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: 2025-09-14 to 2025-09-20

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ House of Commons Committee Meetings
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

House of Commons Committee Meetings

• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee to Convene for In Camera Business Meeting: The House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs will meet in camera for Committee Business on September 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., in Room 330, Wellington Building.
• Canadian Heritage Committee Schedules Ministerial Briefing on Culture and Heritage Priorities: On September 24, the Canadian Heritage Committee will hold a televised meeting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for a briefing on the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture’s mandate, featuring Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Deputy Minister Isabelle Mondou, and Parks Canada President Ron Hallman.

Canadian Federal GR News

Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Signs Final Self-Government Agreement With Federal and Territorial Partners

On September 18, Sherry Hodgson, President of Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Inc., joined the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories, to sign the Final Self-Government Agreement for the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę. The agreement affirms the community's authority to enact its own laws, oversee education and health, and preserve its language and culture. Parties have committed to introduce enabling legislation federally and territorially to cement this agreement. The measure will enable local leadership and community-led development, impacting service delivery, employment, and program management. The signing delivers on prior negotiation commitments for Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę and is positioned within constitutional obligations to advance Indigenous self-governance.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Canadian News Outlet: www.cbc.ca

Federal Government Approves Ksi Lisims LNG Project Through Substituted Impact Assessment

The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced on September 15 a decision to allow the Ksi Lisims LNG – Natural Gas Liquefaction and Marine Terminal Project to proceed to permitting. The substituted impact assessment, conducted in cooperation with British Columbia and the Nisg̱a’a Nation, enabled a streamlined 'one project, one review' approach. The assessment identified significant but mitigable impacts in areas of federal jurisdiction. Legally binding conditions direct the proponent to mitigate effects on fish and birds, uphold Indigenous health and socio-economic conditions, and protect cultural heritage, with follow-up programs required. The federal determination considered economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, self-determination for the Nisg̱a’a Nation, and regional economic benefits. The project’s regulatory model could be referenced in ongoing major project negotiations involving treaty partners.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth Opens New Indigenous Youth Centre in Calgary

On September 19, Indigenous Services Canada and the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) celebrated the opening of a new Indigenous youth centre in Calgary, supported by $3.92 million in federal funding. The permanent, energy-efficient facility is designed to serve more than 4,000 Indigenous youth annually, offering culturally relevant programs, wellness supports, and community-driven services. Programming at the centre is Indigenous youth-led and intended to foster a positive sense of self and personal achievement. The project responds to infrastructure gaps affecting urban Indigenous communities and follows community-expressed needs articulated under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act framework.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Parks Canada and Beausoleil First Nation Recognize Beausoleil Island’s National Historic Significance

On September 18, Parks Canada and Beausoleil First Nation held a commemorative ceremony on Beausoleil Island to install a plaque recognizing its historic importance. Known as Bimadinaagogi to the Anishinaabeg, Beausoleil Island has a documented history of Indigenous habitation and acted as a waypoint on trading routes. The site's designation under the National Program of Historical Commemoration stems from a public nomination process. The event serves to increase public awareness of Indigenous heritage sites and supports cultural preservation activities through official commemoration programs.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Natural Resources Canada Speech Details Indigenous Participation in National Infrastructure and Energy Projects

On September 17, Minister Tim Hodgson outlined the government’s agenda for critical infrastructure, major project development, and energy transition at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Hodgson detailed the inclusion of several Indigenous-partnered projects in the first tranche of Major Projects Office priorities—such as LNG Canada Phase 2, Darlington New Nuclear Project, Foran Copper Mine (in collaboration with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation), and Red Chris Copper and Gold Mine (with Tahltan Nation). The strategy also includes work on the proposed Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor and highlights Manitoba’s vision for an Indigenous-owned energy corridor anchored at Churchill port. The approach, which incorporates Indigenous partnership and engagement requirements, is supported by regulatory reforms focused on expedited project delivery.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment in Environmental Monitoring for Bay of Fundy Tidal Energy Projects Involves Indigenous Stakeholders

On September 19, Natural Resources Canada announced over $10 million in funding to support two environmental monitoring projects in the Bay of Fundy. With collaboration from Indigenous communities, academia, and industry, initiatives led by the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy and Acadia University will focus on fish-turbine interaction monitoring and ecosystem data collection. The investments are intended to provide key data for regulators and project proponents to inform the deployment of tidal energy in a manner that addresses both environmental and community concerns. The program delivers skills training and workforce development opportunities concurrent with project activities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Pay Equity and Labour Conditions Statement Addresses Wage Gap for Indigenous and Racialized Women

A September 18 statement from Employment and Social Development Canada, released by Ministers Patty Hajdu, Rechie Valdez, and John Zerucelli, outlined ongoing gaps in pay equity, especially for Indigenous and racialized women. The statement references a 2024 labour participation rate of 85.1% for women aged 25-54, paired with an average wage ratio of 87 cents to the dollar compared to men, with even wider disparities for Indigenous women. The government announced the launch of a probe into unpaid work in the airline sector and referenced recent initiatives like the Equi’Vision pay transparency platform. These measures are rooted in legislative changes to the Canada Labour Code and Pay Equity Act.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Justice Minister Sean Fraser Tables New Legislation to Protect Communities from Hate Crimes and Obstruction

On September 19, Minister of Justice Sean Fraser introduced the Combatting Hate Act, proposing amendments to the Criminal Code that create new offences for intimidation and obstruction at places of worship, schools, and community centres primarily used by identifiable groups. The bill makes hate-motivated crime a specific offence, introduces penalties for the public display of hate symbols, codifies a definition of 'hatred,' and eliminates the requirement for Attorney General consent prior to hate propaganda charges. The act is aimed at supporting community safety and addresses concerns about rising incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, and transphobia.

