Top Stories
AFN votes to reject $47.8B child welfare reform deal with Canada:
At a special chiefs assembly in Calgary, 267 out of 414 First Nations chiefs voted to reject a $47.8-billion child welfare reform agreement reached with the Canadian government in July. The decision followed a lengthy and, at times, emotionally charged debate, with chiefs presenting arguments both for and against the deal.
Resolutions remain on the agenda for the final day of the gathering on Friday, including for chiefs to be given another 90 days to review the deal, bringing another vote in January. The deal was struck between Canada, the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), and the Assembly of First Nations after a nearly two-decade legal fight over the federal government’s underfunding of on-reserve child welfare services. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal said that the deal was discriminatory. It tasked Canada with coming to an agreement with First Nations to reform the system, and with compensating children who were torn from their families and placed in foster care. According to NAN, the result is disappointing. Chiefs and service providers critiqued the deal for months, saying it didn’t go far enough to ensure the discrimination stops and have blasted the federal government for what they say is its failure to consult with First Nations in negotiations. The rejection of this deal sends a clear message to the AFN and the government.
Additional reading: First Nations vote down resolution to endorse $47.8B child welfare reform offer & AFN to discuss next steps after child welfare reform deal is defeated
Liberals win majority in N.B., Holt becomes first female premier: The New Brunswick Liberal Party, led by Susan Holt, won 31 ridings in a decisive provincial election, marking their best finish since the 1990s. Holt’s victory, including a sweep of Moncton, ended Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs’ attempt at a third term. Higgs also lost his own seat in the election. Holt, the first woman to serve as premier of New Brunswick, attributed the win to voters’ desire for change and her focus on listening to their concerns. The Green Party was reduced to two seats, with leader David Coon acknowledging the unexpected outcome.
What’s holding up final results for the B.C election?: The 2024 British Columbia provincial election has resulted in an incredibly close race, with no clear winner yet. The B.C. NDP is leading or elected in 46 ridings, while the B.C. Conservative Party holds 45, and the B.C. Green Party leads in 2. No party has secured the 47 seats needed for a majority government. Several factors are delaying the outcome, including approximately 49,000 uncounted ballots, mandatory recounts in two ridings—Juan de Fuca-Malahat, where the NDP leads by 20 votes, and Surrey City Centre, where the NDP leads by 95 votes—and a final count scheduled for October 26-28. Potential judicial recounts may also be requested based on specific criteria. The election was centred on key issues such as housing affordability, healthcare, public safety, climate change, and the toxic drug crisis, driving a record-breaking voter turnout with 57% of registered voters casting over 2 million votes. The election has revealed deep divisions within the province, with the NDP dominating in urban areas and along the coast, while the Conservatives have gained significant ground in rural and interior regions. As the results remain uncertain, both major parties may need to collaborate with the B.C. Green Party to form a government, making the coming weeks crucial in shaping British Columbia’s future leadership.
Here’s what Liberal MPs are saying ahead of an expected push to oust Trudeau: Liberal MPs are acknowledging that rumours of a movement to oust Justin Trudeau as party leader are still internal. Members of Parliament returned to Ottawa after a week-long pause in the House of Commons calendar, and the Liberal caucus is set to meet mid-week for the first time since the movement went public. Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne said that the best thing for the team is to listen to their colleagues and understand the concerns. Some Liberal MPs are mounting a new effort to oust Trudeau, with multiple news outlets reporting that some Liberal MPs hope to present a letter to Trudeau, signed by caucus members, calling on him to resign. At least 20 MPs have signed the document. Trudeau has repeatedly said he plans to stay on as leader for the next election. Some Liberal MPs have warned that voters are tuning out Trudeau’s message due to two by-election losses and the party’s apparent inability to dig its way out of a 20-point polling deficit.
Additional reading: Liberal backbencher calls on Justin Trudeau to resign as Liberal leader & Some Liberal MPs are mounting a new effort to oust Justin Trudeau
Heiltsuk chief blasts Canada’s Indian status policy in UN speech: Heiltsuk Elected Chief Marilyn Slett addressed the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva, Switzerland. She emphasized that Canada still discriminates against Indigenous women and has only completed two of the 231 recommendations from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Slett also called for Canada to eliminate the second-generation cut-off rule, which prevents First Nations people from passing on Indian status to their descendants.
