Aboriginal Peoples

1. Bonaparte First Nation celebrates completion of their new water treatment plants

   Today, Bonaparte First Nation proudly marked the completion of two new water treatment plants, which now provide clean drinking water to remote areas of their community.

2. Parks Canada commemorates Construction of Prince Edward Island Railway as National Historic Event

   Parks Canada commemorates Construction of Prince Edward Island Railway as National Historic Event

3. Canada formally apologizes to five Anishinaabeg First Nations

   Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, on behalf of the Government of Canada, formally apologized to Aundeck Omni Kaning, M’Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning and Zhiibaahaasing First Nations for past wrongs relating to the Crown’s mismanagement of their monies in the late 1800s and the negative impacts experienced by the five communities as a result.

4. Strengthening self-governance, Anishinabek-led education

   Today, KEB Vice-Chairperson Lise Kwekkeboom, alongside Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced new funding of more than $20 million per year to support education infrastructure and governance. This means that Anishinabek Education System (AES) participating First Nations will be able to make sure their schools are in the best shape to support students.

5. Sandy Lake First Nation Opens Doors and Access to Modernized Health Services

   Sandy Lake First Nation, with funding support from Indigenous Services Canada, is bringing a new era of modern health services to its community as the Sandy Lake Community Health Center opens its doors today, serving the health needs of the over 2,600 residents living on reserve in the remote, fly-in Northern Ontario community.

6. Minister Anandasangaree and Anishinabek First Nations strengthen Indigenous-led education

   Please be advised that the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, along with Lise Kwekkeboom, Vice Chair of the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body Board, will make an announcement regarding self-governing, Anishinabek-led education.

7. First Nations access greater flexibility and increased self-determination through the New Fiscal Relationship Grant

   Today, Harold Calla, Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister 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.

8. NICHI announces Ontario recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs

   Today, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu, announced the recipients of NICHI’s expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in Ontario.

9. NICHI announces Nunavut recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs

   Today, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu, announced the recipients of NICHI’s expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in Nunavut.

10. NICHI announces Northwest Territories recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs

    Today, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu, announced the recipients of NICHI’s expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in the Northwest Territories.

11. NICHI announces Manitoba recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs

    Today, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu, announced the recipients of NICHI’s expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in Manitoba.

12. NICHI announces Atlantic recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs

    Today, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu, announced the recipients of NICHI’s expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in Atlantic Canada.

13. Parliamentary Secretary Jones represents Canada at 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland

    This week, Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary (PS) to the Minister of Northern Affairs and to the Minister of National Defence (Northern Defence) and Member of Parliament for Labrador, participated in the Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland. Over three days from October 17 to 19, around 2,000 participants from over 70 countries gathered to discuss the future of the Arctic on the international stage.

14. Significant federal infrastructure improvements completed at Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park

    Upgrades and repairs to beloved Aquacourt ensures the future of this heritage building.

15. Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt: Federal Infrastructure Investment Completion and 75th Anniversary of Kootenay National Park

    Federal Infrastructure Investment Completion and 75th Anniversary Kootenay National Park.

16. Governments of Canada and Quebec kick off joint public consultations for Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Expansion Project

    Governments of Canada and Quebec kick off joint public consultations for Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Expansion Project

17. Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park expansion project

    Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park expansion project

18. Canada settles Agricultural Benefits specific claims with nine First Nations under Treaties 5, 6, and 10

    The Government of Canada is renewing relationships between the Crown and First Nations by addressing Canada’s failure to provide First Nations with the agricultural provisions promised under Treaties 5, 6, and 10.

19. First Nations leadership vote on the Final Agreement to reform Child and Family Services

    Yesterday, at a Special Chiefs Assembly hosted by the Assembly of First Nations, First Nations leaders adopted a resolution rejecting the $47.8 billion Final Agreement on the Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program, instructing the Assembly to take a new approach to negotiate a different final agreement.

20. 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 proposed national marine conservation area spans more than 26,000 km2 and is home to the Crees and to abundant wildlife.

21. Indigenous-led solutions Move Research into Action at the 2024 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness

    Over the past two days, the 2024 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness brought together First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, organizations and leaders, as well as service providers and academics to discuss mental wellness.

22. Minister Anandasangaree to announce Agricultural Benefits specific claims settlements with nine First Nations under Treaties 5, 6, and 10

    Minister Anandasangaree and Minister Boisonnault to announce Agricultural Benefits specific claims settlements with 9 First Nations under Treaties 5, 6, and 10.

23. New school funding to provide successful career pathways for Piikani Nation youth

    Schools are often the cornerstone of First Nations communities, providing students with a safe place to learn and grow and acting as a gathering place for community events and cultural activities.

24. Celebrating the ceremonial opening of Ne’ata’q Place, a shelter for Indigenous women and children in Newfoundland

    Today marked the ceremonial opening of Ne’ata’q Place, a shelter for Indigenous women and children in Newfoundland.

25. Piikani Nation receives transformative federal infrastructure investment

    Piikani First Nation and Minister Hajdu to announce an infrastructure project for the Piikani Nation on October 17.

26. Pikangikum First Nation and Canada celebrate the grand opening of their new Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex

    Everyone deserves to live in comfort with access to healthcare and services close to home and near loved ones. When Elders receive culturally relevant services in a safe, coordinated, and efficient manner based on individual needs, it allows them to live their golden years with dignity and care.

27. The Announcement of Two Proposed Initiatives for Protecting the Waters of Eastern James Bay

    Media representatives are invited to a press conference where two important announcements will be shared regarding the waters of eastern James Bay.

