The City’s Indigenous Affairs Office (IAO) is focused on supporting City divisions in their work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and all urban Indigenous communities. The Office strives to strengthen the City’s relationship with Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation. While the City remains committed to embedding the responsibility for Indigenous priorities across City divisions, the IAO will provide more focused and coordinated leadership on Indigenous affairs.
Toronto has the largest Indigenous population in Ontario. Toronto also has the 4th largest Indigenous population of any city in Canada. Indigenous Peoples hold a unique legal and constitutional position in Canada. The City has affirmed this unique position in its vision statement on Access, Equity and Diversity: “The City recognizes the unique status and cultural diversity of the Aboriginal communities and their right to self-determination.”