Indigenous Knowledge under the Impact Assessment Act

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through a renewed nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.

The Impact Assessment Act (the Act) requires that Indigenous Knowledge be taken into account when it is provided for impact, strategic and regional assessments. The Act also includes provisions to protect confidential Indigenous Knowledge from unauthorized disclosure.

Inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge is an essential part of the Agency’s work with Indigenous governing bodies, respecting unique knowledge systems based on the worldviews of distinct Indigenous cultures.

Collaborating with Indigenous Peoples to include Indigenous Knowledge in assessments contributes to reconciliation and provides a more complete understanding of:

• Indigenous worldviews;
• Indigenous cultures;
• the environment, environmental effects and valued components; and
• the social, health and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples.

The inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge in assessment processes strengthens the analysis, improves decision-making and contributes to better project outcomes for Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians.

Related links

This guidance provides considerations when working with Indigenous communities on how to include Indigenous Knowledge in assessments under the Impact Assessment Act, with a focus on the initial phases of the impact assessment process. It is designed for proponents, Agency employees, review panels and Indigenous communities.

This guidance provides information about managing confidential Indigenous Knowledge under the Impact Assessment Act. It is designed for Indigenous communities, proponents, Agency employees and review panels.