Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s statement of support for Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security – 2023 to 2029

This statement of support constitutes Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s contribution to Canada’s third National Action Plan on women, peace and security (2023 to 2029).

The United Nations Security Council’s women, peace and security agenda calls on all countries to address the differential impact of conflict situations on women and girls and support their participation in peace and security efforts. Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) became a partner in Canada’s National Action Plan on women, peace and security in 2017 and remains committed to supporting Global Affairs Canada’s implementation of the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. Implementing Canada’s vision for women, peace and security around the world means that we need to take action in areas where we fall short here at home as well. This includes taking real and sustained action to end the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

CIRNAC’s support for the WPS agenda is grounded in human rights—Canada’s whole-of-government approach to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, which includes the department’s mandate, international responsibilities and statutory obligations.

As Indigenous partners have made clear, addressing gender-based violence means everyone must work together toward a shared vision as presented within the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. This is a vision of a transformed Canada where Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, wherever they are, live free from violence and are celebrated, honoured, respected, valued, treated equitably, and are safe and secure. This shared vision aligns with the ultimate desired outcome of Canada’s third National Action Plan on women, peace and security: “increased peace and security for all people by realizing gender equality and eradicating harmful gender norms.”

CIRNAC’s priority is to work in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to continue building nation-to-nation, Inuit–Crown and government-to-government relationships while supporting self-determination, including supporting Indigenous communities as they transition to self-government. This broad mandate presents CIRNAC with an opportunity to actively support the principles and aims of Canada’s third National Action Plan on women, peace and security. Many departmental activities focus on socio-economic and cultural factors that aim to improve the peace and security of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people by ensuring they enjoy full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination.

CIRNAC’s work continues to actively align with the WPS agenda, by:

• ensuring the implementation of Indigenous rights in all departmental activities and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan, which includes advancing the enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations
• furthering the federal government’s contributing chapter (the Federal Pathway) to the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
• applying culturally competent gender-based analysis plus across all policies, programs and initiatives, with particular attention to the intersectional analysis of Indigenous identity, gender, sexual orientation, race, location, disability, age and socio-economic status, among other characteristics
• supporting Public Safety Canada in the co-development of a legislative framework for First Nations policing and continuing to engage with Inuit and Métis on policing matters
• supporting Justice Canada in addressing systemic discrimination and the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples in the justice system—including the development of an Indigenous justice strategy—in consultation and cooperation with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners
• working with First Nations and provincial and territorial government partners to strengthen governance and service delivery for First Nations emergency preparedness, management and recovery with Indigenous Services Canada and Public Safety Canada

Many of these initiatives are informed by the Government of Canada’s commitment to delivering on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, the Calls for Justice by the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and the Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples. CIRNAC continues to pursue concrete actions and achieve measurable results through collaborative discussions between implicated departments and Indigenous partners.