Aboriginal Peoples

1. Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area

   Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working in collaboration with First Nations to advance the designation of the proposed Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area (MPA) to help safeguard this sensitive deepwater marine environment and its unique seafloor features.

2. Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial meeting held in Ottawa to discuss and advance priorities

   Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Indigenous Services, convened a meeting in Ottawa with the Honourable Marc Miller, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Karina Gould, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, many provincial and territorial Ministers of Indigenous Affairs, and leaders and representatives from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), and the Métis National Council (MNC).

3. Government of Canada requests research proposals to address northern contaminants and plastic pollution

   Together, with Indigenous partners, scientists are assessing the presence of contaminants and plastics pollution in Northern and Arctic communities. These partnerships will lead to solutions to reduce the presence of contaminants in local food sources, including traditionally harvested country foods integral to Indigenous culture and food security in the North and Arctic.

4. Marine Protected Area Network for the Northern Shelf Bioregion

   Protecting the world’s oceans and marine environment is a shared responsibility. Today’s announcement of the joint endorsement of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Action Plan (the Action Plan) for the Northern Shelf Bioregion (NSB) is an important and vital step in ensuring healthy coastal ecosystems now and into the future.

5. Canada Celebrates the Opening of IMPAC5 – the Fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress  

   The global ocean is facing mounting pressures from climate change and human activities, resulting in threatened ecosystems and biodiversity loss.

6. First marine refuge within the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala area in Knight Inlet is established

   The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Chief John Powell (Winidi) of the Mamalilikulla First Nation, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, will announce the establishment of a new marine refuge in the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala area in Knight Inlet on the coast of British Columbia.

7. Government of Canada advancing on goal of creating 10 new national marine conservation areas with new policy direction

   Government of Canada advancing on goal of creating 10 new national marine conservation areas with new policy direction

8. Canada Celebrates the Opening of the Fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress  (IMPAC5)  

   The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will join the Host First Nations – xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) – in welcoming participants to the Fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC5).

9. CanNor invests $300,000 to expand Sanikiluaq's multi-purpose community research centre 

   Targeted investments protecting the environment can preserve the land for future generations while encouraging economic growth. Nunavut's Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay are an important ecological part of Canada, and home to a variety of unique wildlife like the Eider Duck.

10. Louis Bull Tribe and Canada sign historic agreement to further support the well-being of First Nations children and community

    Today, a ceremony was held on traditional territory to celebrate the signing of the Louis Bull Tribe – Asikiw Mostos O’Pikinawasiwin Society – Canada Child and Family Services Bilateral Agreement. This will support the implementation of Louis Bull Tribe’s Asikiw Mostos O’Pikinawasiwin law. The agreement was signed by Chief Desmond Bull, Louis Bull Tribe; and Catherine Lappe, Assistant Deputy Minister at Indigenous Services Canada on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services.

11. MP Michael McLeod announces support for business innovation and economic growth in the Northwest Territories

    Building a strong economy means supporting businesses as they adapt, grow and seek out new economic opportunities. In the Northwest Territories (NWT), Indigenous and Northern businesses are building a path forward through creativity, new ideas and innovation, and diversifying our economy, and the Government of Canada is making targeted investments to support businesses and create good jobs Northerners can depend on.

12. CanNor makes key investments to support innovation and diversification in the Northwest Territories

    Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan and Minister for CanNor, announced investments of over $210,000, delivered by CanNor, to support three projects that enhance economic development in the Northwest Territories (NWT) through innovation and diversification.

13. Call for proposals to help support high-quality Indigenous early learning and child care 

    High-quality and culturally appropriate early learning and child care programs designed by and with Indigenous families and communities give Indigenous children the best start in life and forms an essential part of Reconciliation. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to promoting and investing in Indigenous-led early learning and child care, including through Quality Improvement Projects. Quality Improvement Projects help to identify best practices, models, and innovations which can be adapted for use in other communities or Indigenous early learning and child care settings and help ensure that First Nations, Inuit and Métis children have the opportunities in the early years to succeed in the future.

