Indigenous Government Relations Overview And Funding Opportunities For July 2024

Open Funding Opportunities:

Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Accepting applications through two intake periods: April 30 to June 30, 2024, and July 1 to October 31, 2024.
Indigenous Leadership Fund – Open until March 31, 2027. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Provides funding up to $10,000 maximum per organization
Income Assistance First Nations Youth Employment Strategy (No Deadline)
Education Partnerships Program
Emergency Management FireSmart Program Call for Applications (No deadline, proposals will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is exhausted)
Emergency Management Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness program call for applications: 2022 to 2023 (No deadline, proposals will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is exhausted)
Post-Secondary Partnership Program (Ongoing, contact your Regional Office for details)

Manitoba First Nation Reports 150 Anomalies Found at Former Residential School Site

The Pimicikamak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba has discovered 150 anomalies, including 59 unmarked graves at a cemetery and 37 anomalies off-site, near the former St. Joseph’s Residential School. These anomalies, found at depths of 1-2 meters, indicate potential unmarked burial sites. Chief David Monias expressed the community’s shock and the need to determine how many of these anomalies are unmarked graves. The school, operated by the Roman Catholic Church from 1912 to 1969, saw documented deaths of 85 children and was plagued by overcrowding and disease outbreaks. The community is seeking federal assistance for a follow-up search by the International Commission on Missing Persons to ensure an independent