Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) participates in international activities in the areas of:

• Human rights and indigenous rights
• Development and trade
• Environment
• Circumpolar Affairs

The Department helps to ensure that Aboriginal peoples are represented in international decision-making bodies. AANDC also supports visits and exchanges that share knowledge through the Indigenous Peoples Partnership Program.

AANDC works with other countries on important Arctic issues like climate change and Northern sovereignty. AANDC also participates in the Arctic Council and conducts extensive research on Arctic issues. Currently, Canada is providing leadership and funding for research on climate change and the health of Northern communities as part of International Polar Year.  

AANDC works in partnership with other federal departments, National Aboriginal Organizations, Aboriginal communities and individuals, and organizations like the United Nations and the Organization of American States on these issues.

What Information is Available?

Find out about Indigenous Rights, International Day of the World's Indigenous People and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Also, check out Publications and links that will help you learn more about AANDC's international role.

You may also be interested in:

• Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Department of the Interior of the United States of America concerning Indigenous and Northern Issues
• Circumpolar Liaison 
• Aboriginal Canada Portal