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 […]
Canada Day a cause for reflection, redoubling reconciliation efforts, say MPs, Senators
As more gravesites are found near former residential schools, some MPs say this Canada Day is a time for reflection and to redouble demands on the federal government to take meaningful action towards reconciliation. “The federal government needs to stop with the ‘words of concern’ and actually get to work and do some of the […]
On Wednesdays, we wear reconciliation
OTTAWA—It seems like Annamie Paul was right about this government when she accused Justin Trudeau of being a fake feminist and a fake ally. As if on cue, the Trudeau government continues to prove that while it pretends to be Dr. Melfi, it’s really Livia Soprano. On June 24, news that Cowessess First Nation discovered […]
In politics, you have to know when to fold them
OTTAWA—A tale of two ministers. Carolyn Bennett, the minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, who refuses to step down over an ill-timed and offensive comment she made to a former colleague, and Catherine McKenna, the minister of infrastructure who called time on her own career. In my time in Ottawa, I have had occasion to meet both […]
Greenland takes front seat on Arctic Council on behalf of the Kingdom of Denmark
At a historic meeting on June 10, followed by a press conference between the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, and the leaders of the two other parts of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, the Danish PM came with a very clear message. For the first time, a Danish prime minister […]
‘This time may be different’: pollsters track ‘record’ shift in core public attitudes and find a moral imperative to do something, after Indigenous children’s remains found
Pollsters say the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children found in May at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia has significantly shifted core public attitudes and Canadians are engaged, angry, and want governments to act. And on June 24, the Cowesses First Nation said it found another […]
NDP’s Qaqqaq says nearly two years as MP an ‘isolating’ experience, did not ‘belong’
When NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq delivered her farewell speech remotely to the House of Commons on June 15, she called out Canada for its treatment of Indigenous communities, saying the country’s history “is stained with blood” and urged immediate action. “It is the blood of children, youth, adults, and elders. It is time to face […]
Canadian Parliament should pass UNDRIP, let’s not make the same mistakes as in the past
By passing legislation that would breathe life into the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Canada would be taking a step forward on the bumpy road toward reconciliation. However, some investors, political, and business leaders are uneasy about Bill C-15 and the implications of harmonizing Canadian laws with UNDRIP. They worry […]
Change is the word: Meet the seven candidates for AFN national chief
Candidates looking to lead the Assembly of First Nations say it’s time for change—change within the assembly, and change for First Nations people across Canada. The AFN will elect a new national chief on July 7 to replace the outgoing Perry Bellegarde, who has led the organization since 2014, having been re-elected to a second […]
Community-centred, Indigenous approach needed for mental health in the North, say territory denizens
Although the recent federal budget included some new provisions for mental health in Canada, it fell short in addressing the pressing needs in the North, says Nunavut’s representative in the House of Commons. NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq (Nunavut) said she less pleased with broader efforts outside of the “bare minimum” of government apologies. “They keep […]
