2025-26 Operating context

The Government of Canada acknowledges that the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown was built on colonial structures that have contributed to the unacceptable socio-economic gaps between Indigenous Peoples and other Canadians that exist today. Indigenous Peoples have faced historic discrimination due to institutional and systemic racism and continue to experience the lasting impacts of colonialism in their everyday lives. The acknowledgement of colonial structures and resulting harms is required to accelerate reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Systemic change must continue, and we must advance the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples as self-determining nations.

On the journey toward reconciliation, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) recognizes Indigenous Peoples' rights and commits to respect, cooperation, and partnership. ISC aims to facilitate access to high-quality services and support the improvement of socio-economic conditions, quality of life, and safety in Indigenous communities.

ISC also recognizes that to achieve true, meaningful, and long lasting results towards fulfilling its organizational mandate, the transfer of the responsibility of the design, delivery, and management of services undertaken by the department to Indigenous communities is necessary.

ISC's mandate is focused on the core responsibility of Indigenous well-being and self-determination. The work to close socio-economic gaps and transfer the responsibility for services to Indigenous communities happens in six areas where the department provides services: health, children and families, education, infrastructure and environments, economic development, and governance.

The department is also guided by the Government of Canada's commitment to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice, and Canada's Action Plan to support the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

ISC recognizes that services for Indigenous Peoples are effective when they reflect the cultural needs and aspirations. ISC will continue collaborating with Indigenous partners through ongoing engagement, communication, and consultation to shape its services, while recognizing Indigenous Peoples' rights and the distinctions among First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.