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: 2025-10-12 to 2025-10-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• House of Commons: Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee to Discuss Indigenous Policing and Public Safety – October 20: The Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee will meet on October 20 (3:30-5:30 p.m.), featuring witnesses such as Doris Bill (Former Chief, Kwanlin Dün First Nation), Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, and Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak (National Chief, Assembly of First Nations) addressing Indigenous policing and public safety.
• Senate: Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples Reviews Bill S-2 (Indian Act Amendments) – October 21: On October 21, the Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples will examine Bill S-2, with testimony from Sharon McIvor (Indian Act Sex Discrimination Working Group), Jeannette Corbiere Lavell (Anishnawbek Nation), Dawn Lavell-Harvard (Trent University), and Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.
• Senate: Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples Continues Bill S-2 Study with Mi’kmaq, Manitoba Chiefs – October 22: Scheduled for October 22, the Senate Committee hosts Mi’kmaq Confederacy representatives Kateri Coade and Justin Milne, alongside Grand Chiefs from Manitoba and Wendat Nations, and Whitecap Dakota Nation leaders, reviewing Indian Act registration amendments.
• House of Commons: Justice and Human Rights Committee Hearing Bill C-9 on Hate Crimes – October 23: On October 23 (3:30-6:30 p.m.), the Justice Committee will hear witnesses including legal scholars Ryan Alford and Bruce Pardy, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, and the National Council of Canadian Muslims on Bill C-9 amending hate crime laws.
• Senate: Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry Examines Wildfires’ Impact on Indigenous Communities – October 21: The Senate Committee meets October 21 to discuss wildfires affecting Indigenous and rural communities, featuring witnesses from First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (Francyne Joe, Matt Nelson) and Métis Nation Saskatchewan (Brennan Merasty).

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Announces Major Land Addition to Snuneymuxw First Nation Following Claims Settlement

On October 16, Chief Mike Wyse of Snuneymuxw First Nation and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty announced the community’s reserve land base will grow by 194.7 acres through the addition to reserve process, involving three federal parcels in Nanaimo, BC, formerly Defence lands. The new land, part of the te’tuxwtun (Mount Benson) site, is planned for mixed-use development, including housing, commercial space, and infrastructure upgrades. Earlier this year, Snuneymuxw received $42 million from Canada under the Teytexen Village Specific Claim settlement, resolving historic Crown failures to deliver promised village lands under the 1854 Snuneymuxw Sarelquun Treaty. The expansion addresses the lowest per capita reserve land base in the province and is positioned as a step in advancing regional Indigenous self-determination and economic opportunity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Iskut Band Opens New Łuwechōn Kots’ede’i Kime School, Expanding Community Education

The Iskut Band in Tahltan Territory inaugurated the Łuwechōn Kots’ede’i Kime (Łuwechōn House of Learning), a modern 1,463 m² facility, replacing the Klappan Independent School built in 1978. The new school offers in-community education up to grade 9 and supported online learning for high school students. Growing demand for local education has prompted plans for further expansion to accommodate increasing enrollment. The $25.4 million project was funded by $24.5 million from the Government of Canada and $900,000 from the Iskut Band, providing culturally-connected, community-driven education and supporting Tahltan language preservation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Chartrand Represents Canada at Arctic Circle Assembly, Promotes Northern-Led Climate and Sovereignty Solutions

Minister Rebecca Chartrand, responsible for Northern and Arctic Affairs, led Canada’s delegation at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, Iceland, October 18. The delegation, which included Indigenous and northern leaders, used the forum to advance Arctic sovereignty, economic priorities, and clean energy transition for northern communities. Canada reframed its Arctic agenda to emphasize Indigenous leadership, collaboration, and the One Canadian Economy approach, citing new investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and skills development. The newly appointed Arctic Ambassador, Virginia Mearns, contributed extensive experience from Inuit advocacy and public service, signaling increased Indigenous influence in federal Arctic policy direction. Canada indicated intentions to further these priorities at the 2027 Arctic Council ministerial.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal–Provincial–Territorial Justice Ministers Address Indigenous Policing and Sentencing Reform

At the October 17 ministers’ meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta, federal leaders Sean Fraser (Justice), Gary Anandasangaree (Public Safety), and Ruby Sahota (Combatting Crime) engaged Indigenous representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Métis National Council on justice system reforms. Discussions included future Indigenous policing, culturally informed safety strategies, legislation to tighten bail conditions for repeat violent offenders, and investments in frontline law enforcement, including hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers. Systemic crime prevention via expanded mental health, addictions treatment, and housing programs was also reviewed, reflecting input from Indigenous groups on community safety and justice priorities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Support Announced for Indigenous-Led Smart Microgrid Initiative in Northern Saskatchewan

