Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

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Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is a department of the Government of Canada responsible for policies and programs related to Indigenous peoples in Canada and the Canadian Arctic. The department was established to improve the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples, and to address issues related to land claims, self-government, and economic development in Indigenous communities.

History

CIRNAC was created in 2017, following the split of the former Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) into two separate departments: CIRNAC and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). This restructuring aimed to better address the distinct needs of Indigenous communities and to facilitate the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action.

Mandate

The mandate of CIRNAC includes:

• Negotiating and implementing land claims and self-government agreements.
• Supporting the renewal of the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
• Addressing historical grievances and advancing reconciliation.
• Promoting economic development and improving the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous communities.
• Overseeing federal responsibilities in the Canadian Arctic, including the implementation of the Northern Strategy.

Key Responsibilities

CIRNAC is responsible for:

• Land claims and self-government negotiations.
• Implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements.
• Support for Indigenous governance and capacity building.
• Management of Indigenous land and resources.
• Coordination of federal policies and programs in the Canadian Arctic.

Organizational Structure

CIRNAC is led by the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Northern Affairs. The department is organized into several branches, each responsible for different aspects of its mandate, including:

• Treaties and Aboriginal Government.
• Reconciliation.
• Northern Affairs.
• Policy and Strategic Direction.

Programs and Initiatives

CIRNAC administers various programs and initiatives aimed at supporting Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation, including:

• The Specific Claims Tribunal.
• The First Nations Land Management Act.
• The Indigenous Community Development National Strategy.
• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.

See Also

• Indigenous Services Canada
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• First Nations
• Métis
• Inuit