You are cordially invited to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Environment, Lands & Water Branch fall dialogue sessions. This series of virtual dialogue sessions aims to advance First Nations’ inherent rights and to discuss ways that First Nations can fulfill responsibilities towards Mother Earth.
These virtual dialogue sessions will take place throughout the month of October and November and are based on four main themes.
Webinar #4: Enhancing First Nations’ Role in Impact Assessment
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 (1:00 to 4:00 p.m. EDT) – Registration Zoom Link
Background: First Nations have long pushed for a greater role and decision-making authority over major development projects in their lands and territories. The 2019 Impact Assessment Act (IAA) provides opportunities for enhanced First Nations’ participation in federal impact assessments. Implementation of the IAA, including through regulatory and policy development has begun. Specific areas include the development of an Indigenous Knowledge Policy Framework, an Indigenous capacity support program, and an Indigenous Cooperation Agreement Regulation (ICAR) and Policy. The AFN is mandated to support and coordinate the interventions and participation of First Nations, regional organizations and provincial/territorial organizations in the joint regulatory and policy drafting process.
Objective: To facilitate discussion on a path toward a more meaningful role for First Nations in federal impact assessment, particularly through recognition of First Nations’ jurisdiction and empowering First Nations-led assessment of potential impacts to inherent and Treaty rights.
