Ministry overview

Ministry's vision

The Ministry of Indigenous Affairs' (IAO) mandate is to: lead strategic Indigenous policy for Ontario by coordinating cross-government initiatives that improve outcomes for Indigenous people; lead provincial negotiations of Indigenous land claims; and support economic and community development for Indigenous partners.

Ministry contribution to priority outcomes

The ministry's strategic direction is focused on three areas:

• Promoting economic opportunities for Indigenous employment, economic and community development:
  • Lead the development of the government's policy agenda for Indigenous people and communities.
  • Provide funding to directly support economic development, jobs and prosperity for Indigenous people and communities, including Indigenous community participation in land and resource consultation and engagement, as well as to support economic recovery of Indigenous communities and organizations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Inform and lead policy and program initiatives which support Indigenous community development and economic sustainability, including the response to the impacts of COVID-19.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of operational strategies and options for critical infrastructure development in the North.
  • Inform policy and program development through data, research, and performance measurement.
  • Improve access to Ontario government programs, services and information for Indigenous people by working with other ministries and Indigenous organizations.
• Make meaningful health and social improvements in the lives of Indigenous people:
  • Facilitate and support the design, delivery and evaluation of the range of health, education and social programs and services across ministries that support Indigenous communities and organizations, including responding to the COVID-19 pandemic; addressing systemic racism in provincial institutions; as well as the over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system and other sectors.
  • Provide funding to support Indigenous communities and organizations to improve social conditions on and off reserve including community capital projects, and work with Indigenous partners and partner ministries, such as the Ministry of Health, to respond to emerging issues as well as those that are exacerbated by the pandemic (e.g., access to testing, vaccination, mental health and addictions, food security).
  • Build strong relationships and work with Indigenous partners to address joint issues and priorities.
  • Assist in the response to social emergencies in First Nation communities through formalized processes.
  • Coordinate mandatory Indigenous Cultural Competency Training for all OPS employees to help public servants develop more inclusive policies and programs that consider the distinct needs of Indigenous peoples.
  • Coordinate a cross-ministry approach to ensure the safety, health, and wellbeing of Indigenous women and girls.
  • Assess implications of and opportunities in federal legislation, policies and commitments for Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario.
• Address Ontario's legal obligations on treaties, land claims, land related matters, and the Duty to Consult:
  • Lead the resolution of land and land-related claims with First Nations and other Indigenous communities in Ontario.
  • Monitor First Nation and Métis community issues that may lead to legal or direct action, as well as lead or support Ontario's response.
  • Work with the Ministry of the Attorney General to provide support and strategic direction to litigation counsel on matters related to Indigenous communities.
  • Enhance awareness and best practices for consulting or engaging with Indigenous people.
  • Provide funding to Indigenous communities to meaningfully participate in negotiations on claims.
  • Lead implementation of land and land-related settlements and support implementation of Indigenous litigation settlements.
  • Support ministries in the development of policy/program proposals by ensuring an Indigenous lens is applied, which includes identifying potential risks/impacts to Indigenous communities and the Crown's relationships with those communities, identifying correlations to other proposals and ensuring that Ontario's Duty to Consult obligations are met.
  • Provides strategic guidance, historical research and risk management advice on land and resources issues.

Ministry programs

IAO works to create lasting wellness and prosperity with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Ontario to help make reconciliation meaningful to people.

Promoting economic opportunities for Indigenous employment, economic and community development

