Aboriginal Peoples

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park expansion project

   Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park expansion project

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. Parks Canada - Backgrounder: Jasper National Park Reopenings

    Jasper National Park Reopenings

29. 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.

30. 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

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

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

32. 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.

33. 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.

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

    Fostering Safer Communities for both Animals and Humans

35. 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.

36. $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.

37. Funding available to support documentary heritage organizations

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

38. 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.

39. Canada, Manitoba and Giganawenimaanaanig partner to develop Red Dress Alert

    Today, on Sisters in Spirit Day, we honour the memory of the thousands who have gone missing or been murdered, and accelerate efforts to put this violence to an end.

40. Ministers Anandasangaree, Vandal, Hajdu, and Ien issue a statement of support on Sisters in Spirit Day and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people

    Ministers Anandasangaree, Vandal, Hajdu, and Ien issue a statement of support on Sisters in Spirit Day and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

41. Canada, Manitoba, and Giganawenimaanaanig to take a step forward on Red Dress Alert

    Please be advised that the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families of Manitoba, will make an announcement about the Red Dress Alert pilot at Giganawenimaanaanig's Day of Education and Awareness.

42. Dinehtl’eh vah gwitr’it t’agwah’in Nan Thok Natri’iniin’aii (Vuntut National Park) geenjik Parliament Plan gwizhit nihah veenjit tr’igiheekyhyaa nits’oo Van Tat Gwich’in gooveenjik gwiheezyaa gwitr’it gwiinzii gwahaatsyaa, nits’oo nanh t’agwijahch’uu, nanh gwiinzii k’atr’anahtii ts’at nits’oo Canadians, Yukon gwizhit nanh gahanaa’yaa, gooveenjit gwiiheezyaa. 

    Dinehtl’eh vah gwitr’it t’agwah’in Nan Thok Natri’iniin’aii (Vuntut National Park) geenjik Parliament Plan gwizhit nihah veenjit tr’igiheekyhyaa nits’oo Van Tat Gwich’in gooveenjik gwiheezyaa gwitr’it gwiinzii gwahaatsyaa, nits’oo nanh t’agwijahch’uu, nanh gwiinzii k’atr’anahtii ts’at nits’oo Canadians, Yukon gwizhit nanh gahanaa’yaa, gooveenjit gwiiheezyaa.

43. Ebb and Flow First Nation celebrates grand opening of new school

    Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, recognized the important milestone for Ebb and Flow First Nation in celebration of the grand opening of its new Kindergarten to Grade 6 school.

44. Keynote address by Pierre Tremblay, President and CEO of CNSC at the 5th International Conference on Generation IV and Small Reactors 

    CNSC President and CEO Pierre Tremblay delivered a keynote address at the 5th International Conference on Generation IV and Small Reactors.

45. Parks Canada recognizes the national historic significance of Penman Textile Mill, a site that was once the heart of the Canadian knit goods industry and which played an important role in Canada’s industrial development.

    Parks Canada recognizes the national historic significance of Penman Textile Mill, a site that was once the heart of the Canadian knit goods industry and which played an important role in Canada’s industrial development.

46. Statement by Minister Anandasangaree on Mi’kmaq Treaty Day

    Today, we celebrate Mi’kmaq Treaty Day, recognizing and celebrating the historic Peace and Friendship Treaties. These Treaties are solemn Nation-to-Nation agreements to forge peaceful and meaningful relationships between the Mi’kmaq, and the Crown.

47. Re-raising of the Survivors’ Flag on Parliament Hill to commemorate and honour residential school Survivors and the children who never came home

    Survivors, Elder Claudette Commanda, and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) were joined at this commemorative event by leaders of National Indigenous Organizations, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

48. The Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow and Parks Canada Sign Co-Management Agreement

    Toquktmekl agreement provides governance framework for co-management of Parks Canada administered places on PEI

49. A new page in the history of the Plains of Abraham: Two artworks by First Nations artists installed on Cap Diamant

    On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, The National Battlefields Commission is proud to unveil two works by First Nations artists in a new installation on Cap Diamant.

50. Amos residential school survivors, the Abitibiwinni First Nation Council and the Government of Canada mark the national historic significance of the Amos residential school under the Residential School System National Historic Event

    This commemoration is an important part of the Government of Canada’s response to Call to Action 79 in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report.