Top Stories
Murray Sinclair, former senator who led Truth and Reconciliation Commission, dead at 73: Murray Sinclair, the Anishinaabe senator and renowned Manitoba lawyer who led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has died at age 73. Sinclair died at a Winnipeg hospital early Monday morning “peacefully and surrounded by love,” his family said in a statement.
Additional reading: How Murray Sinclair Changed Canada (podcast)
Raymond J. de Souza: The mixed legacy of Murray Sinclair
Murray Sinclair, as remembered by his friend Tanya Talaga (podcast)
Discussing the life and legacy of Murray Sinclair (video)
Alberta to open Crown land for all-season resort development in bid to boost tourism: In a bid to attract more all-season resorts to the province, the Alberta government is preparing legislation that would open up Crown land to resort developers, opening the door to possible future development in places like Kananaskis Country.
Additional reading: Some are leery about what Alberta’s ‘All-Season Resort Act’ means for wilderness
UN expert urges ‘profound changes’ in Canada to uphold First Nations’ water rights: Special rapporteur Pedro Arrojo-Agudo is urging “profound changes” in Canada to ensure Indigenous peoples’ right to safe drinking water is upheld, particularly in the way the federal government provides infrastructure and funding to First Nations.
‘Highly suspicious’: Conservatives, NDP demand Liberal minister explain ‘Indigenous’ claims: Conservatives and New Democrats say federal Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault must answer questions about why a company that belonged to him said it was Indigenous-owned while bidding on federal contracts.
PM Trudeau revives Canada-U.S. relations cabinet committee after Trump win: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reviving a special cabinet committee dedicated to Canada-U.S. relations, following Republican Donald Trump’s re-election. The committee will focus on “critical Canada-U.S. issues,” according to a Thursday statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Additional reading: What a second Donald Trump presidency could mean for Indigenous peoples
Kinew touts Manitoba’s strengths as bulwark against possible Trump trade disruptions
B.C.’s new cabinet to be sworn in Nov. 18 after judicial recounts: British Columbia’s new cabinet is set to be sworn in on Nov. 18, one month after the provincial election that gave Premier David Eby’s NDP the slimmest of majorities, pending recounts. Eby is conducting interviews this week with every member of the NDP caucus ahead of the cabinet swearing in.
Claims, Settlement and Litigation
Sask. First Nation strikes $155M ‘cows and plows’ settlement: The Ministry of Crown-Indigenous Relations announced the settlement on Thursday, intended to address Canada’s failure to provide agricultural items promised under Treaty 6 — so-called “cows and plows” provisions. After what the ministry describes as an “expedited” claims process, the Government of Canada has agreed to pay Thunderchild First Nation $155.4 million in compensation for failing to fulfill its end of the deal. Thunderchild first filed the claim in June 2020.
Judge agrees $510M legal bill for Robinson Huron Treaty case should be reviewed: A judge has ruled that a $510 million legal bill in the landmark $10 billion Robinson Huron Treaty settlement should be reviewed. Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Garden River First Nation Nations went to court in July seeking to have the legal bill significantly reduced. In her decision, the judge said a major concern was that the Litigation Management Committee (LMC) didn’t obtain independent legal advice on whether the fee was fair.
SON Request For Appeal Denied By Supreme Court of Canada: Saugeen Ojibway Nation has released a statement after the Supreme Court of Canada denied its request to appeal part of two lower court decisions dealing with Treaty 72. SON’s case that the Crown broke its promise went to court in 2019 and in 2021, the Ontario Superior Court released a decision finding the Crown did break its promise when it failed to protect the peninsula and that an agent of the Crown, T.G. Anderson breached the Crown’s honour when he told SON the Crown wouldn’t keep its promises and would take the land without SON’s consent. The judge also found the Crown did not have fiduciary duty to keep its promise. In 2023, the Court of Appeal for Ontario agreed with the previous judgement.
Manitoba First Nation files lawsuit claiming The Forks is ‘unceded territory’: Dakota Tipi First Nation filed a lawsuit Friday in the Court of King’s Bench, listing the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, the Attorney General of Canada, and the North Portage Development Corporation, which oversees the Forks- as defendants. The claim alleges the Dakota Tipi Nation are the original inhabitants of the land and should be included in any future development.
Canada and Haida Nation mark royal assent of legislation recognizing the Haida Nation’s inherent rights of governance and self-determination: With the passing of today’s bill, the Council of the Haida Nation is recognized under federal law as the government of the Haida Nation. Recognition of the Haida Nation’s right to govern themselves and make decisions according to their own governance advances reconciliation and sets a foundation for a stronger Nation-to-Nation relationship.
