Session Description
This session explores what Indigenous-led impact assessment looks like in an era of accelerating regulatory reform. We ask: How are Indigenous Nations staying ahead as regulatory processes evolve and become compressed? In this session, participants will be shown the emerging trends among Indigenous Nations in Canada to stay ahead of shortcuts by focusing on readiness measures such as increased Indigenous collaboration, proactive Indigenous-led studies, well organized data management, and proactive relationship building that supports informed and strategic decision making. Other International case studies are welcomed. IAIA is the leading global network on advancing best practices for informed decision-making regarding impact assessments. Building on the IAIA framework, we have worked alongside Indigenous Nations across Canada to adapt and apply these principles in Indigenous-led assessment contexts. We will share the ways we have adapted the IAIA framework, our lessons learned and practical examples of how these adaptations support stronger Indigenous preparedness, capacity and decision-making.
Learning Outcomes:
• Lessons to ensure the practice of impact assessment improves and remains resilient in the future.
• What barriers occurred and what innovations have worked within a Canadian context and elsewhere for best practices in Indigenous-led impact assessments.
• What impact assessment readiness looks like in the context of increasing regulatory shortcuts, while honouring and respecting traditional and cultural knowledge.
• Cultivating respect-based, reciprocal approaches to knowledge co-production that strengthens decision-making
Session Summary
This session explores impacts of regulatory process shortcuts on Indigenous-led Impact Assessments and shares good practices within a Canadian context that have broader relevance for international practitioners. Experiences adapting the IAIA framework for Indigenous-led assessment will be discussed.
Session Chair
Meaghan Luis
Shared Value Solutions
Canada