14. January marks 3rd anniversary of federal Indigenous child and family services laws coming into effect

    “January 2023 marks the three-year anniversary of federal Indigenous child and family services legislation coming into effect. Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (the Act), is historic legislation which was co-developed with Indigenous partners, received Royal Assent in 2019, and became law in January 2020.”

15. Government of Canada recognizes the national historic significance of Marie Rose (Delorme) Smith

    During her long life, Smith exemplified leadership as a Métis woman, community builder, homesteader, rancher and author.

16. Government of Canada to protect nature in Ontario

    Contributions will support habitat restoration work, ecological connectivity, engagement of Indigenous communities, and access to greenspace for Canadians in Ontario.

17. Government of Canada funding announcement to protect and enhance three critical natural spaces in Ontario

    Government of Canada funding announcement to protect and enhance three critical natural spaces in Ontario

18. Government of Canada investing $71 million in infrastructure funding for Parks Canada

    Priority projects in Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay and Banff national parks to focus on critical infrastructure, visitor safety, and improved visitor experiences.

19. Settlement Agreement reached in  Band Class Litigation

    Canada has signed an agreement with the Representative Plaintiffs who represent the 325 bands that have opted into the Band class litigation. Through this settlement, Canada is committed to addressing the collective harm caused by the residential schools system and the loss of language, culture, and heritage.

20. Settlement agreement reached for Band class litigation

    Today, Band class representatives former Chief Shane Gottfriedson and former Chief Garry Feschuk, along with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that Canada has signed an agreement with the Representative Plaintiffs who represent the 325 bands that have opted into the Band class litigation.

21. Government of Canada invests $12 million in preserving Parks Canada historic sites

    Priority projects at Fort Henry, Fort Wellington, Laurier House and Sir John Johnson House national historic sites.

22. Parks Canada will make an important announcement about Parks Canada’s infrastructure funding 

    Parks Canada will make an important announcement about Parks Canada’s infrastructure funding

23. Federal Infrastructure Investment Projects - Fort Henry, Fort Wellington, Laurier House and Sir John Johnson House national historic sites

    Federal Infrastructure Investment Projects Fort Henry, Fort Wellington, Laurier House and Sir John Johnson House national historic sites.

24. Parks Canada will make an important announcement about infrastructure funding to provide safer and better visitor experiences at mountain national parks

    Parks Canada will make an important announcement about infrastructure funding to provide safer and better visitor experiences at mountain national parks

25. Government of Canada to make an announcement on the Gottfriedson Band Class settlement

    The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, joined by the Band Class representative plaintiffs, will make an announcement on the Gottfriedson Band Class Settlement.

26. Parks Canada will make an important announcement about Parks Canada’s infrastructure funding 

    Parks Canada will make an important announcement about Parks Canada’s infrastructure funding.

27. Commission renews Cameco Fuel Manufacturing Inc.’s Class IB nuclear fuel facility licence for its facility for a 20-year period

    Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision to renew the Class IB nuclear fuel facility licence held by Cameco Fuel Manufacturing Inc.

28. Government of Canada Provides Funding to the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg to support efforts to communicate the importance of staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination

    Today, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $265,732 to support the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg. The funds will go to support a Mobile Outreach Vaccination Clinic, which aims to increase confidence and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.

29. Government of Canada partners with Ocean Wise to amplify the voice of young professionals at IMPAC5

    Young people from all nations and backgrounds play important leadership roles in marine protected areas and ocean conservation. From the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Marseilles to the more recent United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, young professionals are leaning into the conversation and taking action to protect the world ocean.

30. IMPAC5 Young Professionals Committee

    The IMPAC5 Young Professionals Committee is comprised of 15 exceptional young professionals from around the world. This dynamic group was chosen through a worldwide competitive selection process. They bring leadership experience, passion for ocean conservation, expertise in marine protection and a desire to help change the world for the better

31. Government of Canada Partners with Ocean Wise to Amplify the Voice of Young Professionals at IMPAC5

    The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will announce a partnership with Ocean Wise that will amplify youth voices at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) which takes place next month in Vancouver. Minister Murray will be joined by representatives from the IMPAC5 Secretariat and Ocean Wise.

32. Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site Management Plan Tabled in Parliament

    Plan contributes to protecting the environment and connecting Canadians to nature in Atlantic Canada.

33. Minister Miller convenes national roundtable on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, convened a national roundtable with Indigenous leaders and partners and federal, provincial and territorial governments on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI

34. Government of Canada appoints a Ministerial Special Representative and an Indigenous-led organization to address Calls for Justice

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced the appointment of Jennifer Moore Rattray as the Ministerial Special Representative who will provide advice and recommendations, through engagement with survivors, families, partners and organizations, in support of Call for Justice 1.7 to create an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson.

35. Canadian Coast Guard accepts delivery of two more Bay Class high-endurance search and rescue lifeboats 

    The Canadian Coast Guard keeps waterways safe for mariners, protects the marine environment and responds to over 6,000 calls for marine assistance each year.

36. Canada will make an announcement to advance work on the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice

    The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, will make an announcement following a national roundtable with federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous representatives on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

37. Agreement-in-Principle reached to resolve Percival class action lawsuit 

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, along with Reginald Percival and Kenneth Weistche, court-appointed representative plaintiffs, announced that an Agreement-in-Principle has been reached in the Federal Indian Boarding Homes (Percival) class action.

38. New dome in Cape Breton re-inflating hopes of expanded sport programming 

    Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry is vital to the region and hosting national sporting events can generate significant economic benefits by attracting visitors outside the traditional tourism season. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex Corporation (CBHRCC), in partnership with Cape Breton University (CBU), to revitalize the community’s multi-sport recreation facility.

39. Rideau Canal and Merrickville Blockhouse National Historic Sites Management Plan Tabled in Parliament

    Plan contributes to preserving our nation’s heritage and connecting Canadians to history in Ontario.

40. Trent–Severn Waterway and Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Sites Management Plan Tabled in Parliament

    Plan contributes to preserving our nation’s heritage and connecting Canadians to history in Ontario.

41. Canada and the Big Grassy First Nation partner to launch the Big Grassy First Nation Cultural Space and Shelter Building Project

    Today, Chief Lynn Indian from the Big Grassy First Nation and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, announced $1.8 million in funding provided through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program, for the construction of a new cultural space building.

42. Bill S-219, An Act Respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day, Receives Royal Assent

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, announced that Bill S-219, An Act Respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day, received Royal Assent on December 15, 2022, and is now an Act of Parliament.

43. Commission renews Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ waste nuclear substance licence for the Port Hope Project for a 10-year period

    Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision to renew the waste nuclear substance licence held by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) for its Port Hope Long-Term Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Project (Port Hope Project) located in Port Hope, Ontario. The Commission renewed the licence for a period of 10 years.

44. Canada congratulates Treaty One Nation on establishment of urban reserve in Winnipeg

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence; and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, issued the following statement.

45. B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund launched, creating new opportunities for First Nations in the cannabis industry

    B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund launched, creating new opportunities for First Nations in the cannabis industry.

46. Canada continues to support Indigenous groups across the country to advance self-determination and rebuild their nations

    As part of Canada’s work to renew relationships with Indigenous Peoples, the Government will support Indigenous groups working to rebuild their nations or Inuit communities—in a manner that responds to their unique needs and priorities. This was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and is an objective outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

47. Polar Knowledge Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature partner to advance biodiversity and climate change research in the Arctic

    Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) and the Canadian Museum of Nature have signed a Letter of Agreement to continue collaborating on research and monitoring in the North and Arctic to further understand rapidly changing northern ecosystems.

48. Ministerial statement on the anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report

    The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, issued the following statement to mark the 7th Anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Final Report.

49. CNSC statement on Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station

    As Canada’s nuclear regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has been carefully monitoring a situation that began early December 14, 2022, at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLNGS) in Point Lepreau, NB.

50. New Indigenous multipurpose health facility to become a reality in Treaty 4

    A new Indigenous-led health facility will soon become a reality in Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan. With funding now confirmed, the Saulteaux Pelly Agency Health Alliance’s $30 million proposal to construct a multipurpose health facility can now move forward to the tendering phase.