Actions and Commitments:
Exploring Stakeholder: "Government of Canada"
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November 8, 2024
Federal government to apologize for Nunavik dog slaughter
A sled dog is seen chained up outside a home in Inukjuak, Que., Thursday, May 12, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld APTN News: The Canadian Press– The federal government will apologize to Inuit in Nunavik for the killing of sled dogs between the mid-1950s until the late ’60s. In his opening remarks at the Inuit-Crown...
November 6, 2024
Atlantic Indigenous health research network receives $4M from Ottawa
Wabanaki-Labrador Indigenous Health Research Network aims to support communities NationTalk: CBC News – The lead of an organization that works with Indigenous people in Atlantic Canada says renewed federal funding will help give communities more agency over health research. The Wabanaki-Labrador Indigenous Health Research Network is receiving $4 million from the federal government over five years, said...
October 29, 2024
Special interlocutor releases final residential school graves report
Kimberly Murray issues 42 ‘obligations’, seeks 20-year probe Warning: This report refers to residential schools and may be disturbing for some readers. Help is available by calling the Residential School Survivor Support line at 1-866-925-4419 APTN News: After two years of investigation, Canada’s special interlocutor on residential school gravesites says the work is only beginning....
October 29, 2024
Special interlocutor releases final residential school graves report
Kimberly Murray issues 42 ‘obligations’, seeks 20-year probe Warning: This report refers to residential schools and may be disturbing for some readers. Help is available by calling the Residential School Survivor Support line at 1-866-925-4419 APTN News: After two years of investigation, Canada’s special interlocutor on residential school gravesites says the work is only beginning....
October 24, 2024
Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on her annual report 2024: Realizing the Future of Vaccination for Public Health
From: Public Health Agency of Canada NationTalk:Today, my annual report on the state of public health in Canada, entitled Realizing the Future of Vaccination for Public Health, was tabled in Parliament by the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health. Vaccination is one of the most significant public health achievements in modern history, helping people to live...
October 24, 2024
Arctic Bay set to get 44 new daycare spots
Construction plans for Kakivak Association facility set for 2026 This artist’s rendering depicts what Arctic Bay’s future child-care facility will look like when it is completed. (Photo courtesy of Kakivak Association) NationTalk: Nunatsiaq News – Plans are in motion to build a new daycare facility in Arctic Bay. Kakivak Association signed a 50-year land lease...
October 17, 2024
Celebrating the ceremonial opening of Ne’ata’q Place, a shelter for Indigenous women and children in Newfoundland
From: Indigenous Services Canada NationTalk: Stephenville, Newfoundland & Labrador — Indigenous Services Canada and Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network Today marked the ceremonial opening of Ne’ata’q Place, a shelter for Indigenous women and children in Newfoundland. An initiative of the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network Inc. (NAWN), the shelter will provide a safe, supportive community for Indigenous women and children...
October 17, 2024
MEDIA ADVISORY – Special Interlocutor to Release Final Report and the Indigenous-led Reparations Framework for Missing and Disappeared Children and Unmarked Burials
NationTalk: GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 16, 2024– The Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, Kimberly R. Murray, will release her Final Report and the Indigenous-led Reparations Framework at the 7th National Gathering on Unmarked Burials. This event will take place on October 29, 2024, at the Hilton Lac-Leamy...
October 15, 2024
Federal government invests $13M for Driftpile Cree Nation health and wellness facility
NationTalk: DCN-JOC News Services – DRIFTPILE CREE NATION, ALTA. – The Government of Canada is investing $13 million via Indigenous Services Canada toward construction of the Mihtatikaw Sipiy Health and Wellness Facility in Driftpile Cree Nation in Treaty 8 Territory, Alta. The health centre will blend modern architecture, Indigenous cultural values and Cree symbolism, reflecting...
October 11, 2024
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Bulletin – Amendments to Draft Agreement on Long-Term Reform of First Nations Child and Family Services
Summary: NationTalk: On October 9, 2024, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) posted an amended Draft Agreement on the Long-Term Reform to the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program. The amended agreement provides essential improvements to the original text negotiated with the Chiefs of Ontario (COO), Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), and the Government...
October 4, 2024
New ‘Circle’ to guide safety of MMIWG2S+ during resource extraction projects
A new “Circle” will guide resource extraction companies on MMIWG2S+ safety and accountability APTN News: A member of the new Circle for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender Diverse People (MMIWG2S+) and Resource Development sees the group’s work as an opportunity to advance several of the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry....
October 4, 2024
Indigenous organization to lead Red Dress Alert pilot project in Manitoba
House of Commons committee report says federal government needs to speed up project CBC Indigenous: An Indigenous-led organization in Manitoba will take the lead on a Red Dress Alert pilot program in the province, the federal government announced Friday in Winnipeg. This year’s federal budget promised to spend $1.3 million over three years to develop a regional missing...
September 30, 2024
‘The hurt is still there,’ survivors say as Canada marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Canada remembers tragic legacy of residential schools and the children who never came home CBC Indigenous: Canada marked the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Monday with events across the country to remember the tragic legacy of residential schools and honour the children who never came home. At a national ceremony in Ottawa, thousands...
September 20, 2024
Government of Canada investing nearly $7 million to support Indigenous-led economic development in Northern Ontario
From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor NationTalk: By investing in opportunities for Indigenous communities, the Canadian government contributes to the development of inclusive and diversified regional economies that benefit all Canadians now and in the future. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced an...
September 5, 2024
eSupply Canada’s New Website Makes Indigenous Procurement Effortless and Affordable
NationTalk: SAUGEEN FIRST NATION, ON – eSupply Canada, the nation’s leading Indigenous-owned distributor of business and industrial supplies, proudly announces the launch of its newly redesigned website. This enhanced platform is built to provide a superior, user-friendly shopping experience for Indigenous communities, organizations, governments, and businesses, filling the gap for an Indigenous alternative to U.S. big-box...
August 29, 2024
Government of Canada invests in community projects to advance health equity
NationTalk: Public Health Agency of Canada – In recent years, communities across Canada have faced complex public health challenges that have highlighted the need to improve the preparedness and resiliency of our health and social systems. Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced an investment of over $3.2 million through the Intersectoral Action...
August 29, 2024
New healthcare project uses art to address Canadian healthcare biases
This free learning resource humanizes healthcare by combining arts and the humanities with science 1/4 H.E.A.L. Healthcare Project Graphic UNBC 2/4 H.E.A.L. Healthcare Curriculum, ‘Reckoning with Trans Medical Care through Poetry,’ encourages medical practitioners to confront biases and engage in thoughtful listening and writing about gender and poetry to better understand trans experiences. Jack Jen...
August 26, 2024
New childcare facility in Winnipeg creates economic opportunity for the city and culturally-focused education for Red River Métis children
NationTalk: Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) celebrates the grand opening of the Louis Riel Child Care Centre, a 40-space centre designed to serve infant and preschool children, which will provide quality, culturally focused programming for the young Red River Métis in the area, create employment and...
August 26, 2024
GNWT and Canada sign $17.7 million three-year agreement for Indigenous languages
NationTalk: YELLOWKNIFE – The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories have signed a new Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages from 2024-25 to 2026-27. Under the new agreement, $5.9 million will be invested per fiscal year, for a total of $17.7 million over three years. The funding is provided to Indigenous...
August 23, 2024
Government of Canada supports Atikamekw of Manawan with more than $60 million for the opening of a new elementary school
by ahnationtalk on August 23, 2024 NationTalk: Indigenous Services Canada, August 26, 2024 — Manawan Atikamekw Territory, Quebec — Indigenous Services Canada and the Atikamekw Council of Manawan Today, in the presence of many future students and over 100 guests and members of the Manawan community, the Government of Canada and the Atikamekw Council of Manawan proudly inaugurated...
August 21, 2024
Matawa Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin Open New Playground as Part of Delivery of Wrap-Around Services to Matawa Families At-Risk of Child Welfare Involvement in Thunder Bay
NationTalk: THUNDER BAY – Today, during the fourth annual Back to School Bonanza, Matawa Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin opened a new playground. Costing $511,099.41, the project—which includes a playground, landscaping and fencing—was made possible by Indigenous Service Canada’s (ISC) First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Post-Majority Support Services capital program for eligible First Nation youth and young...
August 16, 2024
Feds reverse course on funding cap for unmarked grave searches
APTN News: The minister of Crown Indigenous Relations says that the federal government made a “mistake” when it capped money towards searches for unmarked graves at former residential schools across the country. “After engaging with Indigenous leaders and communities, we have heard your concerns loud and clear,” said Minister Gary Anandasangaree in a statement. “Our...
August 16, 2024
Manitoba announces nearly $1M for centre named after Tina Fontaine
APTN News: As part of the 10 year anniversary of the murder of Tina Fontaine, the Manitoba government announced $986,000 towards a centre to help youth at risk. “It’s not enough anymore for folks to say yes we believe or support MMIWG2S without putting your money where your mouth is,” said Nahanni Fontaine, minister of Families, Women...
August 16, 2024
Open-Access, No-cost Anti-Colonial Learning Resource Offers Art to Transform Healthcare Systems Across Canada
NationTalk: Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC – The Hearts-based Education and Anti-colonial Learning in Healthcare (H.E.A.L. Healthcare) Project unlocks the potential of arts and humanities to disrupt longstanding and well-established health disparities. Starting from the premise that healthcare is both an art and a science, H.E.A.L. Healthcare uses poetry, storytelling, visual arts, and other...
August 9, 2024
Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Announce Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan, More than 10,000 Spaces Now Operating at $10-a-day or Less in the Province
Nationtalk: Families across Canada know that affordable child care is not a luxury—it is a necessity. That is why the Government of Canada is working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to implement a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) system that will bring fees for regulated child care across the country down to...
August 8, 2024
New child care centres coming for families throughout B.C.
NationTalk: COLWOOD – More families throughout B.C. will have access to affordable and high-quality child care as the Province invests in almost 600 new licensed child care spaces. “Thanks to our government’s ChildCareBC plan, hundreds more families will be able to access the child care they need, close to home,” said Mitzi Dean, B.C.’s Minister...
August 7, 2024
Feds fund health study for Indigenous communities downstream of oilsands
A tarsands facility in northern Alberta. Photo: APTN. APTN News: The Canada Press – More than three decades after Indigenous leaders in northern Alberta began asking for money to better understand if pollution from the oilsands was making their people sick, the federal government is funding a study to do just that. “This should have...
August 7, 2024
Governments of Canada and New Brunswick announce Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan
NationTalk: Employment and Social Development Canada – Affordable child care is not a luxury—it is a necessity. That is why the Government of Canada is working with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners to implement a Canada-wide early learning and child care (ELCC) system that will bring fees for regulated child care across the country down...
July 31, 2024
AFN Initiates National Dialogue on Transformative Child and Family Services Reform
NationTalk: NetNewsLedger – – OTTAWA, ON – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has embarked on a significant national dialogue with First Nations Chiefs to discuss a groundbreaking agreement aimed at overhauling the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is leading the charge, marking a pivotal step towards...
July 26, 2024
Billions in compensation expected after Supreme Court rules Crown made a ‘mockery’ of treaty
Anishinaabe man and boy in canoe harvesting manoomin (wild rice) in 1919. Photo via Library and Archives Canada/R. F. Waugh collection/e011369233-017 Listen to article Canada’s National Observer: In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Canada found Canada and Ontario made a “mockery” of a treaty promise made in 1850 to the Anishinaabe of the Great...
July 11, 2024
AFN, federal government confirm $47.8B child welfare reform settlement offer
Vote on settlement offer to happen in September CBC Indigenous: The Assembly of First Nations confirmed Thursday it has secured a commitment from Canada for $47.8 billion in funding over 10 years for long-term reform of First Nations child and family services. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak made the announcement on the final day of the...
July 10, 2024
First Nations child welfare reform draft agreement includes $47.8-billion in federal spending
KRISTY KIRKUP The Globe and Mail: The federal government is on the cusp of reaching a major agreement with First Nations organizations that could see Ottawa spend more than double what it planned two years ago, with a projected $47.8-billion earmarked for First Nations child-welfare reforms. The figure, if finalized, would represent a significant increase from...
July 10, 2024
Montreal Lake Cree Nation Celebrates Health Facility Opening
NationTalk: Indigenous Services Canada – Today, Chief Joyce Naytowhow McLeod of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, along with Council, Elders, community members, and representatives from Indigenous Services Canada, celebrated the grand opening of the community’s new healthcare facility in northern Saskatchewan. The new facility includes 1,339m2 of space for primary care (nursing), communicable disease control, homecare,...
July 9, 2024
Inside Canada’s National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
With the help of a new survey, a solutions-based org is building better services for survivors. This article is part of a Tyee Presents initiative. Tyee Presents is the special sponsored content section within The Tyee where we highlight contests, events and other initiatives that are either put on by us or by our select...
July 7, 2024
Youth visiting Ottawa create podcast series on reconciliation
Sharing what they’ve learned at Experiences Canada’s National Youth Forum CBC Indigenous: Young people from across Canada are creating podcasts to share what they’ve learned as part of a five-day educational program in Ottawa on reconciliation. Fifty teens aged 15 to 18 are taking part in Experiences Canada’s National Youth Forum, a program that aims...
July 5, 2024
Children’s Special Allowance settlement update for members of Red River Métis CFS Class Action – opt out period begins
NationTalk: Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, the Métis Child and Family Services Authority, Métis Child, Family and Community Services Agency and Michif Child & Family Services are pleased to announce that, as of Friday...
July 3, 2024
The Government of Canada supports the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford
NationTalk: Canadian Heritage – Today, Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament (Hamilton Mountain), on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced funding of more than $1.4 million for the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford. The funding marks a significant investment in the cultural landscape of the region. It provides support through the...
July 2, 2024
NTI and Regional Inuit Organizations Announce the Rollout of Nunavut Inuit Post-Secondary Education Program
NationTalk: (Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) and Regional Inuit Organizations announce the formal rollout of the Nunavut Inuit Post-Secondary Education Program (IPSEP) based on the new, jointly developed, Nunavut Inuit Post-Secondary Education Program Policy approved by the NTI Board of Directors in March 2024. Implementation of the unified policy will begin for the 2024...
July 2, 2024
Ontario Investing Over $3.6 Million to Train Workers in Hamilton
Investment will train up to 3,800 workers for in-demand jobs in the skilled trades Office of the Premier Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development NationTalk: HAMILTON — The Ontario government is investing over $3.6 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) in four training projects and one building expansion project in Hamilton. These investments will...
June 28, 2024
New tool puts access to old residential schools online
Indigenous Services Canada has posted data about former residential schools The former Chooutla Indian Residential School in Carcross, Yukon. Photo: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation APTN News: The federal government says it is making some new information available about old residential schools. On Friday, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) launched an interactive mapping tool and...
June 27, 2024
AMC and Canada Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding on Jordan’s Principle Implementation
NationTalk: Treaty One Territory, Manitoba — Earlier this month, the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canada to enhance the implementation of Jordan’s Principle for First Nations children, youth and families in Manitoba. This agreement, five years in the making, signifies a joint commitment...
June 24, 2024
Cowichan Tribes now fully responsible for child welfare services
First Nation signs co-ordination agreement that transfers responsibility from federal government CBC News: The largest First Nation in B.C. by population, the Cowichan Tribes, has signed a co-ordination agreement that will see it assume full responsibility over youth and family services for its citizens. The Cowichan Tribes — which has about 5,300 members and is...
June 20, 2024
Federal court approves distribution plan for child welfare compensation
APTN News: The Assembly of First Nations says it welcomes the decision by the Federal Court to approve the distribution plan for families to receive compensation under the $23 billion deal that will compensate families involved in the First Nations child welfare service and Jordan’s Principle. The money will go to children who were removed from their...
June 19, 2024
A national historic site reopens with a new look at John A. Macdonald’s legacy
CATHERINE DAWSON MARCH The Globe and Mail: The hard truths are hard to avoid now at Bellevue House. The National Historic Site was once home to Sir John A. Macdonald, once unabashedly celebrated as Canada’s first prime minister. This May, after a six-year shuttering, Bellevue House reopened with an entirely new take on this Father...
June 19, 2024
PM says he will apologize for First Nations child welfare discrimination
Official apology part of agreement feds made in $23B settlement agreement Posted: Jun 19, 2024 7:25 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 20 CBC News: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to publicly apologize for the discrimination faced by First Nations children and their families because of the federal government’s child welfare policies, CBC News has...
June 17, 2024
Officials at Weeneebayko hospital receive cash for new hospital
Hospital in crisis receives money that was left out of the federal budget The dire condition of Weeneebayko General Hospital has patients travelling as far as Kingston, Ontario, for medical services. Photo courtesy: Assembly of First Nations APTN News: The federal government announced $1.2 billion towards a new medical facility for northern Ontario on Monday....
June 11, 2024
Government of Canada invests in national coordination and Indigenous-led research on effective substance use interventions
NationTalk: Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Research plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of substance use, guiding effective interventions, and ultimately saving lives. That’s why we must leverage Canada’s exceptional research talent and expertise to ensure our substance use health interventions, services, and policies are effective, equitable, and evidence-informed. Today, the Honourable...
June 6, 2024
Boosting Gaspésie’s Blue Economy: Minister Lebouthillier launches a lobster data collection plan in collaboration with First Nations and industry
NationTalk: Fisheries and Oceans Canada – (Gaspé (Quebec) – In the context of climate change and the resulting warming of the oceans, it is more important than ever for the Government of Canada to be agile, and to seize all new economic opportunities for the benefit of coastal communities. That is why Fisheries and Oceans...
June 4, 2024
The fight for access to life-saving medication for Inuit infants
Dr. Anna Banerji has finally won the fight to get Inuit infants priority for an RSV vaccine, but more action is needed NationTalk: Dr. Anna Banerji may be from Toronto, but the Order of Ontario recipient has what she describes as a “deep connection” to the North and Nunavut. She has put 30 years of research into the...
June 3, 2024
Kimberly Murray’s mandate extended into the fall
Canada’s special interlocutor for unmarked graves at former residential schools, Kimberly Murray says the fight is not over to obtain records needed to answer “hard questions,” including who the missing children were, how they died and where they are buried. Murray speaks at a news conference in Ottawa June 8, 2022. Photo: Justin Tang/The Canadian...
June 3, 2024
First Nation in B.C. plans dig for remains at ex-school, signs deal with RCMP, province
APTN News: The British Columbia government says the Williams Lake First Nation is planning to excavate the site of a former residential school to recover possible human remains and has signed an agreement with the province and RCMP to help guide the process. The Ministry of Indigenous Relations says the memorandum of understanding is the...
June 3, 2024
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Marks the Fifth Anniversary of National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) with Progress Report on the Implementation of the Calls for Justice
NationTalk: – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Today, on the fifth anniversary of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Final Report, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) released a new progress report evaluating the advances made in implementing the National Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice. “Preventing violence against...
June 3, 2024
2023-2024 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report
On June 3rd, 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People (Federal Pathway). The Federal Pathway is the federal government’s contribution to the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. The Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report details the federal government’s...
May 23, 2024
Virtual health hub for Sask. residents finds home on Whitecap Dakota First Nation
Hub will connect patients in northern and rural communities with health-care teams CBC Indigenous: A new health centre based in Whitecap Dakota First Nation will offer virtual care to remote and rural communities in Saskatchewan, and eventually across Canada, officials said Thursday. The $27-million virtual health hub will include teams of physicians, nurses and other health-care workers...
May 20, 2024
Historic Bellevue House reopens
NationTalk: Parks Canada – Following an extensive renewal of the building and its exhibits and programming, Bellevue House National Historic Site welcomes visitors to explore this historic site that tells broader, more inclusive stories about Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Today, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and...
May 19, 2024
Free period products headed to northern and remote communities
74% of Indigenous people in remote communities have trouble accessing period products CBC Indigenous: While one in five people say they may not be able to afford period products, according to a survey from Women and Gender Equality Canada, that number is even higher among Indigenous people living in remote and northern communities. A survey from a...
May 7, 2024
New community building for Edmonton with federal investment of $21M
NationTalk: ReNew Canada – The downtown core in Edmonton will have an improved facility for an essential range of programs and services after a combined investment of more than $45 million from the federal government and the Boyle Street Community Services. Announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault and Jordan Reiniger, executive director, Boyle Street Community Services, this new building space will...
May 6, 2024
Ensuring incoming cohorts of medical students better represent the diversity of Indigenous communities in Canada
Nicholas Brisebois and Nicole Cardinal NationTalk: May 6, 2024 CMAJ April 29, 2024 196 (16) E563-E565; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.231272 KEY POINTS It has become increasingly evident that First Nations people living on reserves and Indigenous people from rural and Northern communities have a substantially lower chance of getting into medical school in Canada than their urban counterparts. This often unappreciated disparity likely contributes...
May 3, 2024
Manitoba partners with federal government on Red Dress Alert for missing Indigenous women and girls
Provincial pilot project expected to help inform future national alert system CBC News: The Canadian Press – Canada and Manitoba are partnering to launch an alert system that would inform the public when an Indigenous woman or girl goes missing, they announced Friday in Winnipeg, ahead of a national day to mark the crisis. The...
May 3, 2024
Governments of Canada, Saskatchewan and Prince Albert Grand Council announce funding to study implementation of Indigenous-led police services
NationTalk: Public Safety Canada – Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs; the Honourable Paul Merriman, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety; and Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), announced an investment of more than $1.4 million to support...
May 2, 2024
Bill C-29 passes in Parliament
The federal Reconciliation Council was officially given life when Bill C-29 received Royal Assent Tuesday in Ottawa. Hamilton Spectator: The federal Reconciliation Council was officially given life when Bill C-29 received Royal Assent Tuesday in Ottawa. The Reconciliation Council’s mandate will be to oversee the federal government’s responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls...
April 30, 2024
Canada Increases Support for Indigenous Participation in Critical Minerals Development and Supports Good Jobs in the Northwest Territories
NationTalk: : Natural Resources Canada – Partnering with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and businesses is critical to building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient natural resource sectors in Canada. A robust approach to enabling Indigenous economic participation in resource projects, especially critical mineral projects, is a key part of advancing economic reconciliation — and fighting climate change while building...
April 24, 2024
Six Nations works with National Research Council to digitize languages
APTN News: Brian Maracle says he got a surprise phone call one from the National Research Council, or NRC as it’s commonly called. “They called us out of the blue one day to ask if there was something that they could do that would be of help to us that would be in the field...
April 19, 2024
Federal funding for Indigenous culture, language programs must be sustainable, say advocates
This week’s federal budget incudes $290M for Indigenous-led programs NationTalk: Belinda kakiyosēw Daniels says it’s good to be home. The University of Victoria Indigenous education professor was back on Treaty 6 territory in Saskatchewan this week. Daniels and others launched a mentorship program in her home community, Sturgeon Lake First Nation, located approximately 150 kilometres north of Saskatoon. Speakers of the...
April 18, 2024
Indigenous tourism official applauds federal government’s budget support
Keith Henry, president and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. WindSpeaker.com: There are varying views from Indigenous leaders about the federal budget unveiled on April 16. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak was among those who was critical of the budget, stating it did not adequately address the needs of First...
April 17, 2024
Indspire Receives Continued Funding In 2024 Federal Budget
NationTalk: Ottawa, ON – Indspire is grateful that the federal government has chosen to continue investments in the post-secondary education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students as announced in Budget 2024. Budget 2024 announced that Indspire will receive continued federal funding of $8 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year. When matched to donations from...
April 16, 2024
Budget 2024 – Investing in Education
First Nation K-12 Education A good education is one of the best ways to make sure that every child has a fair chance at the best life possible. High-quality, culturally appropriate education is especially important if we want to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for First Nations children, youth, and communities. With First...
April 16, 2024
Budget 2024 – Empowering Indigenous Youth
Call to Action 66 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls upon the federal government to establish multi-year funding for community-based youth organizations to deliver programs on reconciliation, and establish a national network to share information and best practices. Since 2019, the government has been working with Indigenous Youth Roots, a national youth-led organization that...
April 16, 2024
Budget 2024: Investments in Post-Secondary Education
First Nation Post-Secondary Education Unlocking pathways to post-secondary education is critical to ensuring that Indigenous students have opportunities to succeed and contribute at their full potential. In 2021, 45 per cent of First Nations people aged 25-64 had attained a post-secondary credential, in comparison to 68 per cent of non-Indigenous Canadians. Supporting the next generation...
April 16, 2024
Budget 2024: Investments in Child Welfare
The Best Start for Every Indigenous Child Through An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, more Indigenous communities are reclaiming jurisdiction over child and family services, ensuring that Indigenous children and youth grow up in their communities, tied to their cultural identities, and achieve better outcomes. The federal government is...
April 16, 2024
Budget 2024: Addressing the Legacy of Residential Schools
Residential school denialism has severe impacts on Survivors and descendants of Survivors. Such denialism seeks to erase the ongoing trauma and harm that Indigenous Peoples continue to face because of the legacy of residential schools. It further burdens Survivors and their descendants, whose mental health, well-being, and economic opportunities are still hampered today by thisshameful...
April 16, 2024
Budget 2024: Healthy Indigenous Communities
Everyone in Canada deserves to have the support they need to live a healthy and prosperous life. Due to the legacies of colonialism, access to opportunities and supports can be further from reach in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. The federal government is committed to supporting Indigenous communities in building healthy communities. Since 2015,...
April 16, 2024
Budget 2024 Investments in Education
First Nation K-12 Education A good education is one of the best ways to make sure that every child has a fair chance at the best life possible. High-quality, culturally appropriate education is especially important if we want to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for First Nations children, youth, and communities. With First...
April 15, 2024
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Joins NTI on Tour of Nunavut Communities
NationTalk: Iqaluit, Nunavut – This week Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) is pleased to host Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, in the Nunavut communities of Naujaat, Mittimatalik, and Iqaluit. Dr. Tam’s tour coincides with the launch of a community-wide screening clinic for tuberculosis (TB) in Naujaat. Naujaat and Mittimatalik are currently experiencing TB...
April 13, 2024
What comes next in the search for missing residential school children?
The completed ground-penetrating radar surveys in B.C. are the first steps in a complex process CBC Indigenous: The ʕaaḥuusʔath (Ahousaht) First Nation released findings this week from the first phase of its search for missing children who attended two residential schools in its territory in B.C. They are one of several First Nations and Indigenous...
April 4, 2024
Winnipeg MP pushes ‘Red Dress’ alert system for missing, murdered Indigenous women
ALESSIA PASSAFIUME OTTAWA THE CANADIAN PRESS The Globe and Mail: The Canadian Press – A Manitoba MP is trying to create an alert system to notify the public when Indigenous women go missing – an endeavour she hopes will lead to fewer deaths and more safe reunions with loved ones. “This is a critical initiative,”...
March 27, 2024
Parks Canada partnering with Indigenous groups to implement Indigenous systems of law, governance
For many Indigenous people, national parks are synonymous with colonization:’ Kate Gunn Canadian Lawyer: Parks Canada – Parks Canada is working with Indigenous partners on five measures within the federal action plan to apply the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The federal UN Declaration Act came into force in June...
March 26, 2024
Government of Canada signs two bilateral agreements with New Brunswick to improve health care and long-term care in the province
NationTalk: Health Canada – Canadians deserve health care and long-term care systems that provide them with timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed, as well as the ability to age with dignity closer to home. That is why today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc,...
March 25, 2024
Canada signs close to $256 million bilateral agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador to improve health care over three years
NationTalk: Health Canada – Canadians want and deserve a health care system that provides timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed. That is why the Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion over 10 years to support the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians plan. Today, the Honourable Mark...
March 19, 2024
Consultations begin on Parliament Hill about Red Dress Alert system
MP Leah Gazan urges Parliamentarians to move quickly to implement an alert system. APTN News: Jennifer Jesty grabs a glass of water and sits down to speak to a House of Commons committee about the Unama’ki Alert System she developed. “Since its inception, 183 alerts have been run through our system, 67 have been found...
March 18, 2024
Government of Canada signs two bilateral agreements with Saskatchewan to support initiatives to improve health care
From: Health Canada NationTalk: Health Canada – Canadians deserve a health care system that provides them with timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed, as well as the ability to age with dignity closer to home. Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan’s Minister of...
March 16, 2024
Cape Breton researchers work toward official recognition of Indigenous medicine
Maskwio’mi is birch bark oil used to treat skin conditions CBC Indigenous: Researchers at Cape Breton University in Sydney, N.S., have set an ambitious goal of having Health Canada classify a traditional Mi’kmaw remedy as a medicine. Maskwio’mi, meaning oil made from birch bark in Mi’kmaw, is used to treat skin conditions such as rashes, eczema and...
March 14, 2024
Supporting Indigenous-led storytelling through permanent funding for the Indigenous Screen Office
News release Canadian Heritage: The promotion of Indigenous cultures and languages is essential, while being a powerful tool for healing, reconciliation and fostering a strong sense of identity. The audiovisual sector is a key vehicle for the revitalization of Indigenous cultures and languages. Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced permanent funding...
March 12, 2024
Ottawa invests $13M in Indigenous health centre set for east Hamilton
Health services within the new Biindigen Well-Being Centre will have ‘profound impact,’ says DAHC board chair CBC Indigenous: Federal funding announcements aren’t always as emotional as the one Monday morning in Hamilton’s east end. People teared up, hugged and expressed their appreciation for one another’s work on a long-term Indigenous health and housing project. “To see a...
March 11, 2024
Indigenous employment centre receives ‘life-changing’ cash from feds
APTN News: An organization in Vancouver says it will be able to expand its programming for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in British Columbia after a $21 million boost from the federal government. “[There are] approximately 70,000 urban Indigenous people in the Vancouver area, we do a lot of trades training,” said Lynn White,...
March 11, 2024
First Nations in northwestern Ontario taking ownership of child-family services on road to federal reform
Band rep program in Sandy Lake helps parents gain skills to support their children CBC Indigenous: Sandy Lake First Nation is taking back ownership of its child and family services, helping pave the way for other First Nations in northwestern Ontario to do the same. The remote community with roughly 4,000 members recently celebrated the grand opening...
March 8, 2024
Feds announce millions to help First Nations negotiate mining deals
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced millions in funding for Indigenous groups to advance critical mineral projects. Photo by Matteo Cimellaro / Canada’s National Observer Listen to article Canada’s National Observer: Ottawa will provide over $15 million to assist First Nations and Indigenous groups considering mining deals on their ancestral lands. The federal government’s funding announcement...
March 8, 2024
Funding for Community Projects Working to End Gender-Based Violence
NationTalk: Community groups working on the front lines know what is needed to prevent gender-based violence and how to support those impacted by it. That is why the Province is funding 16 community-based organizations for projects that address gender-based violence. “With this funding we are able to support partners like the Elizabeth Fry Society to...
March 8, 2024
Northern & Remote Communities Recreation Fund (NRCRF)
NationTalk: The Northern & Remote Community Recreation Fund (NRCRF) is an initiative of ISWO’s Well Nation program. The program is intended to increase opportunities for participation in sport, recreation, and physical activity while building community capacity and decreasing behaviours that can have long-term negative consequences. The NRCRF supports projects that utilize sport and recreation as...
March 6, 2024
Indigenous athletes get ready to compete in 2024 Arctic Winter Games
The 2024 Arctic Winter Games will take place in Mat-Su, Alaska, from March 10 to 16. APTN News: The 2024 Arctic Winter Games is just days away, and that means young Indigenous athletes are getting their final practises in before heading to the North’s most prestigious sporting event. On March 9, Team Yukon will head...
March 6, 2024
Government of Yukon announces funding recipients under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
NationTalk: The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce $2.2 million in funding to support Yukon-based women’s and gender equity-seeking non-governmental organizations. The funding, which covers the 2023–24 and 2024–25 fiscal years, was made available through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The funding will support projects that fall under Pillar one and...
March 6, 2024
CIB and First Nations Bank of Canada create first-of-its-kind loan product
Financing Indigenous community development projects NationTalk: SASKATOON – Today, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) announced a $100 million loan participation agreement with the First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC) for enabling infrastructure in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Indigenous communities will have access to affordable and flexible financing to unlock enabling infrastructure development that...
March 5, 2024
Government of Canada signs two bilateral agreements with Nunavut for better health care, closer to home
NationTalk: Health Canada: Canadians deserve a health care system that provides them with timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed, as well as the ability to age with dignity closer to home. Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable John Main, Nunavut’s Minister of Health, announced...
February 29, 2024
Natural Resources Canada announces funding to support Ontario’s clean energy future through pre-development work of the Bruce C Project
NationTalk: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) today announced up to $50 million in funding in support of Ontario’s plan to maintain a clean energy grid while continuing to drive economic development and support Indigenous and community consultation. The funding, announced at the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) annual conference, will support pre-development work to study the feasibility...
February 26, 2024
Government of Canada supports the revitalization of the Kaska language in the Liard First Nation
NationTalk: The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their languages and cultures. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced a $1.8-million investment over five years to support the...
February 23, 2024
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council Receives $550,000 for Violence Prevention Efforts
NationTalk: The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced $550,000 for the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council. The funding is provided under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, a four-year bilateral agreement the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador signed with Women and Gender Equality Canada, resulting in $13.6...
February 15, 2024
CIB committing $138.2 million to Nova Scotia Energy Storage Project
NationTalk: HALIFAX – The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is committing $138.2 million to support the development of Atlantic Canada’s largest planned energy storage project by Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) in collaboration with Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. (WMA), an economic limited partnership owned by 13 Mi’kmaw communities. Under terms of these arrangements, NS Power,...
February 15, 2024
More doctors, more nurses, shorter wait times in Manitoba
NationTalk: Together, the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba are working to bring the health care workers we need to the front lines so we can cut wait times and deliver the best possible care to Manitobans. Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, alongside the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew, announced over $633 million...
February 12, 2024
James Smith inquest boosts Indigenous prison programs. Grassroots groups say their work is more effective
Communities say Indigenous-led, grassroots programs more effective than federal ones CBC Indigenous: The cerulean and indigo fabric on the twin bed provides the only pop of colour in a mostly grey and white room. Tacked on top is a letter with the words “made especially for you.” Each woman who stays at īkwēskīcik iskwēwak, a transitional...
February 9, 2024
Supreme court affirms Indigenous self-government, jurisdiction over child welfare laws
Quebec appeal of C-92 dismissed entirely. The Supreme Court of Canada says the federal law that gives control of child welfare services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis nations is constitutional. APTN News: In a unanimous decision released Friday, the court said the law “protects the well‑being of Indigenous children, youth and families by promoting...
February 9, 2024
Cutting wait times, delivering better health care in Ontario
NationTalk: GREATER TORONTO AREA, ON – Universal public health care is a core part of what it means to be Canadian. It is the idea that no matter where you live or what you earn, you will always be able to get the care you need. Unfortunately, our health care system has not been living...
February 8, 2024
Co-chairs issue statement on progress made towards shared priorities at roundtable on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people in Canada
NationTalk: OTTAWA, ON – Today the Chair of the National Families and Survivors Circle Inc., Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Gary Anandasangaree, and the Minister of Families for the Government of Manitoba, Nahanni Fontaine, issued the following statement after the second annual Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial roundtable on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse...
February 7, 2024
Poilievre to endorse First Nations proposal for greater control over resource revenues
KRISTY KIRKUP The Globe and Mail: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will be in Vancouver on Thursday to endorse a First Nations proposal that is designed to allow their communities to take greater control over resource revenues. The party’s support for the First Nations Resource Charge (FNRC) was confirmed to The Globe and Mail by a Conservative source...
February 5, 2024
CBC/Radio-Canada launches new effort to improve representation of Indigenous peoples
3-year strategy looks to ‘better reflect, respect and amplify’ First Nations, Inuit and Métis CBC Indigenous: CBC/Radio-Canada unveiled a new three-year plan on Monday to improve its employment and representation of Indigenous peoples, which includes the establishment of a new Indigenous office to oversee those efforts. The launch of the public broadcaster’s first national Indigenous strategy...
February 5, 2024
Official opening of a new living environment for 42 Indigenous families studying in Trois-Rivières
NationTalk: TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QC – The governments of Quebec and Canada and the City of Trois-Rivières today marked the official opening of the Waska Witcihitowin community living environment. Spearheaded by the Société immobilière du Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (SIRCAAQ), this nearly $37-million project is intended for Indigenous students and their families. This project was conceived by and for Indigenous people,...
February 2, 2024
Minister O’Regan launches first of its kind pay transparency website: Equi’Vision
NationTalk: Employment and Social Development Canada – Every Canadian deserves a real and fair chance at success. Reducing pay gaps and improving representation means knocking down the barriers that hold back marginalized communities in the workplace. In order to do this, we need to know where the gaps are.Today, Minister of Labour, Seamus O’Regan Jr.,...
January 26, 2024
Feather Alert for MMIP in California praised after first year
One-year-old alert system raises awareness about missing Indigenous people in California. Example of a recent Feather Alert in California that helped located a teen girl. Photo: California Highway Patrol APTN News: Native Americans in California are assessing the first year of the Feather Alert system that came into effect on Jan. 24, 2022. The statewide program...
January 23, 2024
Feds spending $25M on skills training for Indigenous people in Quebec
APTN News: A few years ago, Alexia Petiquay Chilton, a young Atikamewk mother of two, decided to go back to school and get certified as a heavy machine operator. “My father has been an operator for years, and I’ve always had this little idea somewhere in the back of my mind,” she said in an...
January 18, 2024
Co-developing distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation
Originally posted on ISC website on November 3, 2023 Together with Indigenous partners and the provinces and territories, we are co-developing new distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation to improve access to high-quality, culturally relevant health services. Current status: Open The Minister of Indigenous Services publicly launched the engagement on January 28, 2021. On this page Why...
January 17, 2024
New report on landfill search is now in families’ hands, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says
2nd feasibility study on potential Prairie Green search is ready to be forwarded to federal government: AMC CBC Indigenous: The Canadian Press – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says a second feasibility study assessing the scope of a landfill search for the remains of two First Nations women has been completed and is set to...
January 11, 2024
Government of Canada announces support for 34 Ontario-based organizations to prevent and address gender-based violence
NationTalk: Women and Gender Equality Canada, Sudbury – Gender-based violence costs women and gender-diverse people their lives and has profound effects on our communities. Preventing and addressing gender-based violence is a crucial step to advancing gender equality in Canada. Today, Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, alongside...
January 10, 2024
Canada signs over $355 million bilateral agreement with Nova Scotia to improve health care over three years
This investment will increase access to a primary health provider, reduce backlogs and wait times, further support mental health services, and provide greater access to health data. NationTalk: Health Canada, Halifax, Canada – Canadians want and deserve a health care system that provides timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed. That...
January 9, 2024
Government of Canada announces support for 18 Alberta-based organizations to advance gender equality
NationTalk: Women and Gender Equality Canada – To build a gender equal society, we must ensure that all people can participate in Canada’s economic, social and political life. We know that women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face systemic barriers that limit their progress and advancement, and we must take action to ensure a better future for...
December 17, 2023
Canada’s December 17 2023 Letter to Tribunal re: Caring Society Notice of Motion on Jordan’s Principle
NationTalk: December 18, 2023 December 17, 2023 Judy DuboisRegistry OfficerCanadian Human Rights Tribunal160 Elgin Street, 11th FloorOttawa, ON K1A 1J4 Dear Ms. Dubois: Re: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society et al v Attorney General of Canada, Tribunal File: T1340/7008 Response of the Attorney General of Canada Please bring this correspondence to the attention...
December 15, 2023
Feds start consultations on Red Dress Alert
Jennifer Jesty helped create the Unama’ki Alert System, which helps Mi’kmaq First Nations find missing children. Photo submitted by Jennifer Jesty Canada’s National Observer: The federal government is taking the first step to build an alert system for missing Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people. For the better part of a year, MP Leah Gazan,...
December 15, 2023
Canada announces funding for two organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador supporting Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people
From: Women and Gender Equality Canada NationTalk: Women and Gender Equality Canada – Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador — Women and Gender Equality Canada The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the underlying systemic causes of ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The COVID-19 pandemic also created...
December 14, 2023
Funding to Help End Gender-Based Violence
NationTalk: A historic funding agreement signed today, December 14, will see the federal government invest $18.3 million over four years to help Nova Scotia end gender-based violence. Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the Province can help fund programming by community-based service providers that aligns with Standing Together, the provincial action plan...
December 13, 2023
Supporting Indigenous-led justice and victims services in Six Nations
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada – Ohsweken, Ontario– Advancing reconciliation requires supporting culturally appropriate, Indigenous-led and community-based justice services, and building policies informed by the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. These are key to achieving systemic change in our justice system. Today, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, joined Tim...
December 13, 2023
Supporting Indigenous-led justice and victims services in Six Nations
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada – Ohsweken, Ontario – Advancing reconciliation requires supporting culturally appropriate, Indigenous-led and community-based justice services, andbuilding policies informed by the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. These are key to achieving systemic change in our justice system. Today, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, joined Tim...
December 8, 2023
Expanding legal supports and services for Indigenous people living in urban areas
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada – Toronto: Everyone in Canada should expect to live in a society where the justice system is fair and accessible. The Government of Canada is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice for Indigenous and racialized communities and addressing systemic racism and discrimination in all its forms and...
December 8, 2023
Expanding legal supports and services for Indigenous people living in urban areas
ionTalk: Department of Justice Canada – Toronto: Everyone in Canada should expect to live in a society where the justice system is fair and accessible. The Government of Canada is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice for Indigenous and racialized communities and addressing systemic racism and discrimination in all its forms and...
December 7, 2023
Algoma U receives major funding boost for new Indigenous cultural centre
‘Makwa Waakaa’igan will be the first of its kind in the world — a state-of-the-art facility focused on truth-telling, relationship building, respect and healing’ NationTalk: SooToday Staff – Funding from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund has been earmarked for Algoma University. The university has been awarded $5 million for Makwa Waakaa’igan, a future centre of cultural excellence, Truth...
December 6, 2023
Doctor hopes new app will help Inuit access medical care in Quebec
The Tukisiutik smartphone app provides medical terminology in Inuktitut, French and English APTN News: A new smartphone app called Tukisiutik promises to help Inuit from Nunavik and medical practitioners understand each other better. Healthcare workers and Inuktitut speakers from Nunavik, Inuit territory in northern Quebec, contributed to a digital glossary of medical terminology in Inutkitut, French and English....
December 6, 2023
Federal Court of Canada Appoints Settlement Implementation Committee to Compensate First Nations Children and Families
NationTalk: (Ottawa, Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario) – The Federal Court of Canada has recently issued an order appointing individuals to serve on the Settlement Implementation Committee – the governing body that will oversee the implementation of the Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) on Compensation. The appointment of the Settlement Implementation Committee (the Committee) in November 2023,...
December 5, 2023
Federal government announces investment in energy efficient education facility in Beaver Lake Cree Nation
From: Infrastructure Canada NationTalk: Infrastructure Canada – Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Alberta — A federal investment of more than $16.1 million will help construct a new education facility in Beaver Lake Cree Nation to improve the learning environment for students and staff. Announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault and Chief Gary D. Lameman of the Beaver Lake...
December 5, 2023
Federal government announces investment in energy efficient education facility in Beaver Lake Cree Nation
From: Infrastructure Canada NationTalk: Infrastructure Canada – Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Alberta, December 5, 2023 — A federal investment of more than $16.1 million will help construct a new education facility in Beaver Lake Cree Nation to improve the learning environment for students and staff. Announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault and Chief Gary D. Lameman of...
December 4, 2023
Minister Anandasangaree announces funding for 31 Indigenous-led projects that will contribute to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada December 4, 2023 — Ottawa, Ontario NationTalk: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada – The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, spanning from November 25 to December 10, is an opportunity to recommit to speaking up against all sorts of acts of gender-based violence. There is a real,...
December 4, 2023
Infrastructure Bank to provide loans for Indigenous equity investment in major projects
“It’s just a really exciting time and we’re thrilled to be a part of the overarching toolkit that’s needed to make sure that Indigenous communities are included in Canada’s economy in a really meaningful way.” — Hillary Thatcher, managing director of investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank Hillary Thatcher, managing director of investments with the Canada Infrastructure...
December 1, 2023
Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus established to better serve Indigenous patients
APTN: Being able to help people with musculoskeletal issues will help save Canada’s economy billions of dollars says the head of a new organization called the Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus. “Musculoskeletal conditions account for $2.4 billion annually and that’s a high cost for physicians services, hospital services, and pharmaceuticals,” says Dr. Jennifer Ward, chair of the...
November 30, 2023
1st on-reserve women’s shelter in New Brunswick to open in the new year
12-bed facility will also have family units CBC Indigenous: The first women’s shelter on a First Nation in New Brunswick will open its doors in the new year and it’s a resource Shelly Francis says will be valuable for women escaping violent homes. Nignen Women’s Shelter at Natoaganeg First Nation, 115 kilometres northwest of Moncton, is Indigenous-led with cultural resources serving Indigenous women,...
November 27, 2023
Canada Infrastructure Bank launches new Indigenous Equity Initiative
Disponible en francais NationTalk: TORONTO: The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) today unveiled details of its Indigenous Equity Initiative (IEI) designed to support First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities in purchasing equity ownership stakes in infrastructure projects within their traditional territories that the CIB is also investing in. Equity loans to Indigenous communities is part of...
November 26, 2023
Special interlocutor ‘waiting’ for MP bill criminalizing residential school denialism
The Globe and Mail: The Canadian Press – Canada’s justice minister is considering options raised by the independent adviser on unmarked graves, who says Indigenous leaders want Canada to move on criminalizing residential school denialism. Kimberly Murray called on lawmakers to consider “legal mechanisms” that could address the practice of denying or minimizing the abuses...
November 22, 2023
Significance of saving endangered language isn’t lost on Kaska’s last speakers
APTN News: Emeral Pope’s life mission is to live her language. Pope is one of five students enrolled in a new full-time Kaska language program, Gūzā́gī ts’į̄́ʼ Netsédzedī́yaʼ, We are Waking up to Our Language. Its goal is ambitious: teach young learners the language so they can eventually pass it down themselves. “There’s so much need in...
November 20, 2023
Government of Canada launches new Tourism Growth Program
Canada’s regional development agencies will deliver $108 million over three years to support tourism projects across the country NationTalk: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Tourism is a cornerstone of Canada’s economy. The tourism sector creates opportunities in communities across this country, supporting almost two million jobs and contributing some $38 billion to Canada’s GDP in...
November 20, 2023
A step towards Indigenous reconciliation and economic independence
For the federal Liberals the question is whether a new Indigenous loan program should extend to oil and gas projects The Toronto Star: By Star Editorial Board – The Trudeau government has another key climate policy decision on its plate, but this time it collides with Indigenous reconciliation, another of its signature policies. A multi-billion dollar...
November 9, 2023
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business announces a more than $3.4 million, multi-year funding agreement with Indigenous Services Canada
NationTalk: Toronto, ON – Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is proud to announce Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has entered into a muti-year agreement with CCAB to invest more than $3.4 million into CCAB’s continued and longstanding work to support Indigenous procurement. In 2018, CCAB launched Supply Change™, a comprehensive suite of programs and tools...
November 2, 2023
Office of the Correctional Investigator Annual Report 2022-2023
ANNEX A: Summary of Recommendations Click on the following link to read the full report: https://oci-bec.gc.ca/en/content/office-correctional-investigator-annual-report-2022-2023#s9...
November 1, 2023
‘Beat them at their own game’: Indigenous Justice Centres aim to dismantle colonial law
Jaime McKinley, office administrator of the Chilliwack Indigenous Justice Centre. Photo by BC First Nations Justice Council Listen to article Canada’s National Observer: It wasn’t until Amanda Carling, a Métis from Red River, sat down in her law class at the University of Toronto that she realized the racist underpinnings of the profession she’d entered. “Not...
October 30, 2023
Health Canada announces more than $21 million to support community-based organizations who are helping address harms related to substance use
Improving health outcomes for people at risk of substance-related harms and overdose NationTalk: Health Canada – Canada is in the midst of one of the most serious public health crises in our country’s history – the toxic and illegal drug and overdose crisis. No community has been left untouched. That’s why we are leveraging all...
October 24, 2023
Judge approves historic $23B First Nations child welfare compensation agreement
The settlement agreement is the largest ever in Canada CBC News: The Federal Court has approved a $23 billion settlement agreement — the largest in Canadian history — for First Nations children and families who experienced racial discrimination through Ottawa’s chronic underfunding of the on-reserve foster care system and other family services. The settlement agreement follows a 2019 Canadian Human...
October 24, 2023
Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on her annual report 2023: Creating the Conditions for Resilient Communities: A Public Health Approach to Emergencies
NationTalk: Public Health Agency of Canada – Today, my annual report on the state of public health in Canada, entitled Creating the Conditions for Resilient Communities: A Public Health Approach to Emergencies, was tabled in Parliament by the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health. In Canada and around the world, emergencies are occurring with increasing frequency and...
October 23, 2023
To sustain hope for Indigenous language revitalization funding must change
“All departments, government agencies and entities must engage in the language because it took 150 years with the combined weight of the church and state to get our languages in the state that they’re in today. It’s going to take a grand effort to reverse this…” —Indigenous Languages Commissioner Ronald E. Ignace The Office of...
October 20, 2023
Government of Canada and partners invest more than $26 million to advance integrated health care in Canada
From: Canadian Institutes of Health Research NationTalk: Toronto, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Health research is vital for improving people’s health, advancing health equity, and strengthening Canada’s health care systems. This is especially true of implementation science: research that seeks to support the uptake of evidence-based solutions by policymakers and health care providers...
October 11, 2023
The Governments of Canada and Yukon sign bilateral agreement to end gender-based violence
NationTalk: Women and Gender Equality Canada – Living a life free from violence is a fundamental human right, unfortunately gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Canada. It is one of the most pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time that affects people of...
October 10, 2023
15 New homes for women, children and young adults coming to Hazelton
NationTalk: The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia are providing $9.6 million to build 9 new homes and six beds in in Sik-e-Dakh Village for Indigenous women and children leaving violence, children in care, and young adults transitioning out of care. The GCFSS Longhouse is a 15-unit, wood-frame longhouse that is owned...
October 2, 2023
Statement by the Prime Minister on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
NationTalk: OTTAWA -If you need someone to talk to, The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers support to all Indigenous Peoples. Counsellors are available by phone or online chat. This service is available in English and French, and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to...
September 30, 2023
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation marked with song, marches, powwows across Canada
Events honour residential school survivors, promote reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples How Orange Shirt Day has evolved: Duration 5:25 Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for non-Indigenous people to learn and reflect. Shana Dion from the University of Alberta tells about the meaning of the day, and how it has developed over the years. Click on the following...
September 21, 2023
TD Bank Group Releases 2023 Report – TD and Indigenous Communities in Canada
The report highlights TD’s collaborations with and support for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people and communities. NationTalk: TORONTO – Today TD Bank Group (“TD” or the “Bank”) released its TD and Indigenous Communities in Canada – 2023 Report, outlining the Bank’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and sharing its approach to supporting the...
September 12, 2023
eSupply Canada Secures $1.1-Million Investment from FedDev Ontario to Develop Revenue Generation Platform for Indigenous Communities
NationTalk: [SAUGEEN FIRST NATION ON] — eSupply Canada, a national Indigenous-owned distributor specializing in business and industrial supplies, is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its mission to enhance Indigenous economic development. The company has received a non-dilutive investment of more than $1 million from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency...
September 7, 2023
Government of Canada Improves Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
NationTalk: Everyone, regardless of their sexual or gender identity, should have access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and resources that are safe and stigma-free. However, experiences of discrimination within Canada’s health care system have and continue to make it more difficult for many members of marginalized groups to get the care they need....
August 25, 2023
Government of Canada to Fund Crisis Hotlines Responding to Gender-Based Violence in New Brunswick
NationTalk: Women and Gender Equality Canada – Crisis hotlines are a lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and are critical support services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for crisis hotline services significantly increased across Canada and this demand continues today. Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth,...
August 14, 2023
Tundra Turning Celebrates Historic $83.7M Investment to Build Aqqusariaq (formerly the Nunavut Recovery Centre) in Iqaluit
NationTalk: Iqaluit, Nunavut – Colonial trauma is deep-rooted and complex, affecting many generations. By bringing treatment closer to home with a centre that is founded on Inuit traditions and practices, healing can begin amongst community, families, friends and loved ones. Today, Vice President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), Paul Irngaut, Minister of Indigenous Services Patty...
August 9, 2023
Government of Canada Strengthens Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Indigenous Communities
NationTalk: Health Canada – Everyone, regardless of their sexual or gender identity, has the right to be their authentic self, which includes having access to the care that they need to lead a happy and healthy life. This is especially true for Indigenous and racialized populations, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities, as the barriers they face are...
August 4, 2023
National archives to digitize, transfer 6 million pages of Indian day school records, official says
Department head Leslie Weir says 3-year timeline for digitization is doable CBC News: Canada’s national archives is working to identify, digitize and transfer six million pages of federal Indian day school records to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), the department head says. That kind of paper would fill multiple tractor trailers to...
August 2, 2023
The Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island sign bilateral agreement to end gender-based violence
NationTalk: Living a life free from violence is a fundamental human right, but gender‑based violence (GBV) continues to be a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Canada. It is one of the most pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time that affects people of all backgrounds, genders, and ages. Today,...
July 27, 2023
Government of Canada and JDRF Canada jointly invest $33 million in research to defeat diabetes
The age-standardized prevalence rates for diabetes are 17.2% among First Nations individuals living on-rserve, 10.3% among First Nations individuals living off-reserve and 7.3% among Métis people, compared to 5.0% in the general population NationTalk: Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Canada is among the ten countries with the highest rates of type 1 diabetes in...
July 25, 2023
Manitoba Government Receives $22.3 Million in Funding Through The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
Strengthening Social Infrastructure, Improving Services to End Gender-Based Violence in Manitoba: Squires NationTalk: The Manitoba government, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is investing $22.3 million over four years to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The funding will enhance services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and...
July 25, 2023
Minister Guilbeault presents response to the 2023 Minister’s Round Table on Parks Canada
The 13 actions proposed in the response will help advance Parks Canada’s priorities in the management of national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservations areas in Canada Canadians are passionate about national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas. The ideas and perspectives of Canadians are key to helping Parks Canada...
July 21, 2023
Deal near for 40,000 survivors of federal Boarding Homes Program
Canada will compensate those sent to suburban schools in four provinces between Sept. 1, 1951 and June 30, 1992. APTN News: Reginald Percival at 13 when Indian Affairs sent him to a suburban school from his northern First Nation. Photo: submitted Warning: This story deals with disturbing subject matter. Contact the Hope for Wellness Helpline for...
July 21, 2023
Government of Canada Announces $2.5 million for Projects to Improve Mental Health Supports for Indigenous Peoples
NationTalk: Health Canada – Indigenous Peoples face multiple barriers in accessing adequate mental health care, primarily due to systemic racism stemming from colonial practices and policies like residential schooling. The Government of Canada is committed to addressing disparities across our universal healthcare system and ensuring that all Indigenous Peoples have equitable access to compassionate, trauma-informed,...
July 7, 2023
Ben & Jerry’s Land Back tweet on Canada Day gets praise from First Nations people
Others called for boycott of ice cream company after tweet says Canada is on stolen land CBC News: Ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is being praised by many First Nations people in Canada for a tweet supporting the #LandBack movement on Canada Day. The tweet from the Canadian branch of the company read: “Another day...
July 4, 2023
Government of Canada announces mental health supports for Indigenous communities
NationTalk: Public Health Agency of Canada: Indigenous Peoples face multiple barriers in accessing adequate mental health and substance use care, primarily due to systemic racism stemming from colonial practices and policies like residential schooling. The Government of Canada is committed to addressing disparities across our universal healthcare system and ensuring that all Indigenous Peoples have...
June 29, 2023
Final agreement reached to resolve Percival class action
NationTalk: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada – Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and court-appointed representative plaintiffs Reginald Percival and Kenneth Weistche announced that a proposed settlement agreement has been reached in the Federal Indian Boarding Homes (Percival) class action. Beginning in the 1950s, approximately 40,000 Indigenous children were part of...
June 28, 2023
New advisory committee to transfer millions of unreleased residential school documents announced
APTN News: The Trudeau government announced a new committee Wednesday that is tasked with identifying millions of unreleased residential school documents. “That’s the importance of our work here for the last two days is a plan to transition around 19 million documents outside government to an institution that will support and in this case it’s...
June 25, 2023
New MMIWG monument a sacred place for families to gather, mourn
1st monument east of Winnipeg for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls CBC News: For 22 years, Sandra McNeil never had a place to grieve for her mom. Dawn Carisse, who is Abenaki, disappeared in 2001 after fleeing the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital, where she was admitted after a brain injury caused short-term memory...
June 23, 2023
Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative 2023
The Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI) supports alternatives to custody and reintegration projects responsive to the unique circumstances of Indigenous people in Canada. ICCI projects provide culturally relevant services that may include counselling, treatment, life skills coaching, family reunification, and addressing the effects of residential schools and involvement with child welfare systems. The Call for...
June 22, 2023
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan 2023-2028
The Action Plan The Declaration explained About the Act Department of Justice: The 2023-2028 Action Plan is the result of two years of working in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis from across Canada. In keeping with the UN Declaration Act and the spirit of the UN Declaration, the Government of Canada worked in consultation...
June 20, 2023
Monument to residential school survivors, victims to be built on Parliament Hill
Governor General says monument is a ‘significant’ step toward reconciliation The Canadian Press · Posted: Jun 20, 2023 12:37 PM EDT | Last Updated: 35 minutes ago CBC News: the Canadian Press – A survivor-led steering committee announced Tuesday that a monument commemorating survivors and victims of residential schools will be built on the west side of Parliament...
June 20, 2023
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) selects site for National Monument
NationTalk: Reflecting the national significance of this commemoration, the Survivor-led Steering Committee sought consensus from the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation and Survivors before selecting the Monument site, which is located on traditional Algonquin territory OTTAWA, TRADITIONAL UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, June 20, 2023 – In keeping with the spirit and intent of Call to Action #81 of the Truth...
June 19, 2023
New lodge in Gagetown to offer land-based healing for Indigenous women
Wabanaki Resilency Lodge expected to open by August, will have 10 beds CBC News: A new lodge “for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women,” plans to offer traditional, land-based healing in Gagetown, around 60 kilometres southeast of Fredericton. Lynne Groulx, executive director of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, the group behind the lodge, said the concept was developed...
June 17, 2023
Efforts to save Wolastoqey language to get a boost from new language platform
Madawaska, Quebec First Nations working with team from Université de Moncton in Edmundston CBC News: A new online program called Wiciw — meaning “together with” — is being designed to help keep the Wolastoqey language from disappearing. The Maliseet First Nation of Madawaska in Edmundston and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation in Cacouna, Que., are working with a research team from the Université de Moncton campus...
June 13, 2023
Ground search begins at former Chooutla school site in Yukon
As many as 42 students may have died at the former school site APTN News: A ground search for potential graves has begun at the former site of the Chooutla Indian Residential School in Carcross, Yukon. The search, which will take place during various intervals this summer, will help determine if there are possible remains...
June 9, 2023
Government of Canada announces funding has been allocated to 10 Indigenous women’s organizations and 2SLGBTQI+ communities working to end the national crisis of MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ people
NationTalk: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced that approximately $2.6 million has been allocated to 11 new projects undertaken by 10 Indigenous women’s organizations across Canada with the unique knowledge and expertise on how to best protect and empower Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people....
June 8, 2023
Taking action to ensure all federal laws uphold Aboriginal and treaty rights
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada– The recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples affirmed in Canada’s Constitution is a fundamental element of Crown-Indigenous relationships. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting and upholding the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis as part of building stronger nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships. Today, the Minister...
June 6, 2023
A strong voice: Canada’s Indigenous youth are not feeling the full effects of reconciliation, and offer solutions
NationTalk:Toronto – Deloitte’s Future of Canada Centre is launching the second volume of its Voices of Indigenous Youth Leaders on Reconciliation series of reports, highlighting the perspectives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth leaders. Focused on reconciliation in the context of higher education and early employment, the report draws attention to the systemic barriers...
June 6, 2023
The Government of Canada provides funding to the Native Women’s Association of Canada to prevent gender-based violence
NationTalk: Women and Gender Equity Canada – The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the underlying systemic causes of ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The COVID-19 pandemic also created unprecedented challenges for people in need of help and the frontline organizations that support them. Today, the...
June 5, 2023
Feds say progress being made on MMIWG calls to justice, critics disagree
APTN News: In spite of what advocates are saying, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller says he believes progress is being made on addressing the calls to justice issued in the final report of the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. “What we heard last year from advocates precisely was to answer...
June 5, 2023
AFN Releases Final Report from MMIWG2S+ National Gathering
NationTalk: Ottawa, ON) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has released its final report from the MMIWG2S+ National Gathering. The event brought Survivors of gender-based violence and families of missing or murdered loved ones together in Vancouver from February 14-16, 2023. “Connecting Hearts and Making Change” builds on a national report, “Breathing Life into the...
June 3, 2023
Government of Canada releases summary of actions taken to address the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
Yahoo!Finance: The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line is available to provide emotional support and crisis referral services to individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Call the toll-free Crisis Line at 1-844-413-6649. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a...
June 2, 2023
The Assembly of First Nations and the Government of Canada announce updates to school design standards for schools on-reserve
Updated education infrastructure standards to support equity between First Nations and non-Indigenous communities NationTalk: Ottawa, Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada Students living in First Nations communities deserve quality learning environments that are safe and healthy places to learn and grow, and support better educational outcomes. Working in partnership, the Assembly of First...
May 29, 2023
Ottawa offering $95M to help Indigenous families learn about missing loved ones
Funding also expands services for men and boys CBC News: Ottawa is promising more than $95 million to help Indigenous families get information about missing or murdered loved ones. On Monday, Justice Minister David Lametti announced $95.8 million in new funding over five years for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous people, and an...
May 29, 2023
Increased support for families of missing and murdered Indigenous people and Indigenous victims and survivors of crime
Nationtalk: Department of justice Canada – Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous people: There is a national, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing mental health support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. Supports are also available through the MMIWG2S+ health and cultural...
May 29, 2023
Increased support for families of missing and murdered Indigenous people and Indigenous victims and survivors of crime
Nationtalk: Department of justice Canada – Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous people: There is a national, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing mental health support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. Supports are also available through the MMIWG2S+ health and cultural...
May 27, 2023
‘I feel like I’m not behind’: Indigenous students in Manitoba embrace Jordan’s Principle supports
Growing co-ordinator program tackles education achievement gaps for Indigenous kids Illeanna Knott is preparing to graduate from high school next month. The 17-year-old loves to draw and hopes to pursue a career in the arts after she finishes at her school in Brandon. For the first half of the school year, the teen juggled extracurricular activities...
May 26, 2023
‘You would’ve never seen these tears before:’ Quebec healing centre shares how it helps Indigenous men
More money needed to help clients says Waseskun employee. APTN News: Nestled in the trees by St. Alphonse Rodriguez, a small community 100 km north of Montreal, the Waseskun Healing Centre doesn’t look like a typical minimum-security prison. The centre is funded by the Correctional Service of Canada but it employs its own healing programs which the...
May 19, 2023
Parks Canada plans major rewrite of more than 200 historic site plaques
Parliament Hill is one of the sites that is being reviewed by Parks Canada. Photo: APTN. APT News: The Canadian Press – They’re affixed to old buildings where someone important used to live. Or they’re mounted on a rock overlooking somewhere where something once happened. Cast in bronze or lettered on a sign, they’re sometimes...
May 8, 2023
Ottawa announces $103M for Indigenous women’s shelters
Former commissioner says there’s more work to do to address national inquiry’s calls for justice CBC News: The more than $100 million in funding the federal government has earmarked for Indigenous women’s shelters is only part of the solution to violence against Indigenous women and girls, says a former commissioner for a national inquiry that investigated the issue....
May 5, 2023
Details of upcoming work to find graves at residential school site presented in Carcross, Yukon
Ground-penetrating radar work to be done at Chooutla school site starting next month WARNING: This story contains distressing details. CBC News: People in the community of Carcross, Yukon, received more details this week about the upcoming work to search for unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school. That work, which will be done...
May 4, 2023
Native Women’s Association of Canada established Safe Passage Women’s Safety Council and expanded Safe Passage online platform
NationTalk: Indigenous Peoples, particularly women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S+), experience violence at a much higher rate than other populations in Canada. The disappearance and murder of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada is an ongoing national crisis, which is due to the intergenerational trauma and marginalization caused by colonial policies rooted in...
May 3, 2023
Government of Canada announces funding for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations in Quebec
NationTalk: Women and Gender Equality Canada – The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the underlying systemic causes of ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The COVID-19 pandemic also created unprecedented challenges for victims seeking help and the frontline organizations that support them. Today, the Honourable Marci...
May 2, 2023
House unanimously supports system to alert public when Indigenous women go missing
NationTalk: CP24 – The House of Commons unanimously backed a motion Tuesday declaring the deaths and disappearances of Indigenous women and girls a Canada-wide emergency — and calling for funding for a new system to alert the public when someone goes missing. Leah Gazan, who represents a Winnipeg riding, presented the motion to her colleagues...
April 25, 2023
James Smith Cree Nation grappling with what to do with public donations after 2022 attacks
More than $125K raised in GoFundMe campaign, another $500K sent by corporations and private citizens CBC News: Inside James Smith Cree Nation’s council chambers, you will find the words “Remember Me” spelled out in dancing figures painted on an orange wall. The words have taken on a whole new meaning since violence and death visited...
April 24, 2023
Drug to help prevent serious RSV illness in babies approved by Health Canada
By age 2, most babies in Canada get RSV, which can be mild or cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia CBC News: Canadian Press – Health Canada has approved a new antibody drug to help protect babies from serious illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Nirsevimab, also known by its brand name Beyfortus, was authorized...
April 21, 2023
Ottawa signs agreement with Nova Scotia First Nations chiefs on health services
Agreement another step to transform design and delivery of health services for Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia CBC News: Canadian Press – The federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq chiefs on the transfer of federal health services.Friday’s agreement with the 13 chiefs continues a process that will ultimately transform the...
April 17, 2023
Koganaawsawin to host National Indigenous Child Well-Being Summit
NationTalk: ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (April 17, 2023) – First Nations across Canada are joining Koganaawsawin, the central coordinating body of the Anishinabek Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being System, for a National Indigenous Child Well-Being Summit: How We Govern and Maintain Jurisdiction Over Our Children and Youth. The three-day virtual event will take place from 11am-3pm...
April 17, 2023
New funding to support Indigenous students in heart and brain science
NationTalk: The awards will support outstanding post-graduate students at institutions across Canada As part of our commitment to advancing along the journey of Truth and Reconciliation, Brain Canada, Heart & Stroke, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (CIHR-ICRH) are launching a new funding program for Indigenous post-graduate students...
April 14, 2023
Trudeau announces $8.2B to renew 10-year funding for B.C. First Nations Health Authority
First Nations Health Authority provides health services to 200 First Nations in B.C. CBC News: B.C.’s First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has received $8.2 billion in funding from the federal government to support programming and services for more than 200 First Nations for another 10 years. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu made the...
April 13, 2023
Provinces need to come to the table as feds sign child welfare coordination agreements with First Nations
“It does leave a gap there and it leaves the potential to have conflicts of laws and cases before courts, which in the meantime have children in very precarious positions, often not in their home communities.” – Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller Windpeaker.com: The second First Nations’ children’s act has been implemented in Alberta. On...
April 11, 2023
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug celebrates First Nation-led family law, one of the few in Canada
First Nation just 2nd in Ontario to receive federal funds to operate its own family welfare agency CBC News: Standing on a stage in a room filled with community members, band councillors and government ministers, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Chief Donny Morris called this an emotional day for his community. “We are taking back how we are raising our children,”...
April 11, 2023
3 First Nations sign agreement with Ottawa, Alberta to take over child welfare
Loon River First Nation, Lubicon First Nation and Peerless Trout First Nation celebrate new agreement CBC News: Canadian Press – Three northern Alberta First Nations have signed an agreement with the federal and provincial governments to be responsible for their own child welfare systems. The chiefs of Loon River First Nation, Lubicon First Nation and...
April 5, 2023
Revised settlement agreement of $23B reached to compensate First Nations children and families
NationTalk: A revised final settlement agreement now totalling more than $23 billion was reached by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Moushoom and Trout class actions plaintiffs, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, and Canada to compensate those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and those...
April 4, 2023
Cdn. Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) Releases Health Human Resources Assessment Report
NationTalk: Ottawa – Today, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) released its report on health human resources (HHR) in Canada. The report, titled “Canada’s Health Workforce: Pathways Forward”, provides key findings designed to inform stakeholders (including governments). The report provides evidence-informed approaches to addressing the current challenges facing the Canadian health workforce. The three...
April 4, 2023
Pilot projects could pave way forward for Indigenous health care
Based on the principles of nationhood, individual Indigenous communities take the lead in determining how their communities will work with partners to address health care disparities. iPolitics: Four community-led pilot projects have seen significant improvements in health care for Indigenous communities across the country, supporters say, leading to a push for the government to address...
April 3, 2023
Ottawa adds $3.4B to $20B First Nations child welfare compensation deal
Initial $20 billion deal shortchanged some victims and left others out altogether CBC News – The federal government is adding $3.4 billion to its $20 billion offer for First Nations child welfare compensation, says the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. The organizations issued a press release...
March 31, 2023
Joint Statement by Ministers Rodriguez, Miller, Hajdu, Vandal on the National Indigenous Languages Day
NationTalk: Canadian Heritage – This statement is also available in the following languages: Innu-aimun Mi’kmaq Oji-Cree (translation will follow) Plains Cree (translation will follow) Western Ojibway Dene Inuktitut (North Baffin) Michif Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage; Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; and Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan...
March 31, 2023
Indigenous experts, leaders say Vatican’s Doctrine of Discovery rejection marks step forward
Announcement was influenced by Pope’s visit to Alberta, Edmonton Archbishop says CBC News: Indigenous experts and leaders in the Edmonton region say the Catholic Church’s rejection of the Doctrine of Discovery is a significant step toward reconciliation.”This is a historic day,” said Matthew Wildcat, a member of Ermineskin Cree Nation and an assistant professor in the political science and...
March 29, 2023
New daycare in Fort Smith, N.W.T., opens with focus on culture and life skills
Daycare already has waitlist of more than 30 CBC News: The manager for a new daycare in Fort Smith, N.W.T., says she has a plan to connect kids with elders, culture and community. The Fort Smith Métis Daycare, which officially opened its doors on March 6, was two years in the making — a project...
March 25, 2023
Search for graves at Yukon residential school site planned for this summer
‘We will finally get some answers to questions that we’ve had in our families,’ says chair of working group WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find distressing. CBC News: The first ground search for unmarked graves at a former Yukon residential school will start this summer in Carcross. At least 20 Indigenous children...
March 24, 2023
Splatsin, Canada and British Columbia sign historic coordination agreement for First Nations children and families
Indigenous Services Canada: First Nations children thrive when they can stay with their families and their communities, surrounded by their culture and language. As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we will continue to work towards self-determination for First Nations, Inuit and...
March 24, 2023
Joint message from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu on World Tuberculosis Day
Indigenous Services Canada: Ottawa, Ontario — Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu issued the following statement today on World Tuberculosis Day 2023: “Tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks continue to be an unfortunate and unnecessary reality in Inuit Nunangat. TB disproportionately impacts Inuit communities throughout the country. The Government of Canada and...
March 23, 2023
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to receive $12.5M in funding for new healing centre
Architect already chosen to consult with community and lead design, nation says WARNING: This story contains distressing details. CBC News: The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation will receive $12.5 million in federal funding toward the construction of a new healing centre for the community, nearly two years after suspected grave sites were discovered at a former residential...
March 22, 2023
The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada launches funding for training to improve health care access in rural settings
NationTalk: SHAWVILLE, QC – Equitable access to health care is a growing concern for rural, remote and Indigenous communities, and today the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) is addressing the issue with the launch of the National Advanced Skills and Training Program for Rural Practice. The goal of the program is to support...
March 20, 2023
A 200-MW wind project: a partnership between nine Innu communities and Boralex on the traditional territory (Nitassinan) of the Uashat mak Mani-utenam First Nation
Indigenous Services Canada: Today, the Innu communities of Ekuanitshit, Essipit, Pessamit, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, Pakua Shipi, Uashat mak Mani-utenam, Matimekush-Lac John, Nutashkuan, and Unamen Shipu, under the umbrella of the Société en commandite Apuiat (S.E.C. Apuiat) in collaboration with Boralex and with the contribution of Indigenous Services Canada, announce the development of a major 200-MW wind...
March 14, 2023
Improving access to legal supports and services for Indigenous families in Montreal
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada Access to justice is a fundamental Canadian value and an integral part of a fair and just society based on the rule of law. Our Government is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice for Indigenous and racialized communities across the country and addressing systemic racism and discrimination...
March 10, 2023
Trans Mountain Corporation Provides Update on the Expansion Project
NationTalk: Trans Mountain Corporation today announced an update for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (the Project). Construction of the Project is close to 80 per cent complete, with mechanical completion expected to occur at the end of 2023, and the pipeline will be in-service in the first quarter of 2024. Once completed, the pipeline system...
March 9, 2023
‘Historic’ $2.8B class-action Indigenous court settlement approved
Schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children and abuse was widespread WARNING: This story contains distressing details. CBC News: A Federal Court judge has approved a $2.8-billion settlement agreement between the Canadian government and plaintiffs representing 325 First Nations whose members went to residential day schools. Justice Ann Marie McDonald said in her ruling issued Thursday...
March 9, 2023
CREation community grants seek Indigenous youth-led projects
CREation, a program from Canadian Roots Exchange, is accepting applications for a fund that supports groups of Indigenous youth aged 15 to 29. NationTalk: CabinRadio – The national Indigenous organization says it hopes to fund projects that “create impactful community change and increase the wellness, resiliency and engagement of Indigenous youth.” There are three funding...
March 8, 2023
Minister Wilkinson Positions Canada as Supplier of Choice for Critical Minerals and Clean Technologies at PDAC
NationTalk: Natural Resources Canada – There is no global clean energy future without accelerated activity along the critical minerals value chain. Critical minerals are not just the building blocks of clean technology like solar panels and electric vehicle batteries — they are a key ingredient for creating middle-class jobs and growing a strong, globally competitive...
March 2, 2023
Working in partnership to deliver high-quality health care for Indigenous Peoples
NationTalk: Indigenous Peoples face unique challenges when it comes to receiving the health care they deserve including, for example, a lack of family doctors and nurse practitioners in rural and remote communities. The Government of Canada is working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners across the country to address gaps and systemic inequities in...
March 1, 2023
Next phase launched on consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples on non-derogation clauses
Department of Justice Canada: Ottawa, Traditional Unceded Algonquin Territory – Department of Justice Canada The recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples affirmed in Canada’s Constitution is a fundamental element of Crown-Indigenous relationships. Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced the next phase of consultation and cooperation with...
March 1, 2023
Recent Developments in Aboriginal Law
NationTalk: LEXPERT – Business of Law Aboriginal law cases proceeding and pending before the Courts Developments in Aboriginal law in 2022 were mostly forward looking. That is, there are cases proceeding and pending before Courts. These have the potential for significant changes and are to be watched closely as they are decided. Indigenous Laws and...
February 27, 2023
First Nations leaders voice support for $2.8B federal agreement to settle lawsuit on residential schools
Indigenous chiefs and Ottawa announced the agreement in January CBC News: Canadian Press – First Nations leaders are voicing their formal support in Federal Court for a $2.8-billion settlement agreement to a class-action residential schools lawsuit. Former Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc chief Shane Gottfriedson told the Federal Court judge in Vancouver that reaching the settlement with the federal...
February 23, 2023
Statement – Renewed and ongoing supports for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people: There is a national, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing mental health support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. Supports are also available through the MMIWG2S+ health...
February 21, 2023
Cadmus Delorme to chair federal committee identifying and sharing historic residential school documents
Delorme will chair new Residential School Documents Advisory Committee CBC NEWS: Chief Cadmus Delorme of Cowessess First Nation will take charge of efforts to examine and share historic documents about residential schools in Canada. Delorme recently announced he would not seek a third term as chief of Cowessess, which is located about 140 kilometres east of Regina. Crown−Indigenous Relations...
February 21, 2023
Council of Yukon First Nations plans to open shelter for Indigenous women and children in Whitehorse
Project will help fill gaps in current system, CYFN says CBC News: The Council of Yukon First Nations is planning to build a new shelter in Whitehorse’s Whistle Bend neighbourhood, specifically for Indigenous women and children. Shadelle Chambers, executive director of the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN), presented the plans to Whitehorse city council...
February 17, 2023
International Commission on Missing Persons to undertake outreach and engagement sessions with Indigenous communities on unmarked burial sites
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Taking care: We recognize this news release may contain information that is difficult for many and that our efforts to honour Survivors and families may act as an unwelcome reminder for those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous Peoples. The National...
February 15, 2023
Nunavut Recovery Centre expected to be completed 2025
Nunavut News: The Nunavut Recovery Centre, to be built in Iqaluit is expected to be completed in two years, by Jan. 2025, and expects to have occupancy by the following spring, according to Nunavut’s department of health. The federal government announced funding for the Nunavut Recovery Centre in August 2021, with construction expected to start...
February 15, 2023
Canada invests in a new men’s shelter and wellness centre in Pond Inlet
NationTalk: Hamlet of Pond Inlet, Nunavut — Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and David Stockley, Chief Administrative Officer, Hamlet of Pond Inlet, announced more than $2 million in federal funding towards a new men’s shelter and a wellness centre for the community. These facilities will be housed in two existing...
February 7, 2023
Ottawa spending $2-million for international commission to offer advice on unmarked graves
The Globe and Mail: Ottawa is spending $2 million for an international organization to provide Indigenous communities with options for identifying possible human remains buried near former residential school sites. The office of Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller said in a statement Tuesday it is signing a technical agreement with the International Commission on Missing...
February 7, 2023
Federal government announces $500K for feasibility study of Winnipeg-area landfill search
Dollar amount ‘really only the beginning’ in process to locate women’s remains, victim’s daughter says WARNING: This story contains distressing details. CBC News: The federal government says it will provide $500,000 to determine whether it’s possible to recover human remains from a landfill near Winnipeg, after months of calls to search there for the bodies...
February 7, 2023
The Supreme Court of Canada granted leave to appeal in a case involving Treaty rights and limitations law
First Peoples Law Report Summary 40153 Jim Shot Both Sides, et al. v. His Majesty the King (Federal) (Civil) (By Leave) Keywords Aboriginal law – Treaty rights, Limitation of actions – Aboriginal law — Treaty rights — Treaty 7 — Breach of treaty as cause of action — Limitation of actions — Whether limitation periods...
February 2, 2023
Alberta First Nation signs child welfare agreement with feds, without the province
CTV News: MASKWACIS – An Alberta First Nation signed a two-year agreement with Ottawa Wednesday that gives it the autonomy to administer its own child welfare. Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, Alta., south of Edmonton, is the first in the province to sign such an agreement. “This is an important day for Louis Bull Tribe,” Chief...
January 31, 2023
Call for proposals to help support high-quality Indigenous early learning and child care
NationTalk: Employment and Social development Canada – High-quality and culturally appropriate early learning and child care programs designed by and with Indigenous families and communities give Indigenous children the best start in life and forms an essential part of Reconciliation. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to promoting and investing in Indigenous-led...
January 31, 2023
Peguis First Nation signs child welfare agreement that chief says marks break in cycle
3 levels of government in Winnipeg Tuesday morning to sign first agreement involving Manitoba CBC News: Peguis First Nation celebrated a historic moment Tuesday as it became the first Indigenous community in Manitoba to take control of child welfare under federal legislation that came into effect three years ago. The First Nation was joined by...
January 31, 2023
Visions for Distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation: Executive summary
What we heard from the Indigenous health legislation engagement Full report The full report, What we heard: Visions for Distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation, is available on request. If you would like a copy, please email lsa-ihl@sac-isc.gc.ca. On this page: Introduction This report, What we heard: Visions for Distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation, summarizes the input the Government of Canada...
January 26, 2023
Thousands of artifacts to be returned to First Nations after years boxed away in an Ottawa building
Archeologists and Indigenous youth are carefully cataloguing about 300,000 pots, tools and other items so the descendants of their ancient Algonquin owners can decide what to do with them The Globe and Mail: When Jennifer Tenasco, a 23-year old from the Kitigan Zibi community in Quebec, hung a polished slate pendant round her neck on...
January 24, 2023
Métis survivors sue Saskatchewan, Canada over residential school
Class-action suit launched over the Île-à-la-Crosse school in northern Saskatchewan after Métis were left out of previous settlements. Toronto Star: For survivors of one of the oldest residential schools in Canada, it’s been a long time coming. Métis survivors who attended the Île-à-la-Crosse residential school in northern Saskatchewan have launched a class-action lawsuit against the Saskatchewan...
January 24, 2023
Hitting children is still legal in Canada. These lawmakers want to change that
The Globe and Mail: Not on the head. Not with a belt, ruler or other object. Not if a child is younger than 2 or older than 12. Not if a child has disabilities that inhibit their understanding. Only by a parent or a person standing in the place of one. Not when that adult...
January 23, 2023
Settlement agreement reached for Band class litigation
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Taking care: We recognize this news release may contain information that is difficult for many and that our efforts to honour Survivors and families may act as an unwelcome reminder for those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous Peoples. The National Residential...
January 21, 2023
Ottawa announces $2.8 billion to settle remaining part of B.C. day scholar lawsuit
The federal government says it’s come to a $2.8-billion agreement to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by members of a British Columbia Indigenous band who attended residential schools as day scholars. Toronto Star: VANCOUVER – The federal government has come to a $2.8-billion agreement to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by two British Columbia first...
January 19, 2023
‘Major concerns’ were flagged in Indian boarding home system for years, records show
Indigenous students were sent to boarding homes while attending public schools CBC News: In January 1967, the minister of Indian Affairs in Ottawa got a troubling letter from the United Church’s Indian Work Sub-Committee in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Committee members were so concerned by the department’s handling of an expanding boarding home program...
January 19, 2023
Bill C-5: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Bill C-5: General Questions Q 1 What are the reforms being proposed in this Bill? Q 2 What are the objectives of the Bill? Q 3 What steps has the Government taken to address systemic racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system? Q 4 How will these reforms contribute to addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people,...
January 16, 2023
Office of the Special Interlocutor Call for Submissions
NationTalk: Background Information The Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burials Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, Kimberly Murray, was appointed in June 2022 with a two-year mandate. She is mandated to deliver a Progress Update Report (available at www.osi-bis.ca), an Interim Report, in June 2023, and a Final Report with...
January 13, 2023
Ottawa laying groundwork for Indigenous justice systems, says Lametti
Indigenous people make up 32 per cent of federal prison population CBC News: Justice Minister David Lametti says Ottawa is building a foundation to allow Indigenous legal systems to flourish alongside the Canadian justice system. Lametti made the comment Thursday at the new Indigenous Peoples Space on Parliament Hill, where he announced $1.5 million in federal...
January 13, 2023
Ottawa laying groundwork for Indigenous justice systems, says Lametti
Indigenous people make up 32 per cent of federal prison population CBC News: Justice Minister David Lametti says Ottawa is building a foundation to allow Indigenous legal systems to flourish alongside the Canadian justice system. Lametti made the comment Thursday at the new Indigenous Peoples Space on Parliament Hill, where he announced $1.5 million in federal funding...
January 12, 2023
Moving from Our Heads to Our Hearts to Our Hands Summary Report of the National Gathering on Unmarked Burials: Supporting the Search and Recovery of Missing Children
Summary Report of the National Gathering on Unmarked Burials: Supporting the Search and Recovery of Missing Children: Sept. 12-14, 2022 NationTalk: The first National Gathering, held in Treaty 6 Territory and the homelands of the Métis Nation in September 2022, was an important beginning to support knowledge sharing amongst Indigenous communities and organizations leading this recovery work. I...
January 11, 2023
As extension period for Indian Day Schools settlement comes to an end, concerns remain
Deadline to submit a claim with an extension form is Jan. 13 at 11:59 PST CBC News: Louise Mayo anticipates busy days ahead as the end of the week approaches, closing the extension period for claims to a national class action settlement for First Nations and Inuit children who suffered harm while attending federally-run Indian...
January 11, 2023
Federal First Nations Education Statistics: 2018-2019
Student enrolment In fiscal year 2018 to 2019, Government of Canada’s investments in kindergarten to grade 12 education supported about 107,200 First Nations students, ordinarily resident on reserve. Considering that a number of these students attended school part-time, such as many kindergarten students, 103, 523 full-time equivalent (FTE) students received support. Table 1 shows the distribution of...
January 10, 2023
Ottawa announces progress on 2 MMIWG inquiry calls to justice
Jennifer Moore Rattray appointed to provide recommendations for an Indigenous and human rights ombudsperson CBC News: Over a year into a national action plan to end violence against Indigenous women, progress is being made to implement two of the calls for justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Crown-Indigenous...
January 10, 2023
Government of Canada appoints a Ministerial Special Representative and an Indigenous- led organization to address Calls for Justice
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced the appointment of Jennifer Moore Rattray as the Ministerial Special Representative who will provide advice and recommendations, through engagement with survivors, families, partners and organizations, in support of Call for Justice 1.7 to create an Indigenous and Human Rights...
January 3, 2023
Ottawa, plaintiffs agree to settle ‘Indian boarding homes’ class action
Lawyer estimates deal could be worth $2.2 billion CBC News: The Canadian government and lawyers for survivors have reached an agreement-in-principle to settle a class-action lawsuit over the operation of boarding homes for Indigenous students attending public schools between 1951 and 1992. The federally run program saw an estimated 40,000 Indigenous youth placed in non-Indigenous boarding homes where...
December 21, 2022
Canada and the Big Grassy First Nation partner to launch the Big Grassy First Nation Cultural Space and Shelter Building Project
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Today, Chief Lynn Indian from the Big Grassy First Nation and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, announced $1.8 million in funding provided through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program, for the construction of a new cultural space building. The new Big Grassy First Nation Cultural...
December 16, 2022
Almost $500K will help Ulukhaktok women’s society protect Inuit
A women’s society formed in Ulukhaktok last year is set to receive almost half a million dollars in federal funding as it works to create a shelter and more supports for Inuit families. Cabin Radio: Janine Harvey, executive director of the Tahiuqtiit Women’s Society, said the funding was a “massive accomplishment” for the community and...
December 13, 2022
Canada and the Witset First Nation partner to launch the Witset Youth Healing Lodge Project
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Today, Chief Barry Nikal from the Witset First Nation and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, announced the launch of the Witset Youth Healing Lodge Project. The Government of Canada will provide $3,826,659 through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program (CSICP) towards this project. The Witset...
December 13, 2022
Amendments to come to federal legislation following First Nations input
NationTalk: Anihinabek News.ca: ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY— The government of Canada is looking to amend the federal legislation known as the Interpretation Act, the first act passed by the new Parliament of Canada after the Confederation. The purpose of the Interpretation Act is to provide guidance and assistance for the interpretation of laws where their meaning is not clear....
December 8, 2022
NDP urges House of Commons to pass bill banning spanking, physical punishment of children
Bill would repeal section 43 of Criminal Code, which allows ‘reasonable’ physical punishment of kids CBC News: The New Democrats are urging the House of Commons to pass legislation that would make it illegal to spank children or use any physical force to discipline or punish them. Bill C-273 would eliminate section 43 of the Criminal...
December 5, 2022
Berens River First Nation and the Government of Canada launch Chief Elsie Bouchie Cultural Camp to revitalize Anishinaabe culture
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people For immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. You can also access long-term health support services such as mental health counselling, community-based emotional support, cultural services, and some travel costs to see Elders and traditional healers....
November 28, 2022
Trudeau commits $62.5M to Indigenous safety, healing projects in James Smith Cree Nation
Global News: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government will invest over $20 million toward Indigenous-led community safety projects in First Nations across the country, while promising continued work toward making Indigenous policing an essential service in Canada. The money is part of $62.5 million in federal funding Trudeau announced Monday while visiting James...
November 28, 2022
Trudeau commits $62.5M to Indigenous safety, healing projects in James Smith Cree Nation
Global News: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government will invest over $20 million toward Indigenous-led community safety projects in First Nations across the country, while promising continued work toward making Indigenous policing an essential service in Canada. The money is part of $62.5 million in federal funding Trudeau announced Monday while visiting James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan,...
November 25, 2022
Federal investments supporting First Nations-led health services and community safety in northern Manitoba
Indigenous Services Canada: Health and community safety systems that reflect the values and respond to the needs of First Nations help to improve outcomes and reduce disparities between First Nations and non-First Nations people. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, Grand Chief Garrison Settee of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) and Dr....
November 22, 2022
Centennial College launches early childhood education program for Indigenous learners
NationTalk: TORONTO – Centennial College, in partnership with Native Child and Family Services of Toronto and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services, is offering 25 Indigenous applicants an opportunity to become credentialed early childhood educators. The fully funded two-year program will support learners from Toronto and the Region of Durham in a culturally affirming environment...
November 22, 2022
Critics say Ottawa’s changes to mandatory minimum sentences don’t go far enough
A Canadian senator says she is disappointed in new legislation from the Trudeau government that eliminates mandatory minimum sentences for some offences but leaves others on the books. “The reality is if mandatory minimum penalties made us safer, then the United States should be the safest place in the world,” Sen. Kim Pate said. “And...
November 18, 2022
Statement by Minister Lametti on Royal Assent of legislation that addresses systemic racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system
Department of Justice Canada: The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today issued the following statement: “Bill C-5 received Royal Assent yesterday, reforming sentencing under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. These sentencing reforms will help address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people, Black persons, racialized Canadians, and members of marginalized...
November 15, 2022
First Nations governance and federal representatives come together at Ontario Joint Gathering in Toronto
NationTalk: Anishinabek News.ca – TORONTO — First Nations Chiefs, community members, and representatives came together with federal bureaucrats at the Ontario Joint Gathering hosted by Indigenous Services Canada in Toronto on Oct. 25 and 26. The two-day gathering at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto was an opportunity to strengthen relationships between the Canadian government and...
November 14, 2022
Manitoba Government Partners to Create 1,200 New Child-Care Spaces in Rural Communities over the Next Year
Working Together Improves Access to High-Quality Child Care, Grows Communities and Economy: Stefanson NationTalk: The governments of Canada and Manitoba are allocating up to $70 million in capital funding for new child-care facilities, creating more than 1,200 new, regulated non-profit child-care spaces across the province with a focus on rural and First Nations communities, Premier...
November 9, 2022
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation welcomes funding for Centre’s new permanent home and long term work
OTTAWA — Today, residential school Survivors and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) welcomed the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, to announce funding from the Government of Canada for the Centre’s work. Minister Miller joined the NCTR at the future site of the Centre’s permanent home at the University of Manitoba....
November 9, 2022
National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence a significant step towards gender equality
Pictou County, Nova Scotia – Women and Gender Equality Canada Living a life free from violence is a fundamental human right, but gender‑based violence (GBV) continues to be a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Canada. It is one of the most pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time. Federal,...
November 9, 2022
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation welcomes funding for Centre’s new permanent home and long term work
OTTAWA — Today, residential school Survivors and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) welcomed the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, to announce funding from the Government of Canada for the Centre’s work. Minister Miller joined the NCTR at the future site of the Centre’s permanent home at the University of Manitoba. In...
November 9, 2022
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation welcomes funding for Centre’s new permanent home and long term work
OTTAWA — Today, residential school Survivors and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) welcomed the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, to announce funding from the Government of Canada for the Centre’s work. Minister Miller joined the NCTR at the future site of the Centre’s permanent home at the University of Manitoba. In...
November 8, 2022
Indigenous policing program to expand to Nunavut
First Peoples’ Law Report: Nunatsiaq News: A federal program that is supposed to support Indigenous-led approaches to public safety will expand to Nunavut over the next three years, the territory’s justice minister announced Tuesday. The Government of Nunavut and the federal government have signed an agreement in principle to bring the First Nations and Inuit...
November 2, 2022
Government of Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announce new research network to address health priorities of Inuit in Canada
NationTalk: There are approximately 70,000 Inuit in Canada living in 51 communities spread across the Inuit homeland known as Inuit Nunangat. For Inuit, health is intrinsically linked to wildlife, the environment, culture, and other social determinants of health. Inuit are best positioned to define research priorities and carry out research activities that address the needs...
November 2, 2022
Government of Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announce new research network to address health priorities of Inuit in Canada
There are approximately 70,000 Inuit in Canada living in 51 communities spread across the Inuit homeland known as Inuit Nunangat. For Inuit, health is intrinsically linked to wildlife, the environment, culture, and other social determinants of health. Inuit are best positioned to define research priorities and carry out research activities that address the needs of...
October 24, 2022
After decades of work by Indigenous community activists, Winnipeg is finally receiving funding for a 24/7 shelter
Canada’s National Observer: Winnipeg will finally establish a 24/7 shelter for Indigenous women and gender-diverse people thanks to funding from the federal Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. It’s a victory for community advocates who have been working for decades on the project. Velma’s House, as the shelter will be called, will be run by Ka Ni Kanichihk,...
October 24, 2022
Enhanced child services on the way in Kanesatake
First People’s Law: Penticton Herald – The Kanesatake Health Center (KHC) has received a major boost for child and family programming following a landmark settlement between the federal government and First Nations advocacy groups. According to executive director Teiawenhniseráhte Tomlinson, it is too early to offer specifics on how KHC will use the new funding...
October 21, 2022
First Nations, governments sign memorandum of understanding for Bringing Our Children Home initiative
Initiative searching for missing children who attended Pelican Lake Indian Residential School CBC: An initiative aimed at locating missing children who attended Pelican Lake Indian Residential School took a step forward this week, with First Nations and government signing a memorandum of understanding in Thunder Bay, Ont. The Bikiiwewinig Nindawaashishiiminaanak Initiative, or Bringing Our Children...
October 20, 2022
Govt. of Canada announces new partnership with Native Women’s Association of Canada to create at least 4,000 apprenticeships across Canada
NWAC – Native Women’s Association of Canada Employment and Social Development Canada: The skilled trades are essential to Canada’s economy. Few sectors are as essential to Canadians’ everyday lives. Smart investments are needed to support Canadians from all backgrounds in taking up apprenticeship training now, and to help kick-start lucrative careers in well-respected skilled trades....
October 20, 2022
Supreme Court will not hear from St. Anne’s residential school survivors
OTTAWA – The Supreme Court of Canada said Thursday it will not to hear a case of residential school survivors who have fought a years-long battle against Ottawa to release thousands of records. The group of survivors from St. Anne’s residential school in northern Ontario had looked to the country’s highest court after spending the...
October 17, 2022
Govt. of Canada announces $8.4M in funding for Ka Ni Kanichihk, Velma’s House, and other Indigenous women’s organizations in Manitoba
Indigenous Services Canada: Shelters provide protection, services and resources that enable women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have experienced gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence and exploitation, to have a safe space to turn and take steps to regain an independent and self-determined life. Supporting Indigenous-led 24/7 safe spaces, emergency shelters, and transition homes is an...
October 14, 2022
Government of Canada to Fund Crisis Hotlines Responding to Gender-Based Violence in Yukon
Crisis hotlines are a lifeline to survivors of gender-based violence and are critical support services. Rates of gender-based violence in the Yukon are three times greater than the national average. Today, Jenna Sudds, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced $500,000 to support crisis hotlines across Yukon. Ms....
October 5, 2022
Individuals who attended Federal Indian Residential Schools as Day Scholars can apply for a $10,000 compensation payment
… Claimants are encouraged to check the Schedule E Indian Residential Schools List to see if they are eligible before submitting a claim. by Waddell Phillips, Class Counsel in the Indian Residential Schools Day Scholars class action Vancouver– Individuals who attended a Federal Indian Residential School during the day but did not sleep there overnight (“Day Scholars”), are...
October 5, 2022
Individuals who attended Federal Indian Residential Schools as Day Scholars can apply for a $10,000 compensation payment
… Claimants are encouraged to check the Schedule E Indian Residential Schools List to see if they are eligible before submitting a claim. by Waddell Phillips, Class Counsel in the Indian Residential Schools Day Scholars class action NationTalk: Vancouver, October 5, 2022 – Individuals who attended a Federal Indian Residential School during the day but did not sleep there...
September 23, 2022
Siksika Nation to take over policing from RCMP
NationTalk: The Siksika Nation and the governments of Alberta and Canada have reached a deal allowing the nation to take over policing responsibilities from the RCMP, creating Canada’s first self-administered First Nation police service in 14 years. In July 2022, Alberta and Siksika Nation signed a memorandum of understanding to work towards establishing a self-administered...
September 21, 2022
Ottawa aims to table legislation this fall making Indigenous policing essential
SOOTODAY.COM: OTTAWA — Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino is promising to “work around the clock” to table legislation this fall that would declare Indigenous policing an essential service. Doing so would fulfil a commitment Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made years ago to First Nations leaders. Lennard Busch, the executive director of the First Nations Chiefs...
September 1, 2022
Government of Canada launches pilot initiative to further support Indigenous master’s students
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada : Removing barriers to postsecondary education is integral to having a representative and diverse research community in Canada. To advance Indigenous training and build Indigenous research capacity in Canada, support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students is key. Today, the Honourable François-Phillipe Champagne, Minister of Innovation,...
August 30, 2022
Government of Canada supports projects across Canada to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
NationTalk – Canadian Heritage: Commemorating the tragic history and impact of residential schools is essential to the healing and reconciliation process. Canada is committed to continuing its efforts to pursue truth and reconciliation, to right historical wrongs, and to support communities in their efforts to foster healing for the Survivors of residential schools, their families...
August 16, 2022
Recruitment and retention allowances to triple through to 2025 for ISC nurses in remote and isolated communities
Indigenous Services Canada: Nursing shortages are impacting health care delivery across the country, with frontline workers taking on tremendous workloads and burdens as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workforce continue. In many Indigenous remote and isolated communities, these impacts are exacerbated, posing challenges not only for staffing but for community health and...
August 15, 2022
Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada offer free training to Early Childhood Educators
NationTalk: Saskatchewan is committing nearly $9 million for training and professional development grants for the early learning and childcare sector. This is part of Saskatchewan’s commitment to improve quality in the early years and childcare sector, and is just one of many programs delivered through the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The...
July 26, 2022
Federal Government invests $11.1M over two years to support Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan
Canadian Heritage: SASKATOON – Today, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez, announced $11.1 million in funding, over two years (2021–22 to 2022–23) to support the efforts of Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations in Saskatchewan to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages. This funding will increase the number of community-driven activities dedicated to keeping...
July 20, 2022
Government of Canada and NCTR announce National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials
Ottawa, ON — Unceded Traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Thousands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children never returned home from residential schools. Many were buried in gravesites that are unrecorded, unmarked and unprotected. Today, the Honourable Marc...
July 20, 2022
Government of Canada and NCTR announce National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials
Ottawa, ON — Unceded Traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Thousands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children never returned home from residential schools. Many were buried in gravesites that are unrecorded, unmarked and unprotected. Today, the Honourable Marc...
July 20, 2022
Government of Canada and NCTR announce National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials
Ottawa, ON — Unceded Traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Thousands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children never returned home from residential schools. Many were buried in gravesites that are unrecorded, unmarked and unprotected. Today, the Honourable Marc...
July 20, 2022
Govt. of Canada and NCTR announce new National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials
Ottawa, ON — Unceded Traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Thousands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children never returned home from residential schools. Many were buried in gravesites that are unrecorded, unmarked and unprotected. Today, the Honourable Marc...
July 18, 2022
Government of Canada invests $17.7M over 3 years through Canada–Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages
Today, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez, announced the Government of Canada’s investment of $17,700,000 over three years (2021–22 to 2023–24) through the Canada–Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages. The Government of Canada and the Northwest Territories recognize the importance of Canada’s sustained support for the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain...
July 14, 2022
Anishinabek Nation expresses disappointment in Indian Day School Class Action Settlement deadline
ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (July 14, 2022) – The Federal Indian Day School Class Action Settlement closed its application process on July 13, 2022. The Anishinabek Nation expresses disappointment in this decision and the lack of response regarding requests for amendments to both the settlement and claims processes. Survivors, families, and leadership have been continuously requesting...
July 14, 2022
22 First Nations communities in Quebec and the Government of Canada sign historic $1.1 billion education agreement
Indigenous Services Canada: Today marks a major step forward in advancing First Nations control over First Nations education for almost 5,800 students in 22 communities in Quebec. The Grand Chiefs and Chiefs of the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, gathered on the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory to...
July 13, 2022
Ottawa announces $30M funding for Indigenous communities, organizations to mark papal visit
CBC: The federal government announced on Wednesday more than $30 million in new funding to support Indigenous communities and organizations during the upcoming papal visit. Pope Francis will tour Canada from July 24 to 29. The goal of the visit is to advance reconciliation and healing between the Roman Catholic Church, First Nations, Inuit and Métis...
July 12, 2022
Indian Day School deadline to file could be extended for federal lawsuit claimants
Nunatsiaq News: The deadline to file a claim under the Federal Indian Day School Class Action lawsuit is Wednesday, but some people might be eligible to file late. So far, approximately 150,000 people have filed claims related to their experiences at residential day schools, according to Gowling WLG, the law firm behind the class-action lawsuit....
July 11, 2022
Canada and the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations break ground for historic Gukwdzi (Bighouse) Project
Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Investing in cultural spaces is crucial to addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. Indigenous groups have also highlighted culturally centred spaces as essential to self-determination. Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation Leaders broke ground at the...
July 11, 2022
AFN Calls For First Ministers Meeting on UNDRIP at Council of The Federation
Assembly of First Nations: BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee issued the following statement after a meeting with provincial and territorial premiers today in advance of the Council of the Federation meeting taking place later today in Victoria, BC. “It is important for First Nations to meet with premiers on priorities and initiatives that impact our...
July 6, 2022
University of Northern BC institutes working to increase safety and respect for Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s health systems
Indigenous Services Canada: Prince George, unceded lands of the Lheidli T’enneh people, British Columbia — The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) and the Health Arts Research Centre (HARC), both housed at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), are receiving new funds to support health care professionals to address anti-Indigenous racism, practise in...
June 29, 2022
$2.3M in funding to Gwich’in Wellness Camp
Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Investing in culturally appropriate and inclusive spaces is crucial to addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, and Grand Chief Ken Kyikavichik of Gwich’in Tribal Council announced $2.3 million in funding for the renovation...
June 24, 2022
Southern Chiefs’ Organization developing Agreement-in-Principle with Manitoba and Canada to form First Nation health authority
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — After two years of battling the COVID-19 global pandemic that disproportionately impacted southern First Nations, a holistic, trauma-informed Anishinaabe and Dakota healthcare system takes another step forward today, with Manitoba committing to developing an Agreement-in-Principle with Canada and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO). This First Nations led tripartite table...
June 24, 2022
Lheidli T’enneh declare they are the rights and title holders of their lands
APTN: On Indigenous Peoples Day, the Lheidli T’enneh Nation announced that it, and it alone are the rights and title holders of their lands. The nation also makes it clear resource extraction projects will need their consent in the territory before moving ahead. Lheidli T’enneh First Nation said they’ve never ceded their territory through treaty or war....
June 22, 2022
Bill C-29, National Council for Reconciliation Act introduced in Parliament
Crown – Indigenous Relations – Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, introduced Bill C-29, National Council for Reconciliation Act, in Parliament. In their Calls to Action, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) called upon the Parliament of Canada, in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, to enact legislation to establish a...
June 22, 2022
Anishinabek Nation and FSIN call for action on the Indian Day School Class Action Settlement
In a true and honourable act of Truth and Reconciliation, we are calling on the Government of Canada to take the steps necessary to bring Class Council to the table to extend the deadline for the Federal Indian Day school Class Action Settlement and begin important discussions around addressing the additional barriers to equitable justice...
June 21, 2022
Federal Government 1st Annual update on UNDRIP National Action Plan
Department of Justice: The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today issued the following statement: “The coming into force of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act marked a historic milestone in Canada’s collective journey to move forward on reconciliation—one rooted in the recognition of rights,...
June 8, 2022
Kimberly Murray appointed Special Interlocutor
CBC: Kimberly Murray, a Mohawk woman originally from Kanehsatake in Quebec, has been appointed special interlocutor to co-ordinate the government’s response to the unmarked graves that have been identified at a number of former residential school sites. Murray comes to the job with experience with this sort of work because, for the last year, she has...
June 7, 2022
Historic Sites and Monuments Board to include Indigenous representation
The proposed legislation will expand representation for Indigenous peoples on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and ensure transparent, sustainable, and inclusive direction for federally owned historic places June 7, 2022 The protection and conservation of historic places in Canada can and must be part of Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The Government...
June 6, 2022
ISC Emergency Medical Responder and Medical Transportation Initiative in Manitoba
Indigenous Services Canada: Through their Emergency Medical Responder and Medical Transportation Initiative, Keewatin Tribal Council and Four Arrows Regional Health Authority are doing important work to increase the number of Indigenous Emergency Medical Responders in Manitoba. Through this initiative, First Nations in the region will benefit from skills and knowledge training to deliver emergency response,...
June 6, 2022
Sagkeeng First Nation update
CBC: Sagkeeng First Nation’s search of former residential school site uncovers 190 radar anomalies The search of a former Manitoba residential school site has unearthed what the chief of the First Nation describes as “anomalies” that could be unmarked burial sites, though the true nature of those anomalies remains unclear. During the search, ground-penetrating radar used...
June 3, 2022
MMIWG Inquiry: Native Women’s Association of Canada annual report card on Federal National Action Plan
Native Women’s Association of Canada: A comprehensive analysis of the federal government’s National Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people finds little progress has been made over the past year to reduce the shocking number of murders and disappearances. The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) assessed the National Action...
June 3, 2022
2021-2022 MMIWG Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report
Crown – Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: For the first anniversary of the national action plan, the Government of Canada re-affirms its commitment to end the violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people by releasing the Federal Pathways ing This report outlines the work we’ve done since in last year and the work...
May 31, 2022
2022 Auditor-General report finds systemic barriers still exist in Correctional Services
Auditor-General Canada: A report from Auditor General, Karen Hogan, tabled today in the House of Commons, concludes that Correctional Service Canada has not adjusted its programs and interventions to respond to the diversity of the offender population. This has resulted in systemic barriers that have persistently disadvantaged certain groups of offenders in custody, consistent with issues...
May 18, 2022
Stólō Tribal Council
St. Mary’s Residential School, All Hallows and Coqualeetza: $1,077,520 2021-24 Chemainus Valley Courier: Interviews of survivors of St. Mary’s Residential School is being undertaken by the Stólō Tribal Council, and Stólō Nation leadership has said it plans to execute ground searches at St. Mary’s and Coqualeetza, as well as the researching all historical files related...
May 17, 2022
Govt of Canada update on actions to help Indigenous communities to respond to and heal from impacts of residential schools
Crown and Indigenous Services Canada and Northern Affairs Canada : On May 16: the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage; the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of...
May 6, 2022
Federal Pathways funding
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Announced funding of $36.3 million over five years beginning in 2021−22 to 2025−26, and $8.6 million ongoing through multi-year agreements that amplify their voices and perspectives in the development of policies, programs and legislation for this program to allow stable and longer-term project funding for these organizations. The newly...
May 4, 2022
Sagkeeng First Nation
Fort Alexander IRS: $610,093 Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Sagkeeng First Nation has undertaken work related to Fort Alexander (Pine Falls) Residential School and the search for possible burial sites located on the land. The community-led initiative has involved knowledge gathering from Elders. Field investigation work on areas related to the school site location...
April 29, 2022
Federal Government promises a national monument for residential school survivors
CBC: A national monument dedicated to survivors and victims of Canada’s residential school system will be built “in a highly visible location in Ottawa,” the federal government announced Friday. The design of the monument will be determined by what the government is calling a “survivor-led steering committee,” which will include survivors of residential schools and intergenerational trauma....
April 29, 2022
Statute of Limitations restricts who can apply for a claim in the Drinking Water class action lawsuit
Neskantaga First Nation’s chief says residents don’t support federal drinking water settlement CBC: Residents of some First Nations affected by unsafe drinking water can now file claims under a settlement with the federal government, but the chief of one northwestern Ontario community says they don’t support the arrangement. “I just want to say that I’m not...
April 27, 2022
Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Funding Recipients
Government of Canada: The Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support funding launched in June 2021 to support Indigenous communities to locate missing children at Indian Residential Schools as identified in the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. Funding is provided under the following components: National results: For full details on all 70 funding arrangement The list...
April 22, 2022
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: Federal Pre-Budget Submission 2022
RECOMMENDATIONS ➢ Recommendation 1: A multi-year funding commitment of $25 million over five years to provide sustained financial support for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s (NCTR) core operations. The NCTR is mandated to play a central role in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action. Renewed core funding is essential to fulfilling this mandate....
April 20, 2022
Sipekne’katik First Nation
Shubenacadie Residential School: $326,700 CIRNAC:The funding supports the “Shubenacadie Residential School Support Project for Sipekne’katik.” This funding will assist with the research, knowledge gathering, commemoration, memorialization and fieldwork that will be undertaken by the First Nation on the grounds surrounding the former Shubenacadie residential school. Sipekne’katik First Nation has already begun the difficult work. The...
April 7, 2022
Federal Budget for Water and Water Infrastructure
Budget 2016 provided $1.8 billion over five years toward water and wastewater infrastructure. These investments have supported 468 water and wastewater projects in 580 First Nations communities, serving 458,000 people. Budget 2018 provided an additional $172.6 million over three years to help accelerate progress on lifting drinking water advisories and to ensure more infrastructure projects...
April 7, 2022
Budget 2022 Investments in Education
Education is key to a strong start in life. In 2019, the federal government implemented a new co-developed policy and funding approach to help ensure First Nations children living on reserve receive a high-quality education that meets their unique needs. Since then, First Nations education systems have benefited from more than $3.8 billion in investments....
April 7, 2022
Federal Health Budgets 2016-2022
Budget 2016 $270M over 5 years for the construction, renovation and repair of nursing stations, residences for health care workers, and health offices that provide health information on reserve. $69 million over 3 years for mental wellness teams and crisis stabilization Budget 2017 = $828.2M over 5 years Chronic and infectious diseases: $50.2M Maternal and Child...
April 6, 2022
Budget 2022 Child Welfare investments
The federal government is committed to eliminating the systemic barriers that prevent First Nations children from accessing services and support they need to thrive. Jordan’s Principle is a vital part of this work, helping to ensure that all First Nations children can access the health, social, and educational services they need, when they need them....
March 30, 2022
A Shared Responsibility: Northern Voices, Northern Solutions — Report of the Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education
Final report of the independent Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education, A Shared Responsibility: Northern Voices, Northern Solutions — Report of the Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education. “Finding innovative solutions to improve education opportunities and outcomes in Canada’s North and Arctic” We also take this opportunity to thank the many stakeholders, including those who...
March 29, 2022
Williams Lake First Nation
St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School: $2.9M Mar. 29, 2022: CTV News – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $2.9M in funding to “continue supporting healing” for members of First Nations communities impacted by the treatment children received while attending a local residential school....
March 22, 2022
Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program
The Aboriginal Sport Circle, along with the Canada Games Council and the Coaches Association of Canada are pleased to highlight the coaches selected to participate in the 2023 Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program (AACP). Apprentice Coaches will work with the Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives as they participate in NCCP training over the...
March 17, 2022
Mistissini Governance Project
The Government of Canada’s support to the Cree Nation of Mistissini for their Mistissini Governance Project, which will revitalize Cree legal principles and traditions within their community. Support for this initiative aligns with the Government of Canada’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Call to Action 50. The Mistissini Governance Project will create...
March 14, 2022
Restorative Research, Innovation and Education Lab at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University
Dept. of Justice: Government of Canada is providing financial support to the Restorative Research, Innovation and Education Lab (Restorative Lab) at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, to accelerate the development of restorative justice across Canada. The institution has received $644,508 in funding over four fiscal years starting in 2019 through the federal...
March 11, 2022
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations sign Child Welfare Coordination Agreement
NetNewsLedger – In an historic first in Ontario, Chief Waylon Scott, Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Ontario Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and the Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs signed a trilateral coordination agreement for child and family services. The signing was celebrated today at a ceremony in...
February 23, 2022
Federal Budget 2016
Federal Budget 2016 renewed funding for the Urban Aboriginal Strategy for one year and committed Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to identify ways to strengthen the Urban Aboriginal Strategy. As part of its commitment, INAC undertook a comprehensive engagement process from June to September 2016 that included 21 roundtables across Canada, an online survey,...
February 22, 2022
Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline
The total Project cost has increased from $12.6 to $21.4 billion. This estimate includes the costs of all known Project enhancements, changes, delays and financing, including impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the substantial preliminary impacts of the November 2021 BC floods in the Hope, Coquihalla and Fraser Valley areas. The Project proudly embodies unprecedented...
February 22, 2022
Establishment of the First Nations Health Ombudsperson’s office
Chief Bobby Cameron of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) along with the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced today that the FSIN will be establishing the first ever First Nations Health Ombudsperson’s Office in the province of Saskatchewan. Indigenous Services Canada is providing $1.17 million to support this work. The First Nations...
February 18, 2022
The Nisoonag (Three Canoes) Partnership
Spanish Indian Residential School $699,574 + $900K from Ontario for 2021-2024 The Nisoonag (Three Canoes) Partnership is an alliance between Mississauga First Nation (MFN), Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation (SFN), and Serpent River First Nation (SRFN) formed to investigate the former Spanish Indian Residential School (IRS) site for unmarked children’s graves...
February 10, 2022
Annual Report 2020-2021
Recommendations: I recommend that the Minister of Public Safety engage the Public Health Agency of Canada to conduct an independent epidemiological study of the differential rates of COVID-19 infection and spread in Canadian federal prisons and report results and recommendations publicly. # 1 (Indigenous individuals accounted for close to 60% of all positive COVID-19 cases...
February 10, 2022
Annual Report 2020-2021
Recommendations: I recommend that the Minister of Public Safety engage the Public Health Agency of Canada to conduct an independent epidemiological study of the differential rates of COVID-19 infection and spread in Canadian federal prisons and report results and recommendations publicly. # 1(Indigenous individuals accounted for close to 60% of all positive COVID-19 cases in...
February 7, 2022
Grassy Narrows First Nation
TBNewswatch.com – $157,000 funding to research gravesites at the former McIntosh Residential School in Northwestern Ontario. The school, founded by Roman Catholic missionaries, was located 30 kilometres northwest of Vermilion Bay. It operated from 1925 to 1969. “We will take steps to commemorate and memorialize the children that died while attending McIntosh Residential School so that they will always...
January 27, 2022
Garden River First Nation
Jan. 27, 2022: $1,485,770 for the “The Garden River First Nations Survivor Fund” is undertaking work related to burial sites associated with Wawanosh Home for Girls, on research and knowledge gathering with Survivors, their families and Knowledge Keepers for commemoration and memorialization projects, and will document and video tape fieldwork investigations using global positioning technology....
January 24, 2022
Six Nations of the Grand River
$10,259,9753 in funding over three years The Survivors’ Secretariat at Six Nations of the Grand River and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced funding through the Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Funding program to assist with this important work.The Survivors’ Secretariat will coordinate with Survivors and engage with communities to locate, document, map, maintain...
January 20, 2022
BC First Nations Justice Strategy
Dept. of Justice, Canada – Announcement of the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BC, Canada and BC First Nations Justice Council to support the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, as well as funding to support Indigenous Justice Centres in British Columbia. The parties have committed to work together...
January 20, 2022
BC First Nations Justice Strategy
Dept. of Justice, Canada – Announcement of the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BC, Canada and BC First Nations Justice Council to support the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, as well as funding to support Indigenous Justice Centres in British Columbia. The parties have committed to work together...
January 20, 2022
BC First Nations Justice Strategy
Department of Justice Canada – Announced of the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BC, Canada and BC First Nations Justice Council to support the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, as well as funding to support Indigenous Justice Centres in British Columbia. The parties have committed to work together...
January 20, 2022
Release of Residential School narratives
Jan. 20, 2022: CBC – The government said it did not release the documents earlier because of third-party obligations to Catholic entities, including the Sisters of St. Ann, Sisters of Charity of Providence of Western Canada, Sisters of the Presentation and La Corporation Episcopale Catholique Romaine De Prince Albert. The 11 narratives being released to the...
January 19, 2022
Indigenous-led Transitional Committee established to create National Council for Truth and Reconciliation
Following their inaugural meeting on December 16, 2021, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is announcing that an Indigenous-led Transitional Committee has been established. The Committee has already begun their work through discussions on the vision for the Council, identified key milestones and timelines, as well as a proposed engagement approach. The Committee...
January 17, 2022
Kamloops Residential School
Jan. 17, 2022: CBC – The leadership of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc hopes to identify and locate missing children believed to be buried in unmarked graves. The federal government plans to transfer more than 875,000 records through a recently signed agreement with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), the archival repository for all of the material collected by the...
January 7, 2022
Williams Lake First Nation
CIRNA – $1,912,460 Williams Lake First Nation will undertake work related to burial sites associated with the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. The community is currently completing a preliminary investigation that includes interviews with former students and their families, an initial geophysical survey, and the compilation of archival and photographic records related to the disappearances and...
January 4, 2022
Individual Claims Process for Gottfriedson IRS Class Action now open
The individual claims process in the Gottfriedson Indian Residential Schools Day Scholars Class Action settlement is now open. The deadline to submit a claim is October 4, 2023. Each Day Scholar who attended an Indian Residential School during the day only (but did not sleep there overnight) is eligible to apply for a $10,000 Day...
January 4, 2022
CHRT Agreements-in-Principles
Government of Canada – Agreements-in-Principle have been reached on a global resolution related to compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family services and to achieve long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan’s Principle, to ensure that no child faces discrimination again. First Agreements-in-Principle –...
January 4, 2022
Agreements-in-Principle
Government of Canada – Agreements-in-Principle have been reached on a global resolution related to compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family services and to achieve long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan’s Principle, to ensure that no child faces discrimination again. First Agreements-in-Principle...
December 22, 2021
New Oath of Citizenship
“I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis...
December 22, 2021
Emergency Child Welfare Meeting updates
For a complete update on current initiatives and progress on advancing the 6-point action plan for each Indigenous group – First Nations, Métis and Inuit – click on the link below: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1541188016680/1541188055649...
December 22, 2021
Data Strategy
Indigenous Services Canada – ISC has launched national distinctions-based working groups with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners to co-develop data and reporting strategies. These new strategies should: increase data collection and reporting between jurisdictions help better understand ways to reduce the number of Indigenous children and youth in care The Inuit data strategy working group...
December 16, 2021
Lac Seul First Nation
Sioux Lookout Bulletin – $1M funding for Lac Seul First Nation who will engage with 33 affiliated northern Ontario communities to establish cultural and spiritual protocols in working with Survivors, intergenerational Survivors, knowledge keepers and leaders to address the location, documentation, mapping, maintenance and commemoration/memorialization of burial sites associated with the former Pelican Lake Indian...
December 15, 2021
Cowassess First Nation
$703,230 funding over three years for the community’s Gravesite Reclamation Project. Survivors, intergenerational Survivors, knowledge keepers and leaders will continue the work that has already started on researching, commemorating, locating and identifying the gravesites of missing children. During the next three years, work will progress on research, archival and statement gathering, additional fieldwork, commemorative markers,...
December 10, 2021
Engagement process to develop National Action Plan
Federal Government – Launched a consultation, cooperation and engagement process with Indigenous peoples…to develop an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration, including measures for ensuring that federal laws are consistent with the Declaration. As a first step, funding is now available to Indigenous peoples and their governments and organizations, through a call...
December 10, 2021
Launch of engagement process to develop an UNDIP Action Plan
The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada today launched a consultation, cooperation and engagement process with Indigenous peoples…to develop an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration, including measures for ensuring that federal laws are consistent with the Declaration. As a first step, funding is now available to...
December 10, 2021
First Nations led Olympic Bid
Inside the Games – The Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat), xwmə kwəy’əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, the City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of hosting the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver in 2030. In a joint statement, the...
December 1, 2021
Jury Recommendations to Correctional Services Canada
Nunatsiaq News – Jury recommendations to Correctional Services Canada after suicide of an Inuit inmate include: • Correctional Service Canada (CSC) should make the Anijaarniq Strategy, a holistic Inuit strategy to better understand the needs of Inuit in federal custody, publicly available and ensure CSC staff know how to implement it properly. • CSC should...
November 22, 2021
New Official Language Commissioner
New Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor – says protecting Indigenous languages to make sure they are taught to future generations is a priority for the Liberal government, alongside promoting French throughout Canada. She said although Indigenous languages are not recognized as “official” like English and French, she will work with other ministers to make...
November 1, 2021
Sixties Scoop: Call for federal government to commission a national inquiry
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), and the 60s Scoop Legacy of Canada – MKO, SCO and the 60s Scoop Legacy of Canada are calling on the federal government to commission a national inquiry into the Sixties Scoop and the removal of First Nations children from their communities. Recently, Chiefs of MKO and...
October 25, 2021
St. Anne’s IRS
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) – Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum today called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to end Canada’s relentless legal battles against Survivors of the notorious St. Anne’s Indian Residential School and meet with them in the spirt of reconciliation during a press conference in Ottawa: “The Survivors of St. Anne’s Residential...
October 18, 2021
Kamloops IRS
Oct. 18, 2021: Globe and Mail – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was publicly reprimanded by the chief of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation after a ceremony in which he paid his first respects to missing children believed to be buried at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Ms. Casimir said the First Nation had sent two...
October 4, 2021
Federal Child Welfare Budgets: 2016-2021
Fiscal Year 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 Totals Budget 2016 $71M $99M $126M $162M $177M – – $634M %of $634M 11% 15.5% 19.8% 25.5% 27.8% – – 100% Budget 2018 – $70 295M $270M $265M 270 278 $1,449 Budget 2019 $404M $404M $404M $1,212 Total $71M $169M $421M $836M $846M $674M $278M $3,295M...
September 3, 2021
Budget 2021 “platform” support for CBC
Sept. 3, 2021: Toronto Star – In their 2021 platform, the Liberals have promised to provide the CBC $400 million over four years “so that it is less reliant on private advertising with a goal of eliminating advertising during news and other public affairs shows.”...
August 28, 2021
Limitation of Government Printing Systems
Government systems can only print in Roman alphabet with French accents, meaning names with numbers and Indigenous characters and symbols won’t be accommodated. The immigration department said its document-issuance systems can only print Roman alphabet with some French accents, as well as three symbols: apostrophe, hyphen and period. Numbers in names are not part of...
August 12, 2021
Gitanyow Governance Accord
The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs (Nation/Huwilp) and the government of BC and Canada have signed the Gitanyow Governance Accord. The accord provides a path forward in the B.C. Treaty process toward full self-government. Led by the restored Gitanyow hereditary governance system....
August 6, 2021
Addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health systems: Federal response
The Government of Canada’s response to the National Dialogues held in October 2020, January 2021 and June 2021. On this page: Overview Canada is committed to ending anti-Indigenous racism in our health systems in a way that is informed by the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples and based on the recognition of rights of Indigenous...
July 8, 2021
Revitalizing Indigenous Laws
Revitalizing Indigenous Laws is an outcome of the “Accessing Justice and Reconciliation” project, a partnership between the University of Victoria’s Indigenous Law Research Unit, Indigenous Bar Association and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2012. Legal Tradition Indigenous Partner Justice / Wellness Program Coast Salish Snuneymuxm First NationTsleil-Waututh Nation Social Development and Family Preservation ProgramNorth...
June 22, 2021
Federation of Sovereign Indian Nations
Saskatchewan Federation of Sovereign Indian Nations = $4.88M (16 Indian Residential Schools) Research, knowledge gathering and the initial ceremonies related to the burial sites of children who never returned from residential schools to their Indigenous communities. The funding will also help communities gather the information necessary to guide appropriate ground penetrating radar work....
June 21, 2021
Bill C-15 The United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous people receives Royal Assent
Bill C-15 “The United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous people” receives Royal Assent and becomes law. Developed with Indigenous Peoples, this Act creates a legislative framework to implement the Declaration in Canada. It requires the Government of Canada, in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, to develop an action plan to achieve the...
June 21, 2021
Timeline for Bill C-262 and Bill C-15
April 21, 2016 Romeo Saganash, NDP MP tabled Bill C-262 to ensure that the laws of Canada respect the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples May 9, 2016 Canada formally endorses UNDRIP at the United Nations April 24, 2017 Canada formally abandons its 2014 statements on paragraphs 3 and 20 of the 2014...
June 21, 2021
Timelines for Bill C-8 and C-99
Evolution of Bill C-8 House of Commons Oct. 22, 2020 – Introduction and First reading Dec. 10, 2020 – Second Reading and Referral to Committee Feb. 5, 2021 – Standing Committee reported the Bill without amendment June 3, 2021 – Third Reading in House Senate June 3, 2021 – First Reading in the Senate June...
June 14, 2021
Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages
Under Bill C-91, the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages will: conduct or commission research to support Indigenous languages and to obtain information on language use and vitality in light of community language assessments work with Canada and Indigenous organizations to support innovative language teaching projects promote Indigenous language use prepare annual reports to...
June 14, 2021
Reclaiming Indigenous Names
The federal government announced that Indigenous people can now apply to reclaim their traditional names on passports and other government ID. All fees will be waived for the name-changing process. While Call to Action 17 identified passports, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada expanded this initiative to include permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates and other travel documents...
June 4, 2021
Federal Government puts restrictions on certifying claims filed from 1991 to 2007
APTN – The federal government had “conditioned its consent” and would only certify the claims if the Jordan’s Principle victims from between 1991 and 2007 were removed. Ottawa plans to fight in court against these families because their claims date to before 2007, arguing Canada isn’t legally liable for their suffering because Jordan’s Principle didn’t...
June 3, 2021
Government releases National Action Plan
CBC – Government releases National Action Plan. Our goal here is to end the genocide,” said Denise Pictou Maloney, co-chair of the National Family and Survivors Circle (NFSC), one of the many groups, along with the federal and provincial governments, that have been co-developing the plan. The NFSC’s contribution to the plan, titled the Path Forward, Reclaiming Power...
June 3, 2021
Timelines for Bill C-369
June 15, 2017 – Bill C-369 “An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Aboriginal Day)” introduced for First reading. The Bill when – and if – passed will make National Aboriginal Day a statutory holiday. June 21, 2017 – Officially changed National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous...
June 2, 2021
Funding to assist communities in the search for additional graves
CTV News: The federal government released $27M in unused funding from this budget allocation to assist communities in the search for additional graves. Bennett said that by the end of the day, First Nations who want to move forward with burial site searches and commemorations will have information about how to access this funding, “which...
June 2, 2021
The Path Forward – Reclaiming Power and Place”
Message from the National Family and Survivors Circle’s “The Path Forward – Reclaiming Power and Place” is the National Family and Survivors Circle’s contribution to the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. A summary of key components is provided in...
June 2, 2021
National Framework for Investigation and Protection of Burial Sites
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) at UBC – NCTR and IRSHDC re calling on the federal government to work in collaboration with residential school Survivors and Indigenous governments to establish a national framework for investigation and protection of burial sites, consistent with the...
June 1, 2021
Anishinabek Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being Agreement-in-Principle
The Anishinabek Nation and Canada signed the Agreement-in-Principle on Anishinabek Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being. Grand Council Chief Niganobe signed on behalf of 22 member First Nations and the Anishinabek Nation, and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, signed on behalf of the Government...
May 18, 2021
Revitalization of Indigenous laws across Canada
Department of Justice Backgrounder May 18, 2021 – Budget 2019 announced $10 million over five years to support renewed legal relationships with Indigenous peoples through the funding of Indigenous law initiatives across Canada. This announcement responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action (CTA) 50, which calls upon the federal government, in collaboration with...
April 19, 2021
Budget 2021
Budget 2021 announced 1 billion over five years, and $118.7 million ongoing starting in 2021–22, to increase funding under the First Nations Child and Family Services program. This additional funding is intended to support the development and delivery of prevention services to First Nations living on-reserve and in Yukon that can address their historical, cultural...
April 19, 2021
Budget 2021 Facts and Figures
$1.2B over five years and $181.8 million ongoing, including: $112 million in 2021-22 to extend COVID-19 support so children on reserve can continue to attend school safely, including PPE for students and staff, laptops to support online learning, and more teachers and other critical staff. $726 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $181.8...
April 19, 2021
Federal Budgets 2016-2021
Budget 2016 Budget 2016 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total Addressing Immediate Funding Needs 35.8 85.5 143.6 206.7 276.0 747.6 Language and Culture 55.0 55.0 55.0 55.0 55.0 275.0 Literacy and Numeracy 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 100.0 Special Needs 115.5 115.5 115.5 115.5 115.5 577.5 Implementing Transformation 46.6 91.4 132.8 234.3 319.0 824.1 Innovation, Research,...
April 19, 2021
Federal Budgets 2016-2021
The following highlights all Education budgets from Budget 2016 through Budget 2021 from the Government of Canada. 2016 + 2017 & 2018 Top-ups 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total Addressing Immediate Funding Needs 35.8 85.5 143.6 206.7 276.0 747.6 Language and Culture 55.0 55.0 55.0 55.0 55.0 275.0 Literacy and Numeracy 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0...
April 19, 2021
Federal Post-Secondary Student Support Budget Details
Program Budget Details 2016-17 Will support budget needs of 4,600 students over 3-year program 2017-18 $45M 2018-19 $45M 2019-20 $65.5M 327.5M for 5 years to enhance the Post-Secondary Student Support Program while the Government engages with First Nations on long-term First Nation-led post-secondary education models; $9M Over three years to Indspire. In 2017-18 Indspire awarded...
April 19, 2021
Federal Budgets 2016-2021
Budget 2016 – 17 Language and Culture: $55M per year for 5 years Aboriginal Languages Initiative: $5M for 2016 – 2017 Budget 2017 – 18 Aboriginal Languages Initiative: $23M per year for 3 years Library and Archives Canada: $14.9M over 3 years to digitize National Research Council: $6M to preserve oral histories Budget 2019 – 20 Support...
March 24, 2021
TB reduction and elimination areas of focus
Indigenous Services Canada and Inuit Tapariit Kanatami – “On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2021, we reaffirm our joint commitment to improving the health of Inuit across Inuit Nunangat through our TB reduction and elimination milestones…Persistently high rates of TB across Inuit Nunangat are a symptom of health disparities, which are rooted in colonization. The COVID-19 pandemic...
March 23, 2021
ISC RFP Funding Process
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, announced the launch of a call for proposals to support Indigenous Peoples, communities, and groups as they begin work to develop their own legislation and explore Indigenous-led models for child and family services. More specifically, this funding is intended to provide support to Indigenous Peoples,...
March 17, 2021
The Empower Project (T.E.P.)
Support to New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families Inc. for their project: The Empower Project (T.E.P.). This program, which enhances one established in 2015, supports especially vulnerable Indigenous young women who are justice-involved and diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. T.E.P. will provide intensive and individualized support for these young women and girls...
March 12, 2021
Federal government judicial reviews on compensation and definitions for Jordan’s Principle
The federal government filed its written submissions to the federal court on its application for judicial reviews on the issues of compensation and the definition of a First Nation’s child for the purposes of Jordan’s Principle eligibility. On the issue of compensation, the September 2019 ruling demonstrates “an overreach of jurisdiction which fails to adequately advance fair,...
March 10, 2021
Missing Children Project
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Governing Circle and the University of Manitoba – announced the appointment of Stephanie Scott to the position of Executive Director. Under Scott’s leadership, the NCTR will launch groundbreaking digitization and research initiatives. Among these efforts will be Phase two of the Missing Children Project, a $6 million Canada Foundation for...
March 4, 2021
Federal Funding for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework
First Nations Up to $1.02B over 10 yrs Starting in 2018–19, to support the co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework and strengthen culturally appropriate early learning and child care programs for Indigenous children and families. Métis Up to $450.7M over 10 yrs Métis Nation leaders will sign a co-developed Canada-Métis Nation Early Learning...
March 2, 2021
National Indigenous Courtworkers: Indigenous Youth-Centered Justice Project
Approx. $2.5M over 5 yrs. from from the Youth Justice Fund Support to Ryerson University for its “National Indigenous Courtworkers: Indigenous Youth-Centered Justice Project (IYJP)“. The goal of this project is to improve outcomes for Indigenous youth who are involved in both the child welfare and youth criminal justice system. In partnership with Indigenous Courtworkers in...
February 18, 2021
Bill C-22: An Act to Amend the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
The Bill, introduced for First Reading on Feb. 18, 2021 proposes the following specific reforms: Repeal MMPs for certain offences to address the disproportionate impact on Indigenous and Black offenders, as well as those struggling with substance use and addiction. This would restore the ability of a judge to impose appropriate sentences that respond to...
February 10, 2021
Office of Correctional Services Annual Reports: 2015-2021
Annual report: 2015 – 2016 I recommend that CSC’s National Aboriginal Advisory Council (NAAC) review gaps and barriers to increased participation of Elders in federal corrections and publicly release its recommendations by the end of the fiscal year. Annual Report: 2016 – 2017 I recommend that CSC review its community release strategy for Indigenous offenders...
January 28, 2021
Distinction-based health legislation
CTV – Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller announced the co-development of a distinctions-based health legislation aimed at giving First Nations, Metis and Inuit people control over the delivery of health care in their communities. The announcement came at the conclusion of a two-day virtual meeting on anti-Indigenous racism in Canada’s health care system. Miller noted...
January 28, 2021
Cultural safety training for doctors
Health Minister Patty Hajdu announced $4 million in support for a national consortium, led by Indigenous physicians, to implement projects to educate doctors on the provision of “culturally safe” health care that is “free from discrimination.”...
January 27, 2021
RCMP Vison 150
NationTalk – As part of the RCMP’s Vision 150 modernization strategy and reconciliation efforts, the RCMP is entering into agreements with women’s National Indigenous Organizations to develop collaborative, community-driven and culturally sensitive crime prevention, violence reduction and training initiatives. Through funding provided by the Government of Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, the RCMP...
January 26, 2021
Funding for Inuit women shelters across Inuit Nunangat
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, along with the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, committed to fund the construction and operations of shelters for Inuit women and children across Inuit Nunangat as well as in urban centres. Funding for the new shelters will be part of the...
January 12, 2021
Custody Rating Scale Class Action Lawsuit
A class-action lawsuit filed in federal court challenges the Custody Rating Scale over systemic bias in its security classifications. “CSC’s ongoing use of [the Custody Rating Scale] on Indigenous inmates must be recognized as the product of deliberate and conscious race-based discriminatory treatment of Indigenous inmates that resulted in and continues to result in, longer and...
December 22, 2020
Expanded eligibility under Jordan’s Principle
NationTalk – Announced expanded eligibility under Jordan’s Principle to children who are recognized as members by their nation regardless of where they live in Canada on an ongoing basis. This work is as a direct response to the July and November 2020 CHRT orders regarding Jordan’s Principle eligibility, which Canada has been fully implementing since November...
December 16, 2020
Mandate letter to Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Canada
The January 2021 mandate letter to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Canada David Lametti states as a priority to “introduce legislation and make investments that take action to address systemic inequities in the criminal justice system, including to promote enhanced use of pre- and post-charge diversion and to better enable courts to impose...
December 9, 2020
Funding to AFN to develop framework an plan for First Nations policing
Public Safety Canada – Government of Canada is funding up to $1.5M to the AFN “to support the AFN to engage in initial dialogue and launch discussions recognizing the AFN as an important partner in First Nations policing reforms, and to lay the groundwork for a framework and plan to begin discussions towards co-developing legislation which...
December 8, 2020
Youth Employment and Skills Program
Youth Employment and Skills Program is funding Algonquin College to deliver hands-on job training and employment skills related to the impact or effects of the pandemic training to 250-275 Indigenous youth. The program is delivered by 11 federal departments, agencies and Crown Corporations to help young people gain work experience and skills they need to...
December 7, 2020
Grants and Contributions to support First Nations Elementary and Secondary Educational Advancement
Start date: Ongoing End date: Ongoing Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table. Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18 Link to department’s Program Inventory: Education Description: Elementary and secondary education is one of the essential services that is funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)...
December 5, 2020
Funding for Violence Prevention Strategy
Announcement of funding for a broad-based Violence Prevention Strategy that includes $35 million over six years, and $6 million ongoing for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQQIA organizations to continue to consult with their members and ensure the National Action Plan remains accountable and evergreen $21.9 million in funding over three years, beginning in 2020-21, to continue to...
December 5, 2020
Administration of Justice Agreements
The 2020 Fall Economic Statement included $8.1 million to develop Administration of Justice Agreements with Indigenous communities to strengthen community-based justice systems and support self-determination...
December 3, 2020
Canada introduces Bill C-15 “the UNDRIP Act” for First Reading
The Government of Canada introduced Bill C-15 “An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” for First Reading in the House of Commons. This legislation responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 43…It also responds to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’...
December 3, 2020
Bill C-15 UNDRIP Action Plan
6 (1) The Minister must, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples and with other federal ministers, prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration. Content (2) The action plan must include (a) measures to (i) address injustices, combat prejudice and eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination, including systemic discrimination, against Indigenous peoples and...
November 30, 2020
Implementation of Gladue Principles in the mainstream justice system
These investments will help organizations support rehabilitation of individuals who are in conflict with the law by offering support and solutions, build resilience and a sense of dignity among those impacted by harm, and take into consideration the safety of the communities. The 2020 Fall Economic Statement included $49.3 million to support the implementation of...
November 18, 2020
12 restorative justice projects
Department of Justice Canada – In recognition of Restorative Justice Week (November 15-22) a total of 12 restorative justice projects are being supported through three programs: Justice Canada’s Indigenous Justice Program, Justice Partnership and Innovation Program and Youth Justice Fund. Of the total funding, $5 million goes to research, awareness raising and education activities, including capacity-building...
October 27, 2020
Annual Report 2019-2020
I recognize that many of the causes of Indigenous over-representation reside in factors beyond the criminal justice system. However, when I issued the statement, I noted that consistently poorer correctional outcomes for Indigenous offenders (e.g.) suggests that federal corrections makes its own contribution to the problem of over-representation. For example, a recent national recidivism study...
October 27, 2020
Annual Report 2019-2020
I recognize that many of the causes of Indigenous over-representation reside in factors beyond the criminal justice system. However, when I issued the statement, I noted that consistently poorer correctional outcomes for Indigenous offenders (e.g.) more likely to be placed or classified as maximum security more likely to be involved in use of force and...
October 2, 2020
COVID-19 funding
Federal Government announced $50M in COVID-19 related funding including for up to $10 million to support organizations providing services related to gender-based violence to Indigenous people off-reserve...
September 28, 2020
Steps to advance implementation of Indigenous Languages Act
Announcement of essential steps to advance the implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act. The government is working with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapariit Kanatami (ITK) and the Métis National Council (MNC) on the development of the consultations. Key steps include: host close to 40 virtual consultations with Indigenous Peoples across Canada An...
September 23, 2020
Speech from the Throne
Speech from the Throne included: “Expediting work to co-develop distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation, and a distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy”....
September 14, 2020
The Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC)
This initiative helps Indigenous youth be more active and healthy, and reconnect with traditional sports and culture in some cases, while also providing alternatives to risky behaviour and improving opportunities for employment and education. The targeted social outcomes and activities of each project are identified and proposed by the Indigenous communities themselves, to ensure they...
September 4, 2020
Mousham Class-Action Lawsuit
Canadian Press – the federal government has agreed to certify the claims put forward by the Assembly of First Nations and the Moushoom class counsel in their class-action lawsuit from Feb. 12, 2020 and enter into mediation to reach a negotiated settlement for damages and justice for the thousands of First Nations children and families that...
September 4, 2020
Federal Government certifies claims for Moushoom class-action lawsuit
Canadian Press – The federal government has agreed to certify the claims put forward by the Assembly of First Nations and the Moushoom class counsel in their class-action lawsuit from Feb. 12, 2020 and enter into mediation to reach a negotiated settlement for damages and justice for the thousands of First Nations children and families that...
August 24, 2020
Investments in mental health and wellness supports
Funding of $82.5 million in mental health and wellness supports to help Indigenous communities adapt and expand mental wellness services, improving access and addressing growing demand, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will help partners and communities to adapt mental wellness services to the current COVID-19 context, including: expanding access to culturally...
August 24, 2020
SSHRC funding to Rebuilding First Nations Governance project
Social Science and Humanities Research Council is funding $2.5 million over 6 years to support Rebuilding First Nations Governance (RFNG) project, an investigation into transforming Indian Act governance. RFNG is an alliance of First Nations communities and tribal councils and academic researchers and practitioners committed to working from the community level up to end Indian...
August 24, 2020
SSHRC funding to Rebuilding First Nations Governance project
Social Science and Humanities Research Council is funding $2.5 million over six years to support the Rebuilding First Nations Governance project, an investigation into transforming Indian Act governance. Carleton University researcher Frances Abele in the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) and project co-founders Satsan (Herb George) of the Centre for First Nations Governance...
August 17, 2020
Rebuilding First Nations Governance project
Carleton University – Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council is funding $2.5 million over six years to support the Rebuilding First Nations Governance project, an investigation into transforming Indian Act governance. Carleton University researcher Frances Abele in the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) and project co-founders Satsan (Herb George) of the Centre for First...
August 17, 2020
Rebuilding First Nations Governance Project
Carleton University – Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council is funding $2.5 million over six years to support the Rebuilding First Nations Governance project, an investigation into transforming Indian Act governance. Carleton University researcher Frances Abele in the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) and project co-founders Satsan (Herb George) of the Centre for...
July 29, 2020
National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking
Funds are to support victims and survivors of human trafficking. $14 million will be distributed by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) and $5 million through Public Safety Canada. WAGE’s call for proposals will support organizations that work to prevent and address human trafficking to develop and implement promising practices to enhance empowerment supports for at-risk populations and survivors of...
June 2, 2020
Funding for 12 shelters for indigenous women and girls
The federal government announced $44.8 million over five years to build 12 new shelters, which will help protect and support Indigenous women and girls experiencing and fleeing violence. This funding will help build 10 shelters in First Nations communities on reserve across the country, and two in the territories, to support Indigenous women and children. The...
June 2, 2020
Pauktuutit Inuit Women seek funding for women’s shelter in Inuit Nunangat
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada called on Prime Minister Trudeau to immediately implement at least one of the 46 Inuit-specific recommendations contained in last year’s Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) – namely, funding for five new Inuit shelters in Inuit Nunangat and in Ottawa. his urgent...
June 1, 2020
CHRT clarification on compensation definitions
The latest ruling provides clarification on the following definitions related to compensation regarding Jordan’s Principle: essential service, service gap, and unreasonable delay. The Tribunal upheld several issues related to the definitions that the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) put forward, including that a service did not need to be requested to be considered “essential,” and that...
May 14, 2020
Wet’suwet’en Hereditary chiefs sign a Memorandum of Understanding
Hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding with B.C. and Canada that sets the path for negotiations on legal recognition of their title to 22,000 square kilometres of traditional territory. Effective immediately, the MOU commits Canada and B.C. to recognize that rights and title are held by house groups within the Wet’suwet’en...
May 12, 2020
Wet’suwet’en hereditary Chiefs and Canada to sign an MOU
Wet’suwet’en leaders have invited Ms. Bennett and Mr. Fraser to sign the MOU on May 14. Wetsu’wet’en Hereditary Chiefs issued a statement: “The Dinï’ze and Tsakë’ze have had several clan meetings, including meetings in person, and virtual meetings with clan/house members, band council members, youth, elders, people close to home and those far away. The...
May 12, 2020
Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs to sign MOU with governments of Canada and BC
Wet’suwet’en leaders have invited Ms. Bennett and Mr. Fraser to sign the MOU on May 14. Wetsu’wet’en Hereditary Chiefs issued a statement: “The Dinï’ze and Tsakë’ze have had several clan meetings, including meetings in person, and virtual meetings with clan/house members, band council members, youth, elders, people close to home and those far away. The...
April 30, 2020
Commitment to Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982
We are taking a meaningful approach to section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. This work flows from Canada’s constitutional and legal frameworks and represents a first step in building a nation-to-nation relationship that recognizes and implements Indigenous systems of justice.” The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., M.P. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada...
April 16, 2020
CHRT clarity on Jordan’s Principle
CHRT provides further clarity on compensation for First Nations children unnecessarily apprehended or denied essential Jordan’s Principal services. The Tribunal agreed with the AFN’s – and FNCFCS – submission that: victims should be able to access compensation at the age of territorial or provincial majority; that compensation should be available to children who entered care...
March 20, 2020
Funding to UVic
The federal government announced in Budget 2019 $9.1 million over 3 years for a national centre of excellence for the study and understanding of Indigenous laws that will house the world’s first joint degree in Indigenous legal orders and Canadian common law JD/JID). Starting in 2019/20, the funds will support the construction of “an Indigenous Legal Lodge...
February 24, 2020
The Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative: Projects Funded since 2017
The Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI) supports alternatives to custody and reintegration projects responsive to the unique circumstances of Indigenous people in Canada. ICCI projects provide culturally relevant services that may include counselling, treatment, life skills coaching, family reunification, and addressing the effects of residential schools and involvement with child welfare systems. The ICCI provides contribution...
February 18, 2020
Annual Report 2018 – 2019
Feb. 18, 2020 – Annual report tabled in House of Commons. The following are ten key recommendations common between two parliamentary committees (the House of Commons Standing Committees on Public Safety and National Security [SECU] and Status of Women [FEWO]) as well as recommendations my Office has made, and continues to call on federal corrections to...
February 18, 2020
Annual Report 2018-2019
Annual report tabled in House of Commons. The following are ten key recommendations common between two parliamentary committees (the House of Commons Standing Committees on Public Safety and National Security [SECU] and Status of Women [FEWO]) as well as recommendations my Office has made, and continues to call on federal corrections to implement: Increasing the...
January 1, 2020
What happens on Jan. 1, 2020
Indigenous groups who have developed their own legislation will have 2 options to exercise jurisdiction under the act. Every service provider delivering child and family services to Indigenous children and families will need to follow the minimum standards found in the act. Existing agencies will continue to provide services to Indigenous children. Agreements related to existing delegated...
December 12, 2019
Aboriginal Peoples Survey
Indigenous people with disabilities in Canada: First Nations people living off reserve, Métis and Inuit aged 15 years and older by Tara Hahmann, Ph.D., Nadine Badets, and Jeffrey Hughes Highlights Discussion/Conclusion Overall, roughly one in three First Nations people living off reserve and Métis had one or more disabilities, while among Inuit and non-Indigenous people the proportion was...
December 5, 2019
Speech from the Throne commits to take action to implement UNDRIP
The Speech from the Throne committed to take action to co-develop and introduce legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the first year of the new mandate;...
September 18, 2019
Next federal government will face unresolved class action lawsuits from residential school era
Ottawa was in talks to settle one case and headed to trial on another when election called CBC News: Two major unresolved class action cases from the Indian residential school era will face the next government, and may be a test of its commitment to reconciliation, says a lawyer for one group of plaintiffs. When the federal...
September 5, 2019
Indigenous Law Initiatives
Budget 2019 also invests $10M over 5 years for Indigenous law initiatives through The Justice Partnership and Innovation Program to improve equality for Indigenous peoples in Canada’s legal system...
September 5, 2019
Budget 2016 Child Welfare
Response focuses primarily on funding: $635M Budget 2016 investment over 5 years to address funding gaps in First Nations Child and Family Services and provide greater support for culturally appropriate prevention services and front-line service delivery. Budget 2018 provided a $1.4B investment over six years for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program for...
September 3, 2019
Budget 2019 investments in Indigenous Youth pilot program
The Government of Canada, through Budget 2019, has allocated $15.2 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, for an Indigenous youth pilot program delivered by the Canadian Roots Exchange. This pilot program will establish a national network that reflects the diversity amongst Indigenous youth; support reconciliation-focused youth activities across Canada, including urban, northern and remote communities; and recommend a...
August 20, 2019
National Progress Report on Early Learning and Childcare: Investing in our Future
The most recent information from the provinces and territories indicates that, in only the first year (2017 to 2018) of the 3-year agreement, an additional 21,205 more affordable child care spaces have been established, representing over half (53%) of the March 2020 target of 40,000 spaces. Of these spaces, 2,955 or 14% benefitted “children from diverse populations…including Indigenous children, children...
August 1, 2019
Prime Minister’s Youth Council
Since 2016, the Youth Council has held nine in-person meetings across the country, leading in-depth discussions with federal ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and other young leaders. In addition to meeting in-person, Youth Council members collaborate virtually and work closely with young people in their communities to inform their advice to the Prime Minister. Youth Council members...
July 24, 2019
Funding to support new FASD projects
$1.8M over 4 years Funding to support new projects focused on increasing public awareness and understanding of FASD, and the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure. These projects are being funded under the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder National Strategic Projects Fund. The Fund aims to prevent FASD and to improve...
July 19, 2019
Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority regional Education Agreement
The Federal Government and Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority, signed a new regional education agreement today benefiting approximately 1,200 First Nations students. It is the first agreement of its kind in Alberta. The agreement recognizes the right of First Nations people to make educational decisions that affect their students; to control their...
June 24, 2019
Federal initiatives in response to MMIWG Interim Report
Important federal initiatives have been put in place to begin addressing issues identified in the Inquiry’s interim report and in the Calls for Justice. These initiatives include: legislation respecting Indigenous languages; legislation on supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families; eliminating gender discrimination from the Indian Act Family Information Liaison Units and community-based supports; support for...
June 21, 2019
Indigenous Languages Act receives Royal Assent
Bill C-91, An Act respecting Indigenous languages (short title: Indigenous Languages Act), was introduced in the House of Commons on 5 February 2019 by the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. Bill C-91 enacts the Indigenous Languages Act, which recognizes Indigenous language rights as Aboriginal rights protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The bill enables the...
June 21, 2019
“Bill C-91, the Indigenous Languages Act passes
“Bill C-91, the Indigenous Languages Act, to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen and maintain Indigenous languages in Canada” is passed in the House of Commons...
June 21, 2019
Legislative Progress of Bill C-22 and its predecessor Bill S-251
Legislative Progress of Bill C-22 The Bill introduced for First Reading on Feb. 18, 2021 in the House of Commons proposes the following specific reforms: Repeal MMPs for certain offences to address the disproportionate impact on Indigenous and Black offenders, as well as those struggling with substance use and addiction. This would restore the ability...
June 21, 2019
Conservative senators kill Bill C-262
Conservative senators effectively killed Bill C-262 – on National Indigenous People’s Day – be ensuring the Bill dies on the Order paper when parliament dissolves for the summer. The Liberals have committed to reintroducing the Bill in the fall if they win the election....
June 21, 2019
Timeless for Bill C-375
Date Description Oct. 19, 2017 First Reading of Bill C-375 “An Act to amend the Criminal Code (presentence report)“ Mar. 21, 2018 Bill C-375 passed second reading in the House Nov. 7, 2018 Bill C-375 passed third reading in the House Apr. 30, 2019 Second reading of Bill: C-375 in the Senate THIS BILL DID...
June 20, 2019
“Bill C-92 passes in House of Commons
“Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families” passed in House of Commons. “The goal with this legislation is to apply laws, policies and values to systems designed and implemented by First Nations for First Nations with the focus on providing every opportunity for our children to grow up...
June 20, 2019
Bill C-92 passes in House of Commons
Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families” passed in House of Commons. “The goal with this legislation is to apply laws, policies and values to systems designed and implemented by First Nations for First Nations with the focus on providing every opportunity for our children to grow up...
June 17, 2019
Senate integrates Inuit changes into Bill C-91
Bill C-91 now recognizes the importance of Inuktut to Inuit Nunangat. The Senate Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples has adopted an amended version of Bill C-91, the Indigenous Languages Act, with changes largely prompted by Inuit groups....
June 3, 2019
Submission of MMIWG Final report
MMIWG National Inquiry submitted their Final Report listing 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians. “Despite their different circumstances and backgrounds, all of the missing and murdered are connected by economic, social and political marginalization, racism, and misogyny woven into the fabric of Canadian society,” explained...
May 31, 2019
Funding for sport for social development
Budget 2018: $47.5M over 5 yrs + $9.5 annuallyFunding is to expand the use of sport for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities. Those needs form the specific targeted social outcomes of the SSDIC component: improved health, education, and employability; and the reduction of at-risk behaviour. The SSDIC component is divided into 2 streams: Stream 1 –...
May 19, 2019
Focus of Citizen Guide revision
CBC: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said the revamp is focused on several key areas, including: Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call for language that better reflects the perspectives and history of Indigenous peoples of Canada. Showcasing Canada’s cultural diversity and commitment to official languages. Presenting the social evolution of civic rights and freedoms for LGBT,...
May 17, 2019
Review of Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) Deskbook
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) Deskbook sets standards of conduct for federal prosecutors to ensure the objectivity, fairness, transparency, and consistency of prosecutions through a compilation of directives and guidelines. The PPSC’s National Committee on the Interaction of Indigenous Peoples with the Criminal Justice System is reviewing the PPSC Deskbook to incorporate Truth...
April 13, 2019
Mi’kmaq First Nations create new child welfare agency
CBC: Seven Mi’kmaq First Nations in New Brunswick have created a new child welfare agency aimed at preventing children from being taken away from their homes and families. Mi’kmaq NB Child and Family Services Inc. — made up of First Nations in Eel River Bar, Fort Folly, Indian Island, Buctouche, Pabineau, Metepenagiag and Eel Ground...
April 11, 2019
Budget 2019 invests $129.5M to establish National Council for Truth and Reconciliation
Budget 2019 proposes to provide $126.5 million in 2020–21 to establish a National Council for Reconciliation and endow it with initial operating capital. The Council will involve all Canadians in creating a better understanding of reconciliation, and will serve as a permanent reminder of the importance of reconciliation and the Calls to Action. The Council will engage First Nations,...
April 10, 2019
Final Report to be released on June 3, 2019
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls today announced it will formally present its Final Report to the federal, provincial and territorial governments at a public closing ceremony in Gatineau, Quebec on June 3, 2019. The Final Report will comprise the sacred truths of 1484 family members and survivors of violence...
April 5, 2019
Canada and Red Earth Cree Nation sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The Government of Canada and Red Earth Cree Nation announced they have signed a co-developed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance discussions toward developing a stand-alone administration of justice agreement. This MOU on Advancing Reconciliation will guide future exploratory discussions on the administration of justice needs and aspirations of Red Earth Cree Nation. An administration...
March 25, 2019
TB Regional Action Plans
The regional action plans have been developed in consultation with communities, Inuit organizations, partners in health service delivery, provincial and territorial governments, experts in TB programming, care and research, and local health care providers. While each region has specific needs and challenges with regards to TB elimination, all regional action plans commit to: Establishing regional...
March 20, 2019
Funding for national centre of excellence for the study and understanding of Indigenous laws at UVic
The federal government announced in Budget 2019, $9.1 million over 3 years for a national centre of excellence for the study and understanding of Indigenous laws that will house the world’s first joint degree in Indigenous legal orders and Canadian common law (JD/JID). Starting in 2019/20, the funds will support the construction of “an Indigenous Legal...
March 19, 2019
Budget 2019-20
Budget 2019-20 pledges $1.2 billion over three years — $404 million per year beginning in 2019-2020 — to develop a long-term approach for services for First Nations children....
March 19, 2019
Budget 2019 Facts and Figures:
$815 million over 10 years, starting in fiscal year 2019 to 2020, and $61.8 million ongoing in support of Indigenous post-secondary education. This includes: $327.5 million over 5 years to support First Nations post-secondary students and the development of regional education strategies $125.5 million over 10 years and $21.8 million ongoing to support an Inuit-led post-secondary strategy $362.0 million over 10 years and $40 million ongoing...
March 19, 2019
Budget 2019
To ensure that First Nations have the information they need to serve their members well, Budget 2019 proposes to provide $78.9 million over seven years, starting in 2019–20, with $13.7 million per year ongoing, to permanently fund the Surveys on Indigenous Peoples and the First Nations Regional Health Survey. These surveys provide important information on education, health,...
March 19, 2019
Funding to establish National Residential School Student Death Register
Budget 2019 announced $33.8 million over 3 years starting in fiscal year 2019 to 2020 to develop and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register as well as establish and maintain an online registry of residential school cemeteries. ...
March 19, 2019
Funding for National Residential School Student Death Register
Budget 2019 announced $33.8 million over 3 years starting in fiscal year 2019 to 2020 to develop and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register as well as establish and maintain an online registry of residential school cemeteries. ...
March 15, 2019
Anishinabek Nation Community Well-Being and Jurisdiction Initiative
The Government of Canada is supporting the Anishinabek Nation in their efforts to improve the safety and well-being of First Nations children and families and rebuild their nations in a manner that responds to the priorities and unique needs of their nation. Announcement of Indigenous Services Canada’s contribution of over $1.5 million in funding for...
March 8, 2019
Formal apology to Inuit for TB crisis
“To Inuit, and the families and communities of Inuit Nunangat who were wronged by the federal government’s management of the tuberculosis epidemic – we are sorry. We apologize to those who were forced to leave, those left behind, the families without knowledge of the fate of their loved ones, and the communities that continue to...
February 28, 2019
Bill C-92 introduced
Bill C-92 “An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families” introduced in Parliament. Co-developed with Indigenous partners, Bill C-92 “seeks to affirm” Indigenous peoples’ inherent right to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services....
February 26, 2019
Territorial Health Investment Fund
Territorial Health Investment Fund provides $1 million annually for 4 years (2017-18 to 2020-21) for the development of cultural competency training....
February 26, 2019
Territorial Health Investment Fund
Territorial Health Investment Fund provides $1 million annually for 4 years (2017-18 to 2020-21) for the development of cultural competency training. Health Minister Jan. 28, 2021 – Patty Hajdu announced $4 million in support for a national consortium, led by Indigenous physicians, to implement projects to educate doctors on the provision of “culturally safe” health care that is...
February 5, 2019
Bill C-91 introduced in Parliament
“Bill C-91: An Act Respecting Indigenous Languages” (The Indigenous Languages Act) introduced in Parliament....
February 5, 2019
“Bill C-91, the Indigenous Languages Act”, tabled in the House of Commons
“Bill C-91, the Indigenous Languages Act, to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen and maintain Indigenous languages in Canada” tabled in the House of Commons. The legislation recognizes and supports all Indigenous languages in Canada and contains mechanisms which will: establish measures for the provision of long-term, sustainable funding of Indigenous languages: advance the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on...
February 5, 2019
Collaborative approach to developing Indigenous Languages Act
A collaborative approach was adopted with Indigenous Peoples to develop the legislation, which included: 12 fundamental principles, co-developed to inform the basis of the legislation; more than 50 intensive and collaborative engagement sessions held across the country to collect elements of importance to be included in the legislation. These sessions were attended by over 1,200 individuals. Canadian Heritage also received approximately 200 electronic...
January 31, 2019
Update on Youth Justice Fund
The Youth Justice Fund provides grants and contributions to projects that encourage a more effective youth justice system, respond to emerging youth justice issues and enable greater citizen and community participation in the youth justice system. As of Sept 5, 2019, the government website states that the fund currently provides close to $4 million for...
January 14, 2019
The Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples
This Directive pursues the following objectives: (1) advancing reconciliation, (2) recognizing rights, (3) upholding the honour of the Crown, and (4) respecting and advancing Indigenous self-determination and self-governance. These objectives, and the guidelines for litigation counsel they promote, are interrelated. Litigation Guidelines: Although the following Litigation Guidelines do not explicitly address “publishing legal opinions” they...
January 11, 2019
Directive on Civil Litigation
This Directive promotes our Government’s commitment to reconciliation by establishing guidelines that every litigator must follow in the approaches, positions, and decisions taken on behalf of the Attorney General of Canada in the context of civil litigation regarding section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and Crown obligations towards Indigenous peoples. When section 35 was included in...
January 11, 2019
Directive of Civil Litigation
This Directive pursues the following objectives: (1) advancing reconciliation, (2) recognizing rights, (3) upholding the honour of the Crown, and (4) respecting and advancing Indigenous self-determination and self-governance. These objectives, and the guidelines for litigation counsel they promote, are interrelated. #5: Recognizing Aboriginal rights advances reconciliation. The Principles require a decisive break with the status quo. Specifically,...
December 13, 2018
AFN-QL recommendations to the Viens Commission
During his testimony to the Viens Commission, the Chief of the AFNQL recalled the three main issues that Quebec has repeatedly been asked to act upon, namely: To recognize, denounce and fight against the systemic racism that exists within its institutions and population. To repair the wrongs suffered by the victims, especially First Nations victims....
December 10, 2018
The Inuit Tuberculosis Elimination Framework
The Inuit Tuberculosis Elimination Framework was released by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami as a next step in ongoing efforts to address staggeringly high rates of tuberculosis (TB) among Inuit living in Inuit Nunangat. The Framework describes six priority areas for action and investment: Enhance TB care and prevention programming Reduce poverty, improve social determinants of health...
November 29, 2018
The Use of Indigenous Languages in House of Commons and Committees
Official release of the 66th Report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, entitled “The Use of Indigenous Languages in Proceedings of the House of Commons and Committees.” The report recommends that the use of Indigenous languages be recognized in the House of Commons and specifies a process for facilitating such interventions....
November 15, 2018
Investments in policing facilities in First Nations and Inuit communities
The Government of Canada is investing $88.6 million over seven years in policing facilities in First Nation and Inuit communities to ensure that police officers serving these communities work in safe facilities. Recognizing there are pressing needs in terms of policing infrastructure in First Nation and Inuit communities, a new federal program, Funding for First Nation...
November 13, 2018
The National FASD Mentoring Project
The National FASD Mentoring Project ($1.1M over 3 years), led by the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, will provide culturally and linguistically appropriate FASD information and awareness sessions to support Indigenous children and their families living off reserve across Canada....
November 12, 2018
Funding to National FASD Mentoring Project
$1.1M of funding over 3 years to the National FASD Mentoring Project, led by the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate FASD information and awareness sessions to support Indigenous children and their families living off reserve across Canada.The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute will work with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Aboriginal Head...
October 30, 2018
Correctional Services Investigator Report 2017-2018
Recommendation # 13 Recommend that CSC re-allocate very significant resources to negotiate new funding arrangements and agreements with appropriate partners and service providers to transfer care, custody and supervision of Indigenous people from prison to the community. This would include creation of new section 81 capacity in urban areas and section 84 placements in private...
October 30, 2018
Annual Report 2017-2018
It has been nearly three years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issued its final report Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future (December 18, 2015), to which the Government of Canada committed to implementing all of the recommendations. Little practical progress has been made on the TRC’s ‘Calls to Action’ impacting federal corrections: Eliminate the...
October 30, 2018
Correctional Services Investigator Report 2017-2018: Recommendation # 15
Recommendation # 15I recommend that the CSC develop a National Gang and Dis-Affiliation Strategy and ensure sufficient resources are allocated for its implementation, inclusive of (core and cultural) programs, employment and services. Special attention should be paid to Indigenous-based street gangs. This strategy should: be responsive to the unique needs of young Indigenous men and...
September 21, 2018
Quality Education Backgrounder: Metis Update
Current Challenge Gaps in graduation rates – about 44% of First Nations on-reserve (age 18-24) have completed high school, compared to 88% for other Canadians Métis Nation Accord Annex: Employment and Training The Parties agree to work together to develop the next phase of Indigenous labour market programming. This will include exploring a multi-year Métis...
September 17, 2018
Distinctions-Based Frameworks
Recognizing the importance of a distinctions-based approach in ensuring that the rights, interests and circumstances of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation are acknowledged, affirmed, and implemented, this Framework supports distinct First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation frameworks that represent their respective vision, goals and priorities. Implementation will be a collaborative effort over several years,...
September 17, 2018
First Nations Early Learning and Child Care Framework
First Nations have an inherent and sacred responsibility for their children and families. Children hold a unique and sacred place in First Nations families, communities, and nations; they are gifts from the Creator. A First Nations ELCC framework must begin and end with children and their families, in the languages and cultures passed down through...
September 17, 2018
Métis Early Learning and Child Care Framework
The Métis Nation has a vision for ELCC in which Métis children and families throughout the Homeland are provided with culturally-relevant, self-empowering ELCC programming and services that focus on the development and maintenance of strong Métis families and communities across the lifespan, beginning at birth. Métis Nation ELCC will promote the healthy growth and development...
September 17, 2018
Inuit Early Learning and Child Care Framework
Inuit view ELCC as an opportunity for cultural revitalization that holds the possibility of connecting Inuit with their land, culture, language, and histories. It is also a significant step towards self-determination, reconciliation, and cultural revitalization. The Inuit vision is an ELCC system that provides the best possible start to life for Inuit children, including the...
September 10, 2018
Inuit Nunangat Declaration Priorities
Inuit Nunangat Declaration Priorities: Distinct Health Needs. Inuit-specific Child First Initiative and framework is under development and interim measures are available for Inuit families to submit requests to Indigenous Services Canada on behalf of Inuit children requiring access to the health, social and education products, services and supports they need. ...
July 30, 2018
Addressing the Economic Security and Prosperity of Indigenous Women
$4.3M: $350K Regional; $500K National Proposed projects will engage women and a range of community partners in working together to create lasting change to improve economic conditions for Indigenous women. Projects will: Identify issues, strengths and opportunities affecting Indigenous women’s economic security and prosperity; Expand community understanding of these issues, strengths and opportunities; Take action, together with partners, to...
July 6, 2018
Inuktut as official language in Inuit Nunangat
Federal legislation should recognize Inuktut as official language in Inuit Nunangat: Inuit Tapariit Kanatami. As Indigenous leadership move into their final consultations over the summer, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is pushing for Ottawa to ensure Inuktut is treated as culturally and politically distinct. The main points the working group has asked to see in the federal legislation:...
June 29, 2018
Annual Report 2017 – 2018
It has been nearly three years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issued its final report Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future (December 18, 2015), to which the Government of Canada committed to implementing all of the recommendations. Little practical progress has been made on the TRC’s ‘Calls to Action’ impacting federal corrections: The Correctional...
June 25, 2018
Strengthening Education and Improving Academic Success
$250K over 2 years ($99,342 in 2017-18 and $150,657 in 2018-19) The Government of Canada is investing in a collaborative research initiative titled “Strengthening Education and Improving Academic Success” that aims to improve the quality of education for First Nations secondary students in the Sudbury area, across Canada, and ultimately, worldwide. Working with schools, community...
June 13, 2018
Indigenous Learning Series
Indigenous Learning Series will offer opportunities to learn and build knowledge and understanding of Canada’s shared history and how it impacts us today. GCcampus, the School’s online learning platform, is a growing collection of resources to increase cultural competency and awareness about First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada and the Government of Canada’s roles...
June 12, 2018
Submission of Interim Board Final Report
Final report of the Interim Board for the National Council for Reconciliation with detailed recommendations submitted to Carolyn Bennett, Minister Crown – Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs....
June 12, 2018
Final Report of the Interim Board for the National Council for Reconciliation
Recommendations: Name: Recommendation: That the future board of directors of the NCR undertake a branding exercise, which may include a different name for the NCR. Vision, Mission and Principles That the vision guiding the NCR be two-fold: be an independent multi-generational institution that would monitor, evaluate and report on reconciliation to all governments and Canadian...
June 12, 2018
Final Report of the Interim Board for the National Council for Reconciliation: Funding
Funding for the National Council Administrative and operational 5-year contribution agreement That the Government of Canada enter into a 5-year contribution agreement at an annual amount that ponders the administration and operational budget requirements as determined by the NCR Board of Directors That at the end of 5 years, the annual administration and operational financial...
June 11, 2018
Appointments to Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Announced the appointment of three distinguished Canadians to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC): Lisa Prosper, from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, is a scholar and public speaker, presenting and publishing nationally and internationally on cultural landscape theory and practice, notably relating to Indigenous cultural heritage. Ms. Prosper’s appointment was effective March 26, 2018. Timothy Christian,...
2018
Family Information Liaison Units
The Units work directly with families to gather information they seek from government agencies and address outstanding questions about the loss of their loved ones. They will work directly with family members to coordinate information gathering from government agencies and services, including: the criminal justice system (police, prosecutions, corrections); social services; child protection; health services;...
June 5, 2018
NWAC concerns about not granting an extension
Feathers of Hope – Native Womans Association of Canada has flagged the following concerns by not granting a full 2-year extension: Appropriate long term after-care; The option to reopen community hearing; The necessity of engaging in one or two more expert and institutional hearings that may discuss extremely important topics such as criminal justice system...
June 5, 2018
Federal Government grants extension to MMIWG timeline
CISION – As a result of a thorough review of the request for an extension and based on what we heard from survivors, family members and Indigenous organizations, and discussions with provinces and territories, the Commission will be receiving more time to submit its final report. The Commission will have until April 30, 2019 from the initial...
June 1, 2018
Launch of community-based engagement sessions
Launch of the intensive community-based engagement sessions that will be held across Canada this summer to support the co-development of First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages legislation....
June, 2018
Indigenous Youth Voices: A Roadmap to the TRC Call to Action # 66
“As Independent advisors who do not represent the crown and are not representatives of our nations, we are eager to gain direction from First Nation, Inuit and Métis youth and Indigenous organizations to amplify their voices and build a national platform from their vision. We honour those who contributed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission...
May 31, 2018
Bill S-206 Second Reading
Bill S-206 moves to second reading in the Senate. Referred to committee...
May 29, 2018
Office of the Auditor General Spring Report – 2018
Report 5: Socio-economic Gaps on First Nations Reserves—Indigenous Services Canada. Measuring Well-Being on First Nations Reserves – April 2015 – December 2017 The Department did not have a comprehensive picture of the well-being of on-reserve First Nations people compared with other Canadians Over-all Message 5.17 Overall, we found that Indigenous Services Canada’s main measure of socio-economic well-being...
May 24, 2018
Status of Women Canada creates an Indigenous Women’s Circle
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, met with the newly created Indigenous Women’s Circle today to discuss ways of addressing systemic inequalities that disproportionately impact Indigenous women and girls. The Circle will have an advisory role for a two-year term and provide an opportunity for Status of Women Canada to consult with...
May 8, 2018
Bill C-374 passes unanimously
Bill C-374 “An Act to amend the Historic Sites and Monuments Act (composition of the Board)” passed unanimously in the House after Third Reading....
May 8, 2018
It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence
Ministry of the Status of Women Mar. 5, 2018 – Invests in cultural competency training for federal law enforcement officers, and provides important program funding for at-risk populations, including Indigenous women and girls....
May 7, 2018
RCMP Mandate Letter
Section 5(1) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act provides that, under the direction of the Minister, the Commissioner has the control and management of the RCMP and all matters connected to the Force. I want to be clear that the Government of Canada recognizes and respects that police independence underpins the rule of law and ministerial direction...
May 2, 2018
Parliament calls of Pope Francis to apologize
Parliament of Canada votes 269 to 10 across all party lines to call on Pope Francis to apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in the Indigenous Residential School system and also to call on the Catholic Church to “resume best efforts” to raise funds as agreed in the 2006 settlement deal between residential school students,...
May 2, 2018
Parliament calls on Pope Francis to apologize and for the church to continue fund-raising efforts
Parliament of Canada votes 269 to 10 across all party lines to call on Pope Francis to apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in the Indigenous Residential School system and also to call on the Catholic Church to “resume best efforts” to raise funds as agreed in the 2006 settlement deal between residential school students,...
April 24, 2018
National Council for Reconciliation Interim board initiates consultative process
Request for input into the consultative process to establish the over-all scope, responsibilities “On behalf of the members of the Interim Board for the National Council for Reconciliation, I would like to invite you to give us your views on the establishment, scope and mandate of the future National Council for Reconciliation. Your views and...
April 11, 2018
Report 5: Socio-economic Gaps on First Nations Reserves
Measuring Well-Being on First Nations Reserves – April 2015 – December 2017 The Department did not have a comprehensive picture of the well-being of on-reserve First Nations people compared with other Canadians Over-all Message 5.17 Overall, we found that Indigenous Services Canada’s main measure of socio-economic well-being on reserves, the Community Well-Being index, was not comprehensive....
April 7, 2018
Acknowledgement of impact on health of discriminatory government policies
“The health outcome gaps are a direct result of previous Canadian government policies… but many of those discriminatory policies that have caused the health outcome gaps remain in place… have their roots in the laws, the policies and the operational practices of this country… They were denied the right to self-determination and subjected to laws,...
April 3, 2018
Bill S-206
This Act comes into force one year after the day on which it receives royal assent or on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council, whichever is the earlier....
2018
Federal K-12 Primary and Secondary School Budgets 2013-14 vs 2016-17
Elementary & Secondary Education Program 2013-14 % 2016-17 % Instructional Services $948M 60 $1,032M 53.2 Student Support Services $142M 9 $162.88 8.4 Proposal-Based Programs $158M 10 $234.62 12.1 Targeted Programs (Special Ed) $126M 8 $250.13 12.9 Operations and Maintenance $112M 7 $120.22 6.2 Band Support Funding, Empl. Benefits, Ed. related est. $92M 6 $127.97 6.6...
2018
Federal K-12 Primary and Secondary School Budgets 2013 vs 2017
Elementary & Secondary Education Program 2013-14 % 2016-17 % Instructional Services $948M 60 $1,032M 53.2 Student Support Services $142M 9 $162.88 8.4 Proposal-Based Programs $158M 10 $234.62 12.1 Targeted Programs (Special Ed) $126M 8 $250.13 12.9 Operations and Maintenance $112M 7 $120.22 6.2 Band Support Funding, Empl. Benefits, Ed. related est. $92M 6 $127.97 6.6...
March 28, 2018
Budget 2018 Facts and Figures
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. Extensive engagement took place with Indigenous partners in 2016 and 2017 to develop a proposal for...
March 28, 2018
Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Program
Designed to help Indigenous Peoples in all parts of the country get the skills and training they need to fully participate in the economy and contribute to the success of their communities. Previously called The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). Budget 2017 proposes to invest $50 million in 2017–18 in ASETS, which includes...
March 27, 2018
Métis Nation-sponsored Summit on “The Child and Family Services Conference”
The Government of Canada announced at Métis Nation-sponsored Summit on The Child and Family Services Conference direct dialogue with the Métis National Council Governing Members on the over-representation of Métis children and youth in the child welfare systems in Ontario and the four western provinces. Discussions in the child and family services area will be undertaken...
March 26, 2018
Initiative to speak Indigenous languages in House of Commons
Toronto Star – Romeo Saganash, a New Democrat who represents a northern Quebec riding, addressed the Commons Procedure and Affairs Committee last week in his native Cree, and urged the House to make it possible for him and others to speak Indigenous languages and have them translated into English and French.This would be an important...
March 26, 2018
AFN-QL seeks extension to tri-partite negiatiation process around FN police force
Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec (Viens Commission) attests that changes need to be made in light of the public safety state of emergency in First Nations communities. The Assembly of first Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) recommends, among other things, that First Nations wishing to extend their tripartite...
March 26, 2018
Commissioner Viens supports extension to tripartite negotiation deadline
Commissioner Viens of the “Public Inquiry Commission on Relations Between Indigenous Peoples and Certain Public Services in Quebec” issued a 3rd Call to Action to postpone the March 31st, 2018 tripartite negotiation deadline with every Aboriginal police force to a reasonable delay that could go up to one year while maintaining the upgraded funding. This delay...
March 26, 2018
The third meeting under the MOU on Joint Priorities
The third meeting under the MOU on Joint Priorities took place March 26, 2018. Regarding RIIRF, concerns were expressed about the current approach to engagement not being conducive to rights recognition. Full and meaningful engagement is required with rights holders. Legal and political change is needed to keep Canada in line with the UN Declaration....
March 23, 2018
Commitment to end TB in Inuit Nunangat by 2030
To mark World Tuberculosis Day, Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, together with Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), commit to eliminating TB across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and reduce active TB by at least 50% by 2025. This will be achieved through an Elimination Action Framework led by the previously announced...
March 20, 2018
Indigenous Victimization Statistics
Indigenous men and boys are seven times more likely than non-Indigenous men and boys to be a homicide victim. Indigenous women are almost three times as likely as non-Indigenous women to be a victim of violent crime. In 2015, Indigenous people accounted for 25% of all homicide victims in Canada. Indigenous people represented an estimated 5% of the Canadian population in 2015. “First...
March 13, 2018
Student on student abuse
The government believes there are some instances where Indian Residential School survivors who suffered abuse at the hands of fellow students may not have received fair compensation. The Government will pursue negotiated settlements with survivors whose claims of student-on-student abuse were previously dismissed or under-compensated....
March 6, 2018
Request for 24 month extension
CISION – The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls today submitted a formal request to the federal government for a 24-month extension of its mandate through to December 31, 2020. The submission made to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs highlights work that the National Inquiry has done, and areas...
March 5, 2018
Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program
Annual since 2013, $ 3M per year. Renewed 2018-20 Created to protect Indigenous women living on reserves in cases where a relationship ended and property division was required. This investment will allow for continued initiatives for safer environments and opportunities for Indigenous women....
February 27, 2018
Budget 2017 and 2018 investments in Indigenous programs
Budget 2017 and 2018 provided $86 million over 5 years and $490 million over 2 years respectively, to preserve access to medically necessary health benefits and services through the Non-Insured Health Benefits. Non-Insured Health Benefits medical transportation benefit provides coverage to enable clients to access medically necessary health services, including services provided by traditional healers. ...
February 15, 2018
Data Sources on Indigenous Victimization
There are five national sources of administrative data from within the justice system that report on Indigenous people’s contact with police and the corrections system: Corrections-level surveys Adult Correctional Services Survey, Youth Custody and Community Services Survey and Integrated Correctional Services Survey Police-level surveys. Uniform Crime Report and Homicide Survey Homicide SurveySince 2014, police-reported homicide...
February 14, 2018
Commitment to Indigenous consultation
Going forward, recognition of rights will guide all government relations with Indigenous peoples,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons… The new legislation and policy will be developed, he said, in consultations with the First Nations, Inuit and Métis as well as the provinces and territories and non-Indigenous Canadians that will be led...
February 14, 2018
Federal Government announces “Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework.”
Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the government will develop in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people a a Recognition and Implementation of Rights Framework This will include new recognition and implementation of rights legislation. Going forward recognition of rights will guide all government interactions with Indigenous peoples. The contents of the framework...
February 14, 2018
ITK welcomes Canada’s commitment to develop framework to implement Inuit rights
ITK welcomes the federal government’s commitment to developing a framework that implements Inuit rights. Inuit welcome all actions to ensure our rights, as affirmed in Section 35 of the Constitution and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, are upheld and implemented. The right of Inuit to self-determination, most notably expressed through...
February 9, 2018
Jordan’s Principle Call Centre
Indigenous Services Canada has opened a new Call Centre to help First Nations children get services and supports under the child-first jurisdictional policy known as Jordan’s Principle. The centre will provide families with direct access to agents who will start the intake process and connect them to the Jordan’s Principle representative in their area. The...
January 25, 2018
Emergency Meeting on Child and Family Services
Emergency Meeting on Child and Family Services between federal and provincial and territory government officials and leaders of Indigenous groups. Priorities: Continuing the work to fully implement all orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal; Shifting the programming focus to prevention and early intervention; Exploring the potential for co-developed federal child welfare legislation; Supporting Inuit...
January 25, 2018
Federal Government Commitment to Data Strategy
A report on children and families together: An Emergency Meeting on Indigenous child and family services. Jan. 25 – 26, 2018 Relevant Government of Canada Commitment to Action: 6. Create a data strategy with provinces/territories and Indigenous partners to increase inter-jurisdictional data collection, sharing and reporting to better understand the rates and reasons for apprehension....
January 23, 2018
Emergency Meeting on Child Welfare
Global recommendation It is recommended that all representatives who participated in the Emergency Meeting work towards the following goals: Collaborate on a national child welfare data strategy, led by the federal government in partnership with provincial, territorial and First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners aimed at increasing inter-jurisdictional data collection, sharing and reporting to...
January 23, 2018
Quality Education Backgrounder: Indigenous Organization responses
Current Challenges Gaps in graduation rates – about 44% of First Nations on-reserve (age 18-24) have completed high school, compared to 88% for other Canadians Challenges to accessing post-secondary education opportunities Significant infrastructure needs for school construction, repair and maintenance on reserveGaps in graduation rates – about 44% of First Nations on-reserve (age 18-24) have...
January 23, 2018
Federal Statistics: First Nations K-12 Education: 2016 – 17
On a per capita basis, INAC (now ISC) provided about $19,010 per FTE student in 2016-2017 for K-12 education operating expenditures. This calculation does not include an investment of an additional $165 million in First Nations education infrastructure for capital projects, targeted projects, and salary or administration expenses on reserve. First Nations K-12 Education Operating Expenditures:...
January 23, 2018
School Infrastructure Projects
Quality Education Backgrounder – Ministry of Indigenous Services Current Challenge Significant infrastructure needs for school construction, repair and maintenance on reserve Point of Progress Since November 2015 140 First Nation education projects are completed or underway. These projects, ranging from school repairs to the building of new schools, benefit more than 120 First Nation communities...
January 23, 2018
Quality Education Backgrounder – Ministry of Indigenous Services
Quality Education Backgrounder – Ministry of Indigenous Services Current Challenge Gaps in graduation rates – about 44% of First Nations on-reserve (age 18-24) have completed high school, compared to 88% for other Canadians Métis Nation Accord Annex: Employment and Training The Parties agree to work together to develop the next phase of Indigenous labour market...
January 23, 2018
Current Challenges in Indigenous education
Quality Education Backgrounder – Ministry of Indigenous Services Current Challenge Challenges to accessing post-secondary education opportunities Increased funding to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program and the University and College Entrance Preparation Program by $90 million over two years, beginning in 2017–18. The federal government is undertaking a comprehensive and collaborative review of all current federal...
January 23, 2018
Ministry of Indigenous Services Priorities
Ministry of Indigenous Services Priorities Gaps remain in the overall health outcomes between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians. Life expectancy for Indigenous People is up to 15 years shorter Infant mortality rates are two to three times higher Diabetes rates are almost four times higher for First Nations on reserve Opioid-related deaths are up to three...
January 11, 2018
Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples
Litigation Guideline #14: Limitations and equitable defences should be pleaded only where there is a principled basis and evidence to support the defence. Extinguishment, surrender, abandonment The Principles discourage certain long-standing federal positions, including relying on defences such as extinguishment, surrender, and abandonment Generally, these defences should be pleaded, only where there is a principled basis and...
January 11, 2018
AFN response to Government of Canada’s First Nations Policing Program
Assembly of First Nations OTTAWA—Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde says last week’s announcement on federal support for the First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) is necessary and critical to ensure safety and security for First Nations and First Nations police forces and police officers. AFN BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee, who holds...
January 10, 2018
Investments in policing in First Nations and Inuit communities
Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced a federal investment of up to $291.2 million over five years, starting in 2018–2019, for policing in First Nation and Inuit communities. This funding will be dedicated to communities currently served under the First Nations Policing Program (FNPP). For the first time, the federal...
December 14, 2017
Announcement of the Interim Board of Directors
Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, announced the appointment of six members to the Interim Board of Directors for the National Council for Reconciliation. Over the course of the next six months, the Board members will engage with various stakeholders to recommend options for the establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation...
December 12, 2017
Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Human Rights
Leaders of the AFN, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council attended a meeting of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Human Rights. This was the first meeting of Ministers responsible for human rights since 1988. One focus area was the need for all jurisdictions to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of...
November 30, 2017
Withdrawal of judicial review
Federal government is withdrawing its application for judicial review of two aspects of the ruling that the Government if Canada was seeking to set aside by the Federal Court: requests for services must be processed within 12 to 48 hours, and must be processed without case conferencing. ...
November 21, 2017
Government supports Bill C-262
CBC – Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould announced government support for Bill C-262 – An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People....
November 20, 2017
Public Safety Minister meetings on First Nations policing
First Nations policing was a substantive topic for discussions with Public Safety Minister Goodale. Many participants spoke strongly of the need to strengthen and expand the programs to put them at par with other police services in the country in terms of salaries, equipment, technology and resources, and to recognize them as an essential service....
November 1, 2017
Release of MMIWG Interim Report
Release of Interim Report “Our Women and Girls are Sacred” includes three immediate calls to action for the Government of Canada to: Work collaboratively with provinces and territories to create a national police task force to which the National Inquiry could refer families and survivors to assess or reopen cases or review investigations. Establish a...
October 31, 2017
Annual Report 2016 – 2017
Between 2007 and 2016, while the overall federal prison population increased by less than 5%, the Indigenous prison population increased by 39%. For the last three decades, there has been an increase every single year in the federal incarceration rate for Indigenous people. Today, while Indigenous people make up less than 5% of the Canadian population,...
October 31, 2017
Annual Report 2016-2017
I recommend that CSC review its community release strategy for Indigenous offenders with a view to: increase the number of Section 81 agreements to include community accommodation options for the care and custody of medium security inmates; address discrepancies in funding arrangements between CSC and Aboriginal-managed Healing Lodge facilities, and; maximize community interest and engagement...
October 18, 2017
Introduction of Bill C-374 in the House
Bill C-374: An Act to amend the Historic Sites and Monuments Act (composition of the Board) introduced. The Bill will add three indigenous members – First Nations, Métis and Inuit – to the board....
October 16, 2017
Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI)
CISION – $10M over 5 years for Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI) to help previously incarcerated Indigenous Peoples heal, rehabilitate and find good jobs through community-based and culturally relevant projects, with a focus on alternatives to incarceration and on reintegration supports. Eligible projects could include counselling, treatment for addictions, mental health treatment, job training, literacy,...
September 21, 2017
First National Inquiry statement to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs
First National Inquiry statement to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on Inquiry progress acknowledges past and current issues and commits to four principles to guide their work: We want to empower and support people, not re-victimize them. We want to find solutions together and not impose them. We want...
August 27, 2017
Distinction-Based Language consultation
Minister Joly and the three National Indigenous leaders met and agreed to move forward on a distinction-based process with Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapariit Kanatami (ITK) and Métis National Council (MNC) leading up to the adoption of the Indigenous Languages Act by Parliament next year....
August 22, 2017
Supreme Court of Canada defines what adequate consultation and accommodation now requires
The Conversation- The Supreme Court of Canada released two major decisions on the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples. The principles set out in the two cases: Clyde River (Hamlet) v. Petroleum Geo-Services Inc. and Chippewas of the Thames First Nation v. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. will help define what adequate consultation and accommodation now requires,...
August 1, 2017
Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities
Recognizing the significant disparities in Indigenous health outcomes compared to the Canadian population, the federal, provincial and territorial governments are committed to working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to improve access to health services and health outcomes of Indigenous peoples and discuss progress. At the national level, the federal government is committed to working...
August 1, 2017
Common Statement of Principles endorsed by F/P/T governments
A Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health priorities. Endorsed by the federal, provincial and territory governments, the statement acknowledges the significant disparities in Indigenous health outcomes compared to the Canadian population....
July 24, 2017
Progress Update of on Revamp of Canadian Citizenship Guide
A draft version of a new study guide for the citizenship exam breaks down the responsibilities of citizenship into two categories: voluntary and mandatory. Respecting treaties with Indigenous Peoples is one of the mandatory responsibilities. The draft guide delves extensively into the history and present-day lives of Indigenous Peoples, including multiple references to the Truth...
July 17, 2017
Principles respecting the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples
The implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples requires transformative change in the Government’s relationship with Indigenous peoples. The UN Declaration is a statement of the collective and individual rights that are necessary for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples around the world, and the Government must take an active...
July 14, 2017
Principles respecting the Government of Canada’s Relationship with Indigenous peoples
The implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples requires transformative change in the Government’s relationship with Indigenous peoples. The UN Declaration is a statement of the collective and individual rights that are necessary for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples around the world, and the Government must take an active...
July 14, 2017
Principles respecting the Government of Canada’s Relationship with Indigenous peoples
The Government will fulfil its commitment to implementing the UN Declaration through the review of laws and policies, as well as other collaborative initiatives and actions. This approach aligns with the UN Declaration itself, which contemplates that it may be implemented by States through various measures. This review of laws and policies will be guided...
July 11, 2017
Resignation of Commissioner from MMIWG
Marilyn Poitras resigns as Commissioner saying she could not continue under the inquiry’s current structure....
June 28, 2017
Indigenous Mentorship Network Program
$8M to Canadian Health Research Network for an Indigenous Mentorship Network Program whose aim is to support the next generation of Indigenous health researchers by providing distinctive learning opportunities and specially tailored mentoring activities to Indigenous students at the undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral levels, as well as Indigenous researchers in the beginning phase of...
June 19, 2017
Response to Human Rights Watch Report on Police treatment of Indigenous Women in Saskatchewan
The RCMP has received the “Human Rights Watch Report on Police Treatment of Indigenous Women in Saskatchewan” and will take time to thoroughly review it. Several of the report’s recommendations to the RCMP have been addressed in response to other reports by, among others, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) and the Call to...
June 15, 2017
Announcement on co-development of an Indigenous Languages Act
Joint announcement with the Federal Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, on the co-development of an Indigenous Languages Act – legislation to ‘revitalize, recover, preserve, protect, maintain and promote’ First Nations languages...
June 12, 2017
Executive Director resigns from MMIWG Commission
Executive Director resignation is the fifth of such departures by staff since the National Inquiry’s launch on September 1st, 2016. Serious concerns around commissions stability and ability to meet its objectives within a rapidly shrinking timeline for the issuance of its final report...
June 8, 2017
Indigenous Mentorship Network Program
$8M to Canadian Health Research Network for an Indigenous Mentorship Network Program whose aim is to support the next generation of Indigenous health researchers by providing distinctive learning opportunities and specially tailored mentoring activities to Indigenous students at the undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral levels, as well as Indigenous researchers in the beginning phase of...
April 24, 2017
Canada fully committed to Free, Prior and Informed Consent of UNDRIP
Canada formally abandons its 2014 statements on paragraphs 3 and 20 of the 2014 Outcome Document from the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples and put Canada formally on record as fully committed to the standard of free, prior and informed consent expressed in the UN Declaration....
April 24, 2017
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
April 24 – May 5, 2017: Canada invited by UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to share their experience reviewing relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to ensure alignment with international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples....
April 13, 2017
Métis Nation Accord
Metis Nation Accord signed between the government of Canada and the Métis National Council. The Parties will undertake to examine and consider options for acting on: Development of approaches to respond to specific health needs and priorities; Opportunities for Métis Nation to engage with the federal government in health and wellness policy, program development, and...
March 22, 2017
Budget 2017 Facts and Figures:
$90 million over two years, beginning in 2017–2018, for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program $100 million for the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy Skills Link and Summer Work Experience program $5 million per year for five years, starting in 2017–2018, for Indspire, a national Indigenous-led registered charity that invests in the education of...
March 22, 2017
New Section 81 Funding Formula
In 2017, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) strengthened the Section 81 funding arrangement to better support their operations and respond to the needs of Indigenous communities and organizations managing those Healing Lodges. The new funding formula provides fixed and variable payments that will equal to the negotiated daily rate. The fixed cost which is normally a...
March 22, 2017
Federal Ministry of Sports and Persons with Disabilities
Budget 2017 = $18.7M/5 yrs $5.5M every year after 2022 to support Indigenous youth through sport....
March 22, 2017
Budget 2017 investments
$55.5M/5 yrs ($11.1/yr): Funds for Indigenous Justice Program to help reduce overrepresentation of indigenous people in the criminal justice and corrections systems. $65.2/5 yrs.$10.9.yr ongoing: To address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice and corrections systems and help previously incarcerated Indigenous Peoples heal, rehabilitate and find good jobs,” ...
February 22, 2017
The Working Group of Ministers responsible for the review of relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices
The Working Group of Ministers responsible for the review will examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to help ensure the Crown is meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to: Aboriginal and treaty rights; adhering to international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and supporting the...
February 22, 2017
Review of laws and policies related to Indigenous Peoples
Prime Minister Trudeau announced the review of laws and policies related to Indigenous Peoples. The Working Group of Ministers responsible for the review will: examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to help ensure the Crown is meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; adhere to international human rights standards,...
February 14, 2017
Federal Government actions to recognize Aboriginal and Treaty Rights
The Prime Minister announced a Working Group of six cabinet ministers chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, stating it “will examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to help ensure the Crown is meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; adhering...
January 31, 2017
Mandatory Aboriginal Awareness training
The Public Service Commission has signed a 5-year contract with Aboriginal Consulting Services to confirm content and pricing for Aboriginal Awareness training through Jan 31, 2022 at which time it is intended that all public servants will have attended the training....
December 16, 2016
Notice to Federal Government of failure to comply
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society (FNCFCS) filed a motion asking the tribunal to find the federal government guilty of failing to comply with the tribunal’s orders regarding Jordan’s Principle, or, providing indigenous kids living on reserve with the same essential services as non-indigenous children....
December 15, 2016
Prime Minister Trudeau commitments on release of TRC Final Report
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the following three commitments: Create bilateral mechanisms with Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Inuit Tapirit Kanatami and the four Inuit regions and the Métis National Council and its governing members to develop policy on shared priorities and monitor progress going forward. Also will implement cabinet level meetings twice a...
December 6, 2016
Intent to introduce Indigenous Languages Act
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the government’s intent at the AFN’s Special Chiefs Assembly to introduce an Indigenous Languages Act in hopes of preserving and revitalizing First Nations, Métis and Inuit languages in Canada....
December 5, 2016
Federal Spending on Primary and Secondary Education on First Nations Reserves
Parliamentary Budget Officer SummaryIn Canada, education is largely a provincial domain. The notable exception is education for First Nations students living on reserve. This responsibility falls squarely with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAC). After comparing and analyzing data on federal and provincial education spending, PBO found evidence that INAC funding mechanisms: do...
November 23, 2016
One day workshop “Reconciliation Begins With me”
One day workshop “Reconciliation Begins With me” is Intended for all public servants who want to increase their knowledge about Indigenous Peoples and issues and who want to understand how they can contribute personally and professionally to renewing relationships. In a supportive setting, you will be introduced to the rich diversity of First Nations, Métis...
October 31, 2016
Annual Report 2015-2016
I again recommend that CSC appoint a Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections. I recommend that the Service develop new culturally appropriate and gender specific assessment tools, founded on Gladue principles, to be used with male and female Indigenous offenders. I recommend that CSC’s National Aboriginal Advisory Council (NAAC) review gaps and barriers to increased participation...
October 27, 2016
Federal government defines Jordan’s Principle services
Government position is that great proportion of these children are receiving support for respite care, and funding has also been provided for supports such as: specialized medical equipment and supplies; medical transportation; specialized day programs; and addiction treatment programs. Our government has also committed to enhancing service coordination and to working with our provincial and...
August 3, 2016
Two-years funding to establish Inquiry
$53.86M over two years to funding to establish an Inquiry which will make recommendations on concrete actions to address and prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls, including systemic and societal discrimination. An additional $16.7M over 3 years from the Department of Justice for the creation of Family Liaison Units in each province and territory...
June 10, 2016
F/P/T Governments commitment to Reconciliation
Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, and the leaders of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Métis National Council (MNC), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), Indigenous Peoples’ Assembly of Canada (IPAC) and Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) met together and confirmed a new approach in support of improving outcomes for Indigenous peoples...
May 10, 2016
Canada formally endorses UNDRIP at UN
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, today announced that Canada is now a full supporter, without qualification, of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Today’s announcement also reaffirms Canada’s commitment to adopt and implement the Declaration in accordance with the Canadian Constitution. This announcement confirms Canada’s commitment...
April 21, 2016
Bill C-262, An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples tabled in Parliament
Romeo Saganash, MP, tabled Bill C-262, An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This bill would require the Government of Canada to take initiatives with regard to the use of Aboriginal languages in the public domain, education and the media. The...
April 21, 2016
Bill C-262 tabled in House of Commons
Romeo Saganash, NDP MP tabled Bill C-262 to ensure that the laws of Canada respect the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples...
April 1, 2016
Funding to develop distinctions-based health priorities
Health Canada provided funding to AFN, Métis National Council and Inuit Tapariit Kanatami to develop distinctions-based health priorities to inform future health investments....
March 22, 2016
Budget 2016 Facts and Figures
Budget 2016 includes $2.6 billion over five years for First Nations K-12 education towards primary and secondary education on reserve to address immediate pressures, keep pace with rising costs and also invest in literacy and numeracy programs and special needs education: $747.6 million to address immediate funding needs and program growth $275 million to support...
March 22, 2016
Budget 2016 support for CBC
Federal Government reinvested $675M in the CBC through Budget 2016 over 5 years to expand Indigenous programming....
March 10, 2016
Annual Report 2014 – 2015
As of March 2015, Aboriginal inmates represented 24.4% of the total federal custody population while comprising just 4.3% of the Canadian population. In the ten-year period between March 2005 and March 2015, the Aboriginal inmate population increased by more than 50% compared to a 10% overall population growth during the same period. As a group,...
December 16, 2015
PM will formally seek Pope’s apology
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will seek a formal apology from Pope Francis for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in residential schools, a day after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission made public its final report into the legacy of the schools....
December 16, 2015
Prime Minster Trudeau to ask Pope Francis for a formal apology to residential school survivors
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will seek a formal apology from Pope Francis for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in residential schools, a day after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission made public its final report into the legacy of the schools....
December 15, 2015
Release fo TRC Final Report
Release of the full report from the TRC. Trudeau government commits to implementation of Calls to Action and UNDRIP as the framework for Nation-to-Nation negotiations...
December 9, 2015
Bill S-212, “An Act for the advancement of the aboriginal languages of Canada and to recognize and respect aboriginal language rights” introduced in Parliament
Senator Serge Joyal tabled Bill S-212, An Act for the advancement of the aboriginal languages of Canada and to recognize and respect aboriginal language rights. The bill is intended to set out the Government of Canada’s commitment on the advancement of Aboriginal languages and respect for Aboriginal language rights. Bill S-212 was debated and adopted by the Senate...
December 8, 2015
Bill S-206 introduced for First Reading
Senate Bill S-206 “An Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children against standard child-rearing violence) introduced for First Reading...
December 8, 2015
Announcement of launch of MMIWG Inquiry
The Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Carolyn Bennett, the Minister of the Status of Women, Patty Hajdu, and the Minister of Justice, Jody Wilson-Raybould, announced the launch of a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The NI-MMIWG is unprecedented because it covers 14 jurisdictions and looks at the issue...
June 2, 2015
Release of TRC Summary Report
Release of the TRC Summary Report and 94 Calls to Action. No official response from Stephen Harper’s government who will wait until after the release of the full report in December, after the election...
October 22, 2012
Aboriginal Healing Lodges
In 2009-2010, Correction Services Canada (CSC) allocated $21,555,037 for CSC lodges and $4,819,479 for section 81 lodges. This discrepancy in funding meant that Section 81 lodges had to pay their employees up to 50% less and may be unable to provide adequate training. According to the Office of the Correctional Investigator, the original intent was...
October 22, 2012
Spirit Matters: Aboriginal People and the Corrections and Conditional Release act. Final Report
Correction Services Canada “Spirit Matters” Recommendations CSC should create the position of Deputy Commissioner for Aboriginal Corrections to ensure that adequate co-ordination takes place between and among the various components of CSC, federal partners and Aboriginal communities. CSC should develop a long-term strategy for additional Section 81 agreements and significantly increase the number of bed...
August 11, 2011
Federal Government National Advisory Committee and Special Interlocutor
Toronto Star – The federal government announced that they will create a national advisory committee, made up of archeology, forensic, pathology and mental health experts, to advise Indigenous communities and the government about the work to find and identify the children. “They will evaluate federal laws, policies and practices surrounding unmarked and undocumented graves and...
July 14, 2010
Commissioner’s Directive 541-2 “Negotiation, Implementation and Management of CCRA Section 81 Agreements
Correctional Services Canada (CSC) is currently updating a number of policies to ensure timely assessment of Indigenous community applications for a Section 81 Agreement while strengthening how CSC processes the transfer of Indigenous offenders to Healing Lodges as part of their reintegration plans to the community. CSC is currently reviewing several Indigenous Community Expressions of...
2010
Aboriginal Healing Foundation
In the 2010 Federal Budget under Stephen Harper, the government decided not to renew funding for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. The organization had to terminate partnership with over 120 community services that aid large populations of Aboriginal peoples who have suffered through traumas from the Indian Residential School System. The Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF) was...
December 12, 2007
Jordan’s principle receives unanimous consent in House of Commons
Debate took place in the House of Commons on Jordan’s Principle (Private Member’s Motion M-296, 2007) where the bill received unanimous support....
January, 1970
Average Maintenance Costs per Child: 2010-2019
Year Indigenous Children In Care Average Maintenance CostsPer Child Total Expenditures 2010-2011 9,241 $36,799.88 $579.1 2011-2012 9,423 $38,532.95 $618.6 2012-2013 9,482 $35,980.41 $627.4 2013-2014 8,675 $38,558.60 $637.8 2014-2015 8,428 $40,142.79 $647.5 2015-2016 8,488 $42,262,78 $676.8 2016-2017 9,078 $41,353.10 $762.6 2017-2018 9,247 $43,592.52 $837.6 2018-2019 9,312 $46.048.11 $1,243.6 Table 3: Proportion of Aboriginal and non‑Aboriginal children (0-4)...
1970
The Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat
The Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat has launched a program to alert former students who made claims of abuse at Indian Residential Schools about their options on what happens to the records from their claims. The Secretariat has set up a new website, http://www.MyRecordsMyChoice.ca, where claimants can find information about their options. On September 19, 2027, records...
Government Programs
Brighter Futures program Brighter Futures Program developed to provide direct services and programs to Native youth, single parents, and high-risk families in the areas of effective parenting, child development, fetal alcohol effects, pre-parenting preparation, and good life teachings. Community Well-Being and Jurisdiction This new funding stream from Budget 2018 supports First Nations communities to lead...
Health Services Integration Fund
Health Services Integration Fund is a five-year initiative supporting collaborative planning and multi-year projects aimed at better meeting the health-care needs of First Nations and Inuit. Through HSIF, Health Canada is working with other Provincial, Territorial and First Nations and Inuit organizations to: improve the integration of federally-funded health services in First Nations and Inuit communities...
Corrections and Conditional Release Act: Section 81 and 84
Two sections of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) provide the opportunity for Aboriginal communities to become active partners in the care and custody of Aboriginal offenders and the provision of correctional services. Section 81: Services that can be provided under Section 81 fall into four categories: The transfer of an offender to an Aboriginal community...
Indigenous Justice Program The Indigenous Justice Program supports Indigenous community-based justice programs that offer alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances. Objectives of the Indigenous Justice Program: to assist Indigenous people in assuming greater responsibility for the administration of justice in their communities; to reflect and include Indigenous values within the justice system; and,...
Justice Canada Federal Victims Strategy
Partners with provincial and territorial governments, community agencies and organizations to increase access to justice for victims and survivors of crime and give them a more effective voice in the criminal justice system The federal initiative was established in 2000 as part of the federal government’s response to 1998 report of the Standing Committee on...
Indigenous Justice Program Objectives
The Indigenous Justice Program supports Indigenous community-based justice programs that offer alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances. Objectives of the Indigenous Justice Program: to assist Indigenous people in assuming greater responsibility for the administration of justice in their communities; to reflect and include Indigenous values within the justice system; and, to contribute to...