Indigenous communities are increasingly playing an active role in Ontario's energy sector in the areas of conservation, generation and new, major transmission projects.
The IESO’s Corporate Indigenous Policy is a commitment to our relationships with Indigenous peoples, with mutual trust, accountability, understanding, and respect as the critical foundations. Our goal is to build the capacity of Indigenous people and communities, and create opportunities in support of fair and equitable participation in the electricity sector.
The IESO already works closely with Indigenous communities to promote meaningful outcomes, this policy affirms this work and commits to further actions.
The policy will guide the IESO’s actions, progress and work with Indigenous peoples in Ontario. It sets out:
IESO’s principles for Indigenous engagement and relationship building, consistent with the IESO Engagement Principles
Policy priorities that focus on creating opportunities for participation of Indigenous businesses, supporting Indigenous students, and enhancing IESO staff training and cultural awareness
Capacity-building through the delivery of targeted programs for Indigenous communities and organizations