Aboriginal Peoples

1. Minister Vandal highlights budget investments to make life more affordable

   Today the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, was in Yellowknife to highlight Budget 2023: A Made-in-Canada Plan: Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy, Healthy Future and investments to make life more affordable.

2. Minister Vandal to make a federal budget announcement on investments in a Strong Middle Class, an Affordable Economy, and a Healthy Future

   Please be advised that the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, and the Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, will host an event at Aspen Apartments to highlight federal budget investments in a Strong Middle Class, an Affordable Economy, and a Healthy Future.

3. New partnership will bring food banking operations to five northern and isolated Indigenous communities in Ontario

   Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, congratulated the organizations on their new partnership, which is supported by Nutrition North Canada (NNC), a Government of Canada program that helps make nutritious food more affordable and accessible in northern and isolated communities and strengthens access to traditional foods and sharing networks.

4. Splatsin, Canada and British Columbia sign historic coordination agreement for First Nations children and families

   Today, at a ceremony in Enderby, British Columbia, Kukpi7 (Chief) Doug Thomas of Splatsin; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services; and the Honourable Mitzi Dean, BC Minister of Children and Family Development; celebrated the signing of the first coordination agreement in British Columbia, pursuant to the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, Métis children, youth and families.

5. Joint message from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu on World Tuberculosis Day

   Tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks continue to be an unfortunate and unnecessary reality in Inuit Nunangat.

6. $12.5 million announced to build new healing house in Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc 

   Today, Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Colleen Erickson, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), are pleased to jointly announce $12.5 million in federal funding towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc.

7. Government of Canada and the First Nations-led institutions under the Act highlight new proposed legislative amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act

   Today, C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission Harold Calla, Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board; Ernie Daniels, President and CEO of the First Nations Finance Authority; Allan Claxton, Chair of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute Development Board; and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; announced new proposed amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which were introduced in Parliament on March 23, 2023.

8. Backgrounder: New proposed legislative amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act

   Today, C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission Harold Calla, Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board; Ernie Daniels, President and CEO of the First Nations Finance Authority; Allan Claxton, Chair of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute Development Board; and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; announced new proposed amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which were introduced in Parliament on March 23, 2023.

9. Government of Canada and Kitikmeot Inuit Association sign agreement promoting Inuit leadership at Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site

   The $23-million Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement will help to establish the first Inuit-led national historic site in Nunavut.

10. WRECKS OF HMS EREBUS AND HMS TERROR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE INUIT IMPACT AND BENEFIT AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND KITIKMEOT INUIT ASSOCIATION

    Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site -Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement signed between Government of Canada and Kitikmeot Inuit Association

11. Statement on World Water Day 2023 

    Today, on World Water Day, I join people from around the globe to highlight the importance of water in its many forms for human life, health and vitality.

12. Historic coordination agreement to be signed by Splatsin, Canada, and British Columbia related to First Nations children and families

    Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, will join Kukpi7 (Chief) Doug Thomas of Splatsin, and the Honourable Mitzi Dean, British Columbia Minister of Children and Family Development, to celebrate the signing of the first coordination agreement in British Columbia to support the well-being of First Nations children.

13. Government of Canada invests $74 million in the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

    Priority projects along the waterway to focus on repairs and upgrades to dams and locks

14. Federal Infrastructure Investment Projects 2023 Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) National Historic Site Northern Projects Bundle and Kirkfield Lift Lock

    Federal Infrastructure Investment Projects 2023 Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) National Historic Site Northern Projects Bundle and Kirkfield Lift Lock

15. Funding to be announced at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

    Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, will join Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Colleen Erickson, Chair of the Board of Directors of the First Nations Health Authority, for a funding announcement at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.

16. Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination from federal ministers of Indigenous Services and FedNor; Crown– Indigenous Relations; and Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor

    Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination from federal ministers [of Indigenous Services and FedNor; Crown–Indigenous Relations; and Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor].

17. Study launched to assess effects of development adjacent to the Rouge National Urban Park

    Today, the Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the launch of a study on the potential effects of development projects adjacent to the Rouge National Urban Park.

