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: 2025-06-01
End Date: 2025-06-07

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Federal Legislation Introduced to Accelerate Major Projects with Indigenous Consultation Mandate

On June 6, 2025, Minister Dominic LeBlanc introduced 'One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act.' The legislation aims to remove federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility while expediting the review of major nation-building projects. The process includes a mandatory consultation framework with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples. Projects will be conditionally approved up front if deemed in the national interest, subject to a single expedited review coordinated by a federal major projects office that includes an Indigenous Advisory Council with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis representatives. Capacity funding will be allocated to support Indigenous participation. The government’s stated objective is to reduce decision timelines for major projects from five years to two. The legislation also provides for the recognition of comparable provincial and territorial standards for goods and worker certifications in federal jurisdiction.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment in Cultural Centre for Nááts'įhch'oh National Park Reserve

On June 6, 2025, Minister Rebecca Alty, on behalf of Parks Canada, announced a $16.5 million investment in the construction of a new office and cultural centre for the Nááts'įhch'oh National Park Reserve in Tulita, Northwest Territories. The project fulfills a commitment under the park’s Impact and Benefit Plan with the Dene and Métis of the Tulita District. The facility will serve as a cultural exhibition space and a base for Parks Canada operations, supporting local economic development, tourism, and job creation. The announcement was made during the Tulita community’s annual Fire Day event, with participation from community members and Indigenous leaders. The centre intends to facilitate visitor experiences and support the preservation and sharing of Sahtu Dene and Métis heritage.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian High Arctic Research Station Launches Indigenous Knowledge App Exhibition

On June 4, 2025, Polar Knowledge Canada marked its 10th anniversary with the opening of a new exhibition at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. The exhibition, co-developed by the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Arctic Eider Society, focuses on SIKU: The Indigenous Knowledge App. SIKU is a community-led technology platform supporting Indigenous-driven research, monitoring, and documentation of environmental changes in the Arctic. The exhibition presents case studies from Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nitassinan, and Eyou Itshee, and features interactive displays and multimedia content. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to advance Arctic science through Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

National Indigenous History Month Recognized by Federal Ministers

A joint statement was issued on June 1, 2025, by Ministers Rebecca Alty, Rebecca Chartrand, Mandy Gull-Masty, and Steven Guilbeault to mark National Indigenous History Month. The statement encouraged recognition of Indigenous rights and languages, reflection on the harms of colonization, and acknowledgment of Indigenous leadership. The ministers highlighted the importance of Indigenous languages for community connections and identity and referenced Indigenous Peoples’ environmental stewardship and contributions to Canada’s development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

National Film Board Launches Indigenous History Month Programming

The National Film Board (NFB) announced new streaming releases for National Indigenous History Month beginning June 2, 2025. New films include 'Feather Fall' by Ossie Michelin, 'My Friend the Green Horse' by Alanis Obomsawin, and 'The Stand' by Christopher Auchter, each documenting moments of Indigenous resistance, resilience, and cultural expression. The NFB also made available a restored collection of 58 Inuit films from a 1972 Kinngait workshop, and curated blog content on Indigenous filmmaking. The programming is accessible on NFB platforms throughout June.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Impact Assessment Agency Issues Early Decision on Sussex Flood Diversion Project

On June 5, 2025, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) concluded its review of the Sussex Region Flood Diversion Project in New Brunswick. IAAC determined that potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction are limited or addressed by existing laws and regulations. The agency’s review included input from other jurisdictions, federal experts, stakeholders, and Indigenous Peoples. The proponent may proceed to obtain further authorizations and permits, with no requirement for a more comprehensive federal impact assessment.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal and Manitoba Governments Announce Matched Donations for Wildfire Relief

On June 4, 2025, the federal government and Manitoba jointly announced a donation-matching initiative for the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal. Both governments will match donations for 30 days, with the provincial cap at $15 million and the federal cap at $30 million. Funds will provide immediate relief, financial assistance, and support to evacuees and host communities. The Canadian Red Cross is working with Indigenous leadership and all levels of government to coordinate emergency response and recovery for thousands of displaced residents.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Summer Jobs 2025 Program Details Released

On June 6, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada provided a program overview for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2025, part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. The initiative funds up to 76,000 full-time jobs for youth aged 15 to 30, with a focus on supporting Indigenous youth and others facing barriers to employment. The hiring period runs from April 21 to July 21, 2025, with jobs continuing until August 30. The program supports not-for-profit, public sector, and small private sector employers, and emphasizes equitable access and compliance with applicable anti-discrimination and employment laws.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Gazette Publishes Interim Order for Killer Whale Protection Including Indigenous Rights Provisions