28. Renewal of interim understanding with Wasoqopa'q (Acadia), Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations to support moderate livelihood lobster fisheries

    Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier announced that for the fourth consecutive year, an interim authorization has been issued to Wasoqopa’q (Acadia), Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations. This interim authorization will see community members fishing and selling their catch in pursuit of a moderate livelihood during the commercial seasons in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 33, 34 and 35, without increasing overall fishing effort.

29. Parks Canada launches Indigenous Stewardship Policy, strengthening Indigenous connections to protected lands, waters and ice

    Parks Canada launches Indigenous Stewardship Policy, strengthening Indigenous connections to protected lands, waters and ice.

30. CanNor launches Expression of Interest for projects beginning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year

    Northern businesses and organizations wanting to access CanNor funding can now submit ideas for projects that align with the Agency’s programs

31. Ministers Hajdu and Saks to join Indigenous partners at the 2024 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness in Calgary

    Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, will deliver remarks at the 2024 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness.

32. Minister Anandasangaree to announce Agricultural Benefits specific claims settlements with nine First Nations under Treaties 5, 6, and 10

    Minister Anandasangaree will meet with 9 First Nations under Treaties 5, 6, and 10 to partake in community celebrations and make several announcements.

33. Northern and Indigenous partners meet at the fifth annual Arctic and Northern Policy Framework Leadership Committee meeting to discuss priorities for the region

    Today, as part of this ongoing collaboration, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and the Honourable P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut, co-hosted the fifth annual Arctic and Northern Policy Framework Leadership Committee meeting in Iqaluit.

34. Commission authorizes Ontario Power Generation Inc. to operate Pickering Nuclear Generating Station Units 5 to 8 until December 31, 2026

    Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission announced the independent Commission’s decision to amend the licence held by Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS). This decision authorizes OPG to operate Units 5–8 at the PNGS until December 31, 2026.

35. External review of Nutrition North Canada seeks to enhance food security in the North

    Today, while at the fifth annual Arctic and Northern Policy Framework Leadership Committee meeting in Iqaluit, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced measures to review the NNC program.

36. Matawa First Nations Management Animal Services Pilot Creates Healthier, Safer Communities for People and Animals

    Matawa First Nations Management launched an Animal Services Pilot project on February 5, 2024, to improve animal wellness, provide education, control animal populations, and create healthier, safer communities for both people and animals.

37. Parks Canada Indigenous Stewardship Circle will adopt the co-developed Indigenous Stewardship Policy for Parks Canada during an official ceremony

    Parks Canada Indigenous Stewardship Circle will adopt the co-developed Indigenous Stewardship Policy for Parks Canada during an official ceremony.

38. Rebuilding after the fire: Government of Canada announces rent relief for Jasper National Park lessees and licensees

    Up to $15.2 million in rent relief for affected businesses and the Municipality of Jasper allowing them to redirect financial resources towards recovery and rebuilding efforts.

39. Rebuilding after the fire: Reopening attractions to welcome visitors for the winter season

    Reopenings support businesses and residents whose livelihoods rely directly and indirectly on hosting and guiding visitors to Jasper National Park.

40. Parks Canada - Backgrounder: Jasper National Park Reopenings

    Jasper National Park Reopenings

41. Minister Vandal announces an investment of over $970,000 for Uquutaq Society’s new commercial kitchen and training space

    Today, while visiting the Uquutaq Society’s facilities in Iqaluit, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced that the Government of Canada is investing over $970,000 for the construction of a commercial kitchen and training space.

42. Statement by Minister Anandasangaree on the Introduction of legislation to establish a new Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, issued the following statement today to mark the introduction of legislation to establish a new Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation

43. Parks Canada’s Hometown Heroes program honours Floyd H. Prosser

    Parks Canada’s Hometown Heroes program honours Floyd H. Prosser

44. Minister Anandasangaree to provide updates on the establishment of a new Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, alongside Indigenous Modern Treaty partners will provide updates on the establishment of a new Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation.

45. Government of Canada recognizes Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes as an event of national historic significance The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes exemplifies how African Canadian communities in the Maritimes fought for equality in sports and used hockey to advance social change in Canada.

    The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes exemplifies how African Canadian communities in the Maritimes fought for equality in sports and used hockey to advance social change in Canada.

46. Matawa’s Animal Pilot Project: Fostering Safer Communities for both Animals and Humans

    Fostering Safer Communities for both Animals and Humans

47. The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, to make a series of announcements regarding the Jasper wildfire recovery effort.

    The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, to make a series of announcements regarding the Jasper wildfire recovery effort.

48. $13 million federal investment to improve health services in Driftpile Cree Nation through construction of the Mihtatikaw Sipiy Health and Wellness Facility

    On September 26, 2024, Chief Dwayne Laboucan of Driftpile Cree Nation, along with Council, Elders, community members, and representatives from Indigenous Services Canada, celebrated the start of construction of the Mihtatikaw Sipiy Health and Wellness Facility.

49. Funding available to support documentary heritage organizations

    The call for proposals for the Documentary Heritage Communities Program 2025–2026 is now open

50. Parks Canada recognizes the importance of Penman Textile Mill, in Paris, Ontario, the foundation of the Penman Manufacturing Company which grew from a single mill in 1868 to become the largest woollen knit goods producer in Canada by the end of the century. 

    Parks Canada recognizes the importance of Penman Textile Mill, in Paris, Ontario, the foundation of the Penman Manufacturing Company which grew from a single mill in 1868 to become the largest woollen knit goods producer in Canada by the end of the century.