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

CRTC Outlines Funding Access and Engagement Approach for Broadband Projects in Indigenous Communities

In remarks delivered at the Canadian Communications Systems Alliance Connect 2025, CRTC Vice-President Leila Wright signaled the upcoming fourth call for broadband fund applications, following ongoing policy review and feedback from stakeholders, including Indigenous providers. Current CRTC data indicates that only 60% of households on reserves and in the territories are connected at the universal service objective levels. Wright highlighted recent efforts to simplify applications and accelerate project review timelines, while encouraging direct engagement to ensure regulatory policy is responsive to distinct community and industry contexts.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

U.S. Department of Education Cancels Indigenous-Serving Post-Secondary Grant Competitions

On September 18, the U.S. Department of Education withdrew notices inviting applications for fiscal year 2025 and cancelled the competitions for several post-secondary programs, including Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH Part A) and Strengthening Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions Part A (NASNTI Part A). The cancellation follows a July 2025 legal determination that Hispanic-Serving Institutions programs violate constitutional protections, leading to a blanket cancellation of related Minority-Serving Institution programs. No new funding will be issued under these streams, affecting post-secondary access initiatives previously available to eligible tribal and Indigenous-serving institutions nationwide.

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

Multiple NAGPRA Repatriation Notices Issued for Human Remains and Cultural Items Across U.S. Institutions

During the week, several U.S. federal agencies and partner institutions published NAGPRA-mandated notices regarding inventories and intentions for repatriation of Native American human remains and cultural patrimony. Notable actions include Sonoma State University's notice of intent to repatriate over 12,000 lots of items linked to Pomo Tribes of California, the University of Florida's record of 152 individuals and over 5,500 funerary objects at Mayport Mound, and the Bureau of Land Management’s inventory covering 20 individuals and 302 funerary objects in Arizona. Other notices involve the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, and a series of notices from Mercyhurst University and the University of Oregon with cultural affiliations spanning tribes in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. Standard procedures for repatriation requests and handling of competing claims apply. Each notice details consultation with relevant tribal authorities and provides timelines for potential repatriation.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

New Brunswick Inaugurates Bilateral Health Forum With First Nations Leaders

On September 18, New Brunswick convened a first-of-its-kind health forum at Ugpi’ganjig Aboriginal Heritage Gardens with First Nations leaders to discuss Indigenous self-determination in health care and set a schedule for quarterly working group meetings.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Ontario Commits $8 Million to First Nations Economic Development Association

Ontario announced on September 16 a three-year, $8 million investment to the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association to support training, mentorship, and professional networks for First Nations communities and entrepreneurs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

BC Partners With First Nations to Launch Community-Based Teacher-Education Programs

On September 15, British Columbia’s ministries and the First Nations Education Steering Committee launched new community-based teacher-education programs to address the shortage of First Nations teachers, with initial $5.4 million funding over two years.

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

Construction Progresses on Maskêkosihk Recovery Community at Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta

Alberta reported on September 19 that the Maskêkosihk Recovery Community, being built in partnership with Enoch Cree Nation, is halfway complete and expected to deliver holistic addiction treatment starting in 2026.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Gwa’ni Land-Use Plan Enters Public Consultation Phase in BC, Supporting ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation

On September 19, BC opened public comment on proposed Gwa’ni land-use objectives co-developed with ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation to update forestry planning, protect cultural values, and provide clarity for the forestry industry in the Nimpkish River watershed.

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

What We're Reading This Week

• Winnipeg event shines light on treaties, looks to educate about their importance: A Winnipeg gathering explores the significance and educational aspects of First Nations treaties.
• This northwestern Ontario Métis community is marking 150 years since Canada recognized their rights: Northwestern Ontario Métis mark 150 years since official recognition of their rights.
• Tatanga Skull Walk held in Regina to raise awareness of Indigenous issues: Regina hosts Tatanga Skull Walk as an awareness campaign for Indigenous issues.
• Shortlists announced for $5K First Nation Communities READ Awards for Indigenous storytelling: Several authors shortlisted for First Nation Communities READ Awards in Indigenous storytelling.
• Osoyoos Indian Band demands Indigenous Consultation on Teck-Anglo American Deal: The Osoyoos Indian Band calls for formal consultation regarding the Teck-Anglo American deal.
• AFN, First Nations leaders in Manitoba concerned over representation on major projects advisory council: Manitoba First Nations express concern about representation on a major projects advisory group.
• Pimicikamak Cree Nation calls on moose hunters to return licences, citing scarcity concerns: Pimicikamak Cree Nation urges a return of moose hunting licences amid scarcity threats.
• FIRST READING: Frustrated by soft-on-crime policies, First Nations take on drug dealers alone: Some First Nations respond to crime by confronting dealers independent of law enforcement.

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