• Working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to engage First Nations leadership in a refocus of the Far North Act to reduce red tape and promote economic development for First Nations in the Far North including the Ring of Fire.
• Working with the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines (ENDM) and MNRF to move forward with resource revenue sharing from mining, forestry and aggregates to help Indigenous communities share in benefits from resource development.
• Working with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to engage Indigenous communities and leadership on aspects of the Environmental Assessment Modernization initiatives.
• As part of the yearly audit, IAO will be providing materials to support activities carried out by the Ontario Auditor General's Office (OAGO), to ensure compliance with the Environmental Bill of Rights across the Ontario Government.
• Leading the enhancement of the Aboriginal Procurement Program to increase government procurement opportunities for Indigenous businesses to help ensure Ontario is open for business.
• Working with partner ministries to refresh the government's approach to Indigenous economic development, including launching a table of Indigenous experts to provide input and perspectives on how government can best support wealth creation for Indigenous communities and businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19.
• Working with the ENDM to support the development of operations and strategies related to the Ring of Fire area, including implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement with supportive First Nations and supporting the identification of communities for consultation and engagement.
• Working with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), MNRF, and ENDM to develop a cross-government strategy to address roads and related infrastructure in the North and remote North, including all-season roads, highway twinning and highway safety.
• Working with the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG), other partner ministries, and the federal government to engage Indigenous communities and organizations on the legalization of recreational cannabis in Ontario, including undertaking discussions to explore on-reserve approaches that advance mutual priorities.
• Working with MAG and Ministry of Finance (MOF) to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements with interested Indigenous communities on the regulation of cannabis on-reserve.
• Working with the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) in implementing Ontario's Broadband and Cellular Action Plan to improve and expand broadband, digital services and cellular access in unserved and underserved areas, including remote and rural First Nations.
• Working with MOF to engage First Nation communities and leaders on tobacco and potential new partnerships regarding on-reserve approaches to tobacco regulation.
• Working with MOF on engaging with First Nations to ensure that their perspectives and interests in tobacco are considered in developing solutions to unregulated tobacco.
• Collaborating with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) on engaging Indigenous partners in the province's approach to employment services integration and supporting employment and skills development opportunities for Indigenous people.
• Working with the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries (MHSTCI) to support the growth and promotion of the Indigenous tourism industry in Ontario.
• Supporting the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA) in their efforts to make Ontario more inclusive for all, including Indigenous persons with disabilities.
• Supporting the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) to enhance opportunities for Indigenous people around job creation and employment, entrepreneurship, economic development, research and innovation.
• Working with Ministries of Transportation, Northern Development, Environment and other ministries to address priorities and concerns raised at the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Ontario Relationship Table. Issues include remote airport operations, capacity needs for First Nations water treatment plant operators, winter roads program delivery.
• Administering the First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing and Financial Agreement. The Agreement is to provide First Nations with long-term, stable financial support to improve the quality of life in First Nation communities.
• Through the New Relationship Fund:
  • Supporting the participation of Indigenous communities and organizations in meaningful consultation and engagement with government and the private sector on land and resource matters; and,
  • Increasing economic development and skills training opportunities and enabling long-term lands and resource planning in participating Indigenous communities.
• Through the Indigenous Economic Development Fund:
  • Ontario provided $10 million in 2020-21 to address the issue of significant revenue losses facing small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses due to COVID-19, particularly those in remote or rural locations and in vulnerable sectors.
  • This new funding from the Support for People and Jobs Fund is being administered through IAO's Indigenous Economic Development Fund and responds to the unique needs of Indigenous businesses in Ontario by providing financial supports specifically for Indigenous-owned businesses.
  • Indigenous businesses that are ineligible for, or unable to access, existing federal and provincial COVID-19 response initiatives have been eligible to apply for loans of up to $50,000 through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, which will be interest-free until the end of 2022 and will include a non-repayable grant of up to 50%. Businesses may use these funds to cover costs including payroll, rent, utilities or accommodating social distancing requirements.
  • The Ministry of Indigenous Affairs partners with Aboriginal Financial Institutions on its existing Indigenous Economic Development Fund and builds on this partnership to distribute this new funding.
    • Aboriginal Financial Institutions are autonomous, Indigenous-controlled, community based financial organizations providing developmental lending, business financing, non-repayable grants, and support services to First Nations, Métis and Inuit businesses in Ontario.
  • There are eight Aboriginal Financial Institutions overseeing the new funding:
    • Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario
    • Métis Voyageur Development Fund
    • Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund
    • Tecumseh Community Development Corporation
    • Two Rivers Community Development Centre
    • Waubetek Business Development Corporation
    • Rainy Lake Tribal Area Business and Financial Services Corporation
    • Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation
• Through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program:
  • Supporting the construction, renovation and/or retrofit of Indigenous community infrastructure projects (on-and off-reserve) that contribute to economic development, job creation and create positive social benefits for the community.
• Through the Participation Fund:
  • Supporting the capacity and development of urban Indigenous organizations and services providers, including creating a regularized forum for communication and coordination on mutual priorities.
  • Relaunch of the Relationship Tables with First Nations Provincial Territorial Organizations to support organizational capacity, issues resolution and priorities impacting the member of communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Anishinabek Nation, Grand Council Treaty #3, Independent First Nations, and the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians; and,
  • Support urban priorities through new relationships with Tungasuvvingat Inuit and the Ontario Urban Indigenous Coalitions in Barrie, Thunder Bay, Hamilton, Toronto, and Ottawa.

