The International Joint Commission (IJC) recognizes that meaningful engagement and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples is important. The IJC is dedicated to working with Indigenous Peoples in the shared responsibility of protecting and managing transboundary waters and made it a strategic priority in 2020 to enhance the role of Indigenous Peoples in IJC work.
The IJC brought together, for the second time, the Indigenous Circle (the Circle) for an in-person meeting with Commissioners in Ottawa, Ontario, on Oct. 20, 2025. The Circle includes members of Indigenous Nations with an interest in watershed management across the transboundary including Elders, knowledge-keepers, water practitioners, and leaders.
The meeting was held at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society along the Ottawa River (Kichi Sibi in Anishinabemowin) on unceded Anishinaabe-Algonquin territory. This meeting was intentionally held in a space near the water to remind the group of the waters we are working to protect.
The objectives of the meeting were for Circle members and Commissioners to discuss the purpose and goals of the Circle, agree on ways of working together, grow a shared understanding of the IJC’s mandate and continue to build trust and relationships.
The day was full of storytelling, discussions and breakout sessions, with water being the guide for the discussion and work. The group got to know one another and developed a deeper understanding of the meaning of water to others in the group and also shared a meal together.
Members of the Circle that have or are currently working with the IJC shared their experiences as the group built a common understanding of the IJC’s mandate and opportunities to collaborate. The Circle and Commissioners then worked to develop a shared understanding of the purpose of the Circle, identified key priorities and discussed next steps.
The IJC is extremely grateful for the Circle members’ dedication of time and expertise, and Commissioners look forward to continuing the discussion at future meetings.
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