Aboriginal Peoples

1. Government of Canada highlights funding for Indigenous communities to support critical infrastructure

   As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is making historic investments in Indigenous infrastructure to address critical infrastructure needs by 2030, and invest in economic, social and health outcomes in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

2. Giant Mine apology and compensation agreements with Yellowknives Dene First Nation 

   The following three agreements have been signed by Canada and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation:

3. Government of Canada signs apology and compensation agreements for Giant Mine with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation

   Today, the parties signed three agreements aimed at renewing our relationship and moving forward to address the legacy of the mine and to provide socio-economic benefits as a result of the Giant Mine Remediation Project.

4. Governments of Canada, British Columbia, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Nuxalk, and Wuikinuxv working together to protect Central Coast of British Columbia  

   Memorandum of Understanding signed to launch a feasibility assessment for a proposed National Marine Conservation Area Reserve in British Columbia’s Central Coast..

5. Government of Canada announces funding to support infrastructure action plans for Métis governments 

   As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is making historic investments in Indigenous infrastructure to address critical infrastructure gaps and improve economic, social and health outcomes in their communities.

6. New agreement lays foundation for reconciliation of Haida Nation Title and Rights 

   The Council of the Haida Nation and the federal and provincial governments have signed the GayG̱ahlda “Changing Tide” framework agreement, setting the stage for reconciliation negotiations.

7. Feasibility Assessment for a Proposed National Marine Conservation Area Reserve in British Columbia’s Central Coast

   Feasibility Assessment for a Proposed National Marine Conservation Area Reserve in British Columbia’s Central Coast.

8. Government of Canada is reaching thousands of Canada’s most vulnerable during COVID-19

   COVID-19 continues to have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable Canadians, creating a great need for additional supports. Community-based service providers such as charities and non-profit organizations are on the front lines, serving critical social inclusion, well-being and safety needs during the pandemic. This is why the Government of Canada has worked with national intermediary partners—Community Foundations of Canada, Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada—to disburse $350 million to community-based organizations since last May. This funding was used to power thousands of projects, train countless volunteers, and support their communities along the way.

9. Government of Canada announces funding to support infrastructure action plans with Indigenous Self-Government and Modern Treaty Partners 

   As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is making historic investments in Indigenous infrastructure to address critical infrastructure gaps and improve economic, social and health outcomes in their communities, including meaningful action on the new approach that was launched with Indigenous partners to end the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

10. Building economic opportunities for the Mi'kmaq of PEI 

    PEI First Nation Councils establish new development organization and facility

11. Library and Archives Canada announces First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation organizations receiving funding through the Listen, Hear our Voices initiative

    Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is providing funding to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation organizations throughout Canada in their efforts to identify, digitize and preserve Indigenous language and culture recordings, and build digitization and preservation capacity in their communities.

12. Canada and British Columbia support Tseshaht First Nation to locate and commemorate their missing children from former residential schools

    The location and confirmation of unmarked graves of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children at former residential school sites across Canada are tragic reminders of the mistreatment of Indigenous children. As part of efforts to address historical wrongs and the lasting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harms, the Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia are supporting Tseshaht First Nation as they embark on the difficult work of honouring the missing children who attended the Alberni Indian Resident School.

13. Statement on the 100th commemoration of Treaty No. 11

    This summer marks the 100th commemoration of Treaty No. 11, a historic agreement between the Government of Canada and representatives of the Gwich’in, Sahtu, Dehcho and Tłı̨chǫ Peoples in the Northwest Territories. Adhesions to the Treaty took place in July 1922, as Treaty Commissioner H.A. Conroy travelled to the various communities.

14. Government of Canada invests $8 million in critical infrastructure and housing for Métis communities in the Northwest Territories

    Today, Minister of Northern Affairs Daniel Vandal, along with Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, announced $8 million for Métis communities in the Northwest Territories to respond to their critical infrastructure and housing needs, as identified in their community-led infrastructure plans.

15. Recovery Centre Coming to Nunavut 

    Many Nunavummiut live with unresolved trauma and grief, due to events such as the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma as a result of colonialization. Treatment based on Inuit cultural values, practices and knowledge are the foundations on which healing can begin.

16. Government of Canada to make an announcement on investments for critical infrastructure and housing for Métis communities in the Northwest Territories

    Please be advised that the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, along with Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, will hold a press conference to announce new investments in Métis communities in the Northwest Territories to respond to their critical infrastructure and housing needs, as identified in their community-led infrastructure plans.

17. Government of Canada invests $10 million in critical infrastructure and housing for First Nations communities in the Northwest Territories 

    As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is making historic new investments in Indigenous infrastructure to address critical infrastructure gaps and improve economic, social and health outcomes in their communities.

18. The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to announce funding for a recovery centre in Nunavut 

    The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, the Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Government of Nunavut Minister of Health, and Aluki Kotierk, President of the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated will announce investments for a new recovery centre in Nunavut. The announcement will be followed by a media availability.

19. Government of Canada seeks social finance wholesalers to spur growth of social finance market

    Everyone deserves an equal and fair chance at success. Social purpose organizations play a fundamental role in helping communities across Canada tackle a range of pressing social issues. However, many need support to expand their capacity and acquire new skills. In the years to come, a strong social purpose sector will be critical in rebuilding the economy in addition to addressing other priorities in our communities, like unemployment, poverty reduction, reconciliation, gender equality and anti-racism.

20. New programs and investments launched to support families, survivors and Indigenous communities under Federal Pathway to Address MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

    Violence towards First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women and girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is an ongoing national tragedy that all governments and Indigenous partners are working together to address.

21. Accord is a historic recognition of Gitanyow Hereditary Governance 

    The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs (Nation/Huwilp) and the Governments of British Columbia and Canada have signed the Gitanyow Governance Accord which provides a path forward in the BC Treaty Process towards full self-government led by a restored Gitanyow hereditary governance system.

22. Government of Canada COVID-19 update for Indigenous Peoples and communities, week of August 9

    Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is committed to supporting Indigenous communities in their response to COVID-19 and continues to work closely with Indigenous organizations and provincial and territorial governments.

23. Targeted infrastructure investments planned for Inuit Nunangat 

    The Government of Canada recognizes the need to address social and economic inequities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Budget 2021 announced the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund (ICIF), a distinctions-based fund to support immediate demands, as prioritized by Indigenous partners. Today the Government of Canada announced that $517.8 million is available for shovel-ready infrastructure projects for Inuit communities. This funding will help close the infrastructure gaps by 2030.

24. Government of Canada funds Native People of Nipissing Non-Profit Residential Development to develop transition house project

    Through the Indigenous Community Support Fund (ICSF), the Government of Canada continues to provide support to First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations to prevent, prepare, and respond to COVID-19.

25. Canada and Ontario support Wauzhushk Onigum Nation with almost $2.9 million to locate and commemorate their missing children

    The location and confirmation of burials and unmarked graves of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children at former residential school sites across Canada are tragic reminders of the mistreatment of Indigenous children.

26. Government of Canada announces funding to help improve Indigenous children’s mental health and well-being

    Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced $2 million in funding over the next five years to help improve the mental health and well-being of Indigenous children in Canada. This funding goes to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO), a pediatric research centre in Ottawa, to improve access to the Aaniish Naa Gegii: the Children’s Health and Well‐being Measure (ACHWM) app, a tool developed in partnership with the Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemkong Health Centre.

27. Government of Canada to make an announcement on new programs and investments to support families, survivors and Indigenous communities

    Please be advised the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, alongside the Family and Survivors Circle, and Indigenous partners to announce the launch of new programs and highlight Budget 2021 investments to support the federal response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

28. Government of Canada to make an announcement on investments for critical infrastructure and housing for First Nations communities in the Northwest Territories

    Please be advised that Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs, along with Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, will hold a press conference to announce new investments in Indigenous infrastructure to address critical gaps and improve economic, social and health outcomes in their communities.

29. The Government of Canada to announce infrastructure funding in Inuit Nunangat

    The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs is in Iqaluit where he will announce infrastructure funding with Inuit partners.

30. Waywayseecappo First Nation and Canada take major step toward reconciliation with settlement of longstanding claim and addition to reserve

    The successful resolution of specific claims is a key step in Canada’s ongoing journey of reconciliation with First Nations - one that helps to address the past and build a better future for community members and all Canadians.

31. Government of Canada and Waywayseecappo First Nation to make an announcement on the settlement of longstanding claim and addition to reserve

    Please be advised that the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Waywayseecappo First Nation Chief Murray Clearsky, will make an important announcement on the settlement of a longstanding claim and addition to reserve.

