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.

Want to see GR activities in areas related to Indigenous Affairs? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Social Issues and Environment.

Dates: 2025-08-03 to 2025-08-09

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Addresses Indigenous Rights and Inclusion in Era of Artificial Intelligence

On August 9, Ministers Anita Anand (Foreign Affairs), Maninder Sidhu (International Trade), and Randeep Sarai (International Development), together with Ministers Rebecca Alty (Crown-Indigenous Relations), Rebecca Chartrand (Northern and Arctic Affairs), and Mandy Gull-Masty (Indigenous Services), issued a joint statement for the UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The statement connects the year’s theme—Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence—to the government’s commitment to meaningful engagement with Indigenous partners in Canada and abroad. Citing ongoing collaboration with Canada’s Indigenous Working Group on Trade Policy and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the officials noted that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples continues to shape Canada’s approach to economic development, resource management, and trade diversification. Their message signals continued alignment of federal economic strategies with Indigenous rights frameworks, particularly as digital technologies increasingly affect governance and trade policy.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Mining, Forestry, and Indigenous Economic Partnerships in Northern Quebec

Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, concluded a two-day engagement in Val-d’Or and northern Quebec to discuss developments in the mining and forestry sectors. Meetings included the Val-d’Or Chamber of Commerce and a roundtable with industry leaders, focusing on workforce development, infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and collaboration with Indigenous partners. The tour included a site visit to Sayona’s North American Lithium mine, signaling continued federal interest in the region’s critical minerals supply chains. Guay met with Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and Jocelyn Formsma, CEO of the National Association of Friendship Centres, at the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre, where discussions centred on increasing Indigenous participation in the region’s resource industry. The itinerary also included site visits to Les Chantiers Chibougamau’s manufacturing facilities. The federal government reiterated its commitment to building infrastructure and partnerships to support responsible natural resource development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Mi’gmaq-Led Tourism Project Launches at Forillon National Park

On August 8, the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and Parks Canada launched Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn, a new immersive tourism project at Forillon National Park in Gaspé, Quebec. The project, delivered as part of the Reconciliation and Recognition of Rights Agreement for the park, features traditional wigwam-inspired accommodations, Mi’gmaq-led educational programming, and cultural activities. The project provides economic opportunities and job creation for the community, while supporting cultural heritage and preservation objectives. Reservations will open to the public in summer 2026, with the new offering positioned as both a cultural and economic driver in the Gaspésie region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Mandy Gull-Masty Schedules Announcement on Softwood Lumber Industry

On August 5 in Val d’Or, Quebec, Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty was scheduled to make a notable announcement regarding the softwood lumber industry, accompanied by Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and Natural Resources and MP for LaSalle—Émard—Verdun. The event, hosted at Uniboard Canada Inc., was followed by media availability. The specifics of the announcement are not detailed in the advisory, but the involvement of key federal and regional representatives signals potential implications for Indigenous economic participation in Quebec’s forestry sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

New Horizons for Seniors Program Backgrounder Released, Including Indigenous Priorities

Employment and Social Development Canada released a backgrounder on the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), a federal grants initiative supporting seniors’ social inclusion. Since its inception, the NHSP has funded over 43,000 projects with $970 million invested. The current funding call, for 2025-2026, will consider projects advancing reconciliation and quality of life for Indigenous seniors among other national priorities. Last year, 2,905 community-based projects received $60.3 million. Eligible organizations may apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding to support local initiatives involving mentoring, abuse prevention, digital literacy, and social participation—areas that can affect Indigenous senior populations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and CIHR Fund Research for National School Food Program with Northern/Indigenous Focus

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), opened a call for proposals under the 2025-26 Partnering for Impact – Catalyst Grant to support research on school food programming. Up to $1 million is allocated nationally and up to $300,000 specifically for projects in Northern communities, where Indigenous populations are more pronounced. Grants of up to $150,000 per team (one-year duration) are being offered to address research gaps, assess program impacts, and explore governance and delivery of school food programs within the National School Food Policy framework. Applications are due by October 23, 2025.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government Issues Updated Standards for Fine Particulate Air Quality with Indigenous Consultation

The Department of the Environment and the Department of Health published new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Canada Gazette, Part I, effective January 1, 2030. The updated standards set a 24-hour limit of 23 µg/m³ and an annual average of 8.0 µg/m³, to be assessed as three-year averages. The notice confirms that Indigenous representatives were consulted during the consensus-based review process involving federal, provincial, and territorial officials. The standards replace the 2020 CAAQS and will be reviewed as needed to align with evolving scientific and health data. The announcement notes the relevance of improved air quality and associated health outcomes across Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

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

StatsCan Data Release: Cancer Screening Test Disparities by Indigenous Status

StatCan issued an overview of cancer screening test rates for 2024, with data breakdowns examining disparities by sex, age, province, urban/rural location, racialized group, immigrant status, disability, and Indigenous group. The release includes early detection rates for colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer. Data segmentation by Indigenous identity provides evidence that may be relevant for targeting future health interventions and programming.

