This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning Indigenous communities, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, reserve lands, traditional territories, treaty rights and implementations, self-determination, truth and reconciliation, impact benefit agreements and boil water advisories on reserves. Once a week, 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. Also consider subscribing to our Indigenous Affairs - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House of Commons Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee to review Bill C-10: On February 24, the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee will host witnesses including leaders from Nisga'a Lisims Government, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation for their review of Bill C-10, which relates to the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation. Meeting is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• House of Commons Finance Committee clause-by-clause review of Bill C-15: Finance Committee will conduct an extensive review of Bill C-15, with departmental witnesses from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Canadian Heritage, Employment and Social Development, and others on February 23, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• House of Commons Status of Women Committee hearing on Bill C-225: Status of Women Committee will discuss Bill C-225 with witnesses from À coeur d’homme, National Police Federation, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, National Family and Survivors Circle Inc., and Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale, on February 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Human Resources Committee in camera review of youth employment report: On February 26, the Human Resources, Skills and Social Development Committee will consider a draft report on Youth Employment in Canada, from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
• Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee examines federal responses to Truth, Education, and Reconciliation: On February 25, Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee will discuss government response to its report 'Honouring the Children Who Never Came Home' and the Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders events, with witnesses from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Library and Archives Canada, at 6:45 p.m.
• Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee reviews Bill S-230 on national soil health strategy: On February 26, the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee will conduct clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-230 with witnesses including Kenneth Bear, First Nation Professional Agrologist, and representatives from Farmers for Climate Solutions and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, at 8:00 a.m.

Federal Government News

Indigenous leaders set priorities for spring sitting of Parliament

Indigenous organizations and leaders have presented a unified set of priorities ahead of the spring session in Ottawa, calling on federal legislators to address land rights, treaty implementation, and Indigenous-owned economic initiatives. Multiple sources confirm that leaders are seeking progress on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, improved funding for Indigenous education, and enhancements to self-governance models. Specific attention has been given to treaty compliance, Indigenous resource management, and accelerated language revitalization efforts. Stakeholders also raised concerns around the implementation of outstanding land claim settlements and timely delivery of infrastructure investments. The parliamentary agenda will likely include new discussions on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG), Indigenous-led conservation, and residential school record access.

Sources: www.thestar.com, www.ctvnews.ca, globalnews.ca

Manitoba Hydro flow regulation faces First Nation lawsuit over environmental harm

Norway House Cree Nation has filed a legal action against Manitoba Hydro, alleging that the utility's water flow regulation of Lake Winnipeg has caused 'irreparable harm' to their community and environment. The lawsuit centers on assertions that hydroelectric operations have altered natural water regimes, impacting traditional hunting, fishing, and cultural practices. Claimants cite longstanding environmental degradation and disruptions to land stewardship, raising the matter in federal forums as an issue of Indigenous rights and environmental governance.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

N.W.T. leaders assert Ottawa underfunds Indigenous health-care program

Northwest Territories Members of the Legislative Assembly and Indigenous health officials report that federal health-care allocations fall short by millions of dollars relative to program needs. Discussions reference specific shortfalls and the resulting impacts on access to essential medical and mental health services for Indigenous populations in the region. Calls for increased federal investment are accompanied by requests for more flexible funding models to support remote Indigenous communities.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

Library and Archives Canada finalizes digitization of 6 million Indian day school records

Library and Archives Canada announced completion of a major project: digitizing approximately 6 million Indian day school records. The undertaking now enables easier access for Indigenous communities, researchers, and survivors seeking historical documentation about Indian day schools. The digitization represents a significant shift in transparency and data availability and supports ongoing reconciliation and intergenerational trauma research.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

International Indigenous Tourism Conference launches in Edmonton

Industry professionals, government representatives, and Indigenous tourism operators are convening at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Edmonton. The program focuses on Indigenous entrepreneurship, tourism development, and partnerships, with participants discussing sector-specific opportunities and best practices for growing Indigenous-led tourism businesses.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Anishinaabe teachings guide new addiction funding initiatives on Ontario's North Shore

A new addiction funding program in Ontario’s North Shore has integrated Anishinaabe knowledge and teachings in its design and delivery. The funding targets tailored support for Indigenous communities, with attention to culturally rooted mental health approaches and collaboration between federal and Indigenous stakeholders.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Provincial Government News

Marten Falls First Nation Submits Environmental Assessment Supporting Roads to the Ring of Fire

Marten Falls First Nation has submitted an Environmental Assessment for the proposed Community Access Road, connecting their community to Ontario’s highway network and advancing resource development linked to the Ring of Fire.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Enhancing policing on Tsuut’ina Nation

Alberta is providing $1.5 million to establish a new satellite detachment for the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service, allowing for quicker response times and improved local policing capacity.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Government Invests $76,000 in Community Renewal and Recreation in The Pas

Manitoba has committed $76,000 to support recreation and renewal initiatives in The Pas, funding facility upgrades and youth swimming programs within northern Indigenous communities.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Record restoration after years of neglect

Alberta announced restoration of over 6,100 km of caribou habitat since 2019, aided by partnerships with Indigenous communities and $12 million in industry contributions under the Caribou Habitat Recovery Program.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Support for Mining Projects in B.C.

The BC Critical Minerals Office is coordinating with First Nations and proponents on Northisle Copper and Gold, Surge Copper, and Defense Metals projects, aiming for efficient entry into environmental assessment and permitting.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Manitoba First Nations challenge hydro operations: Feature on Norway House Cree Nation’s environmental claims against Manitoba Hydro.
• Indigenous health funding debate in N.W.T.: Analysis of health care funding disputes between N.W.T. officials and Ottawa.
• Mass digitization project unveils Indian day school records: Library and Archives Canada wraps up digitization of millions of records.
• Ring of Fire environmental review advances: Ontario announcement on Marten Falls First Nation’s environmental assessment submission.
• Policing modernized for Tsuut’ina Nation: Alberta’s funding for improved Indigenous-led policing.
• Tourism conference focuses on Indigenous business: Event coverage of the Indigenous Tourism Conference in Edmonton.
• Caribou habitat restoration efforts multiply: Alberta’s partnerships and investments in caribou habitat recovery.
• B.C. mining projects accelerate with First Nations partnership: BC Critical Minerals Office supports major projects with local Indigenous coordination.
• Community investment brings new recreation facilities to The Pas: Manitoba government’s cultural learning centre and arena upgrade in The Pas.
• Addiction support integrates Anishinaabe teachings: Northern Ontario addiction program aligns funding with Indigenous knowledge.

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