‘I want to get to work’: first female AFN Chief Archibald outlines priorities following election
Newly elected Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald says she sees her election victory as a key step in returning to traditional First Nations governance, where “matriarchs were the decision-makers in our community and had a voice in important matters.” And as she moves into the influential post, she said a post-pandemic recovery […]
Efforts to search for missing, buried residential school children need to be Indigenous-led, chiefs say
With hundreds of unmarked graves discovered at four residential school sites this year, some First Nations chiefs are welcoming the federal funding for more searches, but say money needs to flow faster to carry out the much-needed work in their communities. Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare said the government is responsible for what happened to […]
Trudeau appoints new chief information officer of Canada, reappoints CRA commissioner
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Catherine Luelo as the new chief information officer of Canada, effective later this month on July 26. Previously the senior vice-president and chief information officer at Air Canada from 2017-2021, Ms. Luelo also served as vice-president, information technology and then chief information officer at energy infrastructure company Enbridge Inc. from 2012-2017. […]
ITK’s strategy to combat food insecurity crisis ‘a step along the way to a solution,’ says Obed
The high cost and inadequate supply of food have exposed Inuit people to a complex national public health crisis that needs to be addressed, according to a food security strategy released by the national Inuit organization. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) released the Inuit Nunangat Food Security Strategy (INFSS) on July 12, considered the first of […]
PMO changes: MacKendrick exits for health minister’s team
Staff have been on the move in and out of the Prime Minister’s Office of late, including Andrew MacKendrick, who recently left his post as a communications planner in the top office to become deputy director of communications to Health Minister Patty Hajdu. Mr. MacKendrick marked his first day in Ms. Hajdu’s office on July […]
Simon’s appointment represents hope and change
OTTAWA—Mary Simon’s appointment represents the type of change required for reconciliation. Known as simply Mary to many Inuit, the position of governor general is in a long list of firsts for her life’s achievements. There are two special accomplishments built in the appointment of governor general. Obviously, it is a first for reconciliation to have an Indigenous […]
RoseAnne Archibald wins AFN national chief race after fifth ballot
RoseAnne Archibald has won the Assembly of First Nations general election, becoming the first female national chief in its nearly 40-year history. After five rounds of ballots over the course of two days in which no candidate gained the 60 per cent of votes required to win, Reginald Bellerose, chief of Muskowekwan First Nation in […]
The Kelowna Accord was a lost opportunity for Canada
KAMOURASKA, QUE.—The “what ifs” of history are the most fascinating, and yet the most frustrating concepts to contemplate. What if JFK had lived? What if Pierre Trudeau had lost the 1972 election? What if the “Yes” side had won the Quebec referendum in 1995? In the current turmoil over Indigenous rights, Canada has been turned […]
‘It shall remain my greatest honour’: Bellegarde bids farewell ahead of AFN vote for new national chief
Outgoing AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde urged First Nations to “keep their circle strong” on the first day of the Assembly of First Nations 42nd annual general assembly. The assembly played a pre-recorded farewell message from Mr. Bellegarde, during which he thanked the many chiefs and elders who helped instill in him strong beliefs in […]
Inuit leader Simon makes history, becomes Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, promises to promote ‘healing and wellness across Canadian society’
At a consequential time in Canada’s relationship with its Indigenous peoples, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Tuesday morning that Inuit leader and former diplomat Mary Simon will become the country’s 30th and long-awaited first Indigenous governor general. “I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada, and an […]
