The Ocean Frontier Institute Indigenous Engagement Guide was developed in collaboration with our Indigenous Engagement Steering Committee and from feedback generously provided by Indigenous groups and the OFI research community. The Guide is intended to be evergreen and will grow and adapt as we move forward with our Indigenous engagement efforts and continue to receive feedback from Indigenous groups and our research community. It is important to understand that this guide is intended for information purposes only and offers perspectives and guidance for working toward meaningful and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities, organizations, and groups. The Guide was developed as a guiding document to better inform our OFI research community regarding Indigenous engagement in Atlantic Canada and should not be considered final or authoritative in nature.

The Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) has developed an Indigenous (Inuit, Métis, and First Nation) Engagement Guide to facilitate efforts toward respectful and meaningful engagement with Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations (Indigenous groups). 

• This initiative recognizes and seeks to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Calls to Action, Education for Reconciliation, calls 62: ii (TRC 2015), The Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct of Research Involving Humans, 2nd Edition: Chapter 9 (TCPS 2 2018) and aspires to align with the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP 2008)
• It also links to OFI’s Strategic Framework 2018-2022, which affirms OFI is committed to engaging stakeholders and Indigenous peoples in ocean management solutions and building support for ocean research and its applications
• It informs OFI’s researchers to provide considerate recommendations to reflect stakeholder and Indigenous priorities, values and knowledge
• This guide provides an important first step in the active incorporation of Indigenous interests and rights into OFI’s ongoing vision for North Atlantic research and environmental stewardship
• Research Programs funded through OFI will be required to meet the expectations set out in this Guide and as they arise through our Indigenous Engagement Initiatives.

OFI is committed to fostering a culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. OFI welcomes and will seek committee participation from Indigenous people, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and committee members who would contribute to the diversity of our community.