Government Commitments:
Exploring Stakeholder: "Government of Alberta"
Updates on this page: 60
August 6, 2024
Protecting communities from drought and floods
NationTalk: Drought and floods can damage homes and businesses, disrupt critical infrastructure and, in extreme scenarios, pose a serious threat to public safety. In recent years, the impacts of drought and flooding have been felt across Alberta. To help communities, Alberta’s government is investing more than $30 million through the Drought and Flood Protection Program...
July 11, 2024
Environment Ministers Discuss Priorities for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience and Explore Carbon Management
NationTalk: Federal, provincial, and territorial environment ministers discussed climate change adaptation and resilience, and carbon management at the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) held yesterday. “Newfoundland and Labrador was pleased to host the 2024 meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and discuss ways we...
July 11, 2024
Boreal Conservation in Alberta Moves Forward Through Relationships and Reconciliation
NationTalk: SWAN RIVER, AB – Swan River First Nation (SRFN) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) are pleased to announce the signing of a Relationship and Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing boreal forest conservation initiatives within Treaty 8 Territory. This MOU represents a significant step towards fostering a mutually respectful and collaborative partnership...
May 29, 2024
Alberta stronger than ever: Premier Smith
NationTalk: “It was one year ago today that voters in Alberta elected our government to a second consecutive mandate. First and foremost, I want to say that being able to serve Albertans as their Premier remains the honour of a lifetime. I cannot overstate how proud I am of this beautiful province and the people...
May 10, 2024
Building affordable homes and stronger communities
NationTalk: Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring low-income and vulnerable Albertans have access to safe, secure and affordable homes. To address the diverse needs of Alberta’s communities, the government is investing in building more affordable and supportive homes across the province. Through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, housing providers will receive funding to create more...
May 6, 2024
Appeals dismissed for father, son convicted in killings of Métis hunters
Lawyers for father and son argued that the jury was not properly instructed CBC News: The Court of Appeal of Alberta has upheld convictions against a father and son found guilty in the shooting deaths of Métis hunters Jacob Sansom and Maurice Cardinal. In separate decisions Monday, appeal panels rejected the applications of Anthony Bilodeau and his...
April 9, 2024
Metis organization first recipient of Edmonton Indigenous-led affordable housing grant
April 9, 2024 NationTalk: Journal of Commerce, DCN-JOC News Services, EDMONTON – A Metis organization will be the first organization to receive an Indigenous-led affordable housing grant for a seniors housing development in northeast Edmonton. Metis Capital Housing Corporation will receive $2.29 million for a seniors’ lodge in Edmonton’s Montrose neighbourhood featuring 36 affordable suites,...
March 11, 2024
Supporting Liability Management on Indigenous Land
NationTalk: Since the beginning of the Site Rehabilitation Program in May 2020, Alberta’s government has been working with Indigenous communities, Indigenous businesses, the Indian Resource Council and the Metis Settlements General Council to perform well, pipeline, and oil and gas site closure and reclamation work. As part of the Site Rehabilitation Program, the Government of...
January 18, 2024
Empowering and supporting communities
NationTalk: Alberta’s government has launched two new grant programs to support community-driven diversity, inclusivity and anti-racism initiatives. In December 2023, the government separated the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grant program into two new programs, an Ethnocultural Grant program and an Anti-Racism Grant program. The separation follows advice from the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council and will better...
January 12, 2024
Helping housing providers fight inflation
NationTalk: Alberta’s government is providing housing providers with a one-time $10-million increase in operating funding to help them continue to house low-income Albertans during high inflation. As Alberta’s housing providers face higher expenses due to inflation, the government is taking immediate action to support them and help keep units open. The additional funding to 87...
November 29, 2023
County developing Indigenous Relations Strategy
Corrected from an earlier version. NationTalk: Everything Grande Prairie – The County of Grande Prairie is developing an Indigenous Relations Strategy. County council has directed administration to meet with neighbouring municipalities on this idea. The strategy would determine current and future interactions with Indigenous communities, evaluate the need for an Indigenous Relations Coordinator, and review...
November 22, 2023
Renovating and repairing affordable housing units
NationTalk: Alberta’s government is investing $16 million to upgrade 400 affordable housing units so more Albertans have access to safe homes. The province is committed to ensuring Albertans have access to the housing they need. Budget 2023 included $94 million over three years for capital maintenance and renewal funding and this investment is in addition...
November 20, 2023
Second meeting between leaders of national Indigenous organizations and federal, provincial and territorial ministers of Indigenous Affairs concludes in Ottawa
First Peoples Law Report: OTTAWA, UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, ON – On November 15th and 16th, 2023, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister of Indigenous Affairs for New Brunswick, together, in Ottawa, convened the second meeting between leaders of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Métis...
November 14, 2023
Celebrate Métis culture and history: Minister Wilson
Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson issued the following statement to recognize Métis Week, Nov. 12-18: NationTalk: “Métis Week is a time to celebrate and learn about the distinct history, culture, traditions and contributions of Métis people in Alberta. The proud legacy of the Métis is an important thread in our province’s history. Long before...
November 2, 2023
Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation’s loan guarantee capacity to increase to $3 billion
NationTalk: CALGARY, AB – Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC) is thrilled to announce a significant increase in its loan guarantee capacity. The Government of Alberta has provided an immediate increase in the fiscal capacity of AIOC to provide loan guarantees for Indigenous communities from $1 billion to $2 billion and will further increase that amount...
September 22, 2023
New housing for Blackfoot families
NationTalk: Alberta’s government is proud to celebrate the completion of new affordable housing in Lethbridge in partnership with the Blackfoot Family Lodge Society. To give women and their children a fresh start and safe place to live, the Blackfoot Family Lodge Society’s Soaring Hearts project will provide 14 units for Blackfoot women and their children...
September 1, 2023
Creating more shelter space in Edmonton
Alberta’s government is accepting applications from operators able to offer additional shelter spaces. NationTalk: As the winter season approaches, the government is taking action to increase shelter spaces. Service providers and homeless-serving agencies interested in opening and operating up to 200 additional 24-7 emergency shelter spaces outside of Edmonton’s downtown core can submit applications now....
August 23, 2023
Recognizing Treaty 6: Minister Wilson
NationTalk: Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson issued the following statement to commemorate the signing of Treaty 6: “Today marks 147 years since the signing of Treaty 6 in Fort Carlton, Sask. Almost one year later, on Aug. 21, 1877, First Nations chiefs gathered at a site in amiskwaciwâskahikan, what is now commonly known as...
July 31, 2023
Mandate letter directs more cross-ministry collaboration for Indigenous Relations minister
Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson Windspeaker.com: Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson will be getting help from a newly appointed parliamentary secretary to meet the tasks on his agenda, including climate and health items, as outlined in his most recent mandate letter from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. “That’s going to help me out a lot to...
July 25, 2023
New Indigenous women’s housing program works to fill ‘gigantic need’ in Edmonton
Affordable rent and long list of services aim to prevent homelessness A new housing initiative in Edmonton is working to address homelessness among Indigenous women even as the need for housing threatens to overwhelm service providers. Iskwewak Iskotew Nihkotawan (Women’s Fire Lodge) will house 20 Indigenous women at risk of homelessness for stays up to 18...
July 11, 2023
Premiers meeting in Winnipeg starts with discussion with Indigenous leaders
Heather Stefanson, Chair, Council of the Federation, and Premier of Manitoba talks with David Chartrand, Manitoba Metis Federation president, at the Canadian premiers and National Indigenous Organizations meeting in Winnipeg, Monday, July 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods NationTalk: Canada’s premiers kicked off their annual three-day conference Monday by meeting with Indigenous leaders on issues...
July 5, 2023
Métis settlements eligible for relief under Alberta’s new Disaster Recovery Program
WindSpeaker.com: Métis settlements have complex needs following the recent wildfires in Alberta, and the provincial government is “just trying to figure out how we can meet their needs and the complexities,” said Deputy Premier and Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis July 4. Ellis joined with Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver to announce a $175 million...
June 13, 2023
National Indigenous History Month: Minister Wilson
NationTalk: Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson issued the following statement on National Indigenous History Month: “National Indigenous History Month is an important time of year to learn about the historic contributions and achievements of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta. The Alberta government continues to recognize their strength and resilience. “Indigenous Peoples in Alberta have historically...
June 1, 2023
Métis leaders want introduction, passage of self government legislation this spring
APTN News: Canadian Press – Metis leaders urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government on Thursday to speed up its plans to introduce and pass self-government legislation before Parliament breaks for summer. The leaders met in Ottawa as part of a summit between the Metis National Council and several government ministers. The council is comprised of...
May 23, 2023
Political party platforms show various degrees of commitment to Indigenous peoples in Alberta
WindSpeaker: The race to form Alberta’s next provincial government is contentious and neck-and-neck between the incumbent United Conservative Party (UCP) and the New Democratic Party (NDP). As the days to next Monday’s election count down, there is one thing the two party leaders agree on— the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC). During the May 18...
May 17, 2023
Northern Development Ministers’ Forum Focuses on Economic Reconciliation through Action
NationTalk: CHURCHILL, MAN.—Ministers representing Canada’s northern jurisdictions gathered this week in Churchill, Man. for the 2023 Northern Development Ministers’ Forum (NDMF). Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt hosted this year’s forum, which focused on learning from successful examples of economic reconciliation through action across the country. “Manitoba was honoured to welcome our...
April 27, 2023
Canada supports rapid housing projects for First Nations in Northwest Alberta
NationTalk: Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, alongside the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance announced an investment of $25.3 million through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) under the National Housing Strategy to support affordable homes in Northwest Alberta. These projects are providing safe and...
April 11, 2023
Taking the lead on new nation-building projects
NationTalk: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have signed an agreement to collaborate on joint economic corridor projects to boost trade and economic growth. The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will foster the development of new economic corridors across the three provinces. This groundbreaking partnership aims to bolster...
February 23, 2023
New homes for First Nations and Metis communities in Alberta
NationTalk: Edmonton, Alberta – Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, Jeremy Nixon, Provincial Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, and Rick Wilson, Provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations announced a...
November 13, 2022
Working with Indigenous leaders to improve public safety
Reconciliation is a priority for Alberta’s government. The advisory committee was created after listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta. As partners in reconciliation, Alberta’s government will continue having these conversations to find the best ways forward to a better future. The new committee will play a central role in providing advice and...
October 3, 2022
Home ownership key to Indigenous housing project
NationTalk: The governments of Alberta and Canada will help fund a new Indigenous affordable housing project that offers tenants the option of owning their homes. The Paul First Nation project involves the construction of 24 new affordable rental and rent-to-own units in Edmonton for Paul Band members. The Government of Alberta funding is provided through...
September 28, 2022
Alberta provincial court releases Indigenous Justice Strategy
The Indigenous Justice Strategy aims to ensure Alberta judges and staff have a clear understanding of Indigenous history, heritage and laws, as well as establishing Indigenous cultural practices in court. But as Morgan Black explains, some critics say it’s a band-aid solution to a systemic issue. Global News (Canadian Press): Alberta’s provincial court has announced...
August 23, 2022
Monument unveiled as commemoration of the past and hope for the future: Treaty 6
“I hope that this unveiling would be significant to the education for people from Alberta and Canada to talk about the treaties and how reconciliation can be done.” — Grand Chief George Arcand, Jr WindSpeaker: A monument unveiled at the Alberta legislature Sunday, Aug. 21, sits almost directly on the spot where the adhesion to...
July 18, 2022
Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations signs relationship agreement with Alberta
NationTalk: Alberta’s government has signed an agreement with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations to strengthen their relationship through partnership and a shared path forward. Premier Jason Kenney and Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson attended the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Annual General Meeting on July 19 at the River Cree Resort...
June 10, 2022
Alberta Government increasing access to suicide prevention supports
NationTalk: Alberta’s government is helping community organizations expand and develop new mental health and suicide prevention supports for youth. The Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program is providing $3 million over the next two years to 13 youth-focused community programs. These organizations will use the grants to provide mental health support and services to priority youth...
May 3, 2021
Indigenous Human Rights Strategy
The Alberta Human Rights Commission is seeking feedback on its new draft Indigenous Human Rights Strategy. The research shows that Indigenous people face disproportionate rates of racism, discrimination, and hate in their day-to-day lives, and they continue to experience disadvantages and injustices as a result of the lasting effects of Canada’s colonial legacy. Despite this,...
February 17, 2021
Métis Draft Constitution
MNA – The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) is consulting with its citizens on a draft Constitution that will modernize its approach to self-government. Following the signing of the historic Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement (MGRSA) in June 2019 with the Government of Canada, MNA embarked on a process leading to formal federal recognition...
March 9, 2020
Otipemisiwak, A Nat’l Conference on Métis Self-Government
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S), and the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) are coming together to host the first ever National Conference dedicated to conversations about Metis Self-Government in Canada. This two-day gathering will discuss the next steps on advancing Métis rights and self-government....
March 3, 2020
Otipemisiwak: A National Conference on Métis Self-Government
Métis governments from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are gathering next week in Ottawa on March 9 and 10 for a first-of-its-kind conference on Métis self-government. The conference builds on the historic signings of the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSAs) in June 2019. The MGRSAs are the first agreements in Canada to recognize the...
March 3, 2020
Conference on Métis Self-Government
Métis governments from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are gathering next week in Ottawa on March 9 and 10 for a first-of-its-kind conference on Métis self-government. The conference builds on the historic signings of the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSAs) in June 2019. The MGRSAs are the first agreements in Canada to recognize the...
March 3, 2020
Otipemisiwak: A National Conference on Métis Self-Government
Métis governments from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are gathering next week in Ottawa on March 9 and 10 for a first-of-its-kind conference on Métis self-government. The conference builds on the historic signings of the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSAs) in June 2019. The MGRSAs are the first agreements in Canada to recognize the...
January 14, 2020
Métis Governments of Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan Tri-Council Meetings
The Métis Governments of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan – held a historic Tri-council meeting this week in Edmonton, Alberta from January 14 to 16, 2020. This meeting marks the first time their elected representatives have assembled together since signing Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSA) with Canada in June 2019. the primary focus was on...
November 19, 2019
Dedicated Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
The government appointed a full-time Minister of Aboriginal Affairs because “rebuilding this relationship deserves a full- time minister”...
October 10, 2019
Roundtable with Indigenous leaders
The Northwest Territories’ incoming government will hold a day-long round-table meeting with leaders of more than a dozen Indigenous groups on Oct. 17, 2019. “This meeting will provide a forum for leaders to share their perspectives and voice their concerns and interests about the many issues and opportunities the Northwest Territories is faced with today,”...
June 27, 2019
Self-Government Agreement
This agreement affirms the Métis right of self-government and recognize the mandates of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (and Métis Nation of BC and Métis Nation of Alberta). The agreement also set out next steps to formally recognize the Métis governments as Indigenous governments in Canadian law. While the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan already has...
June 27, 2019
Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements
This agreement affirms the Métis right of self-government and recognize the mandates of the Métis Nation of Alberta (and Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis Nation of Saskatchewan). The agreement also set out next steps to formally recognize the Métis governments as Indigenous governments in Canadian law. While the Métis Nations already has well-established province-wide...
June 27, 2019
Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement
This agreement affirms the Métis right of self-government and recognize the mandates of the Métis Nation of Ontario (also Metis Nations of Alberta and Saskatchewan). The agreement also set out next steps to formally recognize the Métis governments as Indigenous governments in Canadian law. While the Métis Nation of Ontario already has well-established province-wide governance...
June 27, 2019
Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements
These agreements affirm the Métis right of self-government and recognize the mandates of the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. The agreements also set out next steps to formally recognize Métis governments as Indigenous governments in Canadian law. While the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of...
May 28, 2019
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
Indigenous land acknowledgements — once symbolic openings of most government events under the NDP — are now a matter of “personal preference” at UCP official events according to Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson. Land acknowledgments are statements recognizing the historic and ongoing presence and connection of different First Nations and Métis to the land....
May 28, 2018
Sixties Scoop Apology
Premier Rachel Notley, officially apologizes on behalf of the Alberta Government to survivors of the Sixties Scoop. From the 1950s to the late 1980s, about 20,000 Indigenous children were seized from their birth families and relocated to non-Indigenous homes, stripping the children of their language, traditions and family ties....
December 17, 2017
Métis Settlement General Council MOU
Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Darren Calliou, Vice President of the Metis Settlements General Council, signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing the parties to renew and strengthen the government-to-government relationship and advance lasting reconciliation with the eight Metis Settlements of Alberta who will now work to develop...
November 16, 2017
Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation
The Government of Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta signed the Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation that enables Canada and Métis Nation of Alberta to begin formal negotiations towards shared and balanced solutions to advance reconciliation and enhance the well-being of Métis Nation of Alberta citizens. The Framework Agreement sets out shared objectives and...
November 10, 2017
27th Anniversary of land and self-governance legislation
Alberta government celebrates 27th anniversary of the passing of legislation resulting in land and self- governance for those living on Metis Settlements: On Nov. 1, 1990, a legislative package was proclaimed and included the Constitution of Alberta Amendment Act, Metis Settlements Land Protection Act, Metis Settlements Act, and Metis Settlements Accord Implementation Act. Together these...
May 26, 2017
Indigenous Leaders Roundtable
First Indigenous leader’s roundtable to discuss common interests and update progress on TRC Calls to Action...
February 1, 2017
The Métis Nation of Alberta – Government of Alberta Framework Agreement
The Métis Nation of Alberta – Government of Alberta Framework Agreement formally recognizes a shared commitment to work co-operatively to: address the needs and aspirations of the MNA and its members preserve Métis identity and cultural heritage in Alberta build upon and enhance the Alberta-MNA relationship through Nation-to-Nation dialogue promote reconciliation Priority Actions in the...
January 31, 2017
MOU to Advance Reconciliation
The Métis Nation of Alberta (“MNA”) has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Reconciliation (“MOU”) with the Government of Canada with the goal of arriving at a mutually agreeable framework agreement by September 2017 that would establish a formal negotiations process based on mutually agreeable subject matters, including Métis self-government, lands, rights and outstanding...
June 22, 2015
Response to TRC Summary Report
As a first step in reconciliation, Alberta apologized on behalf of past governments for not taking a stand to stop children from being taken from their homes and placed in federal residential schools. As a second step of reconciliation, Alberta joined the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women. The Commission...
June 22, 2015
Response to TRC Summary Report
As a first step in reconciliation, Alberta apologized on behalf of past governments for not taking a stand to stop children from being taken from their homes and placed in federal residential schools. As a second step of reconciliation, Alberta joined the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women. The Commission...
March 27, 2014
Expression of Reconciliation
Expression of Reconciliation for the Legacy of the Residential School System. Focus is on Education. Commits that all Alberta students will learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, along with the history of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples of Canada through a revised K-12 curriculum. Creating a new Assistant Deputy Minister of...
March 27, 2014
Expression of Reconciliation
Expression of Reconciliation for the Legacy of the Residential School System Focus is on Education. Commits that all Alberta students will learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, along with the history of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples of Canada through a revised K-12 curriculum. Creating a new Assistant Deputy Minister of...