Top Stories
Today, the Independent Special Interlocutor Released her Final Report and the Indigenous-led Reparations Framework for Missing and Disappeared Children and Unmarked Burials: The Independent Special Interlocutor, Kimberly R. Murray, officially presented her Final Report and the Indigenous-led Reparations Framework for Missing and Disappeared Children and Unmarked Burials associated with Indian Residential Schools to Survivors and the federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, at the 7th National Gathering on Unmarked Burials. This report results from two years of intensive engagement with Survivors and Indigenous communities across the country. It marks a crucial step in pursuing justice for the affected families. The official document identifies the legal, moral, and ethical obligations that Canada must fulfill to address the legislative and structural gaps that exist in identifying, protecting, and commemorating missing and disappeared children and their burials.
Additional Reading: Final Report Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor
for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak Welcomes Release of the Final Report and the Indigenous-led Reparations Framework for Missing and Disappeared Children and Unmarked Burials
Plans starting to renegotiate on reserve child welfare agreement: The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society says it’s preparing resolutions for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) meeting in December as part of its work to reform on-reserve child welfare. This comes after First Nations chiefs on Oct. 17 voted down a proposed $47.8 billion Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) from Canada to reform the system. There were too many questions from chiefs and the Caring Society, which filed the original discrimination complaint against Canada at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in 2007, for the FSA to pass.
The counting still isn’t done in B.C.’s election. Here’s what happens next: David Eby will be premier, but the results of B.C.’s provincial election still aren’t completely finalized. A pair of judicial recounts next week will determine whether the B.C. NDP forms a majority or minority government. Forty-seven seats are needed in order to form a majority and right now the NDP is elected in 46, and leading in one. That riding is Surrey-Guildford which, as of Monday, saw the NDP’s Gary Begg ahead of Honveer Singh Randhawa of the Conservative Party of B.C. by just 27 votes. A judicial recount will also be held in Kelowna Centre, where the Conservative candidate leads the NDP by 38 votes, but for which the CBC decision desk has already projected the Conservatives will win. Overseen by a B.C. Supreme Court judge, the recounts must take place within 15 days of the declaration of the official election results, which happened on Oct. 28. On Wednesday, court orders set the judicial recounts for both ridings to take place Nov. 7-8.
Additional reading: Bridging ‘concerning’ urban-rural divide top priority as Eby retakes reins in B.C
FNS Congratulates David Eby and the BC NDP: Indigenous issues must continue to be at the forefront
First Nations leaders condemn racist comments by BC Conservative Party candidate
BC Assembly of First Nation looks forward to new relationship with government | CKPGToday.ca
Sask. Party to form fifth consecutive majority government, CTV News declares: The Saskatchewan Party has maintained its hold onto power – battling its way to a fifth consecutive majority government. CTV News has confirmed that Sask. Party candidates have been elected in 33 constituencies by press time, meaning the incumbents have won the 2024 provincial election.
‘Time to clear the air’: Some Liberal MPs want secret ballot vote on Trudeau’s leadership: Former cabinet minister and long-time Liberal MP Helena Jaczek is joining the growing number of caucus members calling for a secret ballot vote to decide whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should step down as leader of the party. Pressure has been mounting for weeks for Trudeau to step down as party leader, culminating in a longer-than-usual caucus meeting last Wednesday, during which many MPs gave the prime minister a deadline — Oct 29 — to reflect on his political future.
Additional reading: Bloc leader to push for early election after government doesn’t pass pension hike bill
‘Not going to play their games’: Singh won’t help Tories, Bloc topple the Liberals
Election 2024 live updates: Trump and Harris hold final campaign rallies before Election Day: Both candidates are holding rallies in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.
Claims, Settlements and Litigation
‘Long time coming’: 5 Manitoulin chiefs welcome apology and settlement from Canada: The United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising (UCCM) have signed an historic settlement with the government of Canada in what they say is a key step toward healing and reconciliation. The settlement includes an apology and $447.9 million to be shared among Aundeck Omni Kaning, M’Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning and Zhiibaahaasing First Nations and their members. The negotiated resolution stems from the Crown’s mismanagement of money from the sale of First Nations land on Manitoulin Island in the late 1800s.
Additional reading: Public confusion still reigns over settlement funds source
Cape Breton Mi’kmaw community to receive $125M in land settlement | CBC News: We’koqma’q First Nation residents will soon receive cheques following a $125-million land settlement reached with the federal government earlier this year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the settlement during a visit to Cape Breton in June, ending over four decades of negotiations to resolve a dispute that began in 1862. The land in question, totalling approximately 161 hectares, was absorbed by the nearby village of Whycocomagh following what We’koqma’q officials describe as an “improper sale.”
