Driving meaningful and transformational change – Indigenous Advisory Committee

Indigenous Advisory Committee Progress and Impact Report 2024

We are proud to share the 2023-2024 Impact Report on behalf of the Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC). This is more than just a summary of our work together. It’s a collection of stories and experiences that show the transformative impact the IAC has had across the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). Within these pages, you’ll find tangible examples of change and meaningful connections shaped by the guidance and wisdom of the IAC. It is with heartfelt gratitude and deep respect that we share their insights here.

The IAC was established in August 2020 under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act to advise the Board of Directors (Board) on how the CER can build a new relationship with Indigenous peoples. Comprised of eight diverse members, the IAC reflects Canada’s Indigenous communities through representation in language, culture, gender, and geography. The IAC shares their insights and advice in regular meetings with the CER’s Board and members of CER senior management, to inform and shape improvements to our regulatory practices.

The journey of collaboration has faced its challenges, with some obstacles along the way. Constructive tensions naturally arise when a long-standing institution begins adapting their practices and perspectives to integrate Indigenous voices and worldviews in an advisory role. However, the strength of the relationships developed over time has enabled honest, open, and sometimes difficult conversations. The organization is stronger today because of the IAC and their dedicated members.

Highlights of the IAC’s Impact

Here are just a few examples of how the IAC’s contributions have helped advance meaningful change:

• Advice from the IAC has helped shape the CER’s Indigenous monitoring program to look beyond safety and environmental protection and incorporate traditional land use, sacred sites and historical knowledge.
• The IAC has helped to guide the approach for the Energy Futures 2025 report. In line with IAC feedback advice, the Energy Futures team began working with an Indigenous consultant, Mokwateh, to engage with Indigenous Peoples to gather their perspectives on Canada’s energy transition.
• With the help of the IAC, the CER is continually looking for opportunities to change and increase their cultural competency and intelligence.
• CER Indigenous Procurement has increased from 2.2% in 2020-21 up to 13.61% in 2023-24 exceeding the federal target of 5%.

These accomplishments are just the beginning. The IAC’s work continues to shape how the CER integrates Indigenous perspectives across their governance, processes, and regulatory responsibilities.

Date modified:

2024-12-13