18. A 200-MW wind project: a partnership between nine Innu communities and Boralex on the traditional territory (Nitassinan) of the Uashat mak Mani-utenam First Nation

    Today, the Innu communities of Ekuanitshit, Essipit, Pessamit, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, Pakua Shipi, Uashat mak Mani-utenam, Matimekush-Lac John, Nutashkuan, and Unamen Shipu, under the umbrella of the Société en commandite Apuiat (S.E.C. Apuiat) in collaboration with Boralex and with the contribution of Indigenous Services Canada, announce the development of a major 200-MW wind farm.

19. Canada and the Okanagan Indian Band sign agreement for an advance payment against settlement of specific claim

    Today, Chief Byron Louis of the Okanagan Indian Band and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced that Canada and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) have reached an innovative agreement whereby Canada will make an advance payment of $30 million to the Band to be applied against the anticipated settlement of the Colonial Reserve IR 1 Specific Claim.

20. Call for proposals opened to support the Additions to Reserve Policy redesign

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced that the Government of Canada has opened a call for proposals to support the redesign of the Additions to Reserve (ATR) Policy.

21. Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation announces construction of new water treatment plant 

    Biigtigong Nishnaabeg held celebrations today to formally announce the construction of a new raw water intake and treatment plant.

22. Biigtigong Nishnaabeg celebrates signing of Community Benefits Agreement and funding for new Cultural Centre

    Today, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg hosted celebrations for the signing of the Community Benefits Agreement related to the Marathon Palladium Project, a proposed palladium mine located 10 kilometres from Marathon, Ontario and 9.3 km upstream from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg territory along the banks of the culturally important Biigtigig Zibi.

23. Minister Hajdu to join Biigtigong Nishnaabeg for community celebrations and announce new investments

    Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor will join Chief Duncan Michano and partners in Biigtigong Nishnaabeg to celebrate the signing of a Community Benefit Agreement, and announce funding for a new cultural centre and water treatment plant.

24. Minister Boissonnault announces investments for tourism experiences across Saskatchewan

    Over $5.8 million for 14 organizations to enhance tourism experiences across Sasaktchewan

25. Backgrounder: Minister Boissonnault announces investments for tourism experiences across Saskatchewan

    PrairiesCan is providing over $5.8 million to support 14 tourism projects located in communities across Saskatchewan

26. Minister Vandal announces clean energy investments in five Nunavut communities

    Across the country, Indigenous-led clean energy projects are growing local economies and creating good jobs, all while fighting climate change.

27. Minister Boissonnault to announce federal investments for tourism experiences across Saskatchewan

    Minister Boissonnault to announce federal investments for projects across Saskatchewan to support tourism experiences

28. Canadian fish and seafood highlighted at Seafood Expo North America 

    Home to the world’s longest coastline and bordering three oceans, Canada produces some of the highest-quality seafood in the world. With rigorous standards for sustainability, conservation and food safety, our premium fish and seafood continues to be prized around the world. In 2022, Canadians worked hard to export over $8 billion worth of fish and seafood to 112 countries.

29. Traditional hunting, harvesting and community food programs in over 100 northern and isolated communities receive funding

    Rising food prices and operating costs are a reality across Canada and are significantly impacting northern and isolated communities' purchasing power.

30. Minister Vandal announces investment of over $400,000 to support the Hunters and Trappers Organizations of Nunavut

    Indigenous Peoples are stewards of their lands and waters and sustainable hunting and harvesting is a key part of life in Nunavut communities.

31. Minister Boissonnault announces federal investments to strengthen Edmonton’s tourism economy

    PrairiesCan funding of more than $3.7 million for City of Edmonton facilities and initiatives will improve city attractions and support activities for residents and visitors.

32. Federal Court approves Band class litigation settlement agreement

    Canada welcomes the Federal Court approval of the Gottfriedson Band class settlement agreement.

33. CanNor invests $200,000 to facilitate the growth and expansion of a Yukon business that focuses on supporting reconciliation initiatives across the territory

    The Government of Canada is continuing to support businesses and organizations that contribute to a strong and sustainable economy across the North and Arctic.

34. Minister Boissonnault to announce federal investments in Edmonton’s tourism economy

    Minister Boissonnault to announce federal support for Edmonton’s tourism economy

35. Minister Vandal to make an announcement regarding Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund agreements

    Please be advised that the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, will make an announcement regarding Nutrition North Canada’s Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund agreements.

36. Government of Canada to host the Diversifying the Federal Supply Chain Summit

    Canada’s Procurement Ombudsman will host the Diversifying the Federal Supply Chain Summit on April 4 and 5, 2023. The Summit will feature public and private sector programs that help small businesses and businesses led by Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians, women, 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups obtain federal government contracts.

37. Minister Vandal announces support for Invest Canada North at PDAC 2023

    Government of Canada invests close to $100,000 to support Invest Canada North at #PDAC2023 @GCCanNor @GovCanNorth

38. Ugpi'ganjig First Nation and Canada announce new Addition to Reserve and housing to support future housing development

    #Ugpi’ganjig #FirstNation (NB) and #GoC announce housing projects and the addition of 56.14 acres to the Nation’s reserve to support housing needs in the community. @GCIndigenous

39. CANCELLED – Minister Boissonnault to announce federal investments in Edmonton’s tourism economy

    CANCELLED – Minister Boissonnault to announce federal support for Edmonton’s tourism economy

40. Consultation draft shared: Next steps underway toward proposed new First Nations drinking water and wastewater legislation

    Consultation draft shared and next steps underway toward proposed new First Nations drinking water and wastewater legislation @GCIndigenous

41. Backgrounder and timeline for consultation draft: Proposal for An Act respecting drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nations lands

    As part of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Class Action Settlement Agreement finalized in 2021, Canada has committed to making all reasonable efforts to develop and introduce proposed legislation, in consultation with First Nations, to replace the repealed 2013 Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act.

42. Ugpi'ganjig First Nation and Canada announce new Addition to Reserve and housing to support future residential development

    Ugpi’ganjig First Nation and Canada to announce a new Addition to Reserve and housing to support future residential development

43. MP McLeod announces investment to help build commercial infrastructure in the Northwest Territories

    Government of Canada invests over $498,000 to support the development of the Sundog Business Park in Hay River, Northwest Territories #GoC #CanNor #NWT @GCCanNor @GovCanNorth

44. Modern Treaty partners and Canada launch co-developed policy to transform intergovernmental relationships

    Modern Treaty leaders and Canada launch co-developed policy to transform intergovernmental partnerships @GCIndigenous

45. Modern Treaties

    Modern Treaties are concluded with Indigenous Nations, partners, organizations, the Crown, and provincial/territorial governments as signatories. They provide clarity and predictability with respect to land rights, ownership, resource management, and the rights defined in them are constitutionally protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

46. MP McLeod announces federal investments in Northwest Territories’ fishing industry

    Government of Canada invests $1 million in the winter fishery in the Northwest Territories #GoC #CanNor #NWT @GCCanNor @GovCanNorth

47. Kapawe’no First Nation and Canada settle Treaty 8 Agricultural Benefits specific claim

    Last week, Chief Sydney Halcrow of the Kapawe’no First Nation and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced the settlement agreement regarding the Kapawe’no First Nation’s Treaty 8 Agricultural Benefits specific claim.

48. Minister Boissonnault announces federal investments in Alberta’s tourism economy

    PrairiesCan funding, of over $17.8 million, will support 50 organizations to enhance tourism experiences, events and attractions across Alberta

49. Alberta tourism industry receiving new federal investments through PrairiesCan

    PrairiesCan funding, of over $17.8 million, will support 50 organizations to enhance tourism experiences, events and attractions across Alberta

50. Government of Canada announces projects aimed at removing barriers to equality in federally regulated workplaces

    Building more diverse and inclusive workplaces makes Canada’s workforce stronger.