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.

Dates: 2025-06-29 to 2025-07-05

📋 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

Canada Invests $3 Million to Advance Indigenous Participation at United Nations

On June 30, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced $3 million in federal funding to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to bolster Indigenous engagement at the international level. The initiative targets the Indigenous Fellowship Program and the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, aiming to increase Indigenous representation in global human rights forums. Ninety Indigenous individuals, including women and persons with disabilities, will receive training and mentorship designed to strengthen advocacy within UN systems.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Addition to Reserve Expands Brokenhead Ojibway Nation’s Land Base in Manitoba

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada announced on July 4 that Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, represented by Chief Gordon Bluesky, will add 60.76 acres (24.59 hectares) of land in the Rural Municipality of East St. Paul, Manitoba, to its reserve through the Addition to Reserve process. This chiefly agricultural parcel will facilitate traditional activities such as hunting and gathering, as well as provide opportunities for economic development and use by the Nation. The expansion aligns with Canada’s Treaty obligations and is part of ongoing efforts regarding reconciliation, legal commitments, and cooperative partnerships with First Nations. The land transfer is positioned as a practical measure that advances local economic potential and supports broader reconciliation objectives.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Low Carbon Economy Fund Backs Indigenous-Led Energy Projects in North

On July 2, Minister Julie Dabrusin announced over $13.3 million in Low Carbon Economy Fund support for energy projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Five projects received backing, with the Indigenous Leadership Fund stream dedicating funding to Denendeh Manor GP Ltd. ($2.33M) for retrofitting a Yellowknife-based Indigenous-owned apartment building and to the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation ($4.65M) for renewable energy cabin kits and training in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Three additional projects in Alberta—boiler efficiency at Sherritt International ($1.6M), heat recovery at Cavendish Farms ($1.4M), and a carbon capture system at Taurus Canada Renewable Natural Gas Corp. ($3.4M)—were funded under the LCEF Challenge stream. These allocations target the adoption of low-carbon technologies, capacity-building, and clean energy access in northern Indigenous communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Library and Archives Canada Announces 2025 Scholar Awards Honouring Tomson Highway

Library and Archives Canada, with support from Air Canada and the LAC Foundation, announced the recipients of the 2025 Scholar Awards on June 30. Honourees include Tomson Highway, the acclaimed playwright, novelist, and pianist of Cree heritage, noted for his contributions to Canada’s literary and cultural history.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

Bureau of Indian Affairs Approves Fourth Amendment to Oneida-Wisconsin Gaming Compact

On June 30, the Bureau of Indian Affairs announced the fourth amendment to the gaming compact between the Oneida Nation and the State of Wisconsin had been approved by operation of law. The amendment permits the Tribe to increase allowable deductions from its annual revenue-sharing payments to the State by recognizing additional monetary and in-kind contributions to local and county governments for specified projects. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the Secretary of the Interior is mandated to review such amendments.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Invests $6 Million Over Three Years in Indigenous-Led Tourism Initiatives

The Government of Alberta announced a renewed $6 million, three-year investment via Travel Alberta’s partnership with Indigenous Tourism Alberta, supporting program development, mentorship, and marketing for Indigenous tourism operators.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Awards $3 Million in Small Community Opportunity Grants to Indigenous and Rural Communities

Alberta’s government awarded an additional $3 million in grants under the Small Community Opportunity Program to support 41 projects in Indigenous and rural communities, aimed at enhancing economic capacity in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Launches New Funding Streams for Junior Mining Exploration and Indigenous Participation

Ontario opened applications for the sixth intake of its Junior Exploration Program, allocating up to $10 million and raising Indigenous participation support per project to $15,000 as part of its Critical Mineral Strategy.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

BC Premier Eby Issues Canada Day Statement Acknowledging Impact of Colonialism

Premier David Eby marked Canada Day by referencing the lasting impacts of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and reaffirmed British Columbia’s commitments to reconciliation in his annual statement.

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

Saskatchewan’s SIRT Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting on Flying Dust First Nation

Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team launched an investigation into a June 29 RCMP officer-involved shooting on Flying Dust First Nation, with community liaison involvement and a public report to follow upon completion.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Kim Pate posted on June 30 about the Senate’s recent passage of Bill C-5, stating it raises issues related to accountability, Indigenous sovereignty, and environmental protections, and called for responsible exercise of legislative authorities respecting Indigenous rights.

Sources: Social Media: x.com, Social Media: x.com

MP Frank Caputo, on July 2, congratulated Ruth Williams for her appointment to the Order of Canada, citing her longstanding contributions to Indigenous economic development.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CCIB recognizes Art Cunningham as the 2025 recipient of the Excellence in Indigenous Relations award, honoring decades of impactful leadership: CCIB awards Art Cunningham for impactful leadership in Indigenous relations.
• Opinion: Wab Kinew’s development dreams threaten our people’s way of life: Column examines the impact of proposed development on Indigenous traditions in Manitoba.
• Building Canada Act leaves much open to interpretation on Indigenous consultation, says lawyer: Legal experts discuss the uncertain requirements for Indigenous consultation under recent legislation.
• Exchange Income Corporation Announces Commitment to Expand the Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway in Nunavut: EIC plans to expand a pilot training pathway for Indigenous candidates in Nunavut.
• New space at The Forks aims to help visitors discover Indigenous tourism offerings in Manitoba: A new centre at The Forks in Winnipeg seeks to promote Indigenous tourism experiences.