Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning Indigenous communities, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and their reserves, territories, and treaty rights.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Start Date: 2025-03-30
End Date: 2025-04-05

Top Headlines

Main Stories

World Premiere of Indigenous Documentary 'Nechako'

The National Film Board of Canada announced the world premiere of 'Nechako,' a documentary by Stellat’en First Nation filmmaker Lyana Patrick. The film, debuting at Vancouver's DOXA Documentary Film Festival, chronicles the efforts of Indigenous Nations to restore the Nechako River following its diversion in the 1950s. This premiere marks a significant cultural event, with a panel discussion featuring the director and special guests following the screening.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Darlington New Nuclear Project Gets Green Light

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has approved Ontario Power Generation's construction of a BWRX-300 reactor at the Darlington site. This project involves extensive Indigenous consultation, as the site is on traditional Indigenous lands. The license will be valid until 2035, with conditions aiming to integrate Indigenous practices into regulatory processes.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Indigenous Language Census Data Released

Statistics Canada released data from the 2021 Census revealing that over 243,000 Canadians can conduct conversations in Indigenous languages. This data highlights the diverse linguistic landscape and varying levels of language vitality across more than 70 Indigenous languages in Canada.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Alberta Invests in Indigenous Policing

Alberta announced a $6.9 million investment to expand the Lakeshore Regional Police Service to enhance Indigenous-led policing in five First Nations communities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Firefighter Training Support in Alberta

Alberta has allocated over $1 million for firefighter training grants, benefiting municipalities, Metis Settlements, and First Nations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Indigenous Language Revitalization Efforts Supported

MP Patty Hajdu praised the Matawa Waka Tere program for its role in Indigenous-led language revitalization, supported by the Liberal government.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Marc Miller Criticizes Opposition on Reconciliation

MP Marc Miller criticized Pierre Poilievre for lacking respect in reconciliation efforts, referencing comments on Residential Schools Survivors.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Economic Reconciliation and Development Criticized

MP Jamie Schmale expressed concerns over Mark Carney's perceived disconnection from Indigenous economic reconciliation and development.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Niki Ashton on Reconciliation

MP Niki Ashton called for the Liberal government to cease court battles against First Nations, advocating for justice and reconciliation.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Laila Goodridge on Economic Reconciliation

MP Laila Goodridge discussed economic reconciliation and energy development during a visit to Fort McMurray First Nation #468.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• How the U of M is helping to revitalize Indigenous languages: An exploration of the University of Manitoba's efforts in Indigenous language revitalization.
• Manitoba First Nations leaders say they want to hear more about reconciliation in federal election: Insights from Manitoba First Nations leaders on reconciliation priorities.