Environment, Energy and Economic Development
Greens support Aamjiwnaang First Nation’s calls for action on environmental racism in Chemical Valley: Ontario Greens Deputy Leader Aislinn Clancy released the following statement: “For far too long, Liberal and Conservative governments have allowed manufacturers in Chemical Valley to pump out toxic air contaminants that pose serious health risks to the surrounding communities, including Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
Quebec First Nation says government, Hydro-Québec left it out of wind projects:
The Huron-Wendat Nation filed a legal complaint claiming that Quebec and Hydro-Québec ignored their duty to consult them on four wind power projects, despite historical ties to the land in question. A territorial dispute emerged as the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, a project partner, asserted that the lands are within their own ancestral territory. Hydro-Québec is pushing for increased Indigenous partnerships in its wind energy expansion plans, though the Huron-Wendat argue they were unfairly excluded.
Norway House Cree Nation acquires Minago nickel project: The Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN) has secured full ownership of the Minago nickel project in Manitoba through an $8 million cash transaction with Flying Nickel Mining Corp. Flying Nickel announced the closing of the sale on Oct. 30.
Highway 413 work could start before Indigenous consultations end, prompting concerns: A provincial bill being fast-tracked through Ontario’s legislature is drawing concern from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, because it would allow work to begin on Highway 413 before an Indigenous consultation is completed.
B.C. Interior first nation wants to halt mining project, raises concerns: Xatśūll First Nation near Williams Lake is calling for a halt to the mine permitting process for the Cariboo Gold Project until concerns over the project are addressed. The nation announced on Thursday, Nov. 7 they would not provide their consent to Osisko Development’s Cariboo Gold Project until economic, environmental, cultural and health concerns related to the project are addressed.
Site C dam reservoir now fully filled, generating power but flooding land loved by locals: After 11 weeks, the Site C dam reservoir in northeastern B.C. is now fully filled. The utility says it has conducted over a thousand inspections for safety checks and will continue to monitor environmental impacts over the lifetime of the dam, in partnership with Treaty 8 First Nations who live in the area.
Amendments to the Forest Resource Act and technical amendments to the Environment Act passed in the Legislative Assembly: Bill No. 39, streamlines and modernizes Yukon forest resource licensing, permitting and enforcement. These amendments are the result of a review of the Act to make the legislation more effective, provide greater clarity for all parties and continue to allow for responsible use of the Yukon’s forest resources. They reflect the shared values of Yukoners, Yukon First Nations and transboundary Indigenous governments as well as groups advocating for the sustainable management and stewardship of our forests.
Government of Canada supports First Nations and Indigenous entrepreneurs across Northeastern Ontario with $1.5M investment: Provided through FedNor’s Community Futures Program (CFP), the funding will support Waubetek’s ongoing operations for a five-year period beginning September 1, 2024. The funding will help this not-for-profit organization provide business counselling and investment services to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as leadership in community strategic planning and socio-economic development.
Partnership formed for mineral exploration in north Saskatchewan: A partnership was formed between Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. and the Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resource Office, which recently signed a mineral exploration agreement in northern Saskatchewan. The agreement will support exploration in Nuhenéné, the traditional territory of the Athabasca First Nations in Treaty 8 and Treaty 10 Territories.
‘I’m pissed’: Alberta premier, oil and gas industry slam Ottawa’s new emissions cap: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith did not mince words over Ottawa’s new greenhouse gas emissions cap announced announced Monday. “I’m pissed — I’m absolutely angry,” Smith said at a news conference. The Alberta premier said the cap violates Canada’s constitution, explaining Section 92A gives provinces exclusive jurisdiction over non-renewable natural resource development, “yet this cap will require a one million barrel a day production cut by 2030.”
Manitoba Government Releases Strategy to Secure Province’s Mineral Future: The Manitoba government has released its Securing Our Critical Mineral Future strategy to stand up critical minerals projects faster, while respecting the environment and forming strong Indigenous partnerships, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses and Municipal and Northern Relations and Indigenous Economic Development Minister Ian Bushie announced today.
Additional reading: Securing our Critical Mineral Future
Geoff Russ: Environmental NGOs love using First Nation land issues for profit: Environmentalists seem to only back First Nations if they are blocking resource-related development, and this is a longstanding trend. Blockades are just the latest in a string of disputes between Indigenous people that environmental NGOs will hijack for their own ends.
Additional reading: Incoming British Columbia government must stop criminalization of Indigenous land defenders
Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council and BluEarth Renewables reach financial close on quA-ymn Solar with Canada Infrastructure Bank: The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council (NNTC) and BluEarth Renewables (BluEarth) have achieved financial close on a $35 million loan towards quA-ymn Solar. The project will be located on reclaimed land in the Highland Valley Copper Mine, southwest of Kamloops, British Columbia.
Programs and Services
New CFS mandate for Waywayseecappo: A First Nation in western Manitoba has received an official provincial mandate under the Child and Family Services Act, and will be working toward building its own service structure in the coming year as a result.
Dene Nation advocates for inclusion in child welfare settlement: The Dene Nation says it is advocating for “fair and equitable inclusion” in a historic child welfare settlement with the Canadian government. According to a Thursday press release, a large delegation of Dene leaders attended a three-day special meeting hosted by the Assembly of First Nations in Calgary last month with that goal in mind.
Additional reading: Caring Society says AFN put leadership in a ‘bizarre situation’ with child welfare agreement
Roseau River First Nation Bans Drug Dealers and Boards Up Drug Houses: Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba has taken significant action to protect its community. Located about 85 kilometers south of Winnipeg, the First Nation’s leadership signed a Band Council Resolution (BCR) on September 23, authorizing the banishment of three alleged drug dealers from the community.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Extends Support to Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Data Table: In a landmark announcement, Ontario Premier Doug Ford endorsed the First Nations Data Table (FNDT) initiated by the Chiefs of Ontario (COO). The FNDT brings together First Nations Leadership and Ontario government officials to address First Nations data sovereignty. It will be a forum for mutual learning and discussion on issues pertaining to First Nations data and its use in provincial initiatives, strategies and systems. The work of the FNDT will support a shared understanding of data sovereignty and establish pathways towards future action.
Alberta Indigenous youth call for meaningful action on reconciliation in new report: Dozens of Indigenous youth surveyed in a new national report say they don’t believe Alberta is committed to reconciliation, but they do envision a bright future for themselves and their communities.
Additional reading: Indigenous youth reconciliation barometer 2024
Culture and Events
Indigenous Leadership Takes Center Stage at CCMEC 2024: The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) was proud to participate in the Central Canada Mineral Exploration Convention 2024 (CCMEC) earlier this week, where record attendance of 800 delegates highlighted Manitoba’s growing prominence in the global mining sector.
Federal government to apologize for Nunavik dog slaughter: The federal government will apologize to Inuit in Nunavik for the killing of sled dogs between the mid-1950s until the late ’60s. The actual date of the apology is still being finalized but could come as early as the end of the month.
B.C. marks National Indigenous Veterans Day: Veterans and community members gathered across British Columbia Friday to mark Indigenous Veterans Day, which honours the sacrifices made by Indigenous people serving in Canada’s Armed Forces.
Ontario Recognizes Treaties Recognition Week 2024: “This week is Treaties Recognition Week, an annual opportunity to learn about the more than 40 Treaties and agreements that define the rights, responsibilities and relationships between First Nations and the federal and provincial governments.
Metis week begins with Louis Riel Commemorative Walk: November 10 marks the start of Metis Week 2024, beginning with the annual Louis Riel Commemorative Walk, honoring the legacy of Metis Leader Louis Riel. With celebrations, cultural events, and gatherings that are set across Manitoba.
Additional Updates
COP29 primer: Canada’s priorities at the global climate talks, and the Trump impact: Observers expect the negotiations in Azerbaijan over the next two weeks to be contentious. Countries are set to map out new goals on climate finance and work toward new national climate plans.
Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee Leaders Meet the Shared Priorities Towards a More Prosperous Inuit Nunangat: During Friday’s meeting, ICPC leaders discussed progress on a range of priority areas, including co-development of a federal policy on Inuit K-12 Education, which would support the commitments outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan. Federal Ministers also reiterated their support to work with Inuit leadership towards the creation of an Inuit Nunangat University.
Ottawa to reinstate Arctic ambassador as it faces challenges from U.S., Russia and China in region: Ottawa is finalizing its long-awaited Arctic foreign policy with Inuit leaders for release before the end of the year, as Canada braces for a second Trump presidency and increasing threats to its sovereignty from China and Russia. Inuit leaders and federal ministers met in Ottawa Friday to go over the details of the policy, which are expected to include the reinstatement of an Arctic ambassador.
FSIN candidate Aly Bear says she was victim of smear tactic during campaign: Aly Bear, the former vice-chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations who was running for the top spot in the organization a week ago, says she was the target of a smear campaign on election day. Bobby Cameron was elected to his fourth term as chief of FSIN – beating out Bear on the first ballot on Nov. 1. He denounced the attack on Bear in his victory speech.
Poilievre’s Idea of Reconciliation Is a Mess: Poilievre is ascendant at a moment when federal promises to respect Indigenous sovereignty and engage in “nation-to-nation” relationships have been drowned out by a full-throated endorsement of “economic reconciliation” by parties across the political spectrum. Poilievre has championed oil and gas projects: “Remove the gatekeepers in Ottawa so First Nations can unlock more opportunity and paycheques for their people,” he posted on social media.
Alberta premier wins leadership review with 91.5% approval: “I’m truly humbled and honoured by the overwhelming support of our party members in your vote of confidence in my leadership,” Smith told the cheering crowd after the result was announced. “Our conservative movement is stronger than it’s ever been. Our party is more united than it has ever been.”
