The federal government has launched a new website it says will give both government and industry a better sense of which Aboriginal communities they need to contact before embarking on activities across Canada.

The Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System maps out the location of Aboriginal communities and displays information about treaty rights, pending claims and other information.

Ottawa describes it as an “online repository” of information.

A previous version of the system was already in use by federal departments.

The Canadian Mining Journal also says the site will allow prospectors, explorers and early stage mining companies to find the information they need to begin consultations with Aboriginal groups near their project.

The government says it will update the site as further information on Aboriginal rights becomes available.

It is available here:

http://sidait-atris.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/atris_online/