Resource sector making progress on reconciliation
The resource sector is moving hand in hand with Indigenous peoples in Canada and the outcomes will be theirs to own together—literally. From early equity to preferred procurement, Canada’s resource sector has been making strides toward implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92 (CTA 92), which implores the private sector to bring […]
AFN Chief Bellegarde says ‘tremendous strides’ made, but pandemic carries risk of unwinding progress
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde says “tremendous strides” have been made in improving Indigenous peoples’ relationship with the federal government, but warned that the pandemic carries the risk of undoing progress that has been made in “closing the gap” on disparities. In a live-streamed address at the AFN’s annual gathering on Tuesday, […]
UNDRIP legislation is mostly symbolic: here’s how to give it meaning
There is a lot of optimism in Indigenous communities about the reintroduction of legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). But passing legislation will not magically improve the social and economic conditions of Indigenous nations overnight. As the federal government prepares its UNDRIP bill, we need to think […]
After Bastarache report, dismantling the RCMP sounds like a public service
OTTAWA—Last week, the Final Report on the Implementation of the Merlo Davidson Settlement Agreement was released by former Supreme Court justice Michel Bastarache, and its contents were appalling. “One of the key findings of this report is that the culture of the RCMP is toxic and tolerates misogynistic and homophobic attitudes amongst its leaders and […]
In Quebec, a wilful blindness to racism against Indigenous people
KAMOURASKA, QUE.—The death of Joyce Echaquan on Sept. 28 in the Joliette, Que., hospital, northeast of Montreal, drew national headlines for the way she died: Facebook Live streaming nursing staff as they hurled racist insults at her in a hospital bed. When the 37-year-old Atikamekw woman received morphine for stomach pains, she complained to the […]
The dark and sombre shadows of the Atlantic fishery conflict
There is real sadness in the anger and violence erupting on the East Coast. This kind of conflict is not the norm in Canada, particularly when racially loaded comments, threats, and violence are included. The Government of Canada faces a difficult situation out of which must emerge a balance, with an effort to define and […]
A year after wrapping renovations, Indigenous space in 100 Wellington St. yet to open
One year after renovations were completed to ready the old U.S. Embassy at 100 Wellington St. for its new short-term use, featuring exhibits on Indigenous governance and history, the building still has yet to be opened to the public, The Hill Times has confirmed. “Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada [CIRNAC] and Public Services and […]
Cooperation between government, commercial telcos and non-profit providers can support connectivity and innovation in northern and Indigenous communities
EDMONTON—As people are increasingly working, studying, and accessing public services online, COVID-19 provides overwhelming evidence of the need for high-speed, affordable, adequate broadband as an essential service. It also provides opportunities to consider the ways that connectivity is developed and delivered in rural and remote regions—and, in doing do, allows us to explore innovative solutions […]
Benefit of the doubt rarely given to Indigenous Canadians
OTTAWA—If 200 First Nations had committed the actions seen on video by white Canadians in Middle West Pubnico, N.S., we can all be sure that the RCMP would have broken out full tactical gear and called in military reinforcements. Instead, we hear about “mischief” and property damage by white Canadian men while the RCMP stand […]
Urban-based Indigenous populations matter, let’s start acting like it
When I was finally able to leave residential school and then high school, I moved from place to place for many reasons. I no longer had a physical residence on the reserve. I had very few job prospects and a non-existent support system. I ventured out, as a very vulnerable young woman, taking odd jobs […]
