Good morning! This is 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.

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Start Date: 2025-04-27
End Date: 2025-05-03

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Indigenous Partnerships and Economic Growth Take Centre Stage at Major Projects Conference

The First Nations Major Projects Coalition’s 8th Annual Conference was held in Toronto this week, with a focus on advancing Indigenous partnerships in resource development and economic growth. Industry professionals, Indigenous leaders, and government representatives convened to discuss strategies for increasing Indigenous equity participation in major projects, sharing models for collaboration and governance. The event offered case studies of Indigenous-led initiatives and examined the legal, financial, and policy frameworks supporting Indigenous economic sovereignty.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com, Canadian News Outlet: www.thestar.com

Manitoba Government Enhances Safety for Indigenous Women in Winnipeg

Manitoba is providing over $350,000 to establish an Indigenous Women’s Support Team within the Downtown Community Safety Partnership, aiming to deliver culturally safe supports for Indigenous women in Winnipeg.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Provincial Announcements

Gitanmaax First Nation Implements Culturally Sensitive Intervention Circle

The Gitanmaax First Nation in British Columbia is launching an Intervention Circle to provide community-based supports aimed at reducing Indigenous over-representation in the justice system. The province is contributing $50,000 toward the initiative.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Red Dress Day Recognized in Saskatchewan to Raise Awareness of MMIWG+

Saskatchewan declared May 5 as Red Dress Day, investing in MMIWG+ Community Response Funds and supporting awareness initiatives for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ people.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Manitoba Increases Orange Shirt Day Fund for Residential School Commemoration

Manitoba is raising its Orange Shirt Day Fund to $1 million for 2025, a 25% increase. The fund provides grants for projects commemorating residential school survivors and their families.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

New Brunswick Increases Funding for Indigenous Sexual Violence Prevention

New Brunswick will invest $238,000 toward Indigenous community responses to sexual violence, as part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month and ongoing support initiatives.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

SIRT Investigates In-custody Death on James Smith Cree Nation

Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team is investigating a death in RCMP custody on James Smith Cree Nation following an incident involving bear spray and subsequent medical distress.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Manitoba Expands Moose Hunting Licences, Prioritizes Indigenous Rights

Manitoba is increasing available moose hunting licences to 350 for 2025, designating hunting areas exclusive to Indigenous hunters and establishing a wildlife advisory board with Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Patrick Brazeau Raises Suicide Crisis in Kitigan Zibi Community

Senator Patrick Brazeau noted two recent suicides in his home community of Kitigan Zibi, reiterating concerns about the ongoing suicide crisis in First Nations and Inuit communities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Patrick Brazeau Addresses Suicide Crisis in French

Senator Patrick Brazeau posted in French about suicides in Kitigan Zibi, expressing condolences and questioning whether the crisis is being heard.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Patrick Brazeau Congratulates Elected Indigenous Representatives

Senator Patrick Brazeau congratulated newly elected Indigenous representatives, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous voices in Ottawa.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Marilou McPhedran Recognizes Birdtail Sioux Dakota First Nation Chief

Senator Marilou McPhedran congratulated Tréchelle Bunn on becoming Manitoba’s youngest chief, noting her leadership in the Birdtail Sioux Dakota First Nation.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

First Nations Craftspeople Gather in Winnipeg to Share Traditional Knowledge

First Nations craftspeople from across Manitoba assembled in Winnipeg for a gathering aimed at showcasing traditional skills and exchanging cultural knowledge. The event facilitated intergenerational learning, featuring artisans in beadwork, leatherwork, and other crafts, and provided a platform for the preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage. Participants discussed the role of traditional knowledge in community development and the market opportunities for Indigenous arts.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.cbc.ca

Indigenous Language Program in Northwestern Ontario at Risk Due to Funding Shortfall

A language revitalization program serving Matawa communities in northwestern Ontario faces potential suspension amid a lack of government funding. Program leaders warned that without renewed support, the initiative—supporting Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, and Cree language education—could be discontinued. The development raises questions about the sustainability of Indigenous language preservation efforts in the region.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.cbc.ca

Manitoba Indigenous Leaders Call for Catalogue and Collaboration from Hudson's Bay Company

Indigenous leaders in Manitoba have requested that Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) provide a comprehensive catalogue of its artifacts and engage in collaborative efforts regarding items of cultural heritage. The call was issued as part of ongoing discussions about preservation, repatriation, and access to artifacts of significance to Indigenous communities. Leaders cited the importance of transparent inventory and improved engagement between HBC and First Nations.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: globalnews.ca

Indigenous Partnerships and Economic Growth Discussed at Multiple Media Outlets

Coverage continued regarding Indigenous partnerships and economic growth at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition’s Toronto conference, with repeated emphasis on project equity and collaboration models.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Economic Growth and Indigenous Partnerships Featured in National Financial Press

The Financial Post recapped discussions from the First Nations Major Projects Coalition’s conference, highlighting Indigenous economic growth and partnership strategies.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: financialpost.com

CBC Indigenous Pathways Newsletter Details Learning and Development Opportunities

CBC’s Indigenous Pathways newsletter featured current learning and job opportunities relevant to Indigenous communities, as well as sectoral news.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: subscriptions.cbc.ca

Another Media Outlet Reports on First Nations Major Projects Coalition Conference

The Star reported on the First Nations Major Projects Coalition’s annual conference, focusing on Indigenous partnerships in major resource and infrastructure projects.

Sources:

Correction Issued on Indigenous Partnerships and Economic Growth Conference Coverage

A correction was issued in national media regarding previous coverage of the Indigenous partnerships and economic growth conference, clarifying event details and participant roles.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.thestar.com