B.C. First Nation launches court challenge over LNG plant effect on salmon | Canada’s National Observer: Climate News: A First Nation in northern British Columbia has launched a judicial review against the Ksi Lisims LNG project, citing threats to the salmon populations that Gitanyow citizens rely upon. The court challenge rests on the potential environmental threats to salmon, which migrate thousands of kilometres through Gitanyow territory during spawning season. There are also concerns over climate impacts, which Gitanyow leadership feels are not being addressed by the provincial government.
Environment, Energy & Economic Development
A $16B plan to bury oilsands carbon pollution — and the rural Albertans raising the alarm: St. Paul, Alberta will soon be part of one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage networks. A $16.5-billion megaproject — much of which could be taxpayer money — is in the works from Pathways Alliance, a group of the six largest oilsands companies. Advocates say carbon capture is a high-tech antidote to the global climate crisis and a solution to reduce heat-trapping emissions created by producing and burning fossil fuels. Critics say it is untested, expensive and not feasible at scale.
Two more northern First Nations celebrate connection to power grid: Having reliable electricity opens up many opportunities for a remote community, said Chief Donny Morris as his First Nation celebrated “energization” by the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission line. With electricity the transmission line “brings opportunities in the future,” the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Innuniwug (KI) chief said, adding that his First Nation will “work together to produce progress moving forward.” KI and neighbouring Wapekeka First Nation, fly-in communities northeast of Sioux Lookout, were connected to the provincial power grid by Wataynikaneyap Power last Dec. 14. A celebration took place Monday in KI.
Province’s approval of Summerland gravel pit mine violates DRIPA, says PIB expert: syilx Okanagan leaders are rejecting a proposed gravel pit mine in their homelands, as one expert says the province is violating its own Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) by moving the project forward. Permits for the aggregate mine slated for the Garnet Valley were approved by the B.C. government in August, after the project was widely opposed by First Nations, local governments and community groups.
EverWind Fuels Awarded $22.5 Million Investment from Government of Canada for Clean Port & Green Fuels Hub: EverWind Fuels (“EverWind”) is pleased to have been awarded $22.5 million through Transport Canada’s Green Shipping Corridor Fund, marking a significant milestone in establishing Atlantic Canada as a premier hub for green hydrogen and ammonia production and transportation. The announcement was made by Parliamentary Secretary Mike Kelloway (MP for Cape Breton-Canso) on behalf of Transport Canada Minister Anita Anand, alongside EverWind Fuels CEO Trent Vichie, Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Beaton-Chisholm and indigenous equity partners Chief Terry Paul of Membertou First Nation, Chief Cory Julian of Paqtnkek First Nation, and Chief Wilbert Marshall of Potlotek First Nation.
Conservationists raise alarm bells over James Bay lowlands: Mushkegowuk Council released a statement Thursday, Oct. 24, urging Ontario to join as a partner on a conservation plan they say is crucial to the global efforts to protect land and water. For their part, the province says their talks with the federal government on conservation efforts are ongoing. The First Nations Mushkegowuk council, which represents the Omushkego Cree peoples of the James Bay Coast, has partnered with Parks Canada and the nonprofit organization, Wildlands League, to create the Mushkegowuk National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA). The area would protect 86,000 square kilometres of federal waters in the Hudson and James Bays, and has the support of Parks Canada for the federal marine portion.
INEOS says Ontario plant at centre of government orders to reduce toxic emissions to shut earlier than planned: A southwestern Ontario chemical plant under government orders to reduce emissions in the wake of health complaints by members of Aamjiwnaang First Nation will be decommissioned earlier than planned. Nearby Aamjiwnaang First Nation continues to be under a state of emergency that began in April after air monitors recorded excessive amounts of benzene earlier this year. Earlier this month, there was a partial evacuation of the First Nation after the company worked to remove benzene from a nearby tank. Both the provincial and federal governments ordered the company to reduce emissions of the chemical, which is a byproduct from nearby oil refineries that’s shipped by pipeline to INEOS and stored in tanks.
Justin Trudeau is paying for solar panels in the cold, dark Arctic (paywall) The Sayisi Dene First Nation seems like a bad spot for a solar farm. It gets about half as many hours of sunshine as a place like Arizona. Any solar panels installed there will produce less than half as much electricity. And yet the Canadian government has committed C$300m ($215m) to pointing panels at grey, sub-Arctic skies, not just in Manitoba, but across the country’s dark north.
Recovery plan for Southern Lakes caribou hailed a ‘success story’ 31 years later | CBC News: It’s been 31 years since six First Nations governments and biologists created the Southern Lakes caribou recovery program and now that the populations are recovering – they’re working on a new plan. Those First Nations, along with the B.C., Yukon and Canadian governments have created a draft Southern Lakes caribou relationship plan. It’s open for public comment until the end of October, and it outlines how governments and communities in the Southern Lakes can continue to foster a reciprocal relationship with caribou.
Programs and Services
AFN national chief and Alberta premier ask feds for more First Nations policing funds: On Oct. 21, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith released a joint statement reaffirming their shared commitment to First Nations policing and calling on the federal government to provide more funding towards it. “We call on the federal government to move forward on their commitment to implement amendments to the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program that would commit sustainable and predictable funding for First Nations-led law enforcement,” the statement reads, noting the need for local police services “that reflect community values, cultures, and needs.”
Minister Valdez announces agreement to deliver health innovations to First Nations communities – Canada.ca: The Federal Minister of Small Business announced that the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) will join the Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network. This partnership will enable FNHA to deliver health care innovations developed by small and medium-sized businesses to over 200 First Nations communities across British Columbia. Through the federal government’s $42 million investment, the CAN Health Network is connecting small businesses delivering medical innovations with hospitals and health care providers, which gives these providers market-ready solutions to address health care challenges.
Alberta Treaty Chiefs slam feds over Clean Water Act as Ottawa denies legal duty to provide safe drinking water – Alberta Native News : Chiefs from Treaty First Nations in Alberta met with the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada to reiterate their concerns with the First Nations Clean Water Act a week after government lawyers argued in court that their client has no legal obligation to provide First Nations with drinkable water. The act, known also as Bill C-61, completed its second reading on June 5, and is in the process of being studied by the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
Strengthening self-governance, Anishinabek-led education: The Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) and the Government of Canada are taking important steps to strengthen education self-governance and support better education outcomes for Anishinabek First Nations students. New funding of more than $20 million per year to support education infrastructure and governance so participating First Nations will be able to make sure their schools are in the best shape to support students.
‘Funding crisis’ for Jordan’s Principle jeopardizes Manitoba First Nations children’s lives: chief: First Nations leaders in Manitoba say Canada has fallen flat in its duty to fund a federal policy meant to ensure First Nations kids can swiftly access essential health-care services and products. Although the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ordered Ottawa to process Jordan’s Principle requests within a 12- to 48-hour time frame in 2017, War Lake First Nation Chief Betsy Kennedy says some communities in the province have been waiting for months.
Sandy Lake First Nation opens new health centre: A new facility means better health care today and “for generations to come,” says Chief Delores Kakegamic. Sandy Lake First Nation, a remote Treaty 5 community of 2,600 northwest of Red Lake, celebrated the opening of a 1,765-square-metre Community Health Centre on Oct. 25. Built with funding support from Indigenous Services Canada, the facility is touted to improve access to health services in the community, and thus reducing health outcome disparities.
First Nations access greater flexibility and increased self-determination through the New Fiscal Relationship Grant: Harold Calla, Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board, and Minister Hajdu of Indigenous Services, announced the expansion of New Fiscal Relationship Grant eligibility to Tribal Councils and First Nations-led service delivery entities, such as health authorities. The New Fiscal Relationship Grant was co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Financial Management Board as an alternative funding mechanism that would provide more funding flexibility and predictability to First Nations, and support self-determination through effective and independent long-term planning based on community needs and priorities. The Grant flows funding to eligible recipients for up to 28 programs, including funding for education, primary health care, income assistance, and governance.
Alberta chiefs seek clarity on Canada’s view of water rights following class action defence: A committee of Alberta chiefs is questioning Canada’s commitment to upholding First Nations’ water rights following the government’s defence in a $1.1-billion national class-action lawsuit. The chiefs say the case only adds to their concerns Canada is trying to absolve itself of treaty rights and legal responsibilities through a federal clean water bill, C-61, that they call “dump and run legislation.” The group is speaking out after federal lawyers argued in court earlier this month that Canada has no legal duty to ensure First Nations have access to clean water, even if ministers publicly suggest otherwise.
Northern Alberta First Nation paving access road and other improvements: A northern Alberta First Nation is paving its access road, replacing the bridge in the middle of the community, has built a community hall, and made many other improvements recently. Loon River First Nation is 421 km north of Edmonton in the boreal forest in northern Alberta. Until recently, people had to drive eight kilometers of gravel to reach the middle of the community. One of many recent projects it is working on is paving these eight kilometers.
Culture & Events
New Arctic trade show emerges after controversy cancelled Northern Lights: The Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and Makivvik Corp. are partnering to create the first “Arctic-led” trade show and conference in Ottawa in February. The Aqsarniit Trade Show and Conference will be held at the Rogers Centre (formerly the Shaw Centre) in Ottawa from Feb. 17 to 20, 2025, a joint news release from the two organizations announced Tuesday.
Ceremonial Bison hunt underway in Banff National Park: A historic hunt will be taking place in Banff National Park as members of each Indigenous Nation in Alberta will have the chance to hunt a Bison. Since plains bison were reintroduced to Banff National Park in the winter of 2017 the herd’s population has grown to a hundred heads strong. When the bison first came to the Park the Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Park suggested that a ceremonial hunt should take place for the bison supported First Nations and Métis people on the plains.
Additional Updates
Indigenous peoples’ right of self government in light of the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in the Reference on Bill C-92 | Langlois Lawyers: On February 28, 2019, Parliament tabled Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. This legislative measure has been long awaited by Indigenous peoples and is deemed a much-needed solution to the over-representation of Indigenous children and youth in such services systems. Upon its adoption, however, the Act was the subject of a reference as to its constitutional validity submitted by the Attorney General of Quebec to the Quebec Court of Appeal.
How Indigenous financing is building the future: More and more, Indigenous communities are working with Indigenous-led organizations to finance major initiatives to grow and improve quality of life in their communities, including infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects. In fact, this area of financing has seen a number of landmarks including in January 2024, when the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) surpassed a $2 billion milestone in financing to First Nations governments.
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and Wapekeka First Nation: Wataynikaneyap Power is pleased to announce the energization of both Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and Wapekeka First Nation. The northern Ontario communities were both connected to the provincial power grid on December 14, 2023.
Interference didn’t change Peguis election result, rules judge: A federal judge has ruled the results of a Manitoba First Nation’s election are valid despite evidence of “direct” interference when voters went to the polls in 2023. Federal Justice Ann Marie McDonald ruled last Thursday she would not negate the results of the April 6, 2023 election for chief and council held in the Peguis First Nation, an election that saw current Peguis Chief Stan Bird beat incumbent Glenn Hudson by 440 votes in the community with more than 12,000 members.
Government of Canada Launches call for proposals for northern contaminants research and monitoring projects: The Minister of Northern Affairs announced the launch of the annual call for proposals for research and monitoring projects on contaminants originating from other parts of the world. These contaminants are transported through air and sea currents to the North and Arctic. As part of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s Northern Contaminants Program, beginning in 2025-2026, close to $1 million will be available for projects for a duration of up to three consecutive years. This investment will support new projects related to human health, environmental and community-based monitoring and research, and associated public outreach initiatives.
Edmonton-based Indigenous AI project selected to participate in MIT program: An Edmonton-based Indigenous-led startup that is developing artificial intelligence tools to assist in identifying anti-Indigenous bias has been selected to participate in a Massachusetts Institute of Technology support program. wâsikan kisewâtisiwin, which means kind electricity in Cree, is working with Amii, the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, to develop two AI tools — the first monitors anti-Indigenous bias and hate speech on social media, and the other is a plug-in that helps correct bias and racism against Indigenous Peoples in writing.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak Responds to President Biden’s Apology for the Native American Boarding School Program: Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak today responded to the historic apology issued by US President Joe Biden for the federal Native American Boarding School Program, made during his visit to the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona. “For over a century, thousands of Native American children were taken from their families and subjected to abuse, neglect, and forced assimilation under the federal boarding school system,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “While this apology is a step toward recognizing these past wrongs, it is long overdue, and our hearts go out to all those who have waited so long to hear these words.”
Manitoba historian concerned residential school denialism will rise after Biden’s apology in U.S.: Many survivors who testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission shared stories of abuse in those institutions that were similar to Saddleman’s, and their words are included in its reports. Increasingly, however, those stories are subject to what historian Sean Carleton calls “residential school denialism.” He said denialism is a strategy used to twist, misrepresent and distort basic facts about residential schools to shake public confidence in the stories of survivors, and in the process of truth and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. “Overall, the goal of denialism is to protect the colonial status quo,” said Carleton, who is an assistant professor of history and Indigenous studies at the University of Manitoba.
Ontario government moves to extend 5.7 cent gas tax cut to June 2025: Ontario is moving to extend a 5.7-cent cut to the provincial gas tax until next summer. Premier Doug Ford says his government will soon put forward legislation that, if passed, will keep the tax at nine cents per litre until June 30. The legislation would also extend the 5.3-cent cut to the price of diesel fuel.
