Aboriginal Peoples

1. Joint Statement by Ministers Anandasangaree, Hajdu, Vandal, St-Onge, and Virani on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

   Today, we honour and remember the children who never returned home, and those who continue to live with the trauma of residential schools. Survivors, their families, and communities have lived with the horrific legacy of residential schools for generations, and these impacts are still being felt.

2. Matawa Education and Care Centre celebrates the opening of its new facility

   Today, Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu joined the Matawa Education and Care Centre to celebrate the grand opening of its new facility.

3. Ingonish STEPping up regional tourism

   Today, Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, announced a $95,500 non-repayable ACOA contribution to the Ingonish Development Society (IDS) to develop a regional tourism strategy.

4. Statement by Ministers Hajdu, Holland, and Anandasangaree on the third anniversary of the death of Joyce Echaquan

   Joyce’s Principle was created in response to Joyce Echaquan’s death, and aims to ensure that all Indigenous Peoples have the right to equitable access, without discrimination, to all health and social services. To this end, the Government of Canada has announced a bilateral agreement with the provinces and territories for a new $2-billion Indigenous Health Equity Fund that will be distributed equitably across the country. We are also jointly developing Indigenous legislation to ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous Peoples within Canada’s health systems.

5. Minister Hajdu to attend opening of the Matawa Education and Care Centre

   Please be advised that , Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu will take part in the grand opening of the Matawa Education and Care Centre.

6. Closure of Canadian Coast Guard Seasonal Inshore Rescue Boat Stations in Quebec

   The Canadian Coast Guard’s seasonal Inshore Rescue Boat stations of Longueuil, Trois-Rivières, Vaudreuil-sur-le-Lac, Beaconsfield and Saint-Zotique will be closing this Sunday, October 1 at 20:00.

7. Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Significance of Richard Pierpoint for his Life Experiences and Contributions as a Black Loyalist in Upper-Canada 

   Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Significance of Richard Pierpoint for his Life Experiences and Contributions as a Black Loyalist in Upper-Canada.

8. Minister Vandal announces $280,000 investment in the Kivalliq Trade Show Society

   Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced an investment of $280,000 that will support strategic development, costs related to the annual Kivalliq Trade Show, and the expansion of the society’s entrepreneurship program over three years. Funding for this initiative is also being provided by the Government of Nunavut and the Kivalliq Inuit Association.

9. Tongait KakKasuangita SilakKijapvinga-Torngat Mountains National Park Management Plan Tabled in Parliament

   The management plan contributes to protecting the environment and connecting Canadians to an Inuit homeland in northern Labrador.

10. Grand Opening of the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre in Nunavik

    The effects of trauma are extensive and intricate, impacting multiple generations, particularly due to substance abuse.

11. New recovery centre opens in Kuujjuaq

    Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s Minister responsible for relations with First Nations and Inuit; Dave Forrest, President of the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre; as well as several regional dignitaries and partners, will be taking part in the grand opening of the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre in Kuujjuaq.

12. Anticosti inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List

    Anticosti inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

13. Tr’ondëk-Klondike inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List

    Tr’ondëk-Klondike inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

14. Supporting rural entrepreneurial opportunities across Atlantic Canada

    Community Business Development Corporations are at the heart of growing rural Atlantic Canadian economies

15. Projects funded through the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund

    Backgrounder: The Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children at Western University was funded in the amount of $1,999,997 to launch the project “Collaborating to Prevent and Respond to Violence and Harassment at Work”.

16. Saulteaux Pelly Agency Health Alliance, Saskatchewan, and ISC celebrate beginning of construction on historic multi-purpose health facility

    The Saulteaux Pelly Agency Health Alliance (SPAHA) broke ground today on a new multi-purpose health care facility on the Keeseekoose First Nation. The SPAHA facility will provide a full suite of services, including public health programming, palliative care, long-term care and mental health services, as well as host the Keeseekoose First Nation Community Health Centre, all for the communities of Cote First Nation, Keeseekoose First Nation, and The Key First Nation.

17. Canada apologizes to the Williams Lake First Nation for the historical wrongs related to the Village Site Specific Claim

    Today, Chief Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, gathered in Williams Lake, where the Minister delivered an apology on behalf of Canada to the First Nation for the harms suffered as a result of the unlawful and wrongful actions that separated the First Nation from their village lands.

