As Indigenous communities across Canada continue to assert their autonomy in governance, education, health, and economic development, self-determination is no longer a future ideal — it is a present reality reshaping how employers, governments, and organizations must engage. This session explores the meaning and momentum behind Indigenous self-determination, and what it demands of organizations looking to build authentic, effective, and respectful relationships.

We’ll examine how workforce strategies, partnership models, and community engagement approaches must evolve to align with Nation-led priorities and structures — and how to avoid common missteps that undermine trust and long-term collaboration.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the foundations of Indigenous self-determination in Canada.
• Explore how Indigenous-led priorities are shaping employment, economic, and partnership expectations.
• Learn practical approaches to aligning your organizational practices with the principles of self-determination to build stronger, more respectful, and future-ready relationships.