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: 2025-08-17 to 2025-08-23

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Tables Fourth Annual Progress Report on Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

On August 20, Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, tabled the fourth annual progress report on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The report provides an assessment of Canada's measures under the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, referencing work by 58 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations alongside 41 federal departments. Notable advances included the incorporation of a non-derogation clause into the federal Interpretation Act, the formation of an Indigenous-led, independent advisory committee for the Action Plan, and the release of the Indigenous Justice Strategy. Progress is also reported on resolving border crossing barriers for Indigenous peoples, expanding service in Indigenous languages, and co-developing stewardship plans for protected heritage places.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Officially Recognizes Red River Métis Business Directory for Federal Procurement

Indigenous Services Canada announced on August 20 in Winnipeg that the Red River Métis Business Directory, managed by the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), is now recognized by the federal government as an authoritative source for verified Red River Métis businesses in federal procurement. The directory, listing over 850 Métis businesses, enables these entities to access federal contracts within the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB), including competitive opportunities such as the Future Aircrew Training Program. Federal departments are mandated to direct at least 5% of annual procurement through Indigenous businesses, and MMF now manages Red River Métis business qualification.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Treaty One Nations Secure Additional Federal Support for Naawi-Oodena Urban Reserve Development

On August 21, Minister Mandy Gull-Masty announced new federal funding of $789,490 for the next development phase of Naawi-Oodena, a First Nation-led economic development zone in Winnipeg. Treaty One Nations plan mixed-use development, including nearly 5,000 housing units and employment creation for local Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Funding will advance site servicing, engineering, and infrastructure planning for blocks B to E, supporting essential community and business infrastructure.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Investments Bolster Rural and Indigenous Economic Development Across Alberta

Prairies Economic Development Canada announced more than $5.9 million in funding for seven Alberta-based rural and Indigenous-led initiatives. Key projects include $1 million for Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s Indigenous-led Community Atlases to support land use planning and industrial consultation; $810,300 for Siksika Nation to open a business resource centre; $689,000 for Work Northwest Alberta’s regional workforce initiative; and $750,000 for Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s new arts incubator in Fort McMurray.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests in Wildland Firefighting Training Integrating Indigenous Knowledge

Natural Resources Canada, through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program, has committed $540,300 for two regional projects supporting wildland firefighting training. The Yorkton Tribal Council in Saskatchewan is receiving $335,000 to train 35 members, incorporating traditional knowledge and cultural burning. A further $204,800 will train 60 individuals, including members of Buffalo Point First Nation in Manitoba.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

{RE}DEFINED: NFB and TIFF Launch Initiative for Indigenous Next-Gen Documentary Filmmakers

To mark TIFF’s 50th edition, the National Film Board and the Toronto International Film Festival are seeking applications for {RE}DEFINED, a documentary initiative focused on Canadian and Indigenous identity. Five creators aged 30 and under will be selected for a year-long program to produce short documentaries, benefiting from full NFB production resources and mentorship. Screening will take place at TIFF 2026 and subsequently on NFB platforms. The application deadline is September 30, 2025.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Quality of Employment in Canada: Summer 2025 Update with Indigenous-Focused Insights

Statistics Canada released updated publications covering earnings, training participation, and job quality metrics for 2024-2025. Labour Force Survey data adds further detail for racialized groups and Indigenous people, including job security perceptions, paid leave entitlement, and medical/dental benefits coverage. The release is part of ongoing efforts to quantify economic outcomes relevant to Indigenous employment and workplace conditions.

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

Federal Funds Support Community Sport for Indigenous and Underrepresented Groups

On August 19 in Toronto, Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced $4.5 million in federal funding for 13 national sport organizations. Through the Community Sport for All Initiative, funds will be distributed to local programs aimed at reducing barriers for Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomers, and low-income participants. Urban Squash Toronto, highlighted in the announcement, received funding to advance youth sport access paired with education and mentorship.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Diplomats for Equality Joint Statement Includes Indigenous-Specific Concerns

Global Affairs Canada coordinated a joint statement with 30 foreign diplomatic missions on August 19, affirming support for sexual and gender-diverse persons and referencing compounded risks for Indigenous individuals. The statement notes concern about violence and exclusion affecting intersectional identities, including Indigenous peoples, and reiterates the role of the Equal Rights Coalition, co-chaired by Colombia and Spain for the 2024-26 term, as a multilateral platform to advance equality initiatives.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

NAGPRA Notices for Repatriation of Native Remains and Funerary Objects

On August 21 and 22, multiple notices were published regarding repatriation actions under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The College of Marin in California prepared to repatriate human remains and 8,165 associated funerary objects, with cultural affiliation identified as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

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

University of Oregon Museum: NAGPRA Inventories for Modoc, Klamath, and Yakama Affiliated Remains

The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History filed inventory completion notices for Native American human remains from Lower Klamath Lake and other sites, with affiliations to Modoc Nation, the Klamath Tribes, and the Confederated Bands of the Yakama Nation among others.

