Indigenous Affairs

QSA's Week in Indigenous Affairs (#21, 2025)

King addresses reconciliation in Parliament opening; CRTC advances Indigenous content rules; Parks Canada designates historic Indigenous site; StatsCan updates Indigenous Peoples Survey; U.S. updates on Tribal home visiting, repatriation, and child support programs.

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: 2025-05-25
End Date: 2025-05-31

Canadian Federal GR News

Speech from the Throne: Reconciliation and Indigenous Rights Affirmed

During the opening of Parliament on May 27, the King addressed the Senate and House of Commons, expressly acknowledging the traditional lands of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People and affirming Canada's commitment to truth and reconciliation. The government renewed pledges to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples as a central element of its policy agenda. The Speech detailed various priorities, including economic partnership with the U.S., expansion of dental care, and national security, but maintained reconciliation as a standalone commitment—distinct from these broader initiatives.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

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CRTC Consultations Target Canadian and Indigenous Content Modernization

Joanne Levy of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), at the Western Association of Broadcasters conference on May 29, provided updates on regulatory modernization with particular attention to Indigenous content. Levy confirmed that certain online streaming services are now required to contribute 5% of their Canadian revenues, projected to inject approximately $200 million annually to support Canadian and Indigenous creators. The CRTC has concluded major hearings on how to define Canadian content across television and online streaming, with additional hearings forthcoming.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Indigenous Peoples Survey: New Public Use Microdata File Released

Statistics Canada updated the public use microdata file for the Indigenous Peoples Survey, 2022, on May 30. The dataset, catalogue number 41250001, provides microdata for research on the social and economic conditions of First Nations people living off reserve, Métis, and Inuit. Researchers can now access detailed, anonymized survey data to study themes such as health, education, employment, and housing, which can inform program design and policy evaluation affecting Indigenous communities.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

New Brunswick Environmental Committee to Engage First Nations on Policy

New Brunswick's standing committee on climate change announced a 2025-2026 action plan prioritizing engagement with First Nations and stakeholders on Clean Water and Clean Air Act amendments.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

BC Anti-Racism Awareness Week Focuses on Ongoing Initiatives

Anti-Racism Awareness Week in British Columbia, starting May 26, features continued government efforts to address racism, with data collection and community support measures highlighted by Parliamentary Secretary Jessie Sunner.

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

BC Announces Critical Minerals Strategy in Partnership with First Nations

Premier David Eby outlined a plan on May 26 to accelerate mining development and conservation through partnership with First Nations, aiming for billions in investments and expanded land protection.

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

Government Consultations

Funding for York Factory First Nation Ten Shilling Aerodrome Consultation

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is providing participant funding to support engagement with Indigenous communities on the proposed York Factory First Nation Ten Shilling Aerodrome Project in northeastern Manitoba.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

MP Leah Gazan, via social media on May 28, stated that delays and clawbacks under Jordan’s Principle are creating significant hardships for First Nations and Inuit children.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On May 27, MP Steven Guilbeault reiterated on social media the federal government’s intent to protect official and Indigenous languages, as well as public broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Terry Duguid, on May 29, reported on federal aid to assist Indigenous communities during wildfires in northern Manitoba, referencing Canadian Armed Forces deployment and support from Indigenous Services Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Leah Gazan, via a May 29 post, called on the government to provide health and housing resources for all wildfire-affected communities in Manitoba.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Mary Coyle announced meeting with Victoria Pruden, Métis National Council President, to discuss advancing reconciliation as it relates to the Métis Nation.