The June 7, 2025, Canada Gazette, Part I, published the Interim Order for the Protection of the Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the Waters of Southern British Columbia. The order prohibits vessel operations and sets speed restrictions in designated areas, with exceptions for Indigenous Peoples exercising rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including food, social, ceremonial, and treaty rights. Authorizations for non-commercial activities promoting killer whale protection may be issued to entities acting on behalf of Indigenous groups. The provisions take effect June 1, 2025, and replace the previous year's order.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

CRTC Approves New Indigenous FM Radio Station in Vancouver

On May 23, 2025, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved an application by Northern Native Broadcasting (Terrace, B.C.) for an Indigenous FM radio station in Vancouver. This development expands Indigenous-led media and broadcast capacity in British Columbia.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Data on Indigenous Life Expectancy and Infant Mortality

On June 3, 2025, Statistics Canada published new data on life expectancy at birth and infant mortality rates among Indigenous populations. These indicators offer updated information on population health, with further details available in the full release.

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

US Federal GR News

Multiple NAGPRA Notices Announce Repatriation to Tribal Nations

Between June 3 and June 4, 2025, the National Park Service published multiple notices in the Federal Register regarding the repatriation of human remains and cultural items under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Institutions involved include Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Seneca Nation), Missouri Historical Society (Osage Nation), Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology (Osage, Kaw, Peoria, Quapaw, and other Nations), San Francisco State University (Jamul Indian Village), Fort Lewis College (multiple Pueblo and Ute Nations), Mercyhurst University (Sioux, Shoshone, Arapaho, and associated tribes), Case Western Reserve University (Seminole Tribe of Florida), University of California, Berkeley (Wintun, Miwok, and others), Peabody Museum at Harvard (Southeastern tribes), Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes), The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (Northern Arapaho), Stanford University (Jamul Indian Village), Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (Santa Ana Pueblo), and Sonoma State University (Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians). Notices provide for the return of human remains, funerary objects, and objects of cultural patrimony to affiliated tribes, with repatriations scheduled to occur after July 3 or July 7, 2025, depending on the notice.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

B.C., Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow, and Nisga’a Nations Begin Land-Use Planning

British Columbia and five First Nations have begun expedited land-use planning covering 16 million hectares in the province’s northwest, including a one-year pause on new mining-tenure registrations for part of the area.

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

B.C., Province and Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Taseko Mines Sign Agreement on New Prosperity Mineral Tenures

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation, British Columbia, and Taseko Mines Limited reached a tripartite agreement requiring Tŝilhqot’in Nation consent for any future mineral exploration or mine development at the New Prosperity site.

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

Alberta Expands AIOC Mandate to Technology and Health Care Sectors

On June 5, 2025, Minister Rajan Sawhney announced cabinet approval for the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation to support Indigenous investment in technology and health care, in addition to its previous sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Enacts Matriarch Circle Act and Ribbon Skirt Day

Manitoba passed the Matriarch Circle Act, formalizing an advisory body representing women, girls, two-spirit, and gender-diverse Manitobans, and proclaimed January 4 as Ribbon Skirt Day.

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

Saskatchewan Continues Initiatives Addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Saskatchewan reaffirmed its commitment to respond to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, highlighting investments in the MMIWG+ Community Response Fund and related support services.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

On June 1, 2025, MP Maggie Chi posted in recognition of National Indigenous History Month, noting the importance of celebrating the histories, cultures, languages, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Turnbull, on June 2, 2025, stated that the government remains committed to supporting Indigenous communities in language and cultural revitalization during National Indigenous History Month.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Leah Gazan posted on June 3, 2025, encouraging learning about the history of Turtle Island and supporting human rights, referencing the TRC and MMIWG2S.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On June 3, 2025, Senator Mary Coyle acknowledged National Indigenous History Month and expressed commitment to working alongside Indigenous Senate colleagues for genuine reconciliation.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Tim Hodgson stated on June 6, 2025, that Bill C-5 will establish Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees in the federal Major Projects Office, noting a focus on Indigenous expertise and sovereignty.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• ‘Diplomacy ends today’: First Nations warn of protests over Ontario mining law: Ontario First Nations issue warnings regarding planned protests over provincial mining legislation.
• Ontario’s Bill 5 has passed. Here’s why it has sparked conflict with First Nations: New Ontario legislation generates conflict with First Nations over resource governance.
• B.C. First Nation builds small island, fisheries officials check for habitat damage: Fisheries officials investigate habitat impacts after a B.C. First Nation constructs a small island.