Partnering with Indigenous Communities

CEA and its members are committed to engaging with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada to advance the following goals:

  • Nurture meaningful long-term relationships
  • Enhance mutually beneficial economic relationships and business opportunities
  • Further consider Indigenous perspectives in the activities of CEA and its members

National principles for engagement of Indigenous Peoples

CEA and its members will adhere to the following principles to build more positive, mutually beneficial relationships with the Indigenous communities in which they operate.

These principles are intended to further complement and support the existing relationships between Indigenous Peoples and CEA Members.

Respect Indigenous culture, traditional values, and rights

Respect the culture of all Indigenous Peoples, their interests, values, practices, beliefs, traditional knowledge, and Indigenous and Treaty rights recognized and affirmed under the 1982 Constitution Act.

Nurture constructive relationships

Seek to establish and nurture constructive long-term relationships with Indigenous Peoples based on mutual respect, trust, collaboration, and accountability.

Enhance communications

Promote fair, timely, transparent, reciprocal, and meaningful communications with Indigenous Peoples.

Foster Indigenous capacity building

Work collaboratively to support programs and initiatives such as education, mentorship, skills training, and employment.

Promote economic prosperity

Foster mutually beneficial business arrangements that provide benefits to the sector while promoting the economic prosperity and social well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

Facilitate Crown consultation

The duty to consult rests with the Crown. Accordingly, CEA and its members will engage with Indigenous Peoples, as appropriate, to facilitate consultation in a meaningful and timely manner.