As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the Government of Canada encourage researchers to build relationships with Indigenous communities prior to identifying specific research projects.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of Canada, through the federal granting councils—the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research—review funding criteria to ensure that all research projects affecting Indigenous populations in Canada have established relationships with the relevant communities and received their consent and support for the project prior to approving funding.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada, through the federal granting councils—the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research—examine the representation of Indigenous knowledge holders on their review panels and work with Indigenous communities to support the appropriate evaluation of applications for funding that affect Indigenous communities.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of Canada, through the federal granting councils—the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research— review funding criteria to ensure that all projects affecting Indigenous communities in Canada have sufficient timelines to ensure the ongoing participation of the affected communities and encourage participation across all stages of the project.

Recommendation 5

That the Government of Canada accelerate implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan, and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and report regularly to ensure that progress is being made without delay.

Recommendation 6

That the Government of Canada replicate the National Advisory Committee established in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act in other ministries to ensure Indigenous communities’ input into Canadian federal policy development.

Recommendation 7

That the Government of Canada explore additional opportunities to support self-determination in Indigenous communities across Canada, such as the development of co-management agreements pertaining to land and resources with Indigenous communities.

Recommendation 8

That the Government of Canada explore methods to incorporate Indigenous-led research priorities, such as the First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Protection (OCAP®) and the National Inuit Strategy on Research, into federal policies and practices.

Recommendation 9

That the Government of Canada, in collaboration with Indigenous governments, organizations and communities, explore the ways in which Indigenous data sovereignty and collective rights can be better supported in Canadian policy and law.

Recommendation 10

That the Government of Canada increase Indigenous participation in policy development, such as through increased Indigenous hiring or the development of a comprehensive list of local Indigenous advisors.

Recommendation 11

That the Government of Canada review and bolster training requirements for public servants to ensure that all employees receive sufficient training in Indigenous history and practices, and to provide specialized training for those working directly with Indigenous communities.

Recommendation 12

That the Government of Canada, through the federal granting councils—the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research—enhance supports for Indigenous students and researchers.

Recommendation 13

That the Government of Canada review experience criteria for positions within the public service and for external funding opportunities to ensure that different forms of cultural experience, such as on-the-land experience, are considered in hiring, promotion, and funding decisions when appropriate.

Recommendation 14

That the Government of Canada, through the Canada Foundation for Innovation, increase investment in Indigenous research and post-secondary educational institutions.

Recommendation 15

That the Government of Canada continue to support Indigenous language revitalization, such as federal funding for Indigenous language initiatives and the use of Indigenous place names in federal documents.