Inherent Rights Informed Voices

The Duty to Consult and Accommodate: Prioritizing First Nations’ Self-Governance in Decision-Making

Inherent Rights Informed Voices

Show Notes

Consultation and accommodation with First Nations communities is a legal duty under section 35 of the Canadian constitution. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples also emphasized the importance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent in decision making. In Episode 9 we’re exploring what it means to consult and accommodate from a First Nation perspective and prioritize First Nations’ self-governance in the decision-making process. Host: Serena Smith Guests: Giuseppe Amatulli, Valérie Courtois, Shona Nelson Producer: Emma Fazakas Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme

Music Courtesy of: Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay Morning Coffe by Ogi Feel the Beat on Pixabay

More from Inherent Rights Informed Voices

Jun 8, 2026

Episode 10 is a special edition of our podcast. We want to give back to the community and speak directly to you. Collecting your questions about First Nations inherent right to self-governance from across Canada, we’ve made sure to find specialists who can answer them across the country too. Host: Catherine MacQuarrie Guests: Douglas Sanderson, Dwayne Nashkawa, David Newhouse, Frances Abele, Mason Ducharme, Chris Robertson Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme Producer: Emma Fazakas

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The Canadian government has twice legislated the inherent right to self-government to recognize specific jurisdictions. One of those times was in 2019 with the passing of Bill C-92. For decades Indigenous voices had pushed for the right to control their own child and family services, and this Bill finally provides supports for that right. Episode 5 delves into Bill C-92 while exploring how some First Nations’ have been structuring their own child and family laws. Host: Nathan Oakes Guest: Mason Ducharme

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