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

US Federal GR News

Multiple Federal Repatriation Notices under NAGPRA Signal Ongoing US Repatriation Activity

During the first week of August, a series of Federal Register notices detailed repatriation and intended repatriation actions under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Notices spanned prominent institutions—including the University of Michigan, University of California Berkeley, Mercyhurst University, University of Oregon, Trinity University and several California museums—covering the return of human remains and cultural items or funerary objects across numerous states and tribal affiliations. Included were determinations of cultural affiliation with Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash, The Osage Nation, Chickasaw Nation, and several others. Notable collections involved remains or items from Michigan, California, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Oregon, and Minnesota.

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

US Department of Education Advances Mandatory Civil Rights Data Collection Including Tribal Entities

On August 7, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released a notice regarding the revision of the Mandatory Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) for the 2025-26 and 2027-28 school years. The adapted CRDC impacts more than 17,700 state, local, and tribal government respondents. The collection under review will track data tied to equal educational opportunity and civil rights compliance in public schools, including those administered by Tribal Education Agencies. Interested parties have until September 8, 2025 to submit comments.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Launches Call for Commemoration Initiatives Including Indigenous Component

On August 4, Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications launched a call for projects to support commemoration initiatives. Component 2 of the program explicitly targets organizations representing the 11 Indigenous nations in Quebec.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Kitsumkalum First Nation Begins Treaty Ratification Campaign in BC

The Kitsumkalum First Nation has started a campaign ahead of a November 1, 2025 ratification vote on its Treaty and Constitution, signaling implementation of self-determination measures, governance, and land/resource management rights in British Columbia.

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

Ontario Expands Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care in First Nations Communities

Ontario will invest $89 million to permanently fund and expand the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) program, which will now include additional First Nations communities and support at-home medical care for seniors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Adult Literacy Program Funding Continues, Supporting Indigenous Communities

British Columbia will provide $3.4 million for the Community Adult Literacy Program for 2025–26, supporting literacy initiatives across 204 communities, including direct programming to Indigenous learners.

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

Wildfire-Induced Evacuations Affect Several Manitoba First Nations

Manitoba’s wildfire season remains the worst in 30 years, with active fires prompting evacuations in several First Nations, including Nisichawayasihk, Little Grand Rapids, O-Pipon-Na-Piwin, and Mathias Colomb. Provincial emergency measures remain in effect.

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

Government Consultations

Impact Assessment Agency: Consultations Open for Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has announced participant funding for Indigenous Peoples and the public to assist engagement on the Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project near Sackville, New Brunswick. Application closes August 15, 2025.

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

Impact Assessment Agency: Comments Invited for Troilus Mining Project Impact Assessment

The Joint Assessment Committee (Impact Assessment Agency and Cree Nation Government) is seeking comments on the summary impact statement for the Troilus Mining Project, north of Mistissini, Quebec. The comment period closes August 17, 2025.

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

Impact Assessment Agency: Public Input Sought for Mont Sorcier Mining Project in Quebec

Consultations are ongoing for the Mont Sorcier Mining Project in Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory, Quebec, with public comment invited on the draft tailored impact statement guidelines and public participation plan until August 16, 2025.

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

What We're Reading This Week

• Carney tells Métis leaders Indigenous rights are 'at the core' of major projects law: Mark Carney addresses Métis leaders about the centrality of Indigenous rights in new legislation for projects.
• Canada pushing to include Indigenous rights in United Nations plastics treaty: Ongoing negotiations to embed Indigenous rights provisions in an international plastics treaty.
• Muscowpetung First Nation looks to the future after signing of $98.9M ‘cows and plows’ settlement: Muscowpetung First Nation plans for post-settlement development.
• Métis leaders optimistic government will respect Indigenous rights as Ottawa moves forward with Bill C-5: Métis leaders respond positively to Bill C-5 discussions.
• Manitoba Métis Federation boycotts PM's summit on major projects law: The Manitoba Métis Federation opted out of Prime Minister’s summit regarding major projects legislation.
• Mining, Forestry, Reconciliation: Parliamentary Secretary Guay Brings the Conversation to Northern Quebec: Coverage of Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay's engagement with northern Quebec’s resource sector.
• Building Safe Places: Western Communities Foundation Opens Applications for 2025 Indigenous Infrastructure Grants: Infrastructure grant opportunities open for Indigenous organizations.
• First Nation at centre of Oka Crisis gripped by environmental battles linked to cannabis megastores: Environmental disputes ongoing in Kanehsatake, the community central to the Oka Crisis.
• Opinion: The desire for nation-building initiatives should not obscure the success of federal investment in Indigenous renewable energy projects: Commentary on outcomes of federal funding for Indigenous-led renewable energy.

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