Make Meaningful Health and Social Improvements in the Lives of Indigenous People

• Collaborating with ministries and Indigenous partners to inform policies, legislation and programs that improve the quality of life for Indigenous people in Ontario in the areas of child and family services, social assistance, health, mental health and addictions, food security, systemic racism, emergency response, education and justice.
• Working with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) to create the conditions that make it easier for First Nation, Métis and Inuit learners to access a high-quality postsecondary education.
• Working with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), through co-leadership of the Equity and Priority Populations Table, to ensure that Indigenous considerations are appropriately incorporated into COVID-19 response initiatives across ministries.
• Supporting government commitments that address community safety and well-being of Indigenous people including:
  • The Ministry of Health and other ministries, in delivering on the investment of $3.8 billion in mental health and addictions, as well as in expanding access to the provincial mental health and addictions system, including through targeted, culturally safe services for Indigenous peoples.
  • The Ministry of the Solicitor General in the implementation of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 to ensure that First Nation communities and Indigenous people living in urban centres receive sustainable, accountable, equitable and culturally responsive policing, including through providing a legislative basis for First Nation police services.
  • The Ministries of Transportation and Energy, Northern Development and Mines work with the federal government to provide small air carriers serving remote communities in Northern Ontario with urgent funding to continue supplying critical goods and services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Working with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in support of their work on the implementation of the co-developed Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy (OICYS), including in respect to the ministry's discussions and negotiations with Indigenous partners on Indigenous systems building and self-governance.
• Working with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
  as it continues its efforts to renew and transform the social assistance in Ontario, including the development of a distinct plan to renew social assistance in First Nations communities.
• Co-leading with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), work across provincial ministries and with federal and Indigenous partners to develop a response to the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
• Working closely with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to ensure First Nations and Indigenous organization eligibility and awareness of a new Surplus Food Redistribution Program, which provided $5.25M in capital funding support in 2020/21 to help food rescue organizations, First Nation communities and Indigenous organizations get surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, farms and other businesses to vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19, helping prevent nutritious food from ending up in landfills.
• Supporting the development of an Expert Panel report for the modernization of the Mercury Disability Board's claims assessments and processes. The MDB provides payment benefits to members of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations and Grassy Narrows First Nation (Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek) who demonstrate qualifying medical symptoms or conditions consistent with mercury poisoning.
• Continuing to work across ministries and with Indigenous partners to address the recommendations from the Seven Youth Inquest that were directed at the province to support the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous students who attend school in Thunder Bay.
• Supporting the Anti-Racism Directorate (ARD) with engagement and advice as it implements its commitments under Ontario's current five year anti-racism strategy (2017-2022).
• Continuing to assess and review implications and opportunities of federal legislation, policies and commitments for Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario, including in the areas of child and family services, health, languages, and policing, as well as the recent UNDRIP Bill C-15.
• Providing advice and support to ministries, including in collaboration with MAG, regarding recognition of Aboriginal rights, assertions of jurisdiction, and governance matters for First Nations and Métis.
• Providing support and advice to the Ministry of the Attorney General and Ministry of the Solicitor General as they work with First Nations leadership, the federal government and police services to establish a collaborative table to focus on the enforcement and prosecution of First Nations Laws.
• Providing advice relating to federal rights-related policies, and technical support in federally led self-government discussions or negotiations regarding provincial responsibilities and interests.
• Continuing to work with the Ministries of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Cultural Industries, Municipal Affairs and Housing and other ministries to ensure Indigenous interests related to heritage and burials and archaeology are meaningfully considered.
• Working with provincial, federal and Indigenous partners to lead the development and implementation of protocols and supporting guides, tools, and training which improve government response to emergencies in First Nations communities.
• Coordinate and/or support government response to emergencies in First Nations communities – including COVID-19, by working with the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), other Ontario ministries, Indigenous partners, and federal government departments.
• Tracking and monitoring social emergencies in First Nations communities in collaboration with PEOC.
• Tracking and monitoring natural disasters and critical infrastructure failures in First Nations communities in collaboration with the PEOC.
• Engaging federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners on practical opportunities that will improve socio-economic conditions for First Nations in the North, including water quality, energy transmission, Ring of Fire, infrastructure, employment development, and health and mental health.
• Providing advice and assistance to ministries regarding consultation, engagement and relationships with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous communities and organizations.

Addressing Ontario's Legal Obligations on Treaties, Land Claims, Land Related Matters and the Duty to Consult

• Working with ministries, Indigenous communities, municipalities and industry to ensure consultation obligations are understood and met, including:
  • Working across government, to lead and develop operational guidance, tools, training and other supports which address the day-to-day needs of ministries in meeting the duty to consult, and which support consistent and coordinated engagement with Indigenous partners on policy and program initiatives.
• Working with other ministries, IAO will develop and implement a comprehensive Knowledge Management System that will effectively support Indigenous consultations and track information for all ministries. The Ministry will use the Knowledge Management System to provide guidance on consultations to help ministries ensure that they are meeting provincial requirements.
• Provide corporate guidance on emerging and evolving consultation matters that includes practical and sound advice in order to improve consistency and coordination as ministries fulfil their Duty to Consult. (E.g. IAO issued the Consultation with Indigenous Peoples in COVID-19 Context – An Operational Guide in May 2020.
• Researching and assessing 11 land claim assertions.
• Continuing to make progress on the 56 claims accepted for negotiation and any new claims accepted for negotiation.
• Continuing to make progress on 10 land-related matters, such as transfers of lands pursuant to a policy-based agreement.
• Working to carry out Ontario's commitments in implementing an additional 12 claim settlements that have been successfully negotiated.
• Working across government, to monitor First Nation community issues and coordinate Ontario's response.
• Working with Ministry partners, where possible, to seek negotiated solutions to issues currently under litigation.
• Continuing to implement the framework for identifying Métis communities capable of holding Aboriginal rights as set out by the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Powley.

COVID-19 response

IAO continues to coordinate a multi-level government response to COVID-19 by working closely with Indigenous partners and with federal departments to identify the most pressing needs in First Nations and other Indigenous communities in Ontario and to provide the most responsive actions.

