What’s new in Indigenous Watchdog? 150 new entries: May 1 – June 1, 2023
Calls to Action (C2A) Status: June 1, 2023
| Not Started |
Stalled |
In Progress |
Complete |
| 14 |
21 |
46 |
13 |
| 14.9% |
22.3% |
48.9% |
13.8% |
| Status |
Legacy Calls to Action
(1-42) + 50-52, 62-65 |
Reconciliation Calls to Action
(43-94) |
| Not Started |
2, 9, 26, 34, 42, 51, 52, 64 |
45, 46, 47, 55, 56, 89 |
| Stalled |
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 29, 30, 32 |
58, 62, 71, 77, 78, 87, 92, 93 |
| Complete |
13, 15, 41 |
49, 59, 67, 68, 70, 80, 83, 84, 85, 94 |
Legacy Calls to Action include “Equity for Aboriginal People in the Legal System” (50-52) and “Education for Reconciliation (62-65) in order to keep all “Justice” and “Education” Calls to Action in one location
See also “Perspectives” post for a complete 6-page colour-coded document summarizing all 94 Calls to Action
Indigenous Watchdog Updates
The following presents a year-to-date statistical snapshot of stakeholder actions across ALL themes that are either advancing reconciliation (Legacy and Reconciliation C2As and Government Commitments) or creating roadblocks (Current Problems)
| Section |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Jan. 31 |
Mar. 1 |
Mar. 31 |
Apr. 30 |
May 31 |
YTD |
| Current Reality |
26 |
47 |
50 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
14 |
| Current Problems |
189 |
213 |
315 |
58 |
83 |
114 |
87 |
83 |
425 |
| Legacy C2As |
96 |
159 |
188 |
26 |
20 |
33 |
27 |
30 |
136 |
| Reconciliation C2As |
55 |
88 |
117 |
3 |
11 |
21 |
9 |
11 |
55 |
| Govt. Commitments |
– |
– |
48 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
9 |
23 |
| Other Issues |
– |
– |
78 |
13 |
16 |
10 |
23 |
15 |
77 |
| Total |
366 |
507 |
796 |
107 |
133 |
186 |
154 |
150 |
730 |
| Indigenous Success Stories |
– |
– |
65 |
9 |
5 |
3 |
7 |
13 |
14 |
Notes:
- Current Reality includes ALL 94 Calls to Action and Other Issues
- Legacy C2As, Reconciliation C2As, Government Commitments and Other Issues represent positive steps that are advancing reconciliation
- Current Problems includes all those in “Calls to Action” plus “Other Issues” and “Government Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation
- “Other Issues” presents information on Drinking Water Advisories, Food Insecurity, Suicide Prevention, Urban Commitments to Reconciliation, Housing, Environment and Treaties and Land Claims
NOTE: Some actions/problems have multiple entries that are only counted once; also Background Content sections have multiple entries to provide additional context to a particular Theme and/or C2A
New Sections
| Section |
Call to Action Theme |
Where Located |
| Québec’s Missing Children |
Missing Children & Burial Information |
Home Page – Explore by Theme |
| Mother. Sister. Daughter. CBC MMIWG Project |
Justice: Call to Action # 41 |
Home Page – Background Content |
| Health Institution Commitments |
Health: Call to Action # 18 |
Home Page – Background Content |
| Indigenous-Led Initiatives |
Education: Call to Action # 12 |
Home Page – Explore by Theme |
| Commitment to Indigenous-Police Relations |
Justice |
Home Page – Background Information |
Government Commitments
Government Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation
| Jurisdiction |
Date |
Indigenous
Group |
Description |
| Federal |
May 4 |
FN, M, I |
National Indigenous leaders hope to renew relationship with Crown after meeting King Charles |
| Federal |
May 7 |
FN, M, I |
Trudeau says Charles is ‘deeply aligned’ with Canadian priorities on environment, reconciliation |
| Federal, ALL |
May 17 |
FN, M, I |
Northern Development Ministers’ Forum focuses on Economic Reconciliation through action |
| BC |
May 17 |
FN, M |
Vancouver permanently erects flags for Indigenous Host Nations in Stanley Park |
| Alberta |
May 23 |
FN, M |
Political party platforms show various degrees of commitment to Indigenous peoples in Alberta |
| Federal |
May 24 |
I |
Mary Simon is leading Indigenous peoples to new heights |
| New Brunswick |
May 24 |
FN |
New Awitgati Longhouse and Cultural Centre to provide programming and services to Indigenous community |
| Manitoba |
May 26 |
FN, M |
Manitoba government announces new Civilian Director of Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba |
| Federal |
May 31 |
FN |
New Framework Agreement with feds a ‘game plan’ for Kitcisakik |
FN = First Nations; M = Métis; I = Inuit
Current Problems in Government Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation
The following two issues have dominated the last month:
The conflict between First Nations of Ontario with the Métis Nation of Ontario over the Métis Self-Government agreement with the federal government:
- May 2: ‘An existential threat’: First Nations challenge Ontario Métis self-government deal
- May 4: Opposition from First Nations mount over Métis Nation of Ontario self-government deal
- May 8: Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs fully supports all efforts of Treaty 9 First Nations to protect their Treaty and traditional territories including legal challenges of Canada – Métis Self-Government Agreement
- May 9: Canada accused of stonewalling in court challenge to Métis Nation of Ontario self-government deal
- May 10: Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare supports Robison-Huron Waawiindamaagewin in release of new research report: An Exploratory Study of the MNO’s “Historic Métis Communities” in Robinson-Huron Treaty territory
- May 20: Court dispute between First Nations and Métis Nation of Ontario highlights longstanding issues
- June 1: Métis leaders want introduction, passage of self-government legislation this spring
Racist comments by Québec MNA around findings of Viens Commission around systemic racism in Val-D-Or, Québec
- May 22: After ‘disgraceful’ remarks, First Nations leaders call on Québec MNA to resign
- May 23: Joint declaration by the Val-d’or Native Friendship Centre and its allies – Reaction to the unacceptable and disgraceful comments made by MNA Pierre Dufour
- May 29: Open Letter from Québec Native Women’s President
| Jurisdiction |
Date |
Indigenous
Group |
Description |
| Federal |
May 8 |
Métis |
Métis Nation of Canada maps disputed transfer of veterans money to Manitoba Métis Federation |
| Québec |
May 2 |
FN |
Work of monitoring committee of the Special Commission on the Rights of the Child and Youth Protection: The AFNQL and FNQLHSSC are satisfied |
| Federal |
May 8 |
M |
To achieve reconciliation, Canada needs to recognize the Métis as a self-governing nation |
| BC |
May 9 |
FN, I |
Federal Court of Appeal allows Judicial Review of Bait-and-Switch approval of emergency towing vessel contract on BC’s coast |
| Federal, Nunavut |
May 10 |
Inuit |
Arbitrator rules Government of Canada and Government of Nunavut are in breach of the Nunavut Agreement regarding Inuit employment |
| Federal |
May 13 |
Inuit |
Trudeau schooled on the North’s pressing infrastructure needs during first trip to remote community |
| Alberta |
May 15 |
Métis |
New Métis Nation Alberta district map is a ‘hostile takeover’ of territory, argues Grande Cache Mountain Métis |
| Ontario |
May 18 |
FN |
Editing the Oath: growing call for province to mention treaty rights in municipal oath of office |
| Ontario |
May 16 |
FN |
Chiefs of Ontario launches public education and awareness campaign surrounding systemic racism |
| Alberta |
May 25 |
FN, M |
Don’t blame Indigenous people for Calgary cancelling July 1st fireworks |
| Federal |
June 1 |
FN, M, I |
Taxpayers Ombudsman requests that the Canada Revenue Agency improve the information it provides to Indigenous peoples |
FN = First Nations; M = Métis; I = Inuit
Legacy Calls to Action
CHILD WELFARE
Home Page – Current Problems
| Government and Institutional Issues: Saskatchewan |
| May 12: First Nations mothers allegedly told babies died shortly after birth in Saskatchewan hospitals |
| Government and Institutional Issues: Saskatchewan |
| May 15: Mother of teen who died in Saskatchewan ministry care still begging for accountability, action a year later |
| Update to “Systemic Racism“: Québec |
| May 15: Québec sent Ottawa hospital hundreds of birth alerts despite Ontario ban |
| Update to “Systemic Racism“: Québec |
| May 25: Québec judge awards $25K to Inuk woman ‘forgotten’ by youth protection authorities |
| Update to “Child and Youth Advocate Reports”: Nunavut |
| May 30: Nunavut’s child protection system is in ‘crisis’ says Auditor-General |
Call to Action # 3
Federal, provincial, territory governments to fully implement Jordan’s Principle
| Update to: Government Commitments to Jordan’s Principle: Manitoba, Federal |
| May 10: Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs recognizes Spirit Bear Day and the implementation of Jordan’s Principle in Manitoba |
| Government Commitments to Jordan’s Principle |
| May 26: ‘I feel like I’m not behind’: Indigenous students in Manitoba embrace Jordan’s Principle supports |
EDUCATION
Home Page – Current Reality
| Update to “Current Reality”: Ontario |
| May 4: Key recommendations for provincial government of Ontario to complete all Calls to Action |
