Session Description
Indigenous Knowledge, Traditional Land Use Studies, and Indigenous-led studies and assessments are foundational sources of information for understanding impacts of major resource and infrastructure projects on both the environment and aboriginal and treaty rights. Facilitating Indigenous led studies and assessments into the impact assessment process supports meaningful participation, precise information, informed solutions and conclusions which align with the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent.
This session aims to explore lessons learned from past and current impact assessment practices, focusing on how Indigenous communities, proponents, and regulators who have effectively incorporate Indigenous assessments and Indigenous led studies into assessment processes. By inviting participants to share challenges and commensurate solutions, the session will examine how the impact assessment process can move beyond consultation and towards a more collaborative and Indigenous-informed approach. Practitioners will share approaches to community-led studies and Indigenous-led assessments, identifying practical strategies to strengthen future impact assessments. By incorporating Indigenous knowledge and long-term stewardship objectives, impact assessment outcomes can better reflect Indigenous values, priorities and pathways for informed decision-making.
By looking back at where impact assessment has succeeded, this session aims to identify practical pathways for strengthening future assessments in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
Session Summary
This session explores how Indigenous-led studies and assessments can strengthen impact assessment outcomes. Participants will examine collaborative approaches that support meaningful participation, respect Indigenous Knowledge, and align assessment results with Indigenous values, priorities, and stewardship objectives.
Session Chair
Kayla Grey
Alto
Canada
Session Co-chair
Jason Boisvert
Alto
Canada