• Ontario has developed a central command structure within government to help streamline Ontario's response to COVID-19. This command structure includes a number of sector-specific tables that facilitate cross-ministry issues such as food security, health supplies, and vulnerable populations. IAO co-chairs the cross-functional table on equity and priority populations, which works to promote cross-government collaboration in developing COVID-19 response initiatives for priority populations, including Indigenous communities.
• This ministry is working to build upon existing programs and human capacity within Nishnawbe Aski Nation and other remote, northern First Nations to raise awareness and provide seamless communication in Indigenous languages regarding COVID-19.
• IAO has also worked to ensure that Indigenous communities, organizations and leadership have the tools and supports they need to prevent, prepare for, and mitigate challenges related to COVID-19. Ontario passed legislative amendments to Bill 190, COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act, 2020 to provide relief and flexibility to corporations in Ontario in response to the declared emergency, which included an amendment to the Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act to enable the same flexibility for the MNO as provided to corporations and Indigenous organizations that fall under the Corporations Act.
• IAO is continuing to listen to feedback from First Nations and other Indigenous partners on program funding design and guidelines to ensure funds are accessed quickly and efficiently and directed where they are needed most.

COVID-19 funding initiatives

• Ontario has dedicated more than $37 million in funding, to address the unique needs of Indigenous people and communities in responding to COVID-19.
• On March 25, 2020, as part of the province's economic and fiscal update, the government announced $17 billion in support under Ontario's Action Plan: Response to COVID-19. Of which, IAO received $16.4 million to address the unique needs of Indigenous people and communities.
  • Of the $16.4M, IAO has provided emergency funding totaling approximately $11 million dollars to First Nations, Tribal Councils and PTOs to help address immediate and urgent needs. This funding has been administered through:
    • The Emergency Capacity and Surge Fund provided support for First Nation communities in their immediate response to COVID-19 by helping to provide urgent support and emergency supplies. The fund was distributed directly to First Nation communities across Ontario in April and May 2020.
    • The IAO COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund was an application-based fund. First Nations, Tribal Councils and Provincial Territorial Organizations were eligible to apply for four streams of funding. Applications were submitted to the Ministry for funding consideration. The deadline for the applications was June 12, 2020.
• IAO has committed $5 million to support urban Indigenous service providers to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and to address intensified needs of vulnerable people, such as elders, single-parent families and those experiencing homelessness. This funding includes a dedicated $1 million in funding to support safe delivery of mental health and addictions supports.
• IAO announced $10 million in new funding through the Support for People and Jobs Fund to assist small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses impacted by revenue losses due to COVID-19.
• IAO also provided enhanced funding to urban Indigenous service providers to support their vulnerable clients, such aslow-income, elderly and homeless Indigenous individuals, to receive necessities that they otherwise would not be financially or physically able to access, such as food, medical and pharmaceutical supplies as well as to address increased need for mental health and addictions supports as a result of COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution

• The Ontario government has a three-phase distribution plan for vaccinations.
• The first phase focuses primarily on vulnerable populations that are at the greatest risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illnesses and those who care for them.
• As a part of the first phase, early vaccine distribution is being coordinated for:
  • Residents, staff and essential caregivers (including family caregivers) and other employees in congregate living settings for seniors (including elder's residences).
  • Adults in First Nations, Métis and Inuit Populations.
• IAO chairs the First Nations Vaccine Distribution Table and the Urban Indigenous Vaccine Distribution Table, dedicated engagement forums with Indigenous partners that provide advice to the Ministers' COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force to ensure an effective, prioritized, and culturally appropriate rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to Indigenous communities.
• IAO participated in the Remote Immunity project by working with other Ministries as well as community partners to support the delivery of vaccines to 31 remote and fly-in communities. Work is ongoing to further vaccinate another hundred communities.
• Vaccinations have begun in remote fly-in First Nations communities where risk of transmission is high, in long term care homes and elders' residences across Ontario.

2021-22 strategic plan

• IAO's strategic plan demonstrates a commitment to effectively using public funds, providing greater value for money, and supporting government policies, while the ministry supports Indigenous peoples and communities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Over the 2021-22 fiscal year, the ministry aims to continue delivering on its vision to create lasting wellness and prosperity with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Ontario to help make reconciliation meaningful to people.
• IAO maintains its strategic approach, which is focused on:
  • Economy: to create lasting Indigenous economic prosperity by increasing access to employment, skills training, capital, and education;
  • Partnerships: strengthening relationships among government ministries and Indigenous communities to achieve better service delivery and advance socio-economic opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous peoples;
  • Rights and Interests: continue to negotiate and settle land claims and land-related matters, meet the Duty to Consult and participate in or support discussions on self-governance and jurisdiction; and,
  • People: maximizing available resources for responsive programs, services and infrastructure for Indigenous people and organizations, and to reduce barriers to advance Indigenous employment and wealth creation.
• The ministry anticipates some risk in its ability to deliver its regular programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, through working closely with Indigenous communities and organizations, as well as with key ministry partners and the federal government, IAO will continue to adapt its programs to ensure funds are directed to where they are needed most.
• IAO will continue to make progress on its modernization initiatives in order to find efficiencies while also maintaining funding for critical initiatives and scaling-back and reprioritizing transfer payment programs that have manageable risk.

