Our Commitments

1. Our Commitment to Relationships | Respect, Reciprocity, Accountability

We are committed to building respectful, reciprocal and accountable relationships with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations. We recognize that meaningful partnership requires more than engagement. It requires listening, shared learning, transparency, and a willingness to adapt our work in response to Indigenous priorities and guidance. We seek opportunities to support Indigenous leadership, respect Indigenous knowledge systems, and create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to influence decisions that affect them.

2. Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion | EDI

We recognize that equity requires considering people’s unique experiences and differing situations. We work to ensure that equity-deserving communities — including women, Black and racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals — have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for just outcomes.

3. Our Commitment to Indigenous Leadership and Partnership | Rights, Governance, Knowledge Systems, Shared Accountability

Indigenous Peoples have stewarded diverse food systems across these lands since time immemorial. Indigenous knowledge, innovation and leadership continue to make important contributions to the resilience and sustainability of Canada’s food systems. We recognize Indigenous rights and self-determination, respect Indigenous knowledge systems and governance, and seek opportunities to support Indigenous leadership and meaningful influence over decisions that affect Indigenous Peoples and communities. Strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples is therefore not only an important part of reconciliation, but also an essential part of building more sustainable food systems for everyone.

4. Our Commitment to Learning and Accountability | Reporting, Continuous Improvement, Responding to Guidance

We recognize that accountability includes reporting not only on our activities, but also on how Indigenous guidance has influenced our decisions, priorities and actions. We are committed to reflecting on our progress, learning from our relationships, and continually strengthening our approach. We recognize that this work is ongoing. We are committed to learning, listening, adapting, and strengthening our relationships and practices over time. We will also assess whether our work is creating meaningful outcomes for Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.