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Indigenous Peoples have the Right to Decide

Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is the inherent right Indigenous communities have to decide “yes” or “no” to mining, forestry, oil, gas, water, or other proposed external activities that would affect their lands, territories, and/or natural resources.

Knowledge is Power

Learning about international and national standards helps communities to defend their lands.

Explore:

Consultation
Rights Framework
Governance
Industry
Free, Prior and Informed Consent
Decision Making
Pimatisiwin
Indigenous Allyship
Identity

Featured:

Rights in Action: Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for Indigenous Peoples
Video & Podcast

2013 - English - Simple

Rights in Action: Free, Prior and Informed Con…

Asia Indigenous Peoples' Pact

FPIC | Rights and Legal Framework | Community Engagement | Consultation | Land Access | Land Stewardship | Self-Determination | Traditional Knowledge | UNDRIP

Rights in Action: Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for Indigenous Peoples

This community-friendly animation video explains the concepts and mechanisms of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) through a story of interaction between indigenous peoples and people requesting their consent for new development. FPIC is a continual process that involves mutual respect and meaningful participation of indigenous peoples in dec…

The Transformative Potential of Indigenous-Driven Approaches to Implementing Free, Prior and Informed Consent: Lessons from Two Canadian Cases
Scientific Paper

2020 - English - Practical

The Transformative Potential of Indigenous-Dri…

Martin Papillon, Thierry Rodon

FPIC | Indigenous Governance | Informed Decision Making | Community Engagement | Decision Making | UNDRIP

The Transformative Potential of Indigenous-Driven Approaches to Implementing Free, Prior and Informed Consent: Lessons from Two Canadian Cases

This paper addresses two case studies, a mining policy identified in the Cree Nation of James Bay and a community-driven impact assessment process identified by the Squamish Nation. The paper aims to articulate Indigenous-driven mechanisms and how these can transform how FPIC is implemented in practice.

Realizing Indigenous Rights in the Context of Extractive Imperialism: Canada's shifting and fledgling progress towards the implementation of UNDRIP
Scientific Paper

2019 - English - Practical

Realizing Indigenous Rights in the Context of …

Terry Mitchell

Consultation | FPIC | Indigenous Governance | Informed Decision Making | Rights and Legal Framework | Business Practices | Canadian Law | Self-Determination | UNDRIP

Realizing Indigenous Rights in the Context of Extractive Imperialism: Canada's shifting and fledgling progress towards the implementation of UNDRIP

This article addresses Canada’s shifting yet fledgling progress towards the harmonisation of Canadian domestic law and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The pathway to reconciliation and sustainable development for Canada is discussed as rights-based resource governance in contrast to Canada’…

Latest News:

The Rise of Indigenous Resource Interests – Pathway to Success
News Article

2021 - English - Simple

The Rise of Indigenous Resource Interests – Pa…

Maureen McCall

Indigenous Governance | Decision Making | Inherent Rights | Land Stewardship | Social & Cultural Impacts

The Rise of Indigenous Resource Interests – Pathway to Success

This news article discusses the factors influencing decision making by First Nations within the natural resource sector in Canada.

Uncommon Ground: The Impact of Natural Resource Corruption on Indigenous Peoples
News Article

2020 - English - Simple

Uncommon Ground: The Impact of Natural Resourc…

Carter Squires, Landau Kelsey, Robin J. Lewis

Industry | Business Practices | Decision Making | Land Access

Uncommon Ground: The Impact of Natural Resource Corruption on Indigenous Peoples

This news article discusses contextual factors that can allow for more effective resource governance on Indigenous land in Brazil, Peru, and Canada.

New Community-Driven Project Aims to Support Revitalization of Indigenous Languages for Current and Coming Generations
News Article

2022 - English - Simple

New Community-Driven Project Aims to Support R…

Bev Betkowski

Indigenous Governance | Community Engagement | Self-Determination | Social & Cultural Impacts | Traditional Knowledge

New Community-Driven Project Aims to Support Revitalization of Indigenous Languages for Current and Coming Generations

This news article presents a community-based project - Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization (SILR). This project's goal is to incorporate community and Indigenous led efforts to preserve and strengthen Indigenous languages across Turtle Island.