Table 1: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2021-22 ($M)

Ministry Allocation of 2021-22 Base Spending by Standard Account ($89.5M)

Ministry Allocation of 2021-22 Base Spending by Vote Item ($89.5M)

Detailed financial information

Table 2: Combined Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

Historical Trend Analysis

For the 2019-20 fiscal year, the IAO incurred expenses totalling $86.4 million, a decrease of 70% over 2018-19 Actuals. This significant difference year-over-year is the result of accrued liabilities in 2018-19 associated with the commitment to settle a number of Indigenous land-related claims. The ministry's 2019-20 year-end spending is 5% greater than the 2020-21 Estimates primarily due to costs incurred associated with land and land-related claims for which the ministry does not receive an allocation. As a number of these claims are still ongoing negotiations, these figures may fluctuate based on the final settlement amount.

The increase to IAO's budget in 2021-22 is mainly due to planned initiatives to help support Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic

For additional financial information, see:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/expenditure-estimates
https://www.ontario.ca/page/public-accountshttps://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/finances/2020/ofin20_3.htmlhttps://budget.ontario.ca/2021/contents.html

Ministry organization chart

• Minister
  • Deputy Minister
    • Legal Services Branch
    • Corporate Management Division
      • Corporate Management Branch
      • Strategic Human Resources Business Branch
    • Indigenous Relations and Programs Division
      • Programs and Services Branch
      • Indigenous Relations and Ministry Partnerships Branch
    • Negotiations and Reconciliation Division
      • Divisional Services Unit
      • Negotiations Branch - Northeast and South
      • Negotiations Branch - Northwest
    • Strategic Policy and Planning Division
      • Performance Measures and Data Unit
      • Strategic Initiatives Social Policy Branch
      • Strategic Planning and Economic Policy Branch
    • Communications Services Branch
    • Land and Resources I & IT Cluster ^{footnote 3[3]}

Effective March 31, 2021

Highlights of 2020-21 results

IAO is committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous People in Ontario. In 2020-21, the ministry:

