Forum for negotiation

In its treaty negotiations work, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has enlisted the help of collaboration software from SiteScape.

INAC, a Canadian government department responsible for First Nations, Inuit and Northerners, is using SiteScape Enterprise Forum for online discussions in support of federal treaty negotiations in the province of British Columbia. It also uses the software to help senior managers share ideas and explore options in treaty negotiations.

To fulfill its mission of meeting the government's constitutional, treaty, social, economic, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Northerners, INAC works collaboratively with them, as well as with other federal departments and agencies, and provinces and territories. Increasingly, INAC's role has become one of facilitating change and bringing together the partners and interests needed to improve the quality of life and self-sufficiency of Canada's Aboriginal and Northern people.

"SiteScape Forum is being used by a variety of groups within INAC and in a variety of ways," says Ross McNaughton, senior business analyst for INAC's Economic Development and Special Initiatives Sector. "It is particularly helpful in connecting colleagues and various parties who are geographically dispersed, as well as for sharing large amounts of information."

Currently the Federal Treaty Negotiation Office in British Columbia uses the software as a central clearinghouse to support the activities of the B.C. Federal Caucus. Meetings are organized and scheduled online, and all relevant information is made available to members. The solution is also used by the provincewide Treaty Advisory Group and an internal working group.

"In the near term, INAC is looking to set up Forum workspaces for a number of additional groups," McNaughton says.