New Indigenous Services Ministry takes over responsibility for infrastructure, healthcare, and education in Indigenous communities
The newly created Indigenous Services Ministry has been handed the responsibility for improving physical and social infrastructure in First Nation communities across the country, including an expanded number of water systems, and health and education services. The announcement was made Tuesday as part of a briefing on the priorities and mandate of the department, which was […]
New Senate committee to place spotlight on Arctic
A new Senate committee dedicated to studying issues affecting Canada’s North, is planning to “hit the ground running” when the Upper Chamber resumes at the end of January, says the new group’s deputy chair. Approved by the Senate on Sept. 27, the new Special Committee on the Arctic held its first meeting on Dec. 13, […]
Legislative framework essential for UN declaration
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides a crucial framework to achieve reconciliation. In December, NDP MP Romeo Saganash opened the second reading debate on his private member’s bill, C-262, with support from the Trudeau government. In The Hill Times, Dwight Newman and Ken Coates assert that Bill C-262 on the […]
‘We’ve got things moving,’ AFN national chief Bellegarde touts new federal money in re-election pitch
Assembly of First Nations national chief Perry Bellegarde, who’s running for re-election in July 2018, says he’s the best person to continue the unprecedented momentum right now in Crown-First Nations relations, despite some criticism that’s he’s a “sellout” for being too close to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal government. “When were First Nations’ […]
Internet as an act of reconciliation
It’s been 897 days since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) outlined its 94 calls to action towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and to say we’re progressing at a snail’s pace would be generous. Canada’s human rights challenges with regard to Indigenous communities are numerous and not simple to fix. Among them, more […]
Investing in the north is investing in Canada’s future
“Political equality cannot come without economic equality.” That’s a quote from a recent discussion paper on the Arctic Policy Framework entitled, We Are One Mind. Funded by the Gordon Foundation, We Are One Mind is the product of a collaborative effort by three northern youth groups—Dene Naho, based in the N.W.T.; Our Voices, primarily based […]
North embedded in Canadian psyche
Our friend, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, former chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, captured the spirit of the Arctic when she said the land, ice, and snow is a training ground for developing your sense of self and your character. You’re being taught patience, you’re being taught to be courageous and bold at the right time. We […]
After reports and consultations, Nunavut residents optimistic for change
Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to meet with constituents in each of the 25 communities in my riding. And although each community is special and unique, several thoughts and concerns voiced by Nunavummiut were similar in all communities. Two issues in particular were heard unanimously: the lack of mental health services […]
‘Lame’ government response to Indigenous youth suicide crisis report fails to address issues, say critics
Indigenous issues experts and an opposition critic are giving a thumbs down to the government’s long-awaited response to a report on the Indigenous youth suicide crisis, arguing it fails to take action on the report’s recommendations. Jack Hicks, an adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan who helped develop the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy in […]
Mackenzie Valley Highway a road to resources, jobs
I am a huge proponent of investing in infrastructure, and for the Northwest Territories this means primarily investing in road infrastructure. It is hard to know where to start when explaining the importance of road access to those who take road travel for granted every day. Did you drive more than 25 kilometres to work […]
