Indigenous Affairs
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) recognizes the essential role that Indigenous Peoples and local communities play in environmental stewardship across Turtle Island, Madre Tierra, also known as North America.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), held by Indigenous Peoples, offers invaluable insights into sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation, environmental adaptability, and preparedness for environmental changes. The CEC is committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Mexico and the United States, ensuring their perspectives and expertise are appropriately included in environmental decision-making and intentionally protected from misuse.
The CEC’s work is guided by The North American Guiding Principles in Relation to the Incorporation of TEK developed by the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Expert Group (TEKEG). We aim to create spaces where Indigenous voices are heard and valued, through initiatives and projects that highlight the resilience of Indigenous food systems, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the promotion of biodiversity. These efforts align with our broader goals to address environmental challenges while honoring Indigenous Knowledge Systems, rights, contributions, forms of government, and social organization.
Through ongoing collaboration with the TEKEG and other Indigenous Peoples of North America, the CEC seeks to include Indigenous Peoples’ voices, uphold rights, and apply TEK in its activities and decisions. By weaving Indigenous perspectives into our work, we strive to advance a shared understanding of North America’s environment, recognizing how TEK provides unique insights, data, and perspectives for informed decision making, and enhances our collective ability to address environmental challenges.
Indigenous Approaches to Freshwater Management in North America (2021–2024)
For many Indigenous Peoples across North America water is sacred. Water is also at the core of the six pillars under CEC’s Strategic Plan: water management, water cleanliness, ecosystem health, marine pollution, and supporting economic sectors heavily reliant on the sustainable management of water.
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Projects
Indigenous Affairs at the CEC
Trade between people and communities across the North American region has long defined regional identity and has been the cornerstone of community prosperity. Indigenous Peoples living in the region have traded amongst themselves for thousands of years, establishing extensive networks that have thrived from the exchange of goods, knowledge and...
Roundtable on Sustainable Trade in North America: Indigenous Perspectives
Today, 9 August, is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and vibrance of Indigenous Peoples across the world, while also reflecting on histories of colonial oppression and support ongoing efforts to address injustices. This year’s United Nations theme underlines...
Join the CEC in Commemorating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Expert Group and Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) are pleased to invite all interested groups and individuals to participate in two public forums in Oaxaca, Mexico from 27 to 29 November 2023. The environmental challenges we face today, as a...
Join CEC’s Public Forums in Oaxaca, Mexico: Trinational Indigenous Forum & JPAC Public Forum, 27-29 November 2023
Mark your calendars for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)’s 30th annual Council Session and Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) Public Forum, to be held 28-29 June 2023 in Victoria, British Columbia. For nearly 30 years, the Governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States have worked together through the CEC to...
#CEC30: Join the 30th Regular Session of the CEC Council and Meeting of the Joint Public Advisory Committee
This one-day in-person roundtable held at the CEC headquarters in Montreal, brings together the CEC’s Traditional Ecological Knowledge Experts Group members, as well as select external Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Indigenous rights experts, to discuss essential considerations that should be taken into account and employed when working with Indigenous...
Roundtable on North American TEK Principles
Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), 21 June 2024—The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is proud to announce that 10 community projects were chosen under the North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA) grant program, which seeks to improve environmental conditions at the community, Indigenous, local and regional levels. This 2024–2026 NAPECA cycle is supporting...
2024–2026 CEC NAPECA Grant Program Funds 10 Grants to Empower Indigenous Peoples, Enhance Climate Adaptation and Support Indigenous Knowledge Systems
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If you have questions or are interested in learning more about our initiatives, please explore our resources or contact us directly.
Kakwiranó:ron Cook
Officer, Indigenous Affairs