CN releases first Indigenous reconciliation report

CN Indigenous reconciliation action plan progress is set out in the first annual report on CN’s 2025-2027 Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP). It describes the actions taken in 2025. It also covers efforts to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities across the company’s network.

CN Indigenous reconciliation action plan report

The company said the annual report and the Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan are available on CN’s Indigenous relations webpage. Meanwhile, CN announced the 2025-2027 plan in late 2024, as previously covered by Progressive Railroading. It described the plan as the first of its kind. It said the commitments were aimed at improving partnerships and reconciliation with Indigenous communities, according to a press release.

Don’t miss…Norfolk Southern derailment near Horseshoe Curve disrupts Amtrak

Those commitments fall into five categories:

• cultural awareness and employee engagement
• people and employment
• economic reconciliation
• community engagement and relationships
• environmental stewardship, safety and sustainability

In addition, each category includes action items. Their target completion dates span 2025 through 2027.

Annual report details 2025 actions

In 2025, CN completed 20 of the 24 action items scheduled for the year. The remaining actions were rescheduled. Also, the company completed two actions ahead of schedule. They had originally been planned for 2026 and 2027, CN officials said.

Among the actions completed in 2025 were the development of an Indigenous employment strategy, the introduction of an Indigenous engagement questionnaire into all Canadian requests for proposals, and the creation of land acknowledgements for all CN locations.

Indigenous communities and economic reconciliation

Separately, CN hosted three events to share information about its procurement process with Indigenous suppliers and businesses. At the same time, it conducted a feasibility study and developed a procedure for potential land returns. Still, it also developed a strategy to support Indigenous organizations, events and programs.

“While we are proud of the progress we have made, we remain determined to continue to challenge ourselves and remain focused on building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities,” said CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: