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: 2025-10-26 to 2025-11-01

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee to Study Indigenous Policing and Public Safety — Nov 3: On November 3, the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs will hear from Naiomi Metallic (Dalhousie University), Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Metis Settlements General Council, and others as part of its study on Indigenous Policing and Public Safety.
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee Continues Indigenous Policing Review — Nov 5: On November 5, Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and officials from Public Safety Canada, Indigenous Services, and the RCMP will appear before the committee.
• Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee to Review Bill S-2 Amendments — Nov 4: On November 4, the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples will examine Bill S-2 regarding new registration entitlements, with appearances from the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, O’Chiese First Nation, Council of Yukon First Nations, and others.
• Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee to Hear Minister Gull-Masty on Bill S-2 — Nov 5: On November 5, Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty and officials will speak at the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples during deliberations on Bill S-2.
• Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee to Consider Wildfire Impact Report — Nov 4: Scheduled for November 4, the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will examine its draft report on the effects of wildfires on forestry, agriculture, and Indigenous communities across Canada.

Canadian Federal GR News

Kamloops Residential School Recognized as National Historic Site

Survivors of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, and Parks Canada participated in a plaque unveiling ceremony to mark the national historic significance of the institution. Two plaques were installed, with one inscribed in Secwepemctsín and Chinook, and another in English and French. The event in Kamloops was attended by Grant Wade, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, representing Minister Steven Guilbeault. The school, which operated between 1890 and 1969, drew children from over 108 communities and 38 Indigenous nations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

New Mi’kmaw Cultural Centre Announced in Nova Scotia

The federal government has allocated $20 million, in partnership with the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, for a new Mi’kmaw cultural centre in Debert, Nova Scotia. The announcement was made by MP Alana Hirtle and Tim Bernard, Executive Director of the Centre. The facility, designed for net-zero carbon operation, will offer language and storytelling sessions, land-based learning, and healing spaces, reflecting over 11,000 years of Mi’kmaw presence. The projected visitor count is 67,000 annually. Site design incorporates climate-adaptive features such as solar orientation, wind patterns, and efficient drainage.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Debates Bill S-2 to Amend the Indian Act

The Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, chaired by Senator Margo Greenwood, reviewed Bill S-2, which seeks to address sex discrimination and registration entitlements under the Indian Act. Testimony from Cora McGuire-Cyrette of the Ontario Native Women's Association and Jeremy Matson of the Squamish Nation focused on the removal of discriminatory cut-offs and aligning the Act with international rights standards. Joan Brown and Lynda Price objected to government-controlled membership, supporting community-based definitions. The impacts of the second-generation cut-off and the need for Indigenous-led solutions were central to the hearing.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

House of Commons Committees Examine Indigenous Policing and Public Safety

Two sessions of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs convened to hear from police, community, and First Nations leadership on Indigenous policing challenges. Testimonies from Chiefs and representatives of the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and the Ontario Provincial Police called for Indigenous policing to be legislatively recognized as an essential service, underscoring persistent funding instability and cultural disconnection in current models. Remote communities cited staffing and security gaps. Calls were made for reforms to the funding model, more culturally competent law enforcement, Indigenous involvement in officer recruitment and training, and tripartite agreements to address systemic barriers.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca, parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal Investment in Northwest Territories Substance Use Programs

Health Canada announced over $1.6 million in new funding for substance use and addictions programming in the Northwest Territories. Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, stated that the Yellowknife Enhanced Street Outreach Program and the Sahtu Harm Reduction and Support Program would be expanded under the Emergency Treatment Fund. The aim is to address the overdose crisis and provide trauma-informed, culturally relevant programming to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Wildfire Recovery and Resilience Programs Detailed

The Government of Canada provided an update on the 2025 wildfire season, describing the evacuation of more than 85,000 residents, including 45,000 from 73 First Nations communities. Over 8.3 million hectares have burned in Canada's second worst wildfire season. The Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program, revised in April 2025, now supports rebuilding and mitigation in affected communities. Federal coordination involved numerous departments, including Indigenous Services Canada. Recent investments include over $800 million to support wildfire prevention, recovery, and resilience through deployments such as the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Indigenous Housing Inequities Addressed in Senate Committee

Testimony before the Senate Committee on National Finance highlighted ongoing inequities facing Indigenous people in accessing affordable housing, particularly in urban areas. Lois Duke and Jocelyn W. Formsma from the National Association of Friendship Centres detailed barriers in data collection and federal program alignment, while Ray Sullivan and Tim Ross called for significant scaling of Indigenous-led housing and for comprehensive partnerships involving Indigenous organizations. The Build Canada Homes initiative drew criticism over potential exclusion of urban Indigenous housing needs.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Indigenous Early Learning Facility Opens in Saskatchewan

Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan has opened a new Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve building, replacing its original 1976 facility. Supported by Indigenous Services Canada, the project was designed through consultation with Elders and community members and integrates land-based learning and cultural programming. The early childhood education facility aligns with the AHSOR program's focus on language, tradition, and family involvement.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding for Gender-Based Violence and Inclusion Initiatives

Budget 2025 will allocate $660.5 million over five years to the Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE), with allocations of $382.5 million to the Women’s Program, $54.6 million to 2SLGBTQI+ programs, and $223.4 million to gender-based violence initiatives. The supported areas include crisis hotlines, research, and direct support for populations including Indigenous women and girls. Funding is also allocated to the 2SLGBTQI+ Community Capacity Fund and Pride festival security.