32. Declaration signed between Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak and the Government of Canada 

    Honouring Canada’s commitment to the Métis Nation and working collaboratively to advance the safety, security and wellbeing of the people of the Métis Nation is key to advancing reconciliation.

33. Minister Vandal visits the Aqqiumavvik Society’s Young Hunters Program 

    Today Minister Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, met with members of the Aqqiumavvik Society’s Young Hunters Program to discuss the community-led initiative.

34. Canada and the Peepeekisis Cree Nation celebrate settlement of specific claim

    Working collaboratively to renew relationships and to right historical wrongs is key to advancing reconciliation with First Nations in Canada.

35. Government of Canada enhances support to Indigenous communities to respond to and heal from the ongoing impacts of residential schools

    The Government of Canada is taking further action to enhance support for Indigenous Peoples and communities as they continue to respond to and heal from the intergenerational trauma of residential schools.

36. Government of Canada enhances support for Indigenous communities to respond to and heal from the ongoing impacts of residential schools

    Please be advised that the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, will hold a press conference regarding support for Indigenous communities dealing with the ongoing impacts of residential schools.

37. Siksika Nation and Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding to help create a roadmap for renewing their relationship

    Working collaboratively to renew the Nation-to-Nation relationship based on the affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership is key to advancing reconciliation with First Nations in Canada.

38. Statement by Minister Bennett, Vandal and Miller on World's Indigenous Peoples Day

    Ottawa, Ontario (August 9th, 2021) — The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, issued the following statement to commemorate World Indigenous Peoples Day.

39. Minister of Indigenous Services concludes community visits in Manitoba to celebrate 150th anniversary of Treaty 1 and meet with First Nations leadership and partners

    On August 3 and 4, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, visited Manitoba to participate in events marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 1 and to meet with Manitoba First Nations leadership and partner organizations. He also toured several First Nations, Métis, and Inuit-led organizations, in addition to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

40. Government of Canada and Mushkegowuk Council working together to protect western James Bay

    Memorandum of Understanding signed to launch a feasibility assessment for a proposed National Marine Conservation Area in western James Bay and southwestern Hudson Bay.

41. Parks Canada announces Advisory Committee for Rouge National Urban Park

    Parks Canada announces Advisory Committee for Rouge National Urban Park.

42. Government of Canada invests in a prosperous future and safe, reliable transportation in northern Manitoba

    Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, and the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, announced up to $40 million for the Arctic Gateway Group Limited Partnership (AGG).

43. Minister Gould to make an announcement to support greater access to green spaces in Windsor

    Minister Gould to make an announcement to support greater access to green spaces in Windsor

44. Government of Canada and Mushkegowuk Council to make an important announcement on Western James Bay

    Government of Canada and Mushkegowuk Council to make an important announcement on Western James Bay

45. Improvements to support child and family services, new school infrastructure and an emergency shelter announced for Saskatchewan First Nations

    The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations to narrow socio-economic gaps and support their goals for self-determination.

46. The Government of Canada to announce investments in transportation in northern Manitoba

    Winnipeg, Manitoba — The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, and Arctic Gateway Group Directors Onekanew Christian Sinclair and Mayor Michael Spence will announce investments in transportation in northern Manitoba. The announcement will be followed by a media availability.

47. Moosomin First Nation partners with the Government of Canada to build new kindergarten to grade 12 school

    The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing educational facilities and opportunities for students in First Nations communities.

48. Joint statement by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Canada Employment Insurance Commission Commissioners

    The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough; the Canada Employment Insurance Commission’s (CEIC) Commissioner for Workers, Pierre Laliberté; and the CEIC’s Commissioner for Employers, Nancy Healey, issued the statement below today on the launch of consultations on modernizing the Employment Insurance program. The online survey will open on Monday, August 9, 2021, at canada.ca/ei-consultations. The survey is scheduled to run until Friday, October 8, 2021

49. Canada and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation sign Agreement on Environmental Stewardship in the Burrard Inlet

    Today, Chief Jennifer Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport and the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, signed the Burrard Inlet Environmental Science and Stewardship Agreement.

50. Government of Canada Commits Additional Support to Nishnawbe Aski Nation in Pursuit of First Nations Health Transformation

    First Nations health transformation is a priority for the Government of Canada. It is a collaborative process between Canada, First Nations partners, and provinces and territories, as they develop new First Nations-led health organizations to assume greater control of the design, administration, management, and delivery of health services and programs that support community wellness and address their health needs and priorities.