Engaging Indigenous Nations and communities is the first step to any shared journey. It involves an exchange in cultures, therefore, for engagement to be successful the values of respect, honesty and humility need to be honored.
Engagement may be sought for activities from Official Plan input, cultural planning, project review to participation in projects, research, educational events or presentations. Engagement therefore includes, but is not limited to, notification of a project or information exchange in form of telephone calls, e-mail, information booklets, and/or meetings with First Nation staff or committees.
Engagement is a preliminary step that may or may not lead to consultation, but it is not consultation.
Process
A simple call or e-mail to Consultation Officers, a Band Office or Cultural Centre is a first step depending on your project or request. Often an online request form may be available and in other cases partners may be able to provide contact information and orientation.
For engagement to be successful, First Nations should be provided with all available information regarding needs and terms of a proposal or project as early in the process as is possible.
Fees for service and honorariums as well as expenses incurred may be applied to support the capacity for engagement.
Use and sharing of Traditional Knowledge will be determined and in cases of research, projects or education a letter outlining the terms of use of this knowledge may be provided.