18. Public Apology from the Government of Canada Related to the Williams Lake First Nation Village Claim

    “The Government of Canada accepts responsibility for this historic injustice and expresses its deep regret and sincere apology to the First Nation for the harms suffered. This apology and negotiated settlement is a step toward a renewed relationship with the community, and one that was necessary in order for Canada to be an honest and accountable Treaty partner. Thank you to Chief Sellars and all those who made this historic day possible.”The Honourable Gary AnandasangareeMinister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

19. The Government of Canada hosts the Fifth Convening of the Trilateral Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls

    On September 6 and 7, 2023, the Government of Canada chaired the Fifth Convening of the Trilateral Working Group on Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls in collaboration with Indigenous leaders from Canada, the United States, and Mexico, global subject-matter experts, and officials from the governments of Mexico and the United States. Discussions at this year’s convening focused on human trafficking and access to justice.

20. Canada apologizes to Williams Lake First Nation for historic wrongs related to the Village Site Specific Claim

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, will deliver an official apology to Williams Lake First Nation and Chief Willie Sellars for historical wrongs related to their village site.

21. Canada and Flat Bay Band-No’kmaq Village partner to launch Mary Webb’s Gathering Place Building Project

    Today, Chief Joanne Miles and Chief Executive Officer Liz LaSaga from the Flat Bay Band-No’kmaq Village, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, in the name of Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced $2.4 million in funding, provided through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program for the construction of the new Mary Webb’s Gathering Place.

22. Government of Canada commemorates the national historic significance of Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site and launches new interpretive media for the site

    New plaque, video, and interpretive panels help communicate the importance and complex history of the site.

23. Canada and Flat Bay Band-No’kmaq Village announce the upcoming construction of a new cultural centre

    Chief Joanne Miles and Chief Executive Officer Liz LaSaga of the Flat Bay Band-No’kmaq Village; the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and Scott Reid, Member of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador, will announce the launch of a project to build a new cultural centre in the community called Mary Webb’s Gathering Place.

24. Government of Canada to unveil plaque and launch new interpretive media for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site

    Government of Canada to unveil plaque and launch new interpretive media for Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site

25. Minister Hutchings to visit Cape Breton on September 5, 2023

    As part of her visit to Cape Breton, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will meet with local leaders and stakeholders and make two announcements that will drive economic momentum in Nova Scotia.

26. Minister Vandal announces investment in Fireweed Community Market’s popular Christmas event

    Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, and Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, announced an investment of $38,500 to support the expansion of the 12 Days of Christmas Fireweed Community Market. Along with support from the non-profit organization, the Yukon Government and vendors, this represents a $184,000 investment over two years in the Christmas market.

27. Rumina Velshi, President & CEO Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Remarks to 5th Canadian Conference on Nuclear Waste Management, Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration

    Thank you so much – and good afternoon, everyone. I appreciate the opportunity to join you here today – and I am very much looking forward to the panel discussion we’ll be having a short time from now with Kim and Terry.

28. Premier Caroline Cochrane, Minister Dan Vandal, Minister Randy Boissonnault and Mayor Amarjeet Sohi will visit the wildfire evacuee reception centre at the Edmonton EXPO Centre

    Please be advised that the Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, and his Worship Amarjeet Sohi Mayor, City of Edmonton will visit the wildfire evacuee reception centre at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.

29. Polar Knowledge Canada provides $1.7 million toward Yukon Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

    As this year’s wildfire season has shown us, Northern and Indigenous communities are already feeling the devastating effects of climate change, and it’s crucial that they have the tools they need to lead on adapting to the changing environment.

30. Government of Canada to announce support for experiential tourism in Pictou County

    Government of Canada to announce support for experiential tourism in Pictou County

31. Parks Canada supports wildfire evacuees with free admission and stays in national parks in British Columbia and Alberta

    Wildfire evacuees welcome to access national parks and stay free of charge.

32. Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation and the Government of Canada close historic 1909 Surrender Specific Claim

    Today, Melissa Tavita, Chief of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced the settlement agreement regarding the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation 1909 Surrender Specific Claim.

33. Government of Canada commemorates the de Gannes-Cosby House, a rare surviving example of a pre-Deportation residence in Acadia 

    Government of Canada commemorates the de Gannes-Cosby House, a rare surviving example of a pre-Deportation residence in Acadia

34. ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation and Canada reach settlement agreement on Elkhorn Ranch Specific Claim

    Today, the ʔAkisq̓nuk Chief and Council and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a settlement agreement regarding the ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation’s Elkhorn Ranch Specific Claim.

35. Government of Canada supports two new Guardians Programs in Torngat Mountains National Park to protect Inuit lands and the communities it nurtures

    Supporting Inuit access on Inuit homelands

36. Tundra turning celebrates historic $83.7 million investment to build Aqqusariaq (formerly the Nunavut Recovery Centre) in Iqaluit

    Today, Vice President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), Paul Irngaut; Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu; Nunavut Minister of Health, John Main; and Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Lori Idlout, turned tundra on the future site of Aqqusariaq as part of a ground-breaking (“tundra turning”) ceremony. Aqqusariaq is an $83.7 million treatment and recovery centre, with $42.1 million in funding from the Government of Canada and $41.6 million from the Government of Nunavut. In addition, NTI provided $5 million towards the overall costs of the project and $11.8 million through the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation to train Inuit counsellors. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) will also provide $9.7 million per year in annual funding towards the costs of operating the centre.

37. Government of Canada and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and citizens commemorate the national historic significance of T’äw Tà’är National Historic Site

    T’äw Tà’är (Winter Crossing) is a cultural landscape that speaks to the traditional ways of the Ta’an Kwäch’än.

38. Government of Canada to make an announcement on Inuit-led conservation and climate adaptation in Nunatsiavut, Newfoundland and Labrador

    Government of Canada to make an announcement on Inuit-led conservation and climate adaptation in Nunatsiavut, Newfoundland and Labrador.

39. Announcement of Construction of a Recovery Centre in Iqaluit

    Please be advised that Mr. Paul Irngaut, Vice President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, as well as the Honourable John Main, Minister of Health of Nunavut, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, will make an announcement regarding the construction of Aqqusariaq in Iqaluit.

40. Government of Canada Supports Training for Future Leaders in Conservation 

    Parks Canada partners with organizations to employ youth across Canada to protect natural and cultural heritage.

41. Government of Canada launching new commercial whelk fishery in Eastern Nova Scotia

    New fisheries support economic growth and innovation in coastal communities across the country. The Government of Canada is committed to increasing opportunity in the fishing and fish processing sectors to drive economic development without compromising conservation.

42. Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Canada, Northwest Territories and Yukon sign historic Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord

    Today, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair and Chief Executive Officer Duane Ningaqsiq Smith; the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor; the Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories; and the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon, signed the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord on behalf of their respective governments.

43. Gros Morne National Park celebrates 50th anniversary with community and special guests, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings and the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien

    Gros Morne National Park celebrates 50th anniversary with community and special guests, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings and the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien.

44. Statement in support of Education Jurisdiction Agreements in British Columbia

    Today, Tyrone McNeil, First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) President; Stephanie Atleo, First Nations Education Authority (FNEA) President; the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Rachna Singh, British Columbia’s Minister of Education and Child Care, issued the following statement

45. Government of Canada contributes more than $1.9M to support ecological connectivity in southeastern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta 

    The contribution from Parks Canada will support the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative with important research and wildlife crossing projects to allow animals to move safely across Highway 3.

46. Parks Canada is seeking public input about the future of the Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site 

    Parks Canada is seeking public input about the future of the Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site.

47. Government of Canada and Government of Yukon announce investments of nearly $2.1 million to support the Yukon’s Indigenous tourism and culture industries

    The history, culture and traditions of Indigenous communities are an integral part of Canadian society and our national economy. This is especially true in the Yukon, and the Government of Canada is continuing to build partnerships with Indigenous businesses and communities to create more economic opportunities, including supporting the Indigenous tourism and culture sectors.

48. Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Canada, Northwest Territories and the Yukon to make an important announcement in Inuvik

    Please be advised that Duane Ningaqsiq Smith, Corporation Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation; the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor; the Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories; and the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of the Yukon, will make a significant announcement on behalf of their respective governments.

49. Parks Canada and the United States National Park Service sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding and commit to a continued collaborative relationship

    This collaboration is built upon shared goals related to the protection and presentation of cultural and natural heritage.

50. Statement from Ministers Anandasangaree, Hajdu, and Vandal on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario; and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, issued the following statement today