Canada is home to a large and diverse Indigenous population. The Bishops in Canada share a profound commitment to renewing and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples across Canada with whom the Catholic Church has maintained relations since the 17th century. The Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council is the key element to this commitment. Consisting of Bishops and Indigenous Catholics, the Council furthers relationships, healing, and joint initiatives with Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Within their own dioceses, Bishops strive with pastoral solicitude to understand and engage issues affecting local Indigenous populations and likewise encourage all the faithful in their dioceses, including the members of religious institutes of consecrated life and of Catholic community organizations, to foster relationships in charity and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples.