Current Problems:
Exploring Theme: "Political Issues"
Updates on this page: 101
October 23, 2024
Sask. Indigenous leaders want members to vote; others say they shouldn’t in colonial systems
‘We are of our own sovereign nations and it really doesn’t make any sense to vote’: FNUniv instructor CBC Indigenous: Most Indigenous people in Canada weren’t allowed to vote in provincial and federal elections until 1960, a little over 60 years ago. While many now exercise that right, others choose not to take part in what...
October 12, 2024
BC Conservative candidate doubles down on First Nations’ ‘responsibilities’ to Downtown Eastside
Musqueam member Wade Grant says BC Conservative Party candidate Dallas Brodie’s comments on First Nations’ ‘responsibilities’ to members are misguided. The Tyee: The Canadian Press – Dallas Brodie, the BC Conservative Party candidate for Vancouver-Quilchena, stirred up a reaction Thursday for doubling down on her commentary on First Nations people living in the Downtown Eastside,...
September 26, 2024
45 First Nations denounce group claiming to represent B.C. Métis
B.C. Métis Federation suing federal government for not recognizing it CBC Indigenous: Dozens of First Nations in British Columbia are denouncing an organization claiming to represent Métis from the province. Chiefs and councillors from 45 Coast Salish First Nations have signed a statement in opposition to the B.C. Métis Federation (BCMF). Tsartlip First Nation Chief...
August 29, 2024
BC Conservative-Liberal Bizarre Reunification Scheme Threatens to Accelerate the Destructive Impact of the Climate Crisis and Dangerously Undermine Human Rights
NationTalk: (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – August 29, 2024) On Tuesday afternoon, Kevin Falcon unexpectedly suspended the BC United campaign and threw support to the BC Conservative Party (BCCP). The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is warning the public that the BC Conservative campaign poses a critical threat...
August 29, 2024
NTI Welcomes Nunavut Court of Appeal Decision Allowing Inuktut Discrimination Lawsuit to Move Forward in Court
Nationtalk: Iqaluit, Nunavut – NTI welcomes yesterday’s unanimous decision by the Nunavut Court of Appeal dismissing the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) appeal which attempted to stop the Inuktut Education Discrimination lawsuit. The court’s decision affirms the importance and necessity for Inuit to be heard in a full trial. When students receive schooling in their own...
August 19, 2024
Manitoba Chiefs ask Trudeau, GG to rescind senate appointment of broadcaster Charles Adler
Liberal cabinet minister Dan Vandal also criticizes appointment CBC Indigenous: The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs wants Canada’s governor general and prime minister to rescind the senate appointment of Charles Adler over what the assembly calls “grossly offensive” comments about Indigenous communities made by the broadcaster 25 years ago. On Saturday, the prime minister’s office announced...
July 30, 2024
Vuntut Gwitchin citizen calls proposal to merge electoral ridings in Old Crow and Dawson City ‘an insult’
The proposed riding would be called ‘Yukon North’ CBC Indigenous: Although people who live in the Yukon consider themselves Yukoners, it doesn’t mean everyone who lives in the territory is the same. That’s the point many people have tried to make when it comes to recent proposed changes to the territory’s electoral boundaries. In May, the Yukon Electoral District Boundaries...
July 12, 2024
‘It was noticed,’ says Yukon AFN delegate who turned his back on Pierre Poilievre’s speech
Conservative leader is a ‘bully to our two-spirit family across the country,’ says Duane Aucoin CBC Indigenous: Duane Gastant’ Aucoin believes his message for Pierre Poilievre came across “loud and clear” on Thursday, when Aucoin stood with his back turned while the Conservative leader addressed the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in Montreal. “Him and his party are very vocal on attacking...
July 11, 2024
Pierre Poilievre likens First Nations values to core Conservative beliefs in speech at AFN meeting
The Globe and Mail: Ottawa and Montreal – Pierre Poilievre told chiefs at his first in-person address to the Assembly of First Nations that their values are similar to core Conservative beliefs and focused on economic reconciliation in an attempt to move past his party’s historically fraught relationship with Indigenous leaders. Mr. Poilievre told the group’s...
July 10, 2024
‘Get off your phone and listen’: chiefs call out minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
APTN News: The minister of Crown Indigenous Relations got an earful from First Nations leaders Wednesday. With so many pressing issues facing their more than 630 communities, several chiefs lined up at the microphone to address Gary Anandasangaree following his keynote address Wednesday at the Assembly of First Nations general assembly in Montreal. The moderator...
April 18, 2024
Feds mull options as Métis self-government bill threatens to collapse
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan withdraws support for Bill C-53 CBC Indigenous: The federal government is mulling a path forward after the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan dropped support for its own proposed self-government legislation, another blow to the controversial Bill C-53. If passed, the bill would recognize Métis political associations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario as Indigenous governments, but it faces...
April 1, 2024
Federal court rules Ottawa must change Metis Nation of Alberta self-government agreement
The Métis Nation of Alberta president says she will ‘continue on the path of self government that we have been advancing for over 200 years’ A Federal Court ruling says Ottawa must make changes to a self-government agreement it signed with the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA). APTN News: The ruling, released March 28, says...
January 27, 2024
Next-generation leaders must stay in the Arctic
A new generation of Arctic leaders, from left Ashley Rae Carvill, Kristen Tanche and Megan Dicker Nochasak Toronto Star: “The Arctic affects us all,” explained Gov. Gen. Mary Simon in Finland last year, “and what happens here has far-reaching consequences for the world.” The Arctic is changing. Challenges — including climate change — require emerging...
January 25, 2024
Reconciliation at federal, provincial levels moving slowly: Lemay
APTN News: Hill Times columnist Rose LeMay says when it comes to reconciliation, nothing has really happened at either the federal or provincial levels. “My fear is that the governments, federal government included, provinces and territories haven’t really put this reconciliation as a priority,” Lemay said on the latest edition of Nation to Nation. “Funding...
January 4, 2024
Bill recognizing Métis self-government remains in limbo. Here’s what you need to know
Métis Nation of Ontario President Margaret Froh takes part in a press conference following a Métis National Council meeting in Ottawa on Thursday, June 1, 2023. File photo by The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE TAKES MANY HANDS, AND ALL OF US ARE BETTER EQUIPPED WHEN WE’RE INFORMED. Goal: $125k $98,930 Donate...
December 21, 2023
Yellowhead Institute to no longer report on TRC calls to action
Justice Murray Sinclair takes his seat at the release of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada on the history of Canada’s residential school system, in Ottawa on Dec. 15, 2015. File photo by The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld CLIMATE JOURNALISM IS URGENT. HELP US RAISE $125,000 BY DECEMBER’S END. Goal: $125k...
November 21, 2023
Nunatsiavut government withdraws from Furey’s Indigenous roundtable
Qalipu chief hopes group will return but defends NunatKavut’s place in roundtable The president of the Nunatsiavut government has decided to decline an invitation to Premier Andrew Furey’s Indigenous roundtable over his decision to include the NunatuKavut community council in discussions. Nunatsiavut announced its decision ahead of a meeting of the roundtable in Conne River on Tuesday. In a...
November 10, 2023
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples accuses Inuit leader of lateral violence against Labrador group
Defence comes as Nunatsiavut Government head calls group’s claims ‘an insult to the true Inuit’ CBC Indigenous: The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is defending the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) against accusations the Labrador group is co-opting Inuit identity to obtain resources, lands and rights. In a statement released Friday, CAP National Chief Elmer St. Pierre accused...
November 9, 2023
Métis and Innu nations back Inuit leader in Labrador identity dispute
Innu say ‘partisan politics’ responsible for NunatuKavut recognition — something federal minister has denied CBC Indigenous: The Métis and Innu nations are showing solidarity with Natan Obed, after the national Inuit leader released an open letter this week denouncing what he calls “illegitimate claims to Inuit rights” being made by a self-identified Indigenous group in south and central...
November 8, 2023
Manitoba Métis leaders warn MPs against legislation recognizing Métis Nation of Ontario
‘This is about the attempted theft of the identity of a nation,’ Will Goodon tells committee CBC Indigenous: Proposed legislation recognizing Métis self-government in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta would set a troubling precedent, if passed, by giving cabinet the power to approve future, still-unwritten treaties with Métis associations in those provinces, Manitoba Métis leaders warned...
November 8, 2023
Report claims to disprove evidence of Métis community in the Sault
‘But what’s the definition of a Métis?’: New study commissioned by Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin claims Métis Nation of Ontario fabricated narrative of historic Métis community in Sault Ste. Marie; MNO takes issue with ‘deeply offensive’ report First Peoples Law Report: SOOTODAY.COM – As the Métis Nation of Ontario winds down a conference in Sault Ste....
November 7, 2023
Bill to recognize certain Métis governments, ‘not controversial’ says MN-S president
APTN News: Proposed federal legislation that has drawn the ire of First Nations in Ontario, the Manitoba Métis Federation and others is not that controversial says Métis Nation-Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum. Bill C-53, an act “respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan and provides a framework for the implementation of...
November 1, 2023
Cabinet shuffle poses challenges for advancing Inuit priorities, ITK president says
‘We often as Inuit leaders have to be the ones that educate ministers,’ Natan Obed says CBC Indigenous: The Trudeau government’s summer cabinet shakeup has created challenges when trying to advance Inuit political priorities in Ottawa, says Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) President Natan Obed. It’s a concern made more pressing as the Liberals approach their ninth...
October 31, 2023
Quebec electoral commission passes on giving Nunavik its own federal riding
Electoral reform report cites low population as reason. APTN News: Another federal electoral riding redistribution has come and gone – without a riding for Indigenous communities in northern Quebec. “People talking about reconciliation, this is part of reconciliation, wanting a representative from the region instead of having someone that’s south of us that doesn’t know my realities,” said Pita...
October 14, 2023
Australians vote ‘No’ to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament
The Globe and Mail: Australians overwhelmingly rejected an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in a referendum Saturday, after a months-long, often bitter campaign that some fear has left the country’s First Nations people worse off than they were before. The measure needed a national majority and majorities in at least four of six states in order...
October 3, 2023
Trudeau Government Touted ‘Reconciliation,’ Then Lobbied To Arm States Repressing Indigenous Peoples
‘We have minister Anand platforming Canadian weapons manufacturers just a year after there was huge repression on major protests.’ The Maple: Former defence minister Anita Anand was instructed to offer her counterparts advice about “reconciliation” before encouraging Latin American governments that violently suppress Indigenous-led protests to buy more Canadian-made weapons last year. In particular, Anand’s...
October 2, 2023
Weaponized by PCs, sidelined by NDP: Indigenous concerns largely absent from Manitoba election
Indigenous voters will have to wait for the next election to see substantive dialogue CBC News: With Indigenous population growth outpacing the rest of the province, there may come a year where the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples will be front and centre in a Manitoba election campaign. This was not that...
September 30, 2023
Manitoba founded by Métis but oppressive history soon made Indigenous premiership impossible
Last time Manitoba had an Indigenous premier was 136 years ago Manitoba has existed as a province for 153 years and, in that time, has had 19 premiers lead it through rewarding and turbulent times, marking milestones and influencing history. Despite its lengthy resumé, the province comes up short in two significant measures. It has never elected a premier who is...
September 30, 2023
Indigenous voters say reconciliation in Manitoba takes more than landfill search promises
Process involves return of languages, resources and ‘bringing us to the table,’ says former youth chief CBC Indigenous: Indigenous voters in Manitoba say discussions about the proposed search of a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two First Nations homicide victims have dominated this year’s provincial election season for good reason, but achieving reconciliation goes...
September 29, 2023
Ottawa poised to make decision on search of Manitoba landfill for human remains: minister
Families looking for federal commitment to funding a search of the Prairie Green Landfill in Manitoba CBC News: Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree says the federal government is on the verge of presenting a plan in response to calls for a search of a Manitoba landfill for the remains of two First Nations women believed to have been murdered by...
September 27, 2023
New blockade goes up at Winnipeg’s Brady Road landfill as protesters demand search for women’s remains
Poll, CBC Manitoba focus group suggest voters are split on issue of landfill search ahead of Oct. 3 election Rachel Ferstl, Sarah Petz WARNING: This story contains distressing details. CBC News: A new barricade has gone up at Winnipeg’s Brady Road landfill, as calls continue for a search for the remains of two First Nations women...
September 27, 2023
AMC Increasingly Concerned by Human Rights Violations in Premier Stefanson’s Election Campaign
Nationtalk: Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is growing increasingly concerned about the human rights violations prevalent in Premier Heather Stefanson’s newest campaign slogan. The slogan, “Stand firm” references the position of her party to not search two Winnipeg landfills for the remains of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode...
September 26, 2023
Federal minister criticizes Manitoba Tory ad that cites rejection of landfill search
Former Crown-Indigenous services minister Marc Miller told Canadian Press that the decision not to search the landfill is ‘heartless.’ Photo: APTN. APTN News: The Canadian Press – Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives came under fire Monday for taking out a newspaper ad that highlights, in part, the province’s decision to not search a landfill for the remains...
September 25, 2023
PCs make opposition to landfill search a central facet of campaign as Manitoba election day nears
Heather Stefanson pledges to ‘stand firm’ against search for missing and presumed murdered Indigenous women CBC Indigenous: As the Oct. 3 election day in Manitoba draws closer, the Progressive Conservatives are now actively campaigning on their opposition to searching a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two Indigenous women police presume are victims of an alleged serial...
September 24, 2023
Heather Stefanson Launches Ads Declaring She Will Never Search Landfill For Remains of Murdered Women
Manitoba PC leader Heather Stefanson is running partisan ads politicizing search for Indigenous women believed murdered by a serial killer The Tyee: Press Progress – Heather Stefanson, the leader of Manitoba’s PCs, has launched a new ad campaign promoting her opposition to searching a landfill for the remains of two Indigenous women believed to have...
September 22, 2023
Caldwell First Nation calls for resignation of provincial Indigenous minister
The call stems from criticism over the Greenbelt issue, chief says CBC Indigenous: The chief of the Caldwell First Nation in southwestern Ontario is calling for the resignation of Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford over what she says is a “disregard” for First Nations voices. “If we’re doing a cabinet shuffle, why are the First Nations...
September 20, 2023
‘Kill the bill on the hill’: First Nations in Ontario voice their opposition to Métis self government bill
APTN News: Algonquin Elder Claudette Commanda wasted no time letting the small gathering know what she thought about Bill C-53. “Kill the bill on the hill,” said Commanda, an Elder from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg north of Ottawa. First Nations in Ontario are united in their opposition to a new piece of federal legislation that formally...
September 18, 2023
Rallies calling for landfill search to be held across Canada on Monday
Families, supporters hope to put pressure on provincial, federal governments to search for women CBC Indigenous: The families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran hope their calls to search a landfill for the remains of their loved ones will be heard across the country. People in at least 17 cities, including Ottawa, will rally on Monday as...
September 8, 2023
No Moral Struggle Here: Search the Landfill for Lives Lost
The refusal to search for murdered Indigenous women is causing avoidable trauma. The Tyee: The Conversation – In May 2022, Winnipeg resident Jeremy Skibicki was arrested and charged with the murder of 24-year-old Rebecca Contois. By the end of that year, Skibicki would be charged with the murder of three other women: Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran and an unidentified...
September 1, 2023
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare Supports the Findings of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario’s Report on Minister Steve Clark
NationTalk: Toronto, ON – Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare released the following statement regarding the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario’s Report regarding Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark: “Yesterday, Minister Steve Clark held a press conference and gave remarks following the release of the Integrity Commissioner’s Report pertaining to Minister Clark’s conduct during the...
August 18, 2023
Resisting landfill search sees Manitoba chiefs call for premier’s resignation
The AMC passed a resolution this week demanding Stefanson step down for not following the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is calling for the resignation of Premier Heather Stefanson for her continued refusal to support a search of two Winnipeg-area landfills for missing Indigenous women....
August 17, 2023
‘They are being disappeared’: Tax union backs Winnipeg landfill search
The remains of three women are believed to be in two Winnipeg-area landfills: Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris and an as-yet-unidentified victim known as Buffalo Woman. APTN News: “This is absolutely appalling, in my opinion, that the government is disrespecting the Indigenous people – especially Indigenous women,” said union president Marc Briere during the noon-hour rally....
August 15, 2023
AMC Receives Unwavering Support from the Canadian Human Rights Museum
NationTalk: Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) wishes to announce the unequivocal support received from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) in response to the urgent calls to recover the remains of Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman) at two Winnipeg landfills. The CMHR’s letter of...
August 10, 2023
Manitoba can’t walk away ‘scot-free’ from landfill victims: former Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister
CBC News: There is no scenario in which a province gets to walk away “scot-free” when two women are believed to be lying dead in a dump, says former Crown-Indigenous relations minister Marc Miller. In recent weeks, rallies have been held to demand a search of the Prairie Green Landfill, north of Winnipeg, for the remains...
August 8, 2023
Matriarchs oppose new government structure in Haida Gwaii
Group fears agreement will wipe out matrilineal lines Haida women wearing regalia for photo before government confiscation at HlG̲aagilda late 1800s. Photo: APTN File APTN News: British Columbia and Canada have bestowed government status on the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN), upsetting the nation’s matriarchs who fear the loss of their female-led society. “I’m...
August 3, 2023
Hundreds rally, march in downtown Winnipeg to demand search of landfill for women’s remains
‘Impossible to move forward’ on a search without Manitoba’s co-operation, feds say CBC News: Chants to search a landfill for the remains of two First Nations women rang out across downtown Winnipeg on Thursday, as hundreds of people flooded the city’s most famous intersection for a round dance. CBC News counted about 200 people gathered...
August 3, 2023
While Indigenous people call for justice, Winnipeg’s police take aim at graffiti
TANYA TALAGA, SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL The Globe and Mail: When I first read the Winnipeg Police Service’s July 31 press release, I thought it was a joke. I thought maybe the Walking Eagle, the satirical Indigenous news site, was hard at work again. Sadly, you can’t make this type of disdain up. According to...
July 28, 2023
National Indigenous agenda impacted by Trudeau’s sweeping Cabinet shuffle
(Screenshot of newly appointed Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree. Courtesy of CPAC) National Talk: MBC News – Reaction to a wholesale Cabinet shuffle yesterday by Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which included the removal of two ministers integral to the national Indigenous agenda, demonstrates a divide of perspectives between First Nations and Métis in Ontario....
July 27, 2023
National Indigenous agenda impacted by Trudeau’s sweeping Cabinet shuffle
“I think he’s got a very good way about him, extremely approachable and obviously very aware and informed. I found him very thoughtful.” — Margaret Froh, president of the Métis Nation of Ontario on the appointment of new Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree At left is Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare and at right is...
July 26, 2023
Chiefs in Manitoba encourages new minister to continue push for landfill search
Gary Anandasangaree says he’ll be reaching out to families in Winnipeg. APTN News: The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is encouraging the new minister of Crown-Indigenous relations to continue the work of Marc Miller in pushing for the search of the Prairie Green Landfill outside Winnipeg. “We hope that Minister Gary Anandasangaree can help us and...
July 24, 2023
Haudenosaunee mark 100th anniversary of Deskaheh’s attempt to speak to League of Nations
Deskaheh has become a symbol for Indigenous rights at the United Nations A hundred years ago, Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ (Cayuga) chief Deskaheh travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, to defend the rights of Indigenous Peoples. He was prevented from speaking to the League of Nations — the predecessor of the United Nations — and now a century later, his successors...
July 24, 2023
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Demands Urgent Action to Search Prairie Green Landfill
NationTalk: Ottawa, Ontario – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) condemns the continued refusal to search the Prairie Green Landfill, as it disregards the value of First Nations women’s lives. Furthermore, the AFN denounces the removal of the blockade set up by demonstrators at the Brady Road landfill, as it obstructs the path to justice....
July 21, 2023
The connection to spirit and body and the need to search the Winnipeg landfill
The closer your access to land and nature in its rawer forms, the more direct the links of body to spirit can seem. The Toronto Star: The voices defending the blockade of a privately owned garbage landfill in Winnipeg are eloquent, passionate and Indigenous. The murdered bodies of two Indigenous women and possibly more are...
July 20, 2023
Toronto Star: Opinion – A ‘heartless’ decision
A protest blockade was taken down on a road leading to a landfill just outside Winnipeg Tuesday, but that should not end the saga of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran. The remains of the women are believed to be in another Winnipeg-area landfill and a decision to leave them there was quite rightly branded as...
July 20, 2023
Unifor statement of support for families seeking justice for missing and murdered women in Winnipeg
NationTalk: Unifor supports the calls by families of missing women Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran for police and municipal professionals to thoroughly search the Brady Road landfill for their remains. Police believe the bodies of the two women were deposited there by their killer last year. Unifor also supports extending the search at the landfill...
July 19, 2023
CLC: Governments Must Search for Indigenous Women’s Remains
NationTalk: WINNIPEG—Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske, with the support of Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck issued the following statement today: “Canada’s unions call on governments at all levels to commence a search for the remains of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman who has been named Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman)...
July 7, 2023
Joint Statement From ITK And MNC On The Meeting Of National Indigenous Leaders And Premiers
NationTalk: Ottawa – President Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and President Cassidy Caron of the Métis National Council (MNC), together issue the following joint statement on the meeting of National Indigenous Leaders and Premiers happening in Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 10. “ITK generally welcomes any opportunity to share Inuit priorities with territorial and provincial...
June 28, 2023
Senators call on feds to bring Indigenous communities into Arctic security planning
Committee says Canada’s previous security actions in the region ‘harmed Indigenous communities’ CBC News: A Senate committee has delivered a forceful call for greater participation by Indigenous communities in shaping Canada’s Arctic defence and security. A new report released Wednesday by the standing committee on national security, defence and veterans affairs argues that the interpretation of “Arctic security” should be...
June 28, 2023
As global powers watch, Canada’s North grows more vulnerable
NationTalk: Ottawa – Canada’s North is militarily exposed, economically underdeveloped and threatened by climate change — while world powers covet its rich resources and Arctic waterways, the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs said in a report released Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The committee’s report, Arctic Security Under Threat: Urgent needs in a...
June 19, 2023
Ontario First Nations chiefs protest federal Métis self-government bill
Métis Nation of Ontario responds by accusing chiefs of ‘Métis denialism’ CBC News: Ontario First Nations leaders held a protest Monday on Parliament Hill against proposed federal legislation to implement a self-government agreement between Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), which is expected to be tabled this week. The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) ramped up a...
June 15, 2023
Métis Nation British Columbia Committed to Positive and Respectful Relations with First Nations
NationTalk: June 14, 2023 (Surrey, British Columbia) Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is committed to positive and respectful relations with First Nations and acknowledges, upholds, and respects the rights and title of First Nations in British Columbia. MNBC recognizes that Métis rights in British Columbia are different from the rights of First Nations. We acknowledge,...
June 6, 2023
Opinion: To finally kill colonialism, give property rights to First Nations individuals
It’s not enough to give First Nations communities full title to their land. They also need to be able to parcel it out to people NationTalk: Financial Post – Canada needs to end colonialism and grant the country’s 630 First Nations title to their reserve lands fully and unconditionally. Doing so should no longer be controversial and...
May 25, 2023
Melissa Mbarki: Don’t blame Indigenous people for Calgary cancelling July 1st fireworks
Indigenous people are Canadians and many, like me, want to celebrate Canada Day. Actions like this only further divide us Author of the article:Melissa Mbarki, National PostPublished May 25, 2023 • Last updated 4 days ago • 3 minute read246 Comments National Post: Citing “cultural sensitivities … in relation to Truth and Reconciliation,” the City of Calgary is cancelling its annual Canada Day fireworks display,...
May 20, 2023
Court dispute between First Nations and Métis Nation of Ontario highlights longstanding issues
‘We need structures that allow us to have those disputes aired’ that aren’t the courts, says Daniel Voth CBC News: An ongoing court battle between the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and several First Nations is highlighting longstanding conflict over recognition of Métis communities and rights. After the MNO signed a self-government agreement with the federal government in February, several First...
May 15, 2023
New MNA district map is a ‘hostile takeover’ of territory, argues Grande Cache Mountain Métis
Windspeaker.com: The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) is proposing to deal with internal and breakaway dissenters by delivering a blow to their autonomy through the creation of new districts on a rejigged Métis Nation map, alleges new court documents filed May 10 in Alberta Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton. On May 27, MNA members...
May 9, 2023
Canada accused of stonewalling in court challenge to Métis Nation of Ontario self-government deal
Federal government withholds documents, MNO wants to have case dismissed CBC News: The Canadian government is being accused of stonewalling in a court challenge by the First Nations of the Wabun Tribal Council against a recently signed Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) self-government agreement. Lawyers for Crown-Indigenous Relations are refusing to release internal documents tied to the deal,...
May 4, 2023
Opposition from First Nations mounts over Métis Nation of Ontario self-government deal
Denying the existence of Métis communities in Ontario is ‘deeply offensive,’ says MNO First Nations opposition to a Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) self-government agreement is mounting as chiefs throughout the province urge the Canadian government to freeze implementation of the deal until their concerns are addressed. The leaders are speaking out after the Wabun Tribal Council...
April 21, 2023
Northern Ontario chief says his community continues to ‘fear’ flooding because of neighbouring First Nation
Fort Albany chief not commenting, federal government only says it’s still committed to relocation CBC News: The chief of Kashechewan says his Cree community on Ontario’s James Bay Coast remains at risk of flooding every spring because of the neighbouring First Nation. Kashechewan has been talking to the federal government about moving off the flood...
April 20, 2023
Former Treaty 6 Grand Chief calls for Alberta council on reconciliation
Comments come after Alberta refused to meet with UN special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples CBC News: Wilton Littlechild, former Treaty 6 grand chief and former commissioner for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, called for an Alberta-specific council on reconciliation during a speech at the United Nations on Wednesday. Littlechild was speaking to...
April 13, 2023
Instead of seeking reconciliation, politicians manufacture crises for partisan gain
The Globe and Mail: The ridiculous overreaction by Prairie premiers and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to remarks from Justice Minister David Lametti deepens fissures that politicians should be trying to heal. In the partisan crossfire, real issues involving the lives of real people get lost – in this case, the well-being of First Nations. At...
April 10, 2023
Chiefs’ resistance to change stalls new path for AFN
“We can no longer have this top down, one-size fits-all approach. The Healing Path Forward Accord will be community driven, up to the region, up to the national level.” — National Chief RoseAnne Archibald Windspeaker.com: National Chief RoseAnne Archibald has given chiefs another few months to get on board with the next steps for her...
April 7, 2023
Repudiating a racist doctrine
Words don’t just hurt. Some words kill. THE STAR’S VIEW The Toronto Star: Consider, for example, the authorization “to invade, search out, capture, vanquish and subdue” a group of people, and “to reduce their persons to perpetual slavery.” Those words aren’t just hurtful; they’re downright deadly. Nonetheless, those are the words of Romanus Pontifex, the...
March 7, 2023
Métis Nation B.C. in court after feds say it doesn’t qualify as ‘Indigenous governing body’
Canada sparked dispute by rejecting MNBC bid to opt into Indigenous child-welfare law CBC News: The Canadian government is blocking a bid by the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) to opt into federal Indigenous child-welfare law on the grounds MNBC doesn’t qualify as an “Indigenous governing body,” Federal Court files show. The decision sparked an ongoing...
February 26, 2023
Long overdue for federal government to recognize Ontario Métis
NationTalk: The Métis story in Ontario is one of resistance and resilience. In recent years, we have been writing a new chapter to our story with Canada based on reconciliation. This spring, we hope to solidify the progress we have made as a people with the passage of federal recognition legislation by Parliament. In order...
