Our Approach We guide our work by working in an Ethical Space to achieve the best outcomes for First Nations.
Over the years, the JCCA has invested time significantly in the process of working together through different approaches, guidance, and ceremony. This includes Ethical Space, our five principles for collaboration, free prior and informed consent (FPIC), and our JCCA best practices.
Ethical Space An equity-based approach to weaving Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
Ethical Space is an equity-based approach to weaving Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, which was coined by Elder Dr. Reg Crowshoe. It is a space where each knowledge system is intrinsically valued and provides an open, safe, and fertile ground to design, develop, and work together in harmony.
An Ethical Space also demands that JCCA members are dedicated to strengthening relationships amongst themselves and developing a better understanding of the traditions, conventions, and structures that influence their work.
Five Principles for Collaboration to guide our work:
- Rights-based approach
- Trust and kindness
- Mutual respect and fairness
- Good faith and honesty
- Joint development
What Is Ethical Space?
Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Danika Littlechild, and Eli Enns cultivated principles of Ethical Space at all levels of the Pathway to Canada Target 1. This led to the conceptualization of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in 2017. IPCAs promise to become the future of conservation in Canada as we collectively strive to protect and conserved 30% of lands and waters by 2030, nearly tripling Canada's protected areas in fewer than ten years.Best Practices Improving how federal departments build meaningful relationship with First Nations.
The JCCA developed a series of best practices to serve as key starting points to support the advancement of First Nations’ self-determination and climate leadership.
Establish longer-term, more human relationships with First Nations.
Seek ongoing relationships with First Nations through regular meetings, not just ad hoc, short-term engagements.
Engage with First Nations as early as possible.
Engage First Nations early in policy/program creation to address gaps, avoid duplication, and ensure meaningful outcomes.
Operationalize the concept of Ethical Space in all activities conducted with First Nations.
Ethical Space fosters equal Indigenous-Western knowledge exchange, emphasizing trust, respect, and fairness in dialogue.
Adopt a distinction basis throughout engagement activities.
Distinction-based approaches align climate actions with First Nations' needs, fostering long-term relationships and participation, but aren't generalizable to Métis/Inuit.
Determine the right scope of engagement and ensure modes of collaboration align with the preference of First Nation partners.
Begin with internal scope and barriers assessment, then consult First Nations on alignment with their self-determination and climate priorities.
Ensure engagement leads to meaningful outcomes.
Meaningful engagement aims for outcomes leading to substantive changes in programs, policies, regulations, or legislation.
Create decision-making and engagement opportunities throughout the lifespan of the initiative.
Ensure policies include funds for First Nations' ongoing participation in climate governance and adequate resources for meaningful engagement.
Make room for First Nations’ knowledge systems and legal orders in engagement and governance structures.
Focus on creating joint First Nations-federal opportunities for policy development, not direct integration of Indigenous knowledge into policy.
Consent Framework Building climate resilience in Canada through a consent-based approach.
As a starting point, the JCCA recommends that federal officials invest the time and capacity to develop long-term relationships with First Nations through free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).
These long-term relationships are essential given the timing of recent mandate commitments: meeting and exceeding 2030 GHG-reduction targets, setting a path towards net-zero emissions by 2050, and transitioning away from diesel by 2030.
Guided by the Best Practices, these commitments are renewed opportunities to ensure that First Nations are positioned as active drivers and agents of change, contributing knowledge, experience, and leadership vital to understanding and building climate resilience in Canada.
Artist Acknowledgement
Isaac Trapper
Ottawa,
b. 1989
River, Photography
Artist Acknowledgement
Eruoma Awashish
Pekuakami (Lac-Saint-Jean),
b. 1980
Kice Masko / Ours Sacré,
2022
Acrylique
Sign up for our Newsletter
View Allarrow_forwardGet the latest updates from the AFN in your inbox.
Contact Us
Reach out to the JCCA
Assembly of First Nations
50 O’Connor Street, Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2
Tel: +1 (613) 241-6789
Toll-free: +1 (866) 869-6789
Fax: +1 (613) 241-5808