Event Planning | Reporting

Regional Roundtables for Indigenous Border Mobility and UNDA Action Plan

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Engaging Indigenous Communities on Border Mobility

We were proud to partner with IRCC and CBSA to host a Canada-wide engagement series with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Grounded in UNDRIP principles, these sessions created meaningful spaces for Indigenous Peoples to explore legislative options addressing the complex issues surrounding border crossing and the right of entry.

The roundtables took place across the country, culminating in virtual sessions to ensure accessibility for all participants. These engagements enabled communities to share perspectives, offer solutions, and contribute directly to policy development. 

We oversaw all aspects of the project, blending operational precision with cultural care to ensure Indigenous voices were centred throughout. Our contributions included:

  • Project management, including the creation of a detailed work plan, run of show, floor plans, schedules, rooming lists, and event agendas
  • Onsite and virtual event management to support smooth discussions and productive engagement
  • Notetaking, reporting, and the production of a “What We Heard” report to capture key insights and guide next steps
  • Coordination with subcontractors including venues, audio-visual providers, printers, and other subcontractors to ensure seamless execution
  • Participant registration and communications using a customized event microsite
  • Cultural protocol support, including opening prayers with Indigenous Elders and guidance to protect the cultural safety of participants

By carefully managing logistics and integrating cultural protocol, we ensured that participants felt safe and could focus fully on the discussions. These roundtables strengthened relationships between Indigenous communities and federal agencies, provided a trusted space to share perspectives, and contributed directly to shaping legislative options in alignment with UNDRIP.

The series exemplified how thoughtful planning and cultural care can amplify Indigenous voices in policymaking, laying a foundation for more equitable and informed decision-making.