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

California College and Museum Notices: Repatriation to Pomo, Miwok, and Luiseno Tribes

Sonoma State University (August 22) issued notice to repatriate 39 objects of cultural patrimony—including flaked stone tools and shell beads—removed from archaeological sites in Lake County, California, to the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake.

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

Choctaw, Muscogee, Seminole, and Cheyenne Tribal Repatriations

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will return human remains and 382 funerary objects from Hancock County, Mississippi to Choctaw and Muscogee-affiliated tribes. The University of Michigan has identified ten unassociated funerary objects from Florida burial sites, to be repatriated to the Miccosukee, Seminole, and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.

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

NAGPRA Notices: Southern Ute Museum and California Campuses Arrange for Sacred and Cultural Item Repatriations

The Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum (Colorado) announced plans to repatriate three pipestone stemmed hand-carved pipes and one lead-banded pipestone bowl, attributed to Lakota origins with tribal confirmation from the Yankton Sioux Tribe.

Sources: 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

Alberta Invests in Family Violence Prevention, Including Indigenous-Led Approaches

The Alberta government will provide $4 million to agencies supporting 31 family violence prevention projects this year, with $2 million allocated to Indigenous-led initiatives under the Approaches to Family Violence Prevention Program.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

B.C.'s First New Municipality in 15 Years Undergoing Incorporation Process with Osoyoos Indian Band Collaboration

Okanagan Falls community voted to incorporate as a municipality, with the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs working alongside Osoyoos Indian Band and local representatives to ensure compliance with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and shared priorities.

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

Ontario Expands Housing, Health, and Addiction Recovery Programs Through Historic Provincial Investments

Ontario announced an additional $1.6 billion for the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program and is increasing funding for land ambulances, primary care, and supportive housing including HART Hubs for homelessness and addiction treatment, with reference to ongoing collaboration on Indigenous reconciliation.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Québec Outlines Critical Minerals Sector Engagement and First Nations Partnership at Global Mining Finance Conference

The Government of Québec presented at the 10th annual CTMF conference, detailing provincial mineral resources, investment in mining innovation, and commitments to partnership with First Nations as part of a strategy to grow Quebec’s role in global critical minerals supply.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca, Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Manitoba Maintains State of Emergency Amid Record-Breaking Wildfire Activity Affecting Indigenous Communities

Manitoba reported over 1.99 million hectares burned and issued mandatory evacuation orders for several Indigenous communities, while reopening certain parks and establishing support centers for evacuees including Kistiganwacheeng and Mathias Colomb Cree Nation.

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

What We're Reading This Week

• Tribunal orders Ottawa, First Nations to resume negotiations on child welfare reforms: Ongoing court-mandated dialogue over Indigenous child welfare reforms resumes.
• Indigenous leaders on lessons learned from Trans Mountain as Carney aims to fast-track major projects: Industry analysis of Indigenous leadership perspectives on pipeline development haste.
• Internship program connects Indigenous undergrads to research, career opportunities: Canadian university boosts Indigenous student research and career pathways.
• Minister’s office reviewing tribunal order on First Nations child welfare: Minister's office addresses review process for the latest tribunal directives.
• Conrad Black Opinion: B.C. Aboriginal title case underlines what's wrong with reconciliation: Opinion piece examining the state of reconciliation initiatives in British Columbia.
• Ginoogaming First Nation's chief calls renaming of Indian Road a 'starting point': Northwestern Ontario sees first steps in Indigenous-led place name revisions.
• Fears for B.C. First Nation’s water supply as fire evacuation orders and alerts end: Communities weigh post-fire recovery and water security in British Columbia.
• 'It's as if we're invisible': First Nations push back against Canadian east-west pipeline proposal: Indigenous and environmental groups react to new pipeline corridor proposal.

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