Webinar: Indigenous Partnerships for the SDGs

A great conversation hosted by SDSN Canada and the Tamarack Institute on January 30th, 2024 on developing Indigenous partnerships along the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of the SDGs, approaches that have worked well, and challenges to be aware of. 

Key Takeaways

• Need for a distinctions-based approach: There is no one-size-fits-all approach for Indigenous communities. It's important to take an approach that recognizes the distinctions between and within First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations.
• Historical context matters: The Daniels v. Canada case that reached the Supreme Court in 2016 (following a 17-year court battle) is a critical one for understanding the rights of Métis and non-status First Nations. CAP has been providing a voice for off-reserve Indigenous Peoples since 1971. 
• Address root causes: The colonial system we are in – one of domination over people and nature – is the underlying cause of our crises. We must rethink our institutions and decision-making processes and focus on achieving transformative change, while integrating Indigenous ways of knowing. 
• Braiding Indigenous knowledge and western science: MABRRI conducts participatory research that is co-led and Indigenous led, to braid different ways of knowing. Within the research/academia field, there is much unlearning to do and a need to shift towards Indigenous researchers owning any data on them.   
• Relationship building principles: 
  • Approach interactions with an open heard and mind, respecting different ways of life and ceremony.
  • Communicate regularly and prepare for challenging conversations.
  • Recognize that relationships move at the speed of trust, and trust takes time to build.
  • Avoid rushing things and consider the timelines and processes of those you are working with. 
• Reconciliation happens at multiple levels: Reconciliation is both a person-to-person and a policy-level endeavor. "Make a commitment to reconciliation, wherever you are at".