 Have reasonable timelines and create safe spaces for engagement: Effective planning requires you to build in adequate timelines for partners to respond to requests for engagement. Recognize that different Indigenous partners may have unique circumstances which impact their ability to participate in engagement sessions. Engagement should be culturally safe and accessible for all who want to participate.

As a starting point for engagement, reach out and ask if and how Indigenous partners may wish to be involved. Municipalities may look to engage members and/or leadership of urban Indigenous communities within the municipality, neighbouring First Nation communities (e.g., Band/Tribal Councils), First Nation police services, local Indigenous community organizations (e.g., local Métis Councils), provincial Indigenous organizations (e.g., Tungasuvvingat Inuit) and local Indigenous service providers (e.g., Indigenous Friendship Centres).

For additional guidance, municipalities should refer to Ontario’s Urban Indigenous Action Plan, which has been co-developed by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Ontario Native Women’s Association. It is a resource and guide that supports the development of responsive, inclusive policies, programs and evaluations with, and that meet the needs of, urban Indigenous communities.