Stage 2: Engagement

If the engagement is a meeting, it should be conducted in good faith and in a climate of mutual respect where Indigenous knowledge, values, and perspectives are respected.

At the meeting, introduce yourself and your department. State the intention of the meeting: for example, “This meeting is to engage you on the co-development of the mental wellness plan. This is not considered consultation with your nation/organization.”

Explain again why the engagement relates to the Indigenous modern treaty holder, the timeline, and the expected outcomes.

Come prepared knowing your own internal decision-making processes, as you may be asked about what authority you have, where the information is going, what decisions will be made, and by whom.

Be aware of similar conversations or processes already happening. It is frustrating when different federal departments engage on similar topics, resulting in repeated discussions on the same issues. Remember that Indigenous modern treaty holders are smaller governments or organizations with limited resources.