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Curriculum Revisions”: Ontario |
| May 3: What you need to know about “Still Waiting for Truth and Reconciliation, a Progress Report on Indigenous Education in Ontario” |
| Update to “Systemic Racism”: All levels of government |
| May 11: OPNION: To get Indigenous murder and suicide rates down, first face the facts |
| Update to “Indigenous History”: B.C. |
| May 15: Colonialism, Capitalism and State Schooling in B.C. |
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to “Indigenous Identity”: Manitoba |
| May 10: Update on Indigenous Identity engagement sessions to University of Manitoba community |
| Update to “Indigenous History” |
| May 27: “We were anything but primitive’: How Indigenous-led archaeology is challenging colonial preconceptions |
| Update to “Indigenous History” |
| May 31: Marie Clements won’t let Canada forget its painful past with sweeping epic Bones of Crows |
| Update to “Indigenous History”: Federal |
| June 1: Statement from Ministers Marc Miller, Patty Hajdu, Dan Vandal and Pablo Rodriquez on National Indigenous History Month |
Call to Action # 12
Federal, provincial, territory and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate early childhood education programs
| Update to “Indigenous-led Initiatives”: Alberta |
| May 25: 5 years on, Maskwacis, Alta. early childhood program celebrates community connections and benefits |
EDUCATION FOR RECONCILIATION
Call to Action # 62
Federal, provincial and territory governments to consult on Indigenous education reform: curriculum content, funding
| Update to “Government Commitments to Mandatory Indigenous Education Reform”: Manitoba |
| May 3: Manitoba Government provides update on K-12 Education Action Plan |
| Update to “Government Commitments to Mandatory Indigenous Education Reform”: Ontario |
| May 26: Grade 11 English course with focus on Indigenous voices to become mandatory in London region |
| Update to “Background Content”: Indigenous Education Resources” |
| May 29: Educational resources developed to support Anishinaabe Giizhigad held every June 6 |
Call to Action # 65
Federal government through SSHRC to establish a National Research Program for reconciliation with multi-year funding
| Update to “National Inuit Strategy on Research” |
| May 24: Expert team gathers to shape Inuit-led Health Research Network” |
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Indigenous Languages in Canada“: New Brunswick |
| May 7: Ceremony held to honour New Brunswick river amid name controversy |
| Update to “Indigenous Languages in Canada“: New Brunswick |
| May 9: New Brunswick community with racial slur to be renamed, signs already removed |
| Update to “Indigenous Languages in Canada“: Québec |
| May 16: Listuguj First Nation immersion classes help families learn Mi’kmaw together |
| Update to “Concerns about Québec’s Bill C-96”: Québec |
| May 26: The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke opposes Québec’s proposed legislation in Indigenous languages |
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to “Indigenous Cultural Success”: Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Feb. 27: The Building: Labrador’s striking new cultural centre |
| Update to: Indigenous Cultural Success: Newfoundland and Labrador |
| May 28: Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation wants its youth to know the ways of their ancestors. So they took 20 kids 233 kilometres away from home to connect to their roots |
| Update to ‘Indigenous Languages in Canada”: BC |
| May 31: Reconciliation, one keystroke at a time |
Call to Action # 13
Federal government to acknowledge that Indigenous rights include Indigenous language rights
| Update to “Govt. Actions to Support Indigenous Languages”: Newfoundland and Labrador |
| May 9: New program launched to help teach Inuttitut |
| Update to “Government Actions to Support Indigenous Languages”: Québec |
| May 17: Kahnawà:ke receives $11M from Québec for new cultural and arts centre |
| Update to “Govt. Actions to Support Indigenous Languages”: Québec |
| May 18: Quebec warns to exempt some Indigenous students from new french language law |
HEALTH
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Systemic Racism”: B.C. |
| May 9: Misprescribed and ‘Dumped’ at the hospital’s doors |
| Update to “Ongoing Health Crisis”: Federal, Ontario |
May 8: Moses Beaver’s sons tell inquest their requests for help for Oji-Cree artist were brushed off
May 12: More than 6 years later, Moses Beaver’s means of death ‘undetermined’ inquest jury finds |