February 22, 2023
‘This Place Felt like a Torture Chamber’
Melanie Mark resigns as an NDP MLA and raises big questions about BC politics. The Tyee: Melanie Mark quit as a B.C. MLA Wednesday and shared her frustrations as the only First Nations woman elected to the legislature and to serve in cabinet. While Mark listed many accomplishments that she’s proud of, she also said...
February 21, 2023
Jully Black’s national anthem is making headlines. What would it take to make the change official?
“Indigenous Peoples have been saying that line for decades,” said Eva Jewell, the research director at research centre Yellowhead Institute. Toronto Star: When Canadian singer-songwriter Jully Black performed the national anthem at the NBA’s All-Star Game on Sunday, she surprised — and impressed — fans with a lyric change. Instead of singing, “our home and native...
December 15, 2022
At this rate, Canada won’t meet Truth and Reconciliation calls until 2065, report suggests
Seven years after the TRC released its final report, Canada has much work to do, Yellowhead Institute says. The Toronto Star: Canada has completed only 13 of 94 calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, seven years after its final report, a new update shows. “Survivors (of residential schools) are ageing, and many...
December 5, 2022
Report finds Indigenous N.W.T. employees largely working entry level jobs
CBC News: Recently released data from the N.W.T government indicates that Indigenous employees in the public service are still largely confined to entry-level positions. On Nov. 15, the territory released Indigenous Employment Plans for each of its 11 departments and 13 agencies to the public. The plans are part of its ongoing push to boost the...
November 15, 2022
Premier Heather Stefanson Unveils Path to Fight Violent Crime, Strengthen Health Care, Grow Economy and Help Manitobans in Speech from the Throne
Indigenous Watchdog Comment: The conclusion of the Speech from the Throne repeats all of the following priorities except “Advancing Reconciliation” which unfortunately does not inspire confidence that the Government of Manitoba is seriously committed to “significant efforts towards reconciliation” (as quoted from the Manitoba Speech from the Throne): Helping Make Our Communities Safer Helping Families...
November 9, 2022
BCAFN Honours Important Contributions by Indigenous Veterans
(Lheidli T’enneh Territory – Prince George, BC) – The BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is grateful and honours the many First Nations in British Columbia who made significant and important contributions to Canada’s military service. Over the years, First Nations displayed incredible strength, determination, generosity, resilience and courage, and are a source of immense...
October 5, 2022
Justice Department Shuts NWAC Out of FPT Meeting with Indigenous Leaders; Ignores Expertise on Critical Gender-based Issues
NationTalk: OTTAWA – The federal Justice department has closed the door on Canada’s largest national Indigenous women’s organization when it meets with provincial and territorial ministers next week, effectively opting not to address Indigenous gender-based issues in any meaningful way. Though Canada recognizes five National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs), including the Native Women’s Association of Canada...
September 29, 2022
National chief says Canada’s reconciliation actions taking long road; 40 years away
Toronto Star: VICTORIA – The road to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada remains a long one, says Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, who estimates it will take 40 years at the current pace to achieve the more than 90 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. It has...
August 30, 2022
The political relationship between First Nations and the Government of Quebec needs to be fixed: Québec 2022 election
WENDAKE, QC, Aug. 30, 2022 – With the election campaign now underway, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) would like to remind political parties and their leaders that the priority issues of First Nations have too often been absent and ignored during provincial election campaigns. The political relationship between First Nations Governments...
August 12, 2022
Health and social services system, housing, education and other basic services in crisis in Nunavik
The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) is following with great concern the situation in Nunavik, which far from being new seems to have reached a critical point. While announcing the release, next fall, of its assessment of the commitments made by the various actors following its numerous...
August 11, 2022
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare’s Statement on Speech from the Throne
Chiefs of Ontario: Toronto, ON – On August 9, 2022, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, delivered the Speech from the Throne, titled “Together, Let’s Build Ontario,” outlining the re-elected Progressive Conservative government’s plans and opening the first session of the 43rd Parliament of Ontario. Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following...
April 26, 2022
Chiefs of Ontario: Priorities for next provincial government
Creating a New Legacy: Building a Strong Foundation for Future Generations Chiefs of Ontario: In this document, the Chiefs in Ontario collectively developed five priority areas that address many of the economic and social inequities faced by First Nations across Ontario. Creating a New Legacy is a call to action for the next provincial government to commit to...
October 26, 2021
Revisions to Ethics and Religious Culture course
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador – The Legault government is revising the Ethics and Religious Culture course, offered to secondary school students in the province, with the objective of giving its content a more “Quebec citizenship” focus. The project is part of the new nationalist ideology championed by Premier François Legault. The Premier’s initiative...
