I've been involved in the aboriginal health field for many years. I've worked with government departments other than Health Canada, the Status of Women being one. To my knowledge, and I have 30 years under my belt, I don't recall any government department coming to ask an aboriginal organization how they should set up their criteria.
I imagine they base it on research they have collected or knowledge they have on a global perspective. Then the organizations such as NWAC, or other organizations where I've worked, will send out a request for proposals, or what have you, and you have to meet specific criteria.