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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.

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Featured:

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

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…

Backgrounder: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
Official Statement

2021 - English - Simple

Backgrounder: United Nations Declaration on th…

Government of Canada


This backgrounder produced by the Government of Canada outlines the recent passing of Bill C-15.

Shifting the Focus: Viewing Indigenous Consent Not as a Snapshot But As a Feature Film
Scientific Paper

2020 - English - Practical

Shifting the Focus: Viewing Indigenous Consent…

Michael Coyle


This paper critiques current Canadian consultation processes and proposes changes to improve their effectiveness with respect to Indigenous values and legal orders, in order to strengthen the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canadian governments.

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


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


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


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.