September 14, 2021
Native Women’s Association of Canada Political Party Report Card
Native Women’s Association of Canada – NWAC commissioned Nanos Research to compare the parties’ platforms with the 11 policy issues NWAC determined to be of primary importance. Those policy issues include: human rights self-determination reconciliation environment clean water housing child welfare justice and policing employment and economic development, and health care. The result is a...
September 14, 2021
Native Women’s Association of Canada Political Party Report Card
NDP Liberal Green Conservative Bloc Québecois A B B D D Rights of Indigenous Women & MMIWG2S 4 5 5 2 1 Self Determination & Decision-Making 5 5 5 4 5 Reconciliation & residential Schools 5 3 4 3 3 Environment & Climate Change 5 4 4 1 1 Clean Drinking Water & Public Services...
December 15, 2020
TRC Commissioners comments about pace of Reconciliation
APTN – The three commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Senator Murray Sinclair, Chief Wilton Littlechild, and Dr. Marie Wilson, are issuing a public statement expressing their concern about the slow and uneven pace of implementation of the Calls to Action released by the TRC five years ago today… While they acknowledge important and...
August 14, 2019
Qikiqtani Truth Commission
Government of Canada – The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations delivered an official apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Qikiqtani Inuit for the Government’s actions in the Qikiqtani region between 1950 and 1975. To move forward, Minister Bennett announced that Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) have established a Memorandum of...
July 26, 2019
Toward a Plan – Strengthening Canada’s Position in the Arctic
Failure to take a leadership role in positioning the Canadian arctic for success in a rapidly evolving arctic political landscape. “As the effects of climate change increase access to the Arctic, the global geopolitical context for the region is changing. With enormous untapped opportunities for shipping, research and resource development, many countries are looking to...
July 11, 2019
The Council of The Federation, bi-annual meetings of the Federal, Provincial and Territory Premiers
Refusal to allow leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council, the Inuit Tapariit Kanatami and the Native Woman’s Association of Canada to participate in the main body of meetings with a primary focus on climate change within each jurisdiction. As has been noted by numerous media, Indigenous peoples are on the...
May 8, 2019
Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting (Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC)
CBC – For the first time, the final declaration of the Ministers of the 8 countries that make up the ICC did not include the views of the Arctic Council’s permanent Indigenous organizations, Unlike the usual declarations, which are developed with their input, the compromise joint ministerial statement – which did not include any reference...
January 31, 2019
Qikiqtani Truth Commission
Qikiqtani Inuit Association – QIA releases “Action on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission” report which sets out a plan for a formal acknowledgement, apology and action on the recommendations outlined in the Qikiqtani Truth Commission. Specifically, QIA is seeking a three-fold commitment from Canada, to be negotiated and concluded as soon as possible. • A formal...
December 4, 2018
Rejection of the Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework
AFN Special Chiefs Assembly, Resolution # 25 / 2018 “Rejection of the Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework and Associated Processes. The Framework and associated processes undermine the true Nation-to-Nation relationship between First Nations and Canada: Reasons for rejection: Openly reject Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) as a guiding principle of the relationship...
July 6, 2018
Cancellation of Indigenous curriculum content
Ontario’s Ministry of Education has cancelled a project to update provincial curriculum documents with Indigenous content. including those on TRC curriculum revisions and Indigenous languages in kindergarten. Ontario is the only province to renege on its commitment. See Education C2A # 62i. Doug Ford continues to undo the work of his predecessor, Kathleen Wynne, who...
February 26, 2018
Failure to attend Métis Nation Health Forum
Manitoba Métis Federation – MMF is frustrated and disappointed by the lack of representation from the Province of Manitoba at a national Métis Nation Health Forum and the message that sends to the Métis Nation. A first ever Metis Nation Health Forum was held in Ottawa on February 26, 2018. The Forum brought together over...
September 12, 2017
Failure to reach Inuit employment targets
A full set of Inuit employment plans with targets and timelines for expanded Inuit employment were supposed to have been completed for each federal and territorial department by 1996. The Nunavut Inuit Labor Force Analysis (NILFA) report issued on Aug. 27, 2018 offers details on relevant issues and background A recent report by Nunavut Tunngavit...
October 8, 2016
Qikiqtani Truth Commission
The intergenerational trauma associated with the slaughter of sled dogs and the forced movement of Inuit from seasonal camps to permanent settlements still lingers in communities across Nunavut’s Baffin region. But the Inuit who endured long periods of poverty and separation from family members say they are ready to forgive. Nearly three years ago, the...
April 1, 2014
Qikiqtani Truth Commission
April, 2014 – Failure to implement recommendations or provide progress reports on implementation of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission. The Commission was charged to begin a broader truth and reconciliation process to promote healing for those who suffered historic wrongs, and heal relations between Inuit and governments by providing an opportunity for acknowledgement and forgiveness. Qikiqtani...