NWAC implemented the Impact Assessment Project in partnership with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC). This initiative engages Indigenous women, in all their gender diversity, on proposed changes to the Impact Assessment Act and explores how to meaningfully include Indigenous Traditional Knowledge in assessment processes. Through information-sharing and engagement sessions, the project supports increased awareness and participation of Indigenous women in environmental decision-making. It aims to protect Indigenous women from the harmful effects of industrial development, while advancing self-determination and ensuring environmental assessments reflect their lived realities, voices, and knowledge systems.
Impact Assessment
Indigenous women, in all their gender diversity, must be meaningfully included in environmental decision-making to ensure impact assessments reflect their voices, protect their rights, and uphold their Traditional Knowledge.
Phase 1: Research and Policy Input
During the first wave of Act amendments, NWAC conducts research and gathers insights from Indigenous women, in all their gender diversity, and other experts on key amendments to impact assessment regulations. Feedback is compiled into recommendation reports and are submitted to IAAC, contributing to draft policy changes that were later shared publicly for further review.
Phase 2: Engagement and Roundtables
IAAC and NWAC collaboratively hold engagement sessions to inform and gather input from Indigenous women, in all their diversity on specific proposed amendments. These sessions deepen understanding of such processes and highlighted ongoing concerns about the exclusion of Indigenous voices in impact assessment processes and the government's limited interpretation of
“consideration.”
Phase 2: Engagement and Roundtables
Newsletters
Plain Language Summaries (Physical Activities List | Designated Projects | Co-Administration Agreements)
Fact Sheet: Land, Body, Justice
Bill C-69: Impact Assessment Legislation and Rights of Indigenous Women in Canada
Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis – Minerals and Metals Plan