• Provided $15 million in funding to First Nations, Urban Indigenous Organizations, Tribal Councils and Provincial/Territorial Organizations to support and address the unique and urgent needs of First Nations during the COVID-19 emergency. These funds helped to address the need for critical supplies, communications, enhanced public health measures pandemic planning, and self-isolation measures.
• Provided $14.5 million to Indigenous communities and organizations to support their participation in meaningful consultation and engagement with government and the private sector in lands and resources matters, through the New Relationship Fund.
• Disbursed $17 million in funding to address the issue of significant revenue losses facing small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses due to COVID-19.
• Provided $3 million to support the construction, renovation and/or retrofit of Indigenous community infrastructure projects (on- and off-reserve) that contribute to economic development, job creation and social benefits to the community, through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program.
• Provided $1.9 million in funding through the Ontario Indigenous Representative Organization Fund to support Indigenous organizational capacity and development.
• Facilitated mandatory Indigenous Cultural Competency Training for all Ontario Public Service employees. Since the program launched in February 2018, 75% of Ontario public service employees have been registered for the training. This training is being extended until 2022 to provide public servants with increased capacity and awareness to deliver critical programs and services to Indigenous communities.
• Supported the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines (ENDM) in the ongoing policy development work to help fulfill the government's mandate to expand resource revenue sharing to additional Indigenous communities. Under the existing agreements with Grand Council Treaty #3, Wabun Tribal Council, and Mushkegowuk Council, the province has made the second payment, totaling over $23.7 million from eligible forestry and mining revenues, which will enable First Nations to share in the economic benefits of forestry and mining operations near their communities.
• Supported job creation by providing $3 million to the Métis Voyageur Development Fund, one of Ontario's most successful Aboriginal Financial Institutions that uses Ministry funds to provide loans and grants to Métis businesses and entrepreneurs across the province. Since it began operations in 2012, the Métis Voyageur Development Fund has distributed over $33 million in loans and grants to Ontario Métis entrepreneurs and businesses, leveraged over $28 million in additional funding, and helped create or sustain over 580 jobs.
• Increased procurement opportunities with the provincial government for Indigenous businesses through the Aboriginal Procurement Program. The Program has directly supported over 185 new procurements valued at over $64 million for Indigenous businesses in Ontario since 2015.
• Launched a table of experts in Indigenous economic development to provide input and perspectives on how government can best support wealth creation for Indigenous communities and businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19.
• Provided funding to support a research project focusing on the experiences of Indigenous women across Ontario and the impacts of COVID-19 in relation to their employment, training and business development needs.
• Invested $252,000 to deliver three broadband internet projects to improve internet service and access in 16 northern and remote First Nations communities for 12 months. These projects will improve connectivity and bandwidth for these underserved First Nations during a time when they need access the most.
• Working with federal and Indigenous partners, IAO developed and signed a formal protocol to clarify and confirm roles and responsibilities in responding to social emergencies. The ministry also developed and implemented three supportive regional-specific response guides.
• Coordinated Ontario's response to social emergencies and critical infrastructure failures and/or natural disasters.
• Worked with the provincial ministries, the federal government, and First Nations partners to respond to 4 critical infrastructure failures and/or natural disasters, 2 declarations of a social emergency, 3 declarations of an emergency for enhanced supports due to COVID-19 outbreaks, and 2 requests for emergency assistance by First Nation communities due to social crises.
• Worked with ministries on assessing the impacts and opportunities for Indigenous communities and organizations in the development and implementation of policies, legislation, and programs in a broad range of areas including economic development, land and resource development, community self-regulation on tobacco and cannabis, broad health system transformation, mental health and addictions, poverty reduction, child welfare, education, food security, Far North land use planning, social assistance, employment and skills training, community and supportive housing, seniors and accessibility, land use planning, heritage and culture, anti-racism, community safety and policing and justice.
• Provided corporate guidance on emerging and evolving consultation matters that includes practical and sound advice in order to improve consistency and coordination as ministries fulfill their Duty to Consult obligations.
• Provided corporate guidance on Indigenous engagement and consultation to provincial government initiatives across ministries including the Ministry of Solicitor General's engagement on the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Far North Act Review; Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's Multi-Ministry Supportive Housing Initiative; Ontario Builds: Accelerating Infrastructure cross-ministry initiative.
• Continued to assess, in collaboration with Métis partners, Métis communities capable of holding Aboriginal rights consistent with the guidance set out by the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Powley.
• Coordinated provincial review and analysis, in collaboration with MAG, of federal Bill C-15, An Act Respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and participated in a federally led provincial-territorial engagement process on the development of the Bill.
• Worked across ministries and with Indigenous partners to continue to address the recommendations of the Seven Youth Inquest and submitted Ontario's fourth annual progress report to the Office of the Chief Coroner. To date, the province has completed the majority of the recommendations directed at Ontario, with the remaining in progress.
• Completed the development of the Indigenous Youth Leading Youth Anti-Racism Program Guide and Training Materials, which were made available on Algoma University NORDIK's website in November 2020. Interested community organizations, education institutions and libraries have free access to the resource. The program was designed by NORDIK with input from an Indigenous Youth Advisory Circle, which included representation from First Nations and Inuit youth and elders. The program engages non-Indigenous youth audiences through interactive, age-appropriate workshops led by trained Indigenous youth facilitators.
• Hosted the fifth annual Treaties Recognition Week, delivering this important initiative in a wholly virtual and digital environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions around in-person gatherings.
• IAO delivered three public virtual events, directly supported 11 events in libraries and post-secondary institutions and developed five new Living Library videos. This year's social media and digital efforts reached more online users than ever before, breaking previous years' records for views, impressions and participation.
• Provided $6.5 million in funding through the Support for Community Negotiations Fund to support an Indigenous community's capacity in the land claims process.
• Coordinated a multi-level government response to COVID-19 by working closely with Indigenous partners and with the federal government to identify the most pressing needs in Ontario First Nations and other Indigenous communities and to confirm the most responsive actions. From March 2020 until February 2021, 72 First Nations have declared a state of emergencies due to COVID-19.
• Supported effective self-isolation in remote and northern First Nation communities by enabling communities to contract with private or public facilities for use for self-isolation.
• Supported culturally appropriate COVID-19 pandemic planning in remote and northern Indigenous communities by developing standard community training and awareness protocols, and addressing community needs around access to food, water, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help reduce the risk of COVID-19.
• Provided funding of $5 million to respond to increased needs for food, essential supplies and services, including mental health and addictions services, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well to support the rollout of the vaccine. These supports were designed to assist particularly vulnerable groups, such as elders, single-parent families and those experiencing homelessness or hardship.
• Coordinated with ministries and the federal government to respond to individual First Nations communities impacted by COVID-19 in a tailored and efficient manner.
• Weekly engagement with Indigenous leadership to coordinate the response to COVID-19 and respond to community identified issues as they arise.
• Supported the Ministries of Energy, Northern Development and Mines (ENDM) and Transportation in working with the federal government to provide small air carriers serving remote communities in Northern Ontario with urgent funding to continue supplying critical goods and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding helped to support jobs and economic activity in Ontario's Far North and ensured critical services and goods continued to be available to remote First Nation communities.
• IAO continued to support the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services in working with First Nations partners on the development of a distinct plan to renew social assistance in First Nations communities.
• IAO supported the development and release of the Poverty Reduction Strategy by ensuring Indigenous considerations were reflected and identifying related initiatives that support Indigenous prosperity and well-being along with indicators that can be measured for Indigenous people. The refreshed strategy encompasses a range of important Indigenous-specific initiatives:
  • Indigenous Economic Development Fund
  • Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy
  • Indigenous Supportive Housing Program
  • Indigenous Women's Advisory Council
  • First Nations Delivery Credit
• Worked closely with the Ministries of the Attorney General and Solicitor General and First Nations leadership to address barriers regarding the enforcement and prosecution of First Nations laws, including supporting the development of a proposed collaborative table with Canada and First Nations which will develop recommendations on how to overcome and bridge obstacles, as well as identify pathways to support the implementation of any recommendations that are made.

Appendix: 2020-21 annual report

The Ministry of Indigenous Affairs overview

In 2020-21, the ministry played a leading role in strategic Indigenous policy for Ontario, leading cross-government initiatives that improved outcomes for Indigenous people, led the provincial negotiation of Indigenous land claims, and supported economic development for Indigenous partners.

2020-21 results

In 2020-21 the ministry took steps to develop a robust fiscal strategy to deliver on the government's priorities while continuing to restore accountability and trust. The ministry worked with Indigenous partners to reduce red tape and administrative costs, to enable renewed focus on delivering programs and services that make a difference in the lives of Indigenous people. The ministry achieved the following results:

• Advised ministries on engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities for a range of provincial policy initiatives and legislation.
• Worked with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and First Nation communities and organizations on tobacco regulation by supporting projects to explore on-reserve approaches to tobacco regulation undertaken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, and Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.
• Worked with the MOF, to procure two independent Indigenous facilitators to lead province-wide engagements with First Nations to ensure that their perspectives and interests in tobacco are considered in developing solutions to unregulated tobacco.
• Supported MAG and other partner ministries in conducting engagement and information sharing with Indigenous communities and organizations on the legalization of cannabis, including undertaking discussions with interested communities to explore approaches to cannabis regulation that advance mutual priorities.
• Worked with the Ministry of the Attorney General and Ministry of Finance to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements with interested Indigenous communities on the regulation of cannabis on-reserve.
• Hosted the fifth annual Treaties Recognition Week, delivering this important initiative in a wholly virtual and digital environment as a result of the of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions around in-person gatherings.
• Delivered three public virtual events, directly supported 11 events in libraries and post-secondary institutions and developed five new Living Library videos. This year's social media and digital efforts reached more online users than ever before, breaking previous years' records for views, impressions and participation.

Promoting Economic Opportunities for Indigenous Employment, Economic and Community Development

• Provided $14.5 million to Indigenous communities and organizations to support their participation in meaningful consultation and engagement with government and the private sector in lands and resources matters, through the New Relationship Fund.
• In response to the economic impacts caused by COVID-19, the Ministry provided up to $17 million through the Indigenous Economic Development Fund to Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized businesses.
  • Indigenous businesses that are ineligible for, or unable to access, existing federal and provincial COVID-19 response initiatives for small businesses were eligible to apply for loans of up to $50,000 through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, which will be interest-free until the end of 2022 and will include a non-repayable grant of up to 50%. Businesses may use these funds to cover costs including payroll, rent, utilities or accommodating social distancing requirements.
• Provided $3 million to support the construction, renovation and/or retrofit of Indigenous community infrastructure projects (on- and off-reserve) that contribute to economic development, job creation and social benefits to the community, through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program.
• Provided $1.9 million in funding through the Ontario Indigenous Representative Organization Fund to support Indigenous organizational capacity and development.
• Supported the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines (ENDM) in the ongoing policy development work to help fulfill the government's mandate to expand resource revenue sharing to additional Indigenous communities. Under the existing agreements with Grand Council Treaty #3, Wabun Tribal Council, and Mushkegowuk Council, the province has made the second payment, totaling over $23.7 million from eligible forestry and mining revenues, which will enable First Nations to share in the economic benefits of forestry and mining operations near their communities.
• Supported job creation by providing $3 million to the Métis Voyageur Development Fund, one of Ontario's most successful Aboriginal Financial Institutions, which uses Ministry funds to provide loans and grants to Métis businesses and entrepreneurs across the province. Since it began operations in 2012, the Métis Voyageur Development Fund has distributed over $33 million in loans and grants to Ontario Métis entrepreneurs and businesses, leveraged over $28 million in additional funding, and helped create or sustain over 580 jobs.
• Increased procurement opportunities with the provincial government for Indigenous businesses through the Aboriginal Procurement Program. The Program has directly supported over 185 new procurements valued at over $64 million for Indigenous businesses in Ontario since 2015.
• Launched a table of experts in Indigenous economic development to provide input and perspectives on how government can best support wealth creation for Indigenous communities and businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19.
• Provided funding to support a research project focusing on the experiences of Indigenous women across Ontario and the impacts of COVID-19 in relation to their employment, training and business development needs.
• Invested $252,000 to deliver three broadband internet projects to improve internet service and access in 16 northern and remote First Nations communities for 12 months. These projects will improve connectivity and bandwidth for these underserved First Nations during a time when they need access the most.
• Supported ENDM in the development and implementation of operational strategies, guidance and options related to consultation and community identification in the Ring of Fire development area.
• In 2020, a land transfer agreement between Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Ontario, and Canada was executed. Ontario transferred the former Ipperwash Park lands to Canada to be set apart as reserve for Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.

Make Meaningful Health and Social Improvements in the Lives of Indigenous People

The ministry continued to work to close the socio-economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people by working with other ministries in the development of policies, programs and initiatives that address the unique needs of and provide support for Indigenous people.

• Worked with provincial ministries, the federal government, and First Nations partners to coordinate the response to 4 critical infrastructure failures and/or natural disasters, 2 declarations of a social emergency, 3 declarations of an emergency for enhanced supports due to COVID-19 outbreaks, and 2 requests for emergency assistance by First Nation communities due to social crises.
• IAO continues to lead the implementation of the Indigenous Cultural Competency Training for the Ontario Public Service (OPS) using the San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program.
  • The training addresses the pervasive effects of colonization and aims to ensure that public servants have increased capacity and knowledge to work with Indigenous communities and leaders to develop and deliver policies, programs and services.
  • To date, approximately 75% of OPS employees have been registered in the program.
• Worked with ministries on assessing the impacts and opportunities for Indigenous communities and organizations in the development and implementation of policies, legislation, and programs in a broad range of areas including economic development, land and resource development, community self-regulation on tobacco and cannabis, broad health system transformation, mental health and addictions, poverty reduction, child welfare, education, food security, social assistance, employment and skills training, community and supportive housing, seniors and accessibility, land use planning, heritage and culture, anti-racism, community safety and policing and justice.
• Worked with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) to incorporate Indigenous considerations and Indigenous-specific initiatives into the refreshed Poverty Reduction Strategy.
• Provided significant support to ministries, in collaboration with MAG, in assessing and reviewing implications of federal legislation, policies and commitments on Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario, including:
  • An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families (Bill C-92)
  • Federal Bill C-15, An Act Respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and federal actions to implement the Declaration
  • Federally led Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables in Ontario
• Coordinated provincial review of federal Bill C-15, An Act Respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and participated in a federally led provincial-territorial engagement process on the development of the Bill.
• Worked with lead ministries, including MAG and MCCSS, and provided technical advice in support of self-government discussions.
• Worked across ministries and with Indigenous partners to continue to address the recommendations of the Seven First Nations Youth Inquest and submitted Ontario's fourth annual progress report to the Office of the Chief Coroner. To date, of the 61 recommendations directed to the province, Ontario has completed 33 recommendations, with 28 recommendations in progress.
  • Worked across ministries, with Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Canada to develop a collaborative process to better understand barriers to accessing government-issued identification for Indigenous individuals, particularly in remote, northern communities and begin discussing potential paths to address these challenges.
• Completed the development of the Indigenous Youth Leading Youth Anti-Racism Program Guide and Training Materials. The program was designed by NORDIK at Algoma University with the input from an Indigenous Youth Advisory Circle, which included representation from First Nations and Inuit youth and elders. The program engages non-Indigenous youth audiences through interactive, age-appropriate workshops led by trained Indigenous youth facilitators.
• Supported effective self-isolation in remote and northern First Nation communities by enabling communities to contract with private or public facilities for use for self-isolation.
• Supported the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) with their ongoing work on child welfare redesign, including the implementation of the co-developed Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy (OICYS) and MCCSS's approach to discussions and negotiations with Indigenous partners on implementing their own child and family services systems.
• Supported culturally appropriate COVID-19 pandemic planning in remote and northern Indigenous communities by developing standard community training and awareness protocols, and addressing community needs around access to food, water, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help reduce the risk of COVID-19.
• Supported the Ministry of Health in participating in federally led meetings on Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism in Canada's Healthcare Systems with government, First Nations regional and local leadership, Indigenous governance bodies, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership from educational institutions, health professional associations, regulatory colleges, and accreditation organization representatives.
• Facilitated discussions with the Ministry of Health and Indigenous organizations on Home and Community Care Modernization and engagement on regulations under Bill 175, the Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act, 2020.

Address Ontario's Legal Obligations on Treaties, Land Claims, Land Related Claims, and the Duty to Consult

The ministry continued to address Ontario's outstanding legal obligations on land claims and land-related disputes with Indigenous people with the goal of achieving lasting settlements through a non-litigated negotiation process.

• In 2020, Ontario and the Flying Post First Nation ratified a settlement of the First Nation's outstanding land entitlement under Treaty 9. This settlement resolves a historical matter in a manner that creates economic growth opportunities for the First Nation and helps to create a stable climate for local business and other interests.
• In 2020, an agreement between Pays Plat First Nation, Ontario, and Canada to transfer land to the Pays Plat First Nation was fully ratified. Implementation of this agreement will result in lands being added to the existing reserve that will allow for community and economic development.
• In 2020, an easement agreement between Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Ontario and Canada was fully ratified. As a result, the 2012 Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation flooding claim settlement agreement is now fully implemented.
• In 2020, Ontario entered into negotiations with Wahnapitae First Nation to resolve an outstanding boundary claim.
• In 2020, Ontario accepted Kiashke Zaaging Anishnaabek's (Gull Bay) outstanding boundary claim for negotiation.
• In 2020, Ontario entered into negotiations with Whitefish River First Nation to resolve their outstanding boundary claim.
• In early 2021, Ontario entered into negotiations with Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation to resolve an outstanding boundary claim.
• IAO has led the coordination of Ontario's response to community issues across ministries, including the facilitation of supports for First Nations, funding a Regional Emergency Summit, encouraging the active participation of the federal government in responding to the Summit's recommendations.
• In 2020, IAO continued to provide corporate guidance on emerging and evolving consultation matters that included practical and sound advice in order to improve consistency and coordination as ministries fulfill their Duty to Consult obligations.

Table 3: Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures 2020-21