Good morning! Welcome back to 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.

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Start Date: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2025-03-08

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada and Indigenous Leaders Agree on National Space

On March 4, 2025, in Ottawa, representatives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis signed a Letter of Intent with Canada, led by Minister Gary Anandasangaree. This agreement aims to establish a permanent Indigenous space in Ottawa's Parliamentary Precinct, with locations at 100 Wellington Street and 119 Sparks Street. The area will facilitate meetings and events, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous contributions to Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Indigenous Tourism Sector Receives Federal Support

On March 5, 2025, Minister Pascale St-Onge announced federal funding for 10 Indigenous tourism projects across Canada. The projects, supported by the Indigenous Tourism Fund, aim to attract 187,000 tourists and create 200 jobs. Initiatives include cultural enhancements in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, contributing to economic growth in Indigenous communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Reconciliation Agreement with Tsleil-Waututh Nation

On March 7, 2025, Chief Jen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Minister Gary Anandasangaree signed a Reconciliation Agreement in North Vancouver. This agreement, building on a 2017 Letter of Understanding, focuses on mutual recognition of rights and cooperation in environmental management of Burrard Inlet, aligning with UNDRIP commitments.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Musqueam Self-Government Advances

On March 7, 2025, the Musqueam Indian Band and Canada initialed a self-government agreement, reinforcing Musqueam's right to self-determination. This agreement emphasizes governance based on traditional frameworks and UNDRIP principles, moving away from the Indian Act. The agreement includes areas like land management and cultural preservation, with further community engagement planned.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Permanent Indigenous National Space in Ottawa

An Agreement-in-Principle was signed on March 4, 2025, between Île-à-la-Crosse School Survivors and Canada. The agreement addresses compensation and future investments for cultural and language initiatives, following historical abuses. This marks a significant step towards reconciliation and healing for survivors and their communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Land Claim Advance

Canada announced a $30 million advance payment to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, tied to Treaty 22 and 23 land claims dating back to 1820, signifying progress in resolving historical grievances.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

National Council for Reconciliation Board Announced

The inaugural Board of Directors for the National Council for Reconciliation was named on March 3, 2025. This council is tasked with monitoring reconciliation efforts and developing a national action plan.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Hardy Class Action Settlement Agreement

A proposed settlement for the Hardy class action was announced, providing compensation for former patients of Federal Indian Hospitals. The settlement includes $150 million for healing and reconciliation initiatives.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre Funding

On March 4, 2025, the Canadian government announced $1.8 million in funding for the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre in Nova Scotia, aiming to enhance Indigenous arts and educational programming.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Mercury Care Home Construction in Ontario

Construction began on a Mercury Care Home in Asubpeeschoseewagong, Ontario, with $82 million in federal funding to address health impacts from river pollution.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Giant Mine Legacy Addressed by Special Representative

Murray Rankin was appointed as the Ministerial Special Representative to assess the impacts of the Giant Mine on Indigenous communities, aiming for resolution by 2026.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Mi’kmaw Language Revitalization Strategy

Nova Scotia launched a strategy with $1.3 million annual funding to promote Mi’kmaw language, focusing on youth and educational resources.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

MOU for Firearms Safety in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Firearms Office and Métis Nation signed an MOU to enhance firearms safety education, supporting Métis cultural practices.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Pjila'si Exhibit Opens in Halifax

The Museum of Natural History in Halifax opened a permanent exhibit celebrating Mi’kmaw culture, developed with a Mi’kmaw advisory group.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

K’ómoks Treaty Ratification Vote

Eligible voters in B.C. are set to ratify the K’ómoks Treaty, which outlines self-governance and land ownership agreements.

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

New Provincial Court Judges in B.C.

British Columbia appointed four new Provincial Court judges, enhancing access to justice and reflecting diversity in the judiciary.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

Arif Virani Visits First Peoples Justice Center

MP Arif Virani praised the First Peoples Justice Center in Montreal for supporting Indigenous peoples in the justice system with culturally relevant services.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Peter Fragiskatos on Indigenous Housing

MP Peter Fragiskatos discussed housing projects with the Métis Nation of Ontario, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in reconciliation.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Gary Anandasangaree on Indigenous Space

MP Gary Anandasangaree announced a Letter of Intent for a national Indigenous space in Ottawa, focusing on governance and Nation-to-Nation relationships.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Bill Blair on Arctic Security

MP Bill Blair met with Qikiqtani Inuit to discuss the role of Indigenous knowledge in enhancing Arctic mobility and security.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC News: Experts comment on the Trudeau government's reconciliation efforts.
• CTV News: New initiatives support Indigenous women in science.
• The Star: Métis boarding school settlement aims to aid community healing.
• Globe and Mail: Métis advocate shares stories globally.
• CBC News: B.C. lawyer appointed to assess Giant Mine's impact on Indigenous communities.
• CTV News: Strategy launched for Mi’kmaq language preservation in Nova Scotia.
• The Star: $30 million advance payment for Mississaugas of Credit First Nation land claim.