Welcome

Bienvenue / Biindigen / Haere mai / Iyuskin / Kaya / Kuwa / Tánsi / Tunngasugit / Waaciye / Wominjeka / Wotziye / Ya pulingina

At the Indigenous Policy Initiative we are driven by the goal to promote open, cross-cultural dialogue regarding global Indigenous issues. Housed at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, we strive to foster productive partnerships and create a positive impact for Indigenous communities in all of our pursuits.

What We Do

Introducing Our 2025-2026 Co-Directors!

Blake Douglas

Director

Julia Chapman

Director

Lauren Reeves

Director

We're thrilled to welcome three new co-directors to the Indigenous Policy Initiative! Their leadership and dedication will guide our work forward in deepening positive impact, strengthening voices and partnerships, and researching policy which respects and reflects Indigenous rights, perspectives, and priorities through thoughtful, collaborative engagement.

"Too many Canadians know little or nothing about the deep historical roots of these conflicts. This lack of knowledge has serious consequences for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and for Canada."

- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

The Indigenous Policy Initiative (IPI) operates from the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy which sits on Toronto Purchase land or Treaty 13. In 1787, it was purported that the Mississaugas of the Credit sold the lands of the Toronto Purchase Treaty. However, questionable lawfulness of the meeting between Sir John Johnston and the Mississaugas led to the Crown's 1805 purchase of 250 830 acres of land for 10 shillings, approximately £1,070.43 or $1,441.70 USD in 2025.

In 1998, the Mississaugas of the Credit contended that the Crown had taken more land than originally agreed upon and 12 years later, in 2010, the Government of Canada settled the Toronto Purchase claim with the Mississaugas of the Credit for $145 million, acknowledging the Crown had acquired more land than agreed and underpaid for it. At IPI we acknowledge the honour it is to operate on this land.