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: 2026-03-01 to 2026-03-07

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• INAN to Hear Witnesses on Bill C-10, Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation: The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs meets March 10 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) to hear testimony on Bill C-10, including from Deline Got'ine Government (Chief Danny Gaudet), Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Tlicho Government, Council of Yukon First Nations, Kitsumkalum Band Council, and Tsawwassen First Nation.
• Canadian Heritage Committee: State of the Journalism and Media Sectors with APTN: On March 12, the Committee on Canadian Heritage holds hearings on the state of journalism and media sectors, with Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) representatives (Cheryl McKenzie, Mike Omelus, Joel Fortune) and others scheduled from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Federal Government News

Canada and Northwest Territories Sign MOU to Enhance Regulatory Coordination with Indigenous Governments

The Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Northwest Territories, witnessed by Indigenous governments and organizations, during the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto on March 1. The agreement, signed by Minister Rebecca Chartrand and Minister Jay Macdonald, sets a framework to improve clarity and alignment between federal, territorial, and Indigenous regulators in the Northwest Territories. Focus areas in the MOU include developing consistency in legislation and policies in areas of shared jurisdiction, and exploring alignment of funding mechanisms to support Indigenous participation in resource project reviews. The MOU reaffirms respect for modern treaty arrangements and commits to upholding Indigenous authorities and processes. These steps impact industries operating in or affecting the regulatory landscape of the North.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Membertou First Nation and Canada Announce Four New Additions to Reserve, Doubling Land Base

On March 4, Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou First Nation and Minister Rebecca Alty announced the addition of 409.37 acres to Membertou’s reserve lands in Nova Scotia. Included in the expansion are parcels in Heritage Park, Lingan, Stan’s Paving, and Mullins, with Mullins representing the largest at 368.5 acres. This expansion doubles the community's land base, opening possibilities for modern housing and commercial growth. Both housing and economic projects are slated for these lands, positioning the Membertou community to increase residential capacity and commercial opportunities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Eskasoni First Nation Secures Reserve Addition and Funds for Retail Expansion

On March 5, Chief Leroy Denny of Eskasoni First Nation and Minister Rebecca Alty confirmed the addition of over 38 acres—the McLaughlin Property—through the Additions to Reserve process. Intended for mixed residential and commercial use, this expansion supports the community’s housing and business needs. Indigenous Services Canada is providing $534,750 for the expansion of Eskasoni’s community retail center, including a new Dollarama store. This capital is directed at expanding access to essential goods and generating new local employment opportunities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Invests $4.4 Million in Prairie Forest Sector Projects Supporting Indigenous Groups

Natural Resources Canada announced over $4.4 million for 10 projects across Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan to modernize the forest sector and enhance Indigenous involvement. Notable initiatives include a $597,970 Development Agreement in Manitoba with four First Nations to reactivate the Forest Management Licence #1 and $305,000 to the Manitoba Métis Federation for seed network development. Several projects facilitate First Nations and Métis-led forestry operations, youth training, and forest management planning. Investments into mass timber manufacturing and educational resources complement the support, including a $2.3 million allocation to Western Archrib for a new mass timber facility in Alberta.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Allocates $229,000 to Commemorate 300th Anniversary of 1726 Peace and Friendship Treaty

On March 5, Parliamentary Secretary Jaime Battiste, representing Minister Marc Miller, announced $229,125 in federal funding through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. Eskasoni Band Council and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey will use grants for commemorative events in Fort Anne and Eskasoni, including traditional performances and educational workshops. Additional funding for activities across New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island was previewed, with the focus on enhancing awareness of Mi’kmaq culture and treaty history.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Crime Prevention Funding Supports Okanagan Indian Band Youth Program

$2.14 million was allocated from the Crime Prevention Action Fund to a community-led program engaging Indigenous youth aged 14 to 25 in the Okanagan Indian Band. Announced March 3 by Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr, the initiative leverages syilx teachings, leadership building, and arts-based expression to support crime prevention and community wellness. The program involves knowledge transmission from Elders and establishes safety protocols with community involvement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Alty Announces Membertou and Eskasoni Visits for Land and Economic Development Initiatives

Media advisories outline Minister Rebecca Alty’s visits to Membertou and Eskasoni First Nations on March 4 and 5, alongside Chiefs and local leaders. Announcements concern reserve lands and economic growth, with Eskasoni’s event also including commemoration plans for the 300th Anniversary of the 1726 Treaty of Peace and Friendship.