| Update to “Health Care Reform”: All levels of government |
| May 23: The Treaty Right to Health and the Legacy of the Indian Health Policy (1979) |
| Update to “Health Care Reform”: All levels of government |
| June 1: They say Canada’s health system is broken. But can First Nations leaders create a new one in the shadow of colonialism? |
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to “Indigenous Health Organizations“: Ontario |
| May 10: Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation team prepares for engagement sessions with Anishinabek First Nations leadership |
| Update to “Indigenous Health Surveys”: Ontario |
| May 19: Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) report on the Mental Health and Addictions environmental scan 2022 |
| Update to “Health Care Reform”: All levels of government |
| May 30: Fireside Chats on Indigenous Health – improving the health of Indigenous peoples |
Call to Action # 18
All levels of government to recognize and implement health care rights of Indigenous peoples
| Update to “Government Recognition of Indigenous Rights to Health: Newfoundland and Labrador |
| May 1: Remote dialysis program launched in Sheshatshiu and Nutuashish |
| Update to “Government Recognition of Indigenous Rights to Health: Ontario |
| May 4: Ontario connecting Indigenous communities to more mental health and addictions support |
| Update to “Government Recognition of Indigenous Rights to Health: Manitoba |
| May 9: Manitoba government’s new Nursing Float Pool supports patient care in rural, northern communities |
| Update to “Commitments to Indigenous Health”: Ontario |
| June 1: Creating Indigenous healing spaces at Hamilton Health Sciences |
| NEW SECTION: “Health Institution Commitments“ |
| May 16: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-2024: Mid-way update |
Call to Action # 22
Federal, provincial and territory governments and healthcare leaders to recognize value of Indigenous healing practices and use
| Update to “Indigenous Healing Practices”: Ontario |
| May 5: Doctors at this Toronto hospital can now refer Indigenous patients to a traditional healer |
Call to Action # 23
Federal, provincial and territory governments to increase the hiring and retention of Indigenous healthcare workers
| Update to “Commitment to Aboriginal Health Care Workers”: Nova Scotia |
| May 11: Province invests in training new nurses |
JUSTICE
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Systemic Racism in Policing“: |
| May 16: Police regularly dismiss, justify violence against Indigenous women, new research finds |
| Update to “Systemic Racism in Policing: Prince Albert Police |
| May : Saskatchewan First Nations groups call for inquiry, accountability following report into baby’s death |
| Update to “Systemic Racism in RCMP”: BC |
May 1: Human Rights Tribunal hearings start today in Burns Lake
May 3: She was ready to testify – Cdn. Human Rights Tribunal Burns Lake Inquiry (Indian Day School)
May 18: Burns Lake witnesses describe mysterious visits from the RCMP
May 23: RCMP lawyers suggest a journalist planted memories in Burns Lake
May 24: Over the Department of Justice’s objections, an expert witness testifies about the RCMP |
| Update to “Systemic Racism in RCMP”: Manitoba |
| May 2: Security videos that show RCMP punching Indigenous man in Thompson point to tense relationship |
| Update to “Systemic Racism in RCMP”: BC |
| May 22: ‘On the Inside’: Why some Indigenous officers stick with the RCMP despite struggles |
| Update to “Systemic Racism in RCMP” |
| May 23: The Mounties: 150 years of conflict with Indigenous people |
| Update to “Systemic Racism in RCMP”: Ontario |
| May 26: RCMP apologize to dead Indigenous teen’s family, saying investigation was never closed |
| Update to “Systemic Racism in RCMP”: BC |
| May 25: RCMP arrested Indigenous assault victim instead of taking her to hospital, inquest hears |
| Update to “Targeted Indigenous Groups”: All level of government |
| May 2: MPs call for national emergency declaration on violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirt people |
| Update to “Targeted Indigenous Groups”: Québec |
| May 6: Groups to create interactive map of cases of missing and murdered Indigenous victims in Québec |
| Update to “Targeted Indigenous Groups”: Manitoba |
| May 12: Chiefs, families push for search for remains at Winnipeg landfill that could take years, cost up to $184M |
| Update to “Targeted Indigenous Groups”: Manitoba |
| May 19: Winnipeg is the epicentre for missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada |
| Update to “Targeted Indigenous Groups”: Manitoba |
| May 30: Priest in Little Grand Rapids arrested in sexual assault of 8-year-old girl, RCMP say |
| Update to “Targeted Indigenous Groups”: ALL |
| May 16: There’s been a lack of implementation on MMIWG Calls for Justice says FSIN vice-chief |
| Update to “Targeted Indigenous Groups”: All levels of government |
| May 25: Sexual assault organizations struggling to help victims post-pandemic study |
| Update to “Legislative and Institutional Barriers”: Manitoba |
| May 8: Incarcerated Indigenous women devastated after prison stops them from selling beadwork |
| Update to “Legislative and Institutional Barriers”: Nova Scotia |
| May 16: ‘Why did my daughter die?’ Mi’kmaw mother demands inquiry into Nova Scotia jail |
| Update to “Legislative and Institutional Barriers“: B.C. |
| May 24: B.C. researcher starts project to document Indigenous deaths in police custody |
| Update to “Legislative and Institutional Barriers“: Federal |
| May 30: Prison isolation units detrimental to the mental health of young Indigenous offenders: report |
| Update to “Systemic Racism:”: Federal |
| May 26: After spending 7 years detained in Turkey, Charman Smith is now home |
| Update to “Systemic Racism:”: Federal |
| May 28: Isolation cells in women’s prisons used almost exclusively for Indigenous prisoners, panel finds |
| Update to “Systemic Racism”: Saskatchewan |
| May 29: First Nations man says racial profiling led to assault by security guard at Regina Canadian Tire |
Home Page: Background Content
| NEW SECTION: Commitments to Indigenous – Police Relations |
| June 1: Indigenous police unit just a starting point for Ottawa, community members say |
Call to Action # 27
Federation of Law Societies of Canada to ensure lawyers receive cultural competency and Indigenous rights training
| Update to “Commitment of Law Societies”: Manitoba |
| May 26: Manitoba lawyers will be required to take Indigenous culture course |
Call to Action # 29
Federal Government and Parties to IRSSA to reach settlement agreements for those excluded from the TRC process
| Update to “Settlements for Parties Excluded from the IRSSA: Indian Day Schools |
| June 1: Lawyers clean up ‘confusion’ around two day school settlements |
Call to Action # 30
Federal, provincial and territory governments commit to eliminate overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in custody
| Update to “Govt. Programs to Improve Access to Justice”: RCMP |
| May 11: RCMP officers to begin field testing body-worn cameras in Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Alberta |
Call to Action # 35
Federal Government to to eliminate barriers to creation of new Aboriginal healing lodges
| Update to “Healing Lodges in Canada“: Federal |
| May 26: ‘You would’ve never seen these tears before’: Quebec healing centre shares how it helps Indigenous men |
Call to Action # 40
Federal, provincial and territory governments to create funded and accessible Indigenous-specific victim programs
Home Page
| Update to “Why in Progress?” |
| May 29: Federal government invests $38.6M over 5 years and $8.45 annually on an ongoing basis for Indigenous-led and co-developed activities to support Indigenous victims of crime and survivors of violence |
| Update to “Aboriginal-specific Victim Programs: Federal |
| May 29: Increased support for families of missing and murdered Indigenous people and Indigenous victims and survivors of crime |
Call to Action # 41
Federal government to appoint a public inquiry into MMIWG
| Update to “Government Commitments to Preventing Violence Against Indigenous Women”: Federal |
| May 8: Ottawa announces $103M for Indigenous women’s shelters |
| Update to “Government Commitments to Preventing Violence Against Indigenous Women”: Federal |
| May 2: House unanimously supports system to alert public when Indigenous women go missing |
| Update to “Government Commitments to Preventing Violence Against Indigenous Women”: Federal |
| May 3: Government of Canada announces funding for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations in Québec |
| Update to “Government Commitments to Preventing Violence Against Indigenous Women”: Federal |
| May 4: Native Women’s Association of Canada established Safe Passage Women’s Safety Council and expanded Safe Passage online platform |
| Update to “Government Commitments to Preventing Violence Against Indigenous Women”: Federal |
May 29: Ottawa offering $95M to help Indigenous families learn about missing loved ones
May 29: Increased support for families of missing and murdered Indigenous people and Indigenous victims and survivors of violence |
| Update to “Government Commitments to Preventing Violence Against Indigenous Women”: Yukon |
| May 19: Congratulations to the Council of Yukon First Nations on the start of the construction of the Family Preservation Wellness Centre |
| Update to “Government Commitments to Preventing Violence Against Indigenous Women”: Manitoba |
| May 23: Manitoba government ‘s gender equity Manitoba Secretariat will co-ordinate whole-of-government work on 2SLGBTQQIA+ issues |
EQUITY FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM
Call to Action # 50
Federal government to fund establishment of Indigenous law institutes
| Update to Background Content: “Revitalizing Indigenous Laws”: Federal |
| May 29: Filling the gaps in Indigenous law |
Reconciliation Calls to Action
UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Problems with BC’s UNDRIP Bill“: B.C. |
May 15: Challenging colonial mining laws: First Nations fight for Indigenous consent
May 18: When is it going to stop? Claims made on First Nations’ territories even as they fight century-old mining laws |
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Call to Action # 66
Federal government to provide multi-year funding for community-based youth programs
| Update to “Government Programs for Youth”: Manitoba |
| May 15: Manitoba government provides $1.2M for youth to build skills, enter the workforce |
| Update to “Government Programs for Youth”: Ontario |
| May 12: Ontario helping children and youth overcome barriers |
MUSEUMS AND ARCHIVES
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Repatriating Indigenous Artefacts”: Catholic Church |
| May 1: “The right gesture’: Talks underway for Vatican to return Indigenous artefacts, Pope says |
| Update to “Cultural Appropriation”: Manitoba |
| May 16: Manitoba to conduct review of Indigenous-themed art after sculpture in premier’s office deemed inappropriate |
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to “Repatriating Indigenous Artefacts”: B.C. |
| May 8: Gitxaała bring treasure home, a ‘Historic Turning Point’ for the Nation |
Call to Action # 67
Federal government and Canadian Museums to provide funding for national review of museum policies and best practices
| Update to “Repatriating Indigenous Artefacts”: Ontario |
| May 18: First Nation sues Ontario over land the same day the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) returns 200 year-old pipe to it |
Call to Action # 69
Library and Archives Canada to fully adopt and implement UNDRIP, ensure records access , add resources
| Update to “Indigenous Heritage Action Plan”: Federal |
| May 19: Library and Archives Canada (LAC) helps preserve documentary heritage across Canada by funding projects in communities |
MISSING CHILDREN AND BURIAL INFORMATION
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Misleading Information”: All levels of government |
| May 4: The Dangerous Allure of Residential School Denialism |
| Update to “Challenges for Special Interlocutor”: Federal |
| May 30: Advisory Committee on residential school graves says it won’t work with Netherlands-based NGO |
| NEW SECTION: Québec’s Missing Children |
| April 28: ‘It’s horrible’: Québec now searching for over 130 missing Indigenous children |
| Update to “Misleading Information”: Manitoba |
| May 27: Manitoba government must have known about Jim McCrae’s residential school denialism; Murray Sinclair |
Call to Action # 75
Federal, provincial, territory and municipal governments to identify, protect and commemorate residential school cemeteries
| Update to ” Federal Government Disbursements”: Federal |
| May 5: Details of upcoming work to find graves at residential school site presented in Carcross, Yukon |
COMMEMORATION
Call to Action # 79
Federal Government and Canadian Heritage to develop reconciliation framework for Canadian heritage and commemoration
| Update to “Reconciliation Initiatives with Canadian Heritage”: Federal |
| May 19: Parks Canada plans major rewrite of more than 200 historic site plaques |
MEDIA AND RECONCILIATION
Home Page – Current Problem
| Update to “Media Protest and the RCMP” |
| May 23: The RCMP suppresses honest reporting about colonialism |
| Update to “Problems with the Media” |
| June 1: ‘I had to break the rules’ |
BUSINESS AND RECONCILIATION
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Government Programs”: Federal |
| April 27: Even without new dedicated federal dollars, minister expects Indigenous tourism to continue to grow |
Call to Action # 92
Corporate Canada to adopt UNDRIP as a reconciliation framework to apply to policies and operations
| Update to “Business Advocacy Groups“: Conference Board of Canada |
| May 8: Indigenous ownership: Best Practices for Major Project Success |
| Update to “Individual Business Initiative”: Ontario |
| May 16: Canada Council of Aboriginal Business welcomes Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) as a Procurement Champion |
NEWCOMERS TO CANADA
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to: Indigenous Cultural Success”: Manitoba |
| May 20: Winnipeg organizations offer 240 newcomers chance to experience Indigenous culture at Manitoba Ahbee powwow |
OTHER ISSUES
DRINKING WATER ADVISORIES
Home Page – Current Reality
| Update to Table: Drinking Water Advisories |
| May 4: 139 Long term DWA’s have been lifted (82%). 27 First Nations communities still have 31 long-term DWAs |
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Reports on Drinking Water Issues”: Federal |
| May 2: Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Bulletin – United Nations Water Conference 2023 |
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to “Govt. Actions to Improve Drinking Water”: Federal |
| May 23: Ottawa pledges $12M to upgrade water services for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation |
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to “Suicide Prevention Initiatives: Saskatchewan |
| May 8: Suicide Prevention Plan marks three-year anniversary with progress update |
| Update to “States of Emergency”: Manitoba |
| May 20: Northern Manitoba First Nation sounds alarm over isolation after youth suicides |
FOOD INSECURITY
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to: “Government Food Security Programs: Manitoba |
| May 11: Manitoba government invests $1.3 million in Northern Healthy Foods Initiatives |
HOUSING
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to :”Fire Prevention on Reserves: Saskatchewan |
| May 4: Community support ‘overwhelming’ after fire destroys 8 homes on Saskatchewan First Nation |
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to “Fire Protection on Reserves”: Federal |
| May 19: Inaugural First Nations First Responders gathering held in Ottawa, First Nations Fire Protection Strategy updated |
| Update to: Government Programs: Federal |
| May 29: Canada supports Rapid Housing Projects in Northern Manitoba |
| Update to: Government Programs: Federal |
| May 31: Canada supports Rapid Housing Projects in Saskatchewan |
URBAN COMMITMENTS TO RECONCILIATION
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Individual Municipal Actions”: Alberta |
| May 8: City of St. Albert publishes report of recent comments residents made during naming discussions |
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to “Government Programs”: B.C. |
| May 12: Support services strengthened in BC’s northern communities |
ENVIRONMENT
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Specific Industry Environmental Impacts”: Alberta |
| May 4: Canada opens formal investigation into Imperial’s oilsands leak in northern Alberta |
| Update to “Specific Industry Environmental Impacts”: Federal |
| May 2: UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues calls on Canada to shut down the Line 5 pipeline |
| Update to “Specific Industry Environmental Impacts”: BC |
| May 17: Tracing the toxic impact of BC coal mining |
| Update to “Specific Industry Environmental Impacts”: BC |
| May 31: Minister to delay plan for closure of BC salmon farms after pressure from industry, Indigenous chief |
| Update to “Environmental Impacts”: Federal |
| May 4: Federal government failure to fix dikes sees Fort Albany evacuated due to flooding threat |
| Update to “Environment Impacts”: BC |
| May 11: More needs to be done to involve First Nations in emergency management, says Indigenous leader |
| Update to “Environmental Impacts”: Manitoba |
| May 17: New hope for flood-prone Peguis First Nation means evacuees could come home |
| Update to “Climate Change”: Newfoundland and Labrador (Nunatsiavut) |
| May 2: Climate Change solutions becoming a new way of colonizing Indigenous peoples, Inuit rep says |
| Update to “Climate Change”: Alberta |
| June 1: The Hamlet of Fort Chipewyan evacuates due too wildfires |
| Update to: “International Environment Issues: Federal |
| May 11: Future of Arctic Council in doubt after end of Russian chairship |
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to: Indigenous Leadership Initiative: Guardians |
| May 9: Indigenous Guardians help restore nature and community |
| Update to “Climate Change” |
| May 28: Fighting Fire with Fire |
| Update to “Government Commitments to the Environment”: BC |
| May 30: BC’s largest coastline clean-up gets major funding boost |
TREATIES AND LAND CLAIMS
Home Page – Current Problems
| Update to “Duty to Consult/FPIC”: BC |
May 3: Dozens of mineral claims made in First Nation territory, as it fights to stop them in court
May 15: Challenging colonial mining laws: First Nations fight for Indigenous consent
May 18: ‘When is it going to stop?’ Claims made on First Nations territories even as they fight century-old mining laws |
| Update to “Duty to Consult/FPIC”: BC |
| May 21: BC company denies misleading Bonaparte First Nation about rail terminal expansion plans |
| Update to “Duty to Consult/FPIC”: New Brunswick |
May 12: First Nations chiefs blast Higgs over report he is prepared to frack without thier consent
May 12: An East Coast fight over fracking ‘could get ugly’, First Nations warn |
| Update to “Duty to Consult/FPIC”: Ontario |
May 12: ‘We’re building that Ring of Fire’, says Doug Ford
May 30: ‘Get off the bulldozer’ and come to the table, Matawa chief tells Premier Ford |
| Update to “Duty to Consult/FPIC”: Manitoba |
| May 26: O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation sues Manitoba Hydro for ‘years of harm’ |
| Update to: “Aboriginal Rights and Title”: BC |
| May 12: Nuchatlaht First Nation has 14 days to decide how to proceed with landmark claim |
| Update to: “Aboriginal Rights and Title”: BC |
| May 17: Trial begins for a hereditary chief charged in the Coastal GasLink pipeline conflict |
| Update to “Land Back Movement”: Federal |
| May 19: ‘It needs to be a day of reckoning’. Parliamentary Committee studying land back |
| Update to “Land Back Movement”: Federal, Ontario |
| May 18: Garden River First Nation launches new lawsuit against Ontario and Canada |
Home Page – Background Content
| Update to: “Comprehensive Claims and Modern Treaties”: Federal |
| May 3: Whitecap Dakota First Nation signs historic treaty with Canada |
| Update to “Treaty Land Entitlement: Federal and Ontario |
| May 5: Lac La Croix First Nation in northwestern Ontario reaches ‘transformational’ land claim settlement |
| Update to “Aboriginal Rights and Title”: BC |
| May 3: McLeod Lake Indian Band, Province sign agreement to protect treaty rights |
| Update to “Aboriginal Rights and Title”: ?? |
| May 17: ‘A really very big deal for us’. 3 Mi’kmaw First Nations excited about moderate livelihood fisheries |
| Update to “Land back Movement”: BC |
| May 22: Snuneymuxw reclaims kwula’xw in Land Back deal that brings members home |
INDIGENOUS SUCCESS STORIES
| Theme |
Date |
Indigenous Group |
Comment |
| Government Commitments |
April 27 |
First Nation |
Esquao Awards continue to celebrate the accomplishments of women: Regina Crowchild |
| Government Commitments |
May 9 |
First Nation |
Remembering ‘Auntie Shirley’ Adamson, pioneering Indigenous leader in Yukon |
|
May 24 |
Inuit |
Mary Simon is leading Indigenous people to new heights |
| Education |
May 20 |
First Nation |
First Wolastoqey valedictorian at University of New Brunswick hopes to inspire others with her story |
| Language and Culture |
May 24 |
First Nation |
John Kim Bell was North America’s first Indigenous conductor – now he’s a Governor-General’s award winner |
|
May 26 |
Inuit |
The Indigenous Screen Office commits $1M in capital to support the creation of Iqaluit’s first large scale film and television production studio |
| Justice |
May 8 |
First Nation |
Moose Hide Campaign Day addresses reconciliation and gender-based violence |
|
May 11 |
First Nation |
‘This is a call to action’: Sault student Nevaeh Pine’s speech outlining plight of missing, murdered Indigenous women wins national honours |
| Youth |
May 13 |
First Nation |
Meet Indigenous drag artists trying to ‘offer hope’ to LGBTQ and 2-spirit youth |
| Media |
May 8 |
First Nation |
Saskatchewan journalist wins Pulitzer Prize, Peabody Prize for podcast about her father’s residential school experience |
| Business |
May 16 |
First Nation |
Wehwehneh Bahgahkinagohn receives global recognition as “Best World Changing Idea, North America” in Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards |
| Treaties & Land Claims |
May 2 |
Inuit |
Donat Milortok, Naujaat elder remembered as tireless advocate for Nunavut Land Claims |
|
May 22 |
First Nation |
Saugeen First Nation holds ceremony to mark historic times at Sauble |
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