Indigenous self-determination

There is currently no definition for this indicator in the Quality of Life Framework. Over the course of the coming years, a definition will be developed by First Nations people, Métis, and Inuit and Indigenous-led organizations. The term "Indigenous" used on the Statistics Canada website refers to individuals identifying themselves as "First Nations people, Métis or Inuit".

In Canada, the meaning of Indigenous self-determination varies among First Nations people, Métis, and Inuit, Indigenous organizations, academics, and researchers. While there is no universal approach to measuring Indigenous self-determination, there are a few key themes that emerge on the concept, including the need to recognize and advance Indigenous peoples' jurisdiction or self-determination as a central feature of successful, legitimate, and accountable governance, and the importance of direct engagement with Indigenous peoples when changes are proposed. According to the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, a central feature of self-determination is the degree to which Indigenous peoples are regaining control over their own lands and resources^1. Instruments of self-determination include the Comprehensive Land Claims Agreements, Self-government Agreements, and First Nation Land Management Agreements.

Indigenous self-determination is codified in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Article 3 states that "Indigenous peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right, they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social, and cultural development." Article 4 relays that "Indigenous peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as ways and means for financing their autonomous functions." Canada has enacted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act (UNDRIPA) and is currently in the process of implementing this Act. As such, Canada recognizes the need to advance First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples' self-determination as a central feature of successful, legitimate, and accountable governance.

Where health systems are concerned in Canada, Indigenous self-determination can be achieved through the devolution of governance responsibility from federal organizations to Indigenous-led organizations. This can be witnessed through the establishment of First Nations Health Networks, or health authorities with more flexible health governance and funding arrangements, and through the partial transfer of specific powers or responsibility to individual Indigenous communities through the Indian Health Transfer Policy (1989)².

In the context of the Quality of Life Framework for Canada, the Indigenous self-determination indicator will serve to benefit First Nations people, Métis, and Inuit in a way that best suits their conceptual and measurement needs.

There are many Indigenous-led organizations representing First Nations people, Métis and Inuit across the country. Some examples include:

• Assembly of First Nations (AFN)
• Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
• Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak - Women of Métis Nation
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK)
• Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF)
• Métis National Council (MNC)
• Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC)
• National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
• National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health
• Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada

Relevant resources

• Statistics on Indigenous Peoples Data Hub (Statistics Canada)
• Consultation, engagement and the duty to consult (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
• Canada and Métis Nation of Ontario sign updated Métis self-government agreement (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, February 24, 2023)
• Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
• Governance (Indigenous Services Canada)
• Legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples becomes law (Department of Justice Canada)
• Recognizing and Implementing Métis Nation Self-Government in Ontario (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, February 24, 2023)
• Canada and Anishinabek First Nations sign historic self-government agreement (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, April 6, 2022)
• Self-government (Indigenous Services Canada, August 25, 2020)
• The Indian Act vs Self-Determination (Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., February 1, 2018)
• Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples (Justice Canada, September 1, 2021)
• Self-government (BC Treaty Commission)