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

Canada Backs Critical Minerals Sector, With $165 Million for Indigenous and Clean-Tech Engagement

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, at the 2026 PDAC convention, detailed $165.2 million in federal support for 22 projects, leveraging $434 million in associated critical minerals developments nationwide. The portfolio includes funds for infrastructure (e.g., BC Hydro, Saskatchewan Power), mining decarbonization, and Indigenous participation initiatives such as $931,500 for the Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord and $929,660 for the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council’s feasibility study. Funding emphasizes expanded Indigenous engagement strategies, economic participation, and advancing geoscience for resource projects on Indigenous lands.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support Grows for Gender-Based Violence Initiatives, Including Indigenous-Specific Programs

Women and Gender Equality Canada announced on March 5 over $4.3 million in funding for eight organizations supporting women and families affected by violence. Projects receiving support include STH Society of Transition Houses (expanding wraparound services for Indigenous women and children in British Columbia), coastal community legal aid in Labrador, and programs scaling trauma-informed care models. The funding aligns with the 2025 federal commitment to invest $223.4 million over five years to address gender-based violence.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Conservation Data: 1.4 Million Square Kilometres in Protected or Conserved Areas

Statistics Canada reported that, as of 2024, 13.7% of Canada's terrestrial area—nearly 1.4 million square kilometres—is either protected or subject to other effective conservation measures. This figure provides context for discussions around Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

BC, Cowichan Negotiations Move Forward on Aboriginal Title Issues in Richmond

The BC government and Cowichan (Quw’utsun) Nation, following a Supreme Court declaration recognizing Cowichan title at Tl’utqinus, are in negotiations concerning reconciliation of fee simple interests and have signaled neither is pursuing invalidation of private titles.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Invests $3.4 Million in First Nation-Owned Minago Mine

The Manitoba government is investing $2 million for a low-emission magnesium facility owned by Norway House Cree Nation, plus $1.4 million in mineral exploration grants, creating jobs and expanding Indigenous-led development.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

BC Budget 2026 Funds First Nations Forestry Scholarships and Wildfire Mitigation

Budget 2026 allocates $5 million for the BC First Nations Forestry Council’s Indigenous Forestry Scholarship program and $30 million for wildfire-risk-mitigation involving contractors and First Nations.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Allocates $10.7 Million for Winter Roads Infrastructure in Northern and Indigenous Communities

Ontario is investing over $10.7 million in modular bridges and culverts for winter roads, supporting remote First Nations’ access to goods, services, and jobs.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Launches New Wildfire Mitigation Strategy with Emphasis on Indigenous Partnerships

Alberta’s new provincial strategy adopts partnership and technology-based measures for wildfire risk management, including strategies for collaboration with Indigenous groups.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Ongoing: General Regulations under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act

Parks Canada continues consultations on general regulations for National Marine Conservation Areas, with input from Indigenous organizations and other stakeholders. Final publication is expected in 2026.

Sources: www.letstalknmcas.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Musqueam First Nation signs Aboriginal rights deal with Ottawa – read the full agreement - BC: Musqueam First Nation and Ottawa formalize an agreement on Aboriginal rights.
• Musqueam deal will challenge overlapping Indigenous claims across Canada: The Musqueam agreement is reported to affect overlapping Indigenous land claims nationally.
• Festival celebrates Indigenous cultures through art forms once banned: A festival features Indigenous cultural expressions previously prohibited under Canadian law.
• CN Releases its 2025 Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan Annual Report: CN publishes annual progress on its Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan.
• York University and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation sign MOU to work collaboratively: York University and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation agree to cooperatively pursue projects.
• Ontario First Nation calls for resignation of Indigenous Services Minister: Kashechewan First Nation asks for the Indigenous Services Minister's resignation.
• Hundreds gather for First Nations-led protest in Nova Scotia over budget cuts: First Nations protest budget reductions in Nova Scotia.
• 5th annual Indigenous Business Gathering allows people to make connections: Saskatchewan's Indigenous Business Gathering opens space for new partnerships.
• Nova Scotia pledges to open long-promised child and youth advocate office next year: The Nova Scotia government promises to open a child and youth advocate office in 2027.
• Manitoba Government Highlights Investments in Women's Health Care Making a Difference Across the Province: Manitoba details outcomes of recent women's health investments province-wide.

.