Indigenous Engagement Policy
Building Relationships That Lead to Action
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC) developed its Engagement Policy to ensure that all work with Indigenous Nations, communities, and partners is grounded in respect, accountability, and relationship.
In the context of economic development, engagement is not a single step in a process—it is the foundation. Too often, engagement has been treated as transactional or performative, rather than as a meaningful and ongoing relationship. This policy was created to shift that approach.
Rooted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the policy reflects IPC’s commitment to economic reconciliation and to supporting Indigenous-led prosperity. It provides a clear framework to guide how IPC, along with partners including the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) and the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), engage with Indigenous communities in a way that is intentional, respectful, and aligned with Indigenous values.
At its core, the policy recognizes that strong relationships are essential to advancing economic priorities identified by Indigenous Nations and organizations. It emphasizes co-creation, ensuring that initiatives are developed collaboratively rather than imposed, and that Indigenous voices are not only heard, but meaningfully shape outcomes.
By establishing shared principles and expectations for engagement, IPC is working to ensure that its approach is consistent, transparent, and grounded in Indigenous thought leadership. This creates the conditions for trust, long-term partnership, and work that reflects the priorities and aspirations of the communities it serves.
In the context of economic development, engagement is not a single step in a process—it is the foundation. Too often, engagement has been treated as transactional or performative, rather than as a meaningful and ongoing relationship. This policy was created to shift that approach.
Rooted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the policy reflects IPC’s commitment to economic reconciliation and to supporting Indigenous-led prosperity. It provides a clear framework to guide how IPC, along with partners including the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) and the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), engage with Indigenous communities in a way that is intentional, respectful, and aligned with Indigenous values.
At its core, the policy recognizes that strong relationships are essential to advancing economic priorities identified by Indigenous Nations and organizations. It emphasizes co-creation, ensuring that initiatives are developed collaboratively rather than imposed, and that Indigenous voices are not only heard, but meaningfully shape outcomes.
By establishing shared principles and expectations for engagement, IPC is working to ensure that its approach is consistent, transparent, and grounded in Indigenous thought leadership. This creates the conditions for trust, long-term partnership, and work that reflects the priorities and aspirations of the communities it serves.