2022, and $106.3M ongoing to combat systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples and expand efforts to combat violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people. This includes investments to support the implementation of the Gladue Principles, to develop Administration of Justice Agreements with Indigenous communities, and to launch a comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy.

Indicators:

• Finalization of a Federal Strategy compiling federal actions to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people by responding to the recommendations of the Inquiry.
• Number of on-reserve shelters.
• Number of communities with violence prevention programming.
• Number of family violence projects that are distinctions-based–Métis, Inuit, and First Nations.
• Number of counselling sessions provided to survivors, family members and others affected by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Completed Activities:

^* Note: the completed activities for this section go beyond fiscal year 2020-2021 in order to highlight some of the important accomplishments on Canada’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in the 2021 calendar year.

• On June 3 the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People was released. The Plan includes sections that were co-developed, through a consensus model, in addition to components produced entirely by First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban, 2SLGBTQQIA+, the provinces and territories, and the federal government. There is also a section on data.
• The Federal Pathway, the Government of Canada’s contribution to the National Action Plan, was also released on June 3, 2021. The Federal Pathway outlines the Government of Canada’s current and future efforts to end gender-based violence and systemic racism that contribute to the national tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The Federal Pathway is anchored in principles that build on the National Inquiry's Principles for Change.
• On November 30, 2020, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $724.1 million to expand culturally relevant supports for Indigenous peoples facing gender-based violence and support new emergency shelters and transitional (second-stage) housing across the country, including in the North and in urban centers. This investment includes $420 million over five years, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to fund the construction of at least 38 Indigenous-led emergency shelters and at least 50 Indigenous-led transition homes across Canada. This is in addition to a $304.1 million investment over five years and a further $96.6 million annually through ISC to support the operation of these shelters and transition homes, as well as the expansion of funding for culturally relevant violence prevention projects.
• In January 2021, the Government of Canada alongside Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, announced its commitment to fund the construction and operation of new shelters for Inuit women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people across Inuit Nunangat and urban centres. Since then, the Family Violence Prevention Program and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation have been working closely with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to develop an Inuit-specific Call for Proposals, which was launched in summer 2021.

Results and Progress:

• Budget 2021 announced historic investments in the root causes of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Section 8.3, on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, included direct investments of $2.2 billion over five years, beginning in 2021-2022, and $160.9 million ongoing in four themes – Culture, Health and Wellness, Human Security and Safety and Justice:
  • Culture: $275 million for Indigenous languages, $14.9 million for preservation of Indigenous Heritage, $108.8 million for cultural spaces, $40.1 million Indigenous Screen Office, and $14.3 million for Indigenous women and girls sport;
  • Health and Wellness:  $126.7 million for health systems free from racism and discrimination (patient advocates, health system navigators, and cultural safety training for medical professionals) and $12.5 million over five years and $2.5 million ongoing, to support the well-being of families and survivors;
  • Human Security and Safety: $861 million over five years and $145 million ongoing, for culturally responsive policing and community safety services in Indigenous communities; and,
  • Justice: $74.8 million over three years, beginning in 2021-2022, to improve access to justice for Indigenous people and support the development of an Indigenous justice strategy, systemic discrimination, and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system.
• On June 3 the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People was released. The Plan includes sections that were co-developed through a consensus model in addition to components produced entirely by First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban, 2SLGBTQQIA+, the provinces and territories, and the federal government, as well as one on data.
• The Federal Pathway, the Government of Canada’s contribution to the National Action Plan, was also released on June 3, 2021. The Federal Pathway outlines the Government of Canada’s current and future efforts to end gender-based violence and systemic racism that contribute to the national tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
• The completion and successful release of the National Action Plan was the coordinated results of many partners, all with their own challenges (lack of staff and devoted financial resources, competing priorities during COVID, and other budgetary pieces). The completion of the federal component, or Federal Pathway, was also complicated as it involved initially coordinating contributions of over 22 departments and then vetting for approvals to families and survivors, as well as to other contributing partners of the National Action Plan.
• A Call for Proposals for the construction and ongoing operation of at least 38 new shelters and at least 50 transition homes will be launched in early fall 2021, which will be open to all Indigenous peoples.
• As part of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government of Canada provided $10M to ISC’s network of shelters on reserve and in Yukon to help them manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities. Eligible recipients were the 46 shelters currently receiving operational funding through the Family Violence Prevention Program.
• Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, a Call for Proposals for Family Violence Prevention Projects was not launched in 2020-2021. However, a Call for Proposals is anticipated in 2021-2022.

9. Collaborating on Indigenous women’s wellbeing

Target 9.1:

• Receive advice guidance and direction on issues impacting the health and wellness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis women.
• Co-develop policy and service delivery options on issues impacting the health and wellness of First Nations, Inuit and Metis women.

Baseline:

• The formation of an Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing Advisory Committee consisting of Indigenous organizations and health organizations.

Activities:

• ISC will continue to provide secretariat support to the Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing Advisory Committee.
• ISC will consider the advice of the Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing Advisory Committee in its decision-making process.
• ISC will co-develop policy and service delivery options that support distinctions-based health and wellness priorities.

Target 9.2:

• Develop a distinctions-based approach to identify and address Indigenous women’s issues.

Baseline:

• There is a need for a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous women’s issues.

Activities:

• ISC will continue to work with National Indigenous Women’s organizations and partners, including:
• the Native Women’s Association of Canada on a broad range of health and wellness priorities and outcomes, including components of a Resiliency Centre pilot project;
• Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to identify and develop Inuit-specific approaches to community-based health and wellness initiatives for Inuit women and girls; and
• Les Femmes Michif to identify and support Métis specific approaches to health and wellness.

Indicator:

• Development of distinctions-based approaches to community and wellness initiatives for First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and girls.

Completed Activities:

• Culturally safe sexual and reproductive health care was identified as a key priority of the Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing.
• The Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women's Well Being met nine times in 2020-2021, including once with the Minister of Indigenous Services. Given the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Committee streamlined its action plan to focus on three key areas: Family Violence; Cultural safety in health care (including sexual and reproductive health); and Gender-based Analysis Plus. Results include:
• Budget 2021 investment of $126.7 million over three years to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination. This funding will support patient advocates, health system navigators, and cultural safety training for medical professionals. This investment includes $33.3 million to improve access to culturally safe services, including expanding support for Indigenous midwifery and doula initiatives, and strengthening funding for national Indigenous women's organizations. The Committee’s advocacy influenced these Budget 2021 investments.
• Health policy capacity funding provided to the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives to create a policy framework for investments in Indigenous midwifery and build evidence for future investments.
• Health policy capacity funding provided to National Indigenous Women’s organizations to support their role on the Committee and advance action plan items.
• Steps taken to identify an organization to lead a GBA Plus knowledge sharing platform to advance and disseminate National Indigenous Women’s Organization’s GBA Plus frameworks and tools.
• On November 30, 2020, the Government of Canada announce an investment of $186.8 million over two years to address needs and gaps in supportive care facilities and provide additional home care in Indigenous communities, in order to protect elders and other vulnerable community members from COVID-19. This initiative will also create paid jobs for personal support workers and homemaking service providers, which are both predominantly female driven.

Results and Progress:

• The Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing provides ISC with distinctions-based guidance on issues affecting the health and wellness of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women. Established in 2019, the Committee has evolved to become an important avenue to mobilize Indigenous and professional organizations to take collaborative actions on women’s wellbeing and, in addition to ISC, now advises Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, CIRNAC, and Women and Gender Equality Canada. The Co-Chairs, the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, and Indigenous members determine the Committee agendas and priorities.