Secretary of State Buckley Belanger announced $1.9 million in federal funding for the Indigenous-led smart microgrid in La Plonge and Poplar House District, Saskatchewan on October 17. Aurora Renewables, owned by English River First Nation’s Des Nedhe Group and Extropic Energy, will oversee installation of solar power and battery storage to increase resilience and grid stability. The project, a recipient of NRCan’s Energy Innovation Program, employs Digital Twin technology to optimize grid management and operate as a model for Indigenous-led clean energy development in remote communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Alty's Scheduled Visit to Snuneymuxw First Nation for Lands and Economic Development Announcement

On October 16, Minister Rebecca Alty of Crown-Indigenous Relations, alongside Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Wyse, planned an announcement regarding lands and economic development at the Snuneymuxw Recreation and Wellness Centre in Nanaimo, BC. Media coverage was anticipated, with opportunity for stakeholder interviews following the event.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case Recognize Indigenous and Gender Equity Advocates

The 2025 Governor General’s Awards recognized several leaders, including Dr. Sandra DeLaronde for advancing the Calls for Justice from the MMIWG Inquiry and Indigenous rights implementation; Marjolaine Étienne for her work with Quebec Native Women and contributions to Indigenous women’s education and representation at UN forums; and Shianne Gordon, noted for direct support to Indigenous and African Nova Scotian women affected by violence. Other recipients addressed broader themes of equity and economic empowerment, indicating federal visibility for Indigenous leadership in gender justice domains.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial GR News

Affordable Housing Opens for Indigenous Residents in Alberni Valley

The Citaapi Mahtii housing development in Port Alberni now offers 35 new affordable rental homes primarily for Ahousaht First Nation members. The project includes a mix of unit sizes, a cultural centre, and amenities supporting community gathering and intergenerational living.

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

Alberta Opens Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grants for Community-Led Initiatives

Alberta has reopened applications for its Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grants, allocating $13.5 million over three years to fund inclusion and anti-racism projects involving Indigenous and ethnocultural organizations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

New Foundry Centre Opens to Support Indigenous Youth Wellness in Burns Lake

Carrier Sekani Family Services has opened the Foundry Burns Lake, a youth-focused health and wellness centre serving ages 12–24 across several First Nation territories. The initiative offers integrated health, mental health, and social services for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.

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

Alberta and Federal Governments Announce Funding to Expand Kickstand Youth Mental Health Services

Kickstand, a youth mental health organization, received nearly $25 million from Alberta and federal agencies to expand its in-person and online service hubs, with new centres coming to First Nations communities and unannounced locations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Launches Capital Assistance Program Supporting Indigenous Access to Cultural Infrastructure

Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications is inviting applications for projects to renovate and maintain cultural buildings, accessible to Indigenous nations recognized by the National Assembly. Applications are open until December 17, 2025.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Amending the List of Species under the Species at Risk Act: Terrestrial Species January 2025

The federal government is holding its annual consultation on proposed changes to Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act, open until October 19, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: canada-preview.adobecqms.net

What We're Reading This Week

• RBC supports Indigenous leadership in renewable energy projects: RBC is increasing its support of Indigenous-owned renewable energy firms and initiatives.
• Opinion: The Indigenous over-incarceration crisis can only be addressed if Canadians act: Examination of challenges and responses to Indigenous incarceration rates in Canada.
• First Nations educators worry 'ominous' funding letter will further impact classroom quality: First Nations education leaders in Ontario have raised concerns about future funding and impacts on classroom quality.
• Paul Seesequasis on John Macfie’s photography and reclaiming photographs of Indigenous people: An exploration of Indigenous-led reclamation of historical photography in northwestern Ontario.
• Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition breaks ground on Inuit women’s shelter: Construction has started on a new shelter for Inuit women in Ottawa.
• First Nations youth programs lose Jordan’s Principle funding after changes to eligibility: Some youth programs have lost federal Jordan’s Principle funding following eligibility changes.
• Manitoba First Nation waits for drug rehab facility funding: The news covers delays in provincial funding for a drug rehab centre for a Manitoba First Nation.
• Rail port project under provincial review signs prospective partnership agreement with First Nation: A rail infrastructure project in Manitoba has formed a partnership with a local First Nation.

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