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.

Looking to elevate and streamline your approach to government relations with more data-driven solutions? Queen Street Analytics is here to help you achieve your goals faster, smarter, and more effectively. Let's start the conversation. Reach out at contact@queenstreetanalytics.com to learn how we can support your success.

Start Date: 2025-05-11
End Date: 2025-05-19

Top Headlines

Main Stories

CRTC Opens Consultation to Improve Indigenous Participation in Proceedings

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has launched a public consultation aimed at making it easier for diverse voices, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations, to participate in its regulatory proceedings. The CRTC notes that participants representing the public interest are eligible to apply for funding, which may be used for research, surveys, or legal advice. A new CRTC Indigenous Relations Team is available to assist Indigenous participants. Comments are open until September 9, 2025.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard Conducts Marine Response Training with Indigenous Crews in Rankin Inlet

Between May 14 and 28, the Canadian Coast Guard's Arctic Marine Response Station (AMRS) held structured search and rescue training in Parry Sound, Ontario. Crews, comprised of Inuit members on a rotating 14-day schedule, received certification in responding to marine emergencies, including medical incidents and disabled vessels. The AMRS in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, operating since 2018 and upgraded in 2023, represents the Coast Guard’s first dedicated Arctic search and rescue station staffed by Indigenous crews.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Mandy Gull-Masty Appointed First Indigenous Person to Lead Indigenous Services Canada

Mandy Gull-Masty has been named the first Indigenous person to serve as head of Indigenous Services Canada, a move reported on May 13. The appointment is viewed as a milestone in federal Indigenous governance, with various communities and organizations acknowledging the potential implications for the department’s approach to service delivery. Gull-Masty’s background includes leadership positions within Cree Nation governance and policy roles addressing Indigenous self-determination and treaty agreements.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.thestar.com

36 First Nations Acquire 12.5% Stake in Enbridge’s Westcoast Pipeline with Federal Support

Member of Parliament Tim Hodgson announced that 36 First Nations have finalized an investment securing a 12.5% ownership share in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system. The transaction, valued at $400 million and backed by federal financing, marks one of the largest Indigenous participation deals in Canada’s natural resource sector. The agreement provides an economic base for participating Nations and enhances Indigenous representation in major infrastructure ownership.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

‘Buy Indigenous to Buy Canadian’ Campaign Promotes Indigenous Entrepreneurship

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCIB) launched the 'Buy Indigenous to Buy Canadian' campaign, seeking to elevate Indigenous economic activity through focused procurement efforts.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.thestar.com

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Court of Justice Appoints Indigenous and Métis Justices of the Peace

Ontario appointed several new justices of the peace with Indigenous and Métis backgrounds.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

BC Invests in Indigenous-Led Food Security and Sovereignty Projects

Over 100 Indigenous-led food security initiatives are underway across British Columbia, supported by the $30-million Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program administered by the New Relationship Trust.

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

First Mi’kmaw Language Day Observed in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia marked its inaugural Mi’kmaw Language Day, following the passage of the Mi’kmaw Language Act, and launched the ReVITALization Strategy to promote language revitalization.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Saskatchewan’s CIC Expands Indigenous Bursary Program

Crown Investments Corporation announced expansion of its Indigenous Bursary Program to additional regional colleges and the Gabriel Dumont Institute, providing 115 annual bursaries valued at $5,000 each.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Proclaims Indigenous Economic Development Day

May 12 was declared Indigenous Economic Development Day in Saskatchewan, coinciding with Economic Development Week.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

BC Recognizes Moose Hide Campaign Day in Support of Ending Violence Against Women and Children

BC’s Premier, ministers, and parliamentary secretary issued statements observing Moose Hide Campaign Day.

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

Saskatchewan Observes Moose Hide Pin Day and Promotes Community Response Fund

Members of Saskatchewan's Legislative Assembly wore moose hide pins on May 15 in support of Moose Hide Campaign Day.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Ontario Expands Indigenous Equity Partnerships in Critical Minerals and Energy Sectors

Ontario’s 2025 budget increases loan guarantees for Indigenous equity participation in energy, mining, and critical minerals sectors, with total guarantees rising to $3 billion and expanded eligibility beyond electricity.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Gary Anandasangaree shared remarks on advancements made at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Justice, noting partnership with Indigenous groups and foundational work on reconciliation.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Wade Grant addressed the role of land acknowledgments in reconciliation, referencing discussions related to BC First Nations’ longstanding connection to traditional territories.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator René Cormier noted Moose Hide Campaign Day as a ceremony for reconciliation, focusing on addressing gender-based violence.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Kristopher Wells reaffirmed on social media the importance of Indigenous communities as first peoples and caretakers of the land.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• ‘The real truth’: First Nations University hosts reconciliation forum in Regina: An examination of reconciliation discussions and stakeholder engagement at the university event.
• New mental health program for Matawa First Nations aims to improve employability: Matawa First Nations implements a new mental health program to support workforce participation.
• ‘Buy Indigenous to Buy Canadian’: CCIB Campaign Empowers Action: CCIB campaign encourages Canadian procurement of Indigenous goods and services.
• Q+A | As Indigenous communities consider banishment to address drug crime, a lawyer explains how it works: Legal perspectives on banishment as a tool for managing crime in Indigenous communities.
• 'Buy Indigenous to Buy Canadian': CCIB Campaign Empowers Action: Further national media coverage on the CCIB procurement campaign.
• Mandy Gull-Masty becomes first Indigenous person to head Indigenous Services: National outlets cover the historical appointment at Indigenous Services Canada.