Additional reading: First Nations women traveling to UN CEDAW committee: Call for end to Canada’s policy of legislated extinction
MPs grill department officials on Indigenous procurement issues: House committee members questioned Public Services and Procurement Canada officials about their failure to meet the government’s 5% target for Indigenous procurement. Despite spending over $280 million on Indigenous procurement in the last two years, PSPC has only reached 3.4% of its target this fiscal year. MPs also raised concerns about inadequate oversight of the Indigenous Business Directory (IBD), which verifies eligibility for the program. Indigenous leaders have pointed out issues with “shell companies” benefiting from government funding, and over 300 fraudulent Métis organizations have been identified. The Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief also testified about the lack of consistent verification for Indigenous businesses. The investigation into Indigenous procurement comes as the PSIB, revamped in 2021, aims to allocate at least 5% of contract value to Indigenous firms. In 2022-23, 6.27% of all contracts, worth $1.6 billion, were awarded to Indigenous businesses.
Claims, Settlements and Litigation
Feds, First Nations mark $1.4 billion ‘cows and plows’ settlement: Federal ministers and Alberta First Nations representatives gathered to finalize a $1.4-billion settlement, addressing unfulfilled agricultural promises under treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10. The settlement, facilitated by the Expedited Resolution Strategy, compensates nine First Nations, including Enoch Cree, Frog Lake, and Kehewin First Nations, for long-delayed benefits such as ploughs, seeds, and livestock that were meant to support the transition to agriculture. This agreement is part of the broader $1.9 billion in compensation distributed to First Nations across Canada since May 2023. Chiefs emphasized the importance of reaffirming treaty rights and holding the Canadian government accountable for past promises, while also calling for more dialogue and future settlements.
Additional reading: Canada settles Agricultural Benefits specific claims with nine First Nations under Treaties 5, 6, and 10
Federal Indian Day School Settlement claimants asked to ensure information complete: The Federal Indian Day School Settlement, approved by a federal court in 2019, has issued an update requesting claimants to submit any missing information by June 27, 2025, to ensure their claims can be processed for compensation. Over 17,000 claims remain unprocessed due to missing details such as signatures or school information. This settlement includes all individuals who attended federally run Indian day schools, including First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. Eligible claimants may receive compensation ranging from $10,000 to $200,000, depending on the harm suffered. Additionally, the settlement provides a $200 million legacy fund to support Indigenous communities in health, wellness, language, and cultural initiatives. If the required information is not submitted by the deadline, claims may be denied. Free legal support is also available to claimants through class counsel by calling 1-844-539-3815 or emailing DaySchools@Gowlingwlg.com.
After the Robinson treaties, other annuity cases want their day in court: Following the $10-billion settlement in the Robinson Huron Treaty case, First Nations from Treaties 2, 4, 5, and 9 have launched lawsuits seeking similar compensation. They argue that annual treaty payments, originally around $4-5, should have been adjusted for inflation over time as their value has diminished since the late 1800s. The Treaty 9 case, led by Missanabie Cree First Nation, is seeking $10 billion in compensation and will focus on inflation and the intent behind the treaty signing. Unlike the Robinson Huron case, these lawsuits argue broadly for maintaining the purchasing power of annuities. There is hope for a faster resolution, though outcomes depend on government responses and court rulings.
Environment, Energy & Economic Development
First Nations tax-sharing deals hang in election’s balance: The Progressive Conservative (PC) government in New Brunswick had cancelled tax-sharing agreements with First Nations communities, arguing that they were unfair and created disparities in benefits. This issue became a focal point in the recent provincial election. Now, with the Liberals having won the election, there is renewed hope among First Nations leaders, as the Liberal and Green party leaders had both criticized the cancellation and promised to reinstate some form of the agreements. These agreements, unique to New Brunswick and established 30 years ago to ease tensions over sales tax charges on Indigenous communities, are viewed as crucial for Indigenous economic development.
Mixed reactions to premier’s wind power plan: Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s plan to partner with Indigenous groups to create 600 megawatts of wind power has sparked mixed reactions. Waywayseecappo First Nation Chief Murray Clearsky supports the initiative, citing high electricity costs, and is already testing land for wind strength. However, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Chief Vince Tacan is less enthusiastic, doubting its relevance to his community’s immediate needs. The Manitoba Métis Federation has shown strong interest, forming the Red River Métis Power Corporation to develop and operate wind farms, aiming to produce up to 300 megawatts of energy.
Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly renews local Bands control over mineral resources: The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) has renewed the mandate of its Territorial Stewardship Department (TSD), enhancing local Bands’ control over mineral resource management in their territory. Established in 2015, the TSD provides technical expertise rooted in n?e?képmx knowledge and values. The renewed mandate enables the TSD to support Bands in making informed decisions on mineral activities by addressing impacts on n?e?képmx rights, title, and interests. This shift strengthens n?e?képmx jurisdiction, ensuring community processes take priority in mining decisions. The renewal also allows Bands to advocate more effectively for policy and regulatory changes that benefit their communities, ensuring n?e?képmx priorities are central to mineral resource developments.
First Nations assert leadership role in Canada’s energy shift: Indigenous leaders in Canada are calling for a stronger voice in the country’s energy transition, demanding climate action that respects Indigenous rights and incorporates traditional environmental knowledge. At the Assembly of FirstNations (AFN) Third National Climate Gathering in Calgary, participants discussed the urgent impact of climate change on First Nations’ lands, waters, and communities. Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault promoted Canada’s Clean Electricity Regulations but faced criticism over inadequate consultation, such as in the C$7 billion Northvolt battery project in Quebec. Meanwhile, Shamattawa First Nation is pursuing a class action lawsuit for water security, underscoring the need for Bill C-61 to set principles for clean drinking water on First Nation lands. Despite the challenges, First Nations see opportunities to lead in clean energy projects, with young Indigenous leaders highlighting the importance of land back, renewable energy, and traditional governance systems.
First Nations say governments should give fewer subsidies to fossil fuels and far more to nature-based climate solutions: Climate disasters are disrupting the Canadian economy, with Toronto flooding and a fire in Jasper causing nearly $2 billion in damages. Jason Rasevych, president of the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association, sees the value of intact natural systems as an untapped market and is promoting Nature-based Climate Solutions (NCS) to reduce emissions. He advocates for a blended financing model, combining government grants with private investment to support Indigenous-led conservation efforts. A recent Supreme Court ruling on the Robinson-Huron Treaty emphasized the importance of resource-sharing benefits, while Indigenous leaders stress that self-governance and land management autonomy are key to sustainable ecological solutions.
Parks Canada launches Indigenous Stewardship Policy, strengthening Indigenous connections to protected lands, waters and ice: The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Parks Canada Minister, has endorsed the Indigenous Stewardship Policy. The policy, co-developed with the Indigenous Stewardship Circle, aims to strengthen connections between Indigenous Peoples and protected lands, waters, and ice. It is grounded in four principles: respect for Indigenous rights, foster ethical spaces, nurture healthy relationships, and ensure continuity of Indigenous culture and language.
Cree Nation Government and Parks Canada successfully complete Feasibility Assessment and announce an agreement to formally work toward establishing an offshore Indigenous Protected Area and national marine conservation area in the Eeyou Marine Region: The Cree Nation Government and Parks Canada have completed a feasibility assessment and signed an agreement to establish a proposed Indigenous Protected Area and national marine conservation area in the Eeyou Marine Region’s offshore waters. The proposed Wiinipaakw Protected Area will receive protection as an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) and be established as a national marine conservation area under the Canada National Marine Conservation Area Act. The Eeyou Marine Region is rich in biodiversity and history, essential to Cree culture and way of life.
Grays Bay road and port could be open by 2035 – Proponent: The Grays Bay 230-kilometre all-season road and deep-sea port project, proposed by the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and the Government of Nunavut in 2016, is expected to be operational by 2035. The project, would physically connect western Nunavut to Canada’s road and is expected to raise Nunavut’s gross domestic product by $5.1 billion and Canada’s by $7.6 billion over 15 years. The federal government is expected to cover 75% of the cost.
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and City of Saskatoon partner for another urban reserve: Muskeg Lake Cree Nation has signed a municipal services agreement with Saskatoon, acquiring its third urban reserve property in the city. The agreement, which will be a municipal services agreement, will involve the city committing municipal and policing services to the reserve land in exchange for a fee. The agreement, which has generated millions of dollars in investments for the city, aims to expand Muskeg Lake’s urban reserve and create economic opportunities for the community. If approved, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation will own the 11th urban reserve in Saskatoon.
Additional reading: City of Saskatoon and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation sign new urban reserve agreement
First Nations cannabis industry continues to grow after 6 years of legalization in Canada: Indigenous-owned cannabis company in Chilliwack, B.C., started as a sovereign dispensary to create an economic base and jobs without working against the federal or provincial government. The Chilliwack First Nation, Shxwhá:y Village, is a partner in All Nations, a cannabis retail store that also produces its own cannabis products. The company aims to become a global leader in the cannabis industry and the biggest Indigenous-owned cannabis producer in the world. In Kahnawà:ke, the Kanien’kehá:ka community is in the final stages of selecting three applicants for cannabis licensing.
Who will pay for Ontario’s radioactive past?: The Nipissing First Nation in northern Ontario has been grappling with radioactive waste left behind by a niobium mining operation from the early Cold War. The waste, containing elements that release radium and radon, poses a significant risk, and most of it is located near Lake Nipissing. After decades of planning, a $12.8 million remediation project began but has been delayed due to local opposition to the proposed disposal site and missing approvals. The waste is slated for storage at the Agnew Lake Tailings facility, but nearby townships are opposing the plan over safety concerns. In the meantime, the delay has caused distress in the community, with Nipissing First Nation forced to pause its plans to reclaim the land for a park.
Cedar Leaf Capital, Canada’s first majority Indigenous-owned investment dealer, has received regulatory approval to begin operations: Cedar Leaf Capital, Canada’s first majority Indigenous-owned investment dealer, announced plans to open its doors later this month to foster greater Indigenous participation in Canada’s capital markets. The partnership between Scotiabank, Nch’ḵay̓ Development, Des Nedhe Group, and Chippewas of Rama First Nation, first announced in February 2024, has received all required regulatory approvals. This initiative is seen as a significant step towards economic reconciliation and empowering Indigenous communities to participate more fully in Canada’s financial sector.
Programs and Services
Joint Statement from Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on First Nations Policing: First Nations in Alberta are advocating for sustainable, predictable funding for Indigenous-led police services. The federal government has committed over $22.5 million this year, including $12.2 million for self-administered First Nation police services. Several Indigenous communities, including Siksika and Enoch First Nations, are developing their own policing options with support from the Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grant. Recent deaths of First Nations individuals underscore the urgent need for reforms in policing. Governments must ensure equitable funding and legislative support to establish Indigenous-led services that enhance community safety and justice.
Are Indigenous communities being set up to fail with the transfer of control of child welfare services?: Bill C-92 establishes Indigenous control over child and family services, but without guaranteed funding, there are concerns that it could lead to government off-loading rather than genuine self-governance. At a recent Assembly of First Nations meeting, leaders called for a renegotiated process to ensure funding addresses the discrimination that has plagued Indigenous child welfare, with a focus on improving outcomes for children. However, two major challenges remain: the need for sustained funding to address the root causes of child welfare involvement, such as inadequate housing and domestic violence, and safeguards to protect First Nations from the legal liabilities associated with delivering these services. Without addressing these gaps, Indigenous communities could face significant challenges in effectively managing child welfare, risking further harm to children and families.
Indigenous Capacity Support Program funding availability: A funding application period for the Indigenous Capacity Support Program – Stream 3 Strategic Opportunities– is now open. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) is making funding available through this program to support Indigenous communities and organizations so they may better participate in current and future impact assessment projects. Indigenous communities and organizations currently involved in a federal impact assessment, environmental assessment, regional assessment, strategic assessment, and/or associated follow-up activities, or expecting to be involved in the near future, are invited to apply.
Additional information: The funding application period will be open from October 16 to December 2, 2024. All applications received on or before December 2, 2024, will be considered. Maximum funding allocation: $150,000 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
How to submit an application: To apply for funding, complete the application form using your preferred Word(147 kB) or PDF(1,864 kB) format and send to the Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships team.
CMA apology a first step toward healing medical harms against Indigenous people, advocates say: Advocates are optimistic about the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) recent apology for historical harms inflicted on Indigenous people in health care, but stress that such harms continue today. Dr. Marcia Anderson and Dr. Alika Lafontaine highlight ongoing issues like racism, coerced sterilization, and inadequate care for Indigenous patients, urging reforms to address these systemic problems. Indigenous health leaders, see the apology as a step forward, but emphasize the need for systemic changes to prevent future harm.
Ministers Hajdu and Saks to join Indigenous partners at the 2024 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness in Calgary: The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, along with the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, are set to deliver opening remarks at the 2024 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness. This Summit serves as a vital platform for representatives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, alongside leaders in mental wellness, direct service providers, and researchers, to exchange knowledge and discuss effective strategies for enhancing mental wellness among Indigenous populations.
Minister says not enough beds for compulsory care for addictions across the country: Federal addictions minister Ya’ara Saks has called for provinces and territories to improve their treatment services for people suffering from addictions and mental health conditions before considering mandatory treatments. Saks emphasized that provinces and territories need to ensure adequate treatment services are in place before discussing compulsory care. She referred to $200 billion worth of healthcare agreements signed with provinces and territories over the last two years, a component of which is intended for addictions and mental health services. Saks also emphasized that health care is under provincial jurisdiction, and it is up to provinces to outline policies that they see fit.
Program that teaches children Anishinaabe culture and language gets $1.3 M from federal government: Ontario is investing $1.3 million into a program to teach children Anishinaabe culture, laws, language, and traditions in a northern Ontario First Nation. The funding will be used to add more Anishinaabemowin language and cultural programming at an early learning center in the community. The program aims to provide children with a strong sense of identity and purpose as they progress in their education.
New school funding to provide successful career pathways for Piikani Nation youth:
Piikani Nation youth will receive funding for a new school, providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in their careers. The school, which will be built for 600 students from kindergarten to grade 12, will be culturally appropriate and meet the needs of the community. The existing school, constructed over 60 years ago, is no longer suitable for repair.
Six Nations to build Canada’s first Indigenous-run hospice: Six Nations of the Grand River plans to build Canada’s first Indigenous-led community hospice, offering end-of-life care rooted in Haudenosaunee traditions. The five-bed facility will be in a wooded area, offering large indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies. The hospice will host bereavement workshops, welcome traditional healers, elders, and knowledge keepers, and offer traditional medicines to alleviate pain. The project is expected to open by early 2027. Six Nations has budgeted $6.5 million to build the hospice, which Jonathan hopes will open by early 2027. Health Minister Sylvia Jones committed a further $1.25 million from the province during the announcement.
BCFNJC announces the locations of 6 new indigenous justice centres in BC: BCFNJCi s expanding its network of Indigenous Justice Centres (IJCs) in Burns Lake, Hazelton, Williams Lake, Kamloops, Cranbrook, and Port Hardy by December 2024. The initiative, part of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, aims to provide culturally safe, welcoming places for Indigenous people to access justice services, including legal advice and representation for criminal and child protection matters. BCFNJC is working with First Nations to ensure the next six locations are selected with their leadership’s guidance.
Standalone Canada Water Agency launches: The Canada Water Agency was established to enhance freshwater management and protection in Canada. It aims to enhance coordination between the federal government, provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples, provide leadership on freshwater protection, develop a national freshwater data strategy, and protect and restore freshwater resources for future generations. The agency will administer funding for programs in major Canadian watersheds, focus on reducing nutrient pollution, cleaning up contaminated waterways, and improving coordination between government levels on water management. It also aims to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge into water governance and stewardship.
Culture & Events
Resilience and renewal at AFPA’s 82nd annual conference: The 82nd annual Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) Conference in Banff focused on wildfire challenges, market shifts, and Indigenous partnerships. Leaders from forestry, government, and Indigenous communities discussed the shift from fire suppression to mitigation and emphasized proactive strategies to address increasing wildfire risks. The conference also addressed potential economic downturns, labor shortages, and the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector. Key themes included Indigenous partnerships, respecting treaty rights, workforce integration, and the role of diversity in shaping the future of the forestry sector.
Google adds Inuktut as first Indigenous language in Canada to its translation service: Google has added Inuktut, a widely spoken Indigenous language spoken in Canada, to its translation service, Google Translate. The addition is part of Google’s initiative to develop a single artificial intelligence language model to support 1,000 of the most spoken languages in the world. With around 40,000 Inuktut speakers in Canada, the number of speakers alone is not enough to determine if a language can be included in Google Translate. The company also looks at whether there is a desire or need from the community and how technically feasible it is. After determining its model could recognizeI nuktut, Google began to consult with language speakers and organizations, including Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national organization representing about 70,000 Inuit in Canada. The organization welcomed Google’s work to include Inuktut, citing the need to revitalize, protect, and promote Inuit languages. Users will be able to translate written Inuktut to English and vice versa through Google Translate.
Additional reading: Inuktut becomes 1st Indigenous language spoken in Canada to be on Google Translate
Additional Updates
Long-promised flood-prevention project in Manitoba under review with no timeline: The Manitoba provincial government is reviewing a $600 million flood prevention project, which would have two large outlet channels built to drain water from Lake Manitoba into Lake St.Martin and Lake Winnipeg. The NDP government has asked Ottawa to pause a decision on the plan to fully consult First Nations and consider possible alternatives to the design. The project has been discussed for over a decade, following severe flooding in 2011. A federal judge ruled that the government did not consult properly before setting up a right of way on Crown land for preparatory work, such as groundwater monitoring. A report from the federal Impact Assessment Agency said the project’s environmental effects could be addressed, but it would have significant impact on Indigenous land use.
RedRock Indian Band calls out feds after discovery of ancestral remains in Nipigon, Ont.: The RedRock Indian Band and surrounding First Nations are demanding accountability from the federal government over the handling of ancestral remains at a construction site in Nipigon, Ontario. The Ojibwe First Nation held a protest on Monday morning, where over 200 people walked along the TransCanada Highway to the Nipigon River Bridge, briefly stopping traffic. Parks Canada began excavation at the Nipigon Marina in May, where a new administration and visitor centre is being built for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. During construction, the remains of four Indigenous ancestors were uncovered, with carbon dating showing they were buried in approximately 1404 AD. The RedRock Indian Band believes the site could be an ancient burial ground and other remains may be under the dirt. Construction has stopped while more investigation takes place, but the Band wants more accountability from the government.
Feds support Indigenous early learning in Atikameksheng: Atikameksheng First Nation is launching an early childhood development program with $1.3 million in federal funds, aiming to introduce young children to their culture, laws, and traditions, including language, from the community’s elders and knowledge keepers.The government of Canada is committed to promoting and investing in Indigenous-led early learning and childcare to ensure First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children have the best possible start in life. Local MPs Marc Serre and Viviane Lapointe announced the funding on behalf of Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jenna Sudds.
Construction beginning on new 76-bed addiction treatment centre on Siksika Nation: The Siksika Nation, is set to build a new addiction treatment centre on the First Nation east of Calgary. The $350 million facility, one of 11 being built across the province, will add 76 long-term treatment beds in the region, supporting up to 300 people each year. Construction is now beginning on the centre, with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The province is partnering with Indigenous communities on five of the 11 recovery communities, two of which are already open — in Lethbridge and Red Deer. Siksika Nation will own and oversee the operation of its recovery community. The goal is to help many Siksika people achieve long-term success and experience “real healing.”
Old Nemaska gathering hosts Quebec premier’s first visit to Eeyou Istchee: Premier François Legault’s visit to Eeyou Istchee may strengthen the relationship between the Cree Nation and the Quebec government. The East main dam was renamed the Bernard Landry hydroelectric development, and the adjacent basin became the Paix des Braves reservoir, commemorating the 2002 agreement between the Cree Nation and Landry’s government. During his visit to Nemaska, Legault learned about the community’s displacement due to hydro development and the resulting hardships, including insufficient funding and poor infrastructure. While the original Nemaska site remains a popular summer destination, there are ongoing efforts to improve its facilities and deepen the community’s connection to their ancestral land.
Will innovation support or undermine rural and Northern Canada? Ken Coates and Carin Holroyd in the Hill Times: Ken Coates and Carin Holroyd argue that while innovation brings significant benefits to urban centres, it is undermining rural and northern Canada. Historically, advancements like better highways and cars made many small settlements obsolete, and today, e-commerce, video streaming, and digital health services are eroding rural infrastructure and job opportunities. While cities like Toronto and Vancouver thrive as innovation hubs, rural areas experience economic stagnation. Innovations in sectors like agriculture and resource extraction have reduced jobs in rural areas, and Canada has yet to fully address this growing rural-urban divide, unlike countries such as Norway and Finland. The authors warn that this divide will have long-term social and political repercussions.
Beecher Bay First Nation listed as largest creditor of its housing companies: The Spirit Bay development, a First Nation project in East Sooke, has entered receivership due to financial struggles. The Beecher Bay (Sc’ianew) First Nation, the largest creditor, is owed $3.2 million. Of the planned 500 homes, only about 50 have been built, with the project facing infrastructure challenges like inadequate sewage and water systems. A receiver has been appointed to manage Spirit Bay Developments Limited Partnership, aiming to resolve debts and determine the project’s future.
Unlocking the North: A Critical Moment for Canada’s Future: A delegation from the Northwest Territories, including Cabinet Ministers and Indigenous leaders, arrived in Ottawa with a united message; the NWT stands at the crossroads of Canada’s strategic future. Home to significant untapped reserves of critical minerals like rare earth elements, lithium, and cobalt, the region is essential to the global clean energy transition. The delegation called for enhanced federal incentives to attract investment, offset high operating costs, and position Canada as a leader in critical mineral production. They also highlighted challenges like limited road access, climate change threats, and a housing crisis, urging federal support for climate resilience, disaster response, and infrastructure development. Through strategic investments, the federal government can unlock the North’s potential for the benefit of all Canadians.
