Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples

Canada Lands has prioritized Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples over many years and through various collaborative paths. As of 2023, our real estate teams are proud to work alongside several Indigenous communities across the country that include the Musqueam Indian Band, the Squamish Nation, and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in British Columbia, the Treaty One Nation in Manitoba (comprised of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Peguis First Nation, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, and Swan Lake First Nation), the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Algonquins of Ontario and the Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia.

Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh (MST) Nations: we acknowledge that our projects in Vancouver are situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam Indian Band, the Squamish Nation and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. As part of our ongoing joint venture with the MST Nations, we remain committed to integrating their knowledge and culture into the planning and design of our Heather Lands and Jericho Lands projects. The MST Nations each have a cultural liaison representative that advise our project managers and design teams on strategies for engagement with the MST communities, the incorporation of cultural expression and traditional teachings, and the creation of a Cultural Interpretive Strategy that will help further the public understanding of MST values through these projects. 

Treaty One Nation: we acknowledge that our project in Winnipeg is situated on the unceded traditional Treaty One Territory, the home and traditional lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Ininew (Cree), and Dakota peoples, and in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. After nearly two years of joint planning and public engagement, Canada Lands and the Treaty One Nation released the master plan for our Naawi-Oodena project. This landmark development will represent the largest multi-use project in modern Winnipeg history and the single largest urban Indigenous economic zone in Canada.

Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation: we acknowledge that our projects in Toronto and Mississauga are situated on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and traditional territories of many nations including the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat Peoples an area now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. A Memorandum of Understanding has been developed that will guide how our relationship will continue to evolve as well as honour the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation’s rich history and culture through collaborations in our properties in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Algonquins of Ontario: we acknowledge that our projects in Ottawa are situated on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. Our working relationship with the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) dates back to 2010 when we signed a Participation Agreement which provides the AOO economic opportunities at Wateridge Village. Our relationship also extends in recognizing Algonquin history and its people with three commemorative parks with multilingual signage, two streets named recognizing Algonquin veterans, and Indigenous artwork that will be incorporated into gateways and entrances. We’ve collaborated on the creation of the Wateridge Village Commemoration Program Handbook that describes how the Algonquin, military, Francophonie and other histories are being recognized on the land of the Algonquin people. Also in Ottawa, we formed a joint venture partnership with the AOO at our Carling Avenue project. This partnership provides the AOO with economic opportunities through real estate development.

Millbrook First Nation: we acknowledge that our project in Dartmouth is located on the unceded traditional territories of the Mi’kmaq People. Canada Lands is collaborating with the Millbrook First Nation on the revitalization of our Shannon Park property – which has seen roughly nine acres of neighbouring land added to the Millbrook First Nation reserve lands. We look forward to continuing the redevelopment of the site in cooperation with the Milbrook First Nation that will see more economic development and growth for the Millbrook community.

Our attractions teams have also made efforts to spotlight Indigenous culture and history over the years in an effort to help educate their visitors. Our Montréal Science Centre team created the “Indigenous Ingenuity” exhibit which commemorated the knowledge, culture and rich history of different Indigenous groups. The CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant offered an Indigenous menu that allowed guests to learn about and choose from items that celebrated Indigenous cuisine and traditions.

Through these multiple collaborations and partnerships with Indigenous communities, we wish to further reconciliation and awareness for all Canadians. We are grateful for our partnerships with First Nations through employment, training, commemoration, procurement and mentorship opportunities. We look forward to building and nurturing authentic relationships with Indigenous Peoples through our projects and attractions, and the lessons learned through these relationships will guide decisions made by Canada Lands.