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

Mi’kmaw Films in Competition at Montreal International Documentary Festival

The National Film Board of Canada announced that two Indigenous-related films—Sophie Bédard Marcotte’s "J’ai perdu de vue le paysage" and Sinakson Trevor Solway’s "Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man"—have been entered into competition at the 28th Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM). The films explore themes of Indigenous masculinity, knowledge, and identity, with screenings to be attended by the directors. Industry programming includes NFB roundtables and doc lab development funding.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Indigenous Leadership in Climate Policy Discussed in ENVI Committee

During the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, McGill’s Catherine Potvin, Oceans North, and representatives from the Assembly of First Nations discussed the role of Indigenous leadership in climate strategy. AFN supports substantial emissions reductions and net zero by 2050, cautioning about economic impacts on First Nations. Potvin raised critical views on carbon pricing policy changes and noted Quebec’s emissions challenges, while Oceans North drew attention to the UN’s net zero shipping tax.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

Presidential Disaster Declaration for Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe

The President issued a major disaster declaration for the Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe due to severe storms and straight-line winds from June 21, 2025, enabling Public Assistance and loans for physical and economic injury. Deadlines for loan applications are December 22, 2025 for physical damage and July 22, 2026 for economic injury. Programs are open to non-profits and businesses in both the tribe and contiguous counties.

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

State Justice Institute Issues FY 2026 Grant Guidelines

The State Justice Institute published updated guidelines for FY 2026 grant applications, setting administrative, financial, and programmatic requirements for projects that improve state court justice, with eligible applicants including nonprofits, academic institutions, and national organizations. Emphasis areas include opioid and behavioral health responses, access to justice, court modernization, and technical innovation.

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

EPA Submits Information Collection Renewal for Economics Focus Groups

The US Environmental Protection Agency submitted a renewal request to OMB for its generic information collection related to focus groups supporting economics projects, including health risk and coastal adaptation survey design. The renewal accommodates up to 432 respondents annually, with the primary objective being improved economics-related survey instruments that may inform public policy or environmental planning.

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

US Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Candidate Review

The US Fish and Wildlife Service released its annual Candidate Notice of Review, with 16 plant and animal species under consideration for Endangered or Threatened status, detailing listing priorities and the process for public input. The notice provides opportunities for early stakeholder action regarding conservation planning.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario and Webequie First Nation Sign Community Partnership for Ring of Fire Infrastructure

Ontario and Webequie First Nation concluded a Community Partnership Agreement enabling up to $39.5 million in community infrastructure and supporting the planned all-season Webequie Supply Road. The agreement addresses the final Environmental Assessment and stipulates potential construction timelines pending federal cooperation.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Expands Dialysis and Birthing Services at Norway House Cree Nation

Manitoba announced a $797,000 investment to expand dialysis and birthing services within Norway House Cree Nation, reducing travel for medical care and backing the return of community-based midwifery.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia Launches Disaster and Climate Risk and Resilience Assessment

B.C. released a new provincial disaster risk assessment and Hazard Insights Tool, offering data to local governments and First Nations for hazard planning on wildfires, flooding, and climate emergencies.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Kitsumkalum Treaty Ratification Vote Now Underway

Eligible Kitsumkalum First Nation voters are participating in a ratification vote for the Kitsumkalum Treaty and self-government constitution, a process that, if successful, advances to legislative approval at the provincial and federal levels.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Saskatchewan Increases Funding for Indigenous-Focused Mitacs Research Internships

The Government of Saskatchewan has raised its support for Mitacs internships by $430,000, including funding for the Indigenous Pathways Initiative that connects Indigenous businesses and organizations with post-secondary research talent.

Sources: www.saskatchewan.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Indigenous engagement underway as Alberta pitches pipeline west: Alberta conducts Indigenous engagement as it moves forward with its westward pipeline proposal.
• Mi’kmaq ‘no longer mere spectators’ as Indigenous investment in energy projects grows: Increased Indigenous ownership is changing the energy project landscape for the Mi’kmaq Nation.
• First Nation and Canada begin legal battle over ‘grossly underfunded’ on-reserve schools: A First Nation and the federal government commence legal proceedings regarding on-reserve school funding.
• Education authority brings elders together to preserve Mi'kmaw knowledge and history: Elders collaborate through an education authority to safeguard Mi'kmaw knowledge and history.
• Caroline Elliott: B.C. government laid groundwork for turning private property into Aboriginal land: Commentary explores legal and policy shifts in B.C. regarding private property and Aboriginal land claims.
• Sask. report calls out use of NDAs for First Nations who complain of poor healthcare: A Saskatchewan report criticizes the use of non-disclosure agreements with First Nations on healthcare complaints.
• Blanket-making group gives off-reserve Indigenous people in P.E.I. a sense of community: A blanket-making initiative fosters connection for off-reserve Indigenous residents in Prince Edward Island.
• Indigenous people living off-reserve are forging community and connections in P.E.I.: Coverage of community-building programs for off-reserve Indigenous people on P.E.I.
• Quw’utsun Nation calls politicians' comments on title ruling 'misleading,' 'inflammatory': Quw’utsun Nation responds to political statements about a recent Aboriginal title court decision.
• Ontario government signs agreement with Webequie First Nation for road to Ring of Fire: Coverage of the Ontario-Webequie agreement on road infrastructure in the Ring of Fire region.

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