Indigenous Technical Advisory Group
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action #92 and in support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Article 19, the City of Saskatoon is dedicated to pursuing opportunities to build respectful relationships and engage in meaningful dialogue with Indigenous peoples on decisions that may impact them.
The Indigenous Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) is a new structure through which members of First Nations and Métis communities participate in the design of City of Saskatoon initiatives to help ensure that the unique interests and perspectives of Indigenous peoples are acknowledged, affirmed and implemented.
TRC Call to Action #92 - Business & Reconciliation
We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:
i. Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.
ii. Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.
iii. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - Article 19
States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.
Role of ITAG Members:
- Provide City of Saskatoon project teams with advice for the development and review of key policy and planning documents.
- Advise on approaches for co-development and engagement with Indigenous peoples on policy and plans.
- Review documents and reports related to the mandate of the Group.
- Conduct research and analysis to inform the Group’s advice.
- Write letters or reports to communicate the Group’s advice.
- In collaboration with the City of Saskatoon, members develop and manage a prioritized work plan in accordance with their Terms of Reference.
Questions or help needed?
If you have questions about this group or the appointment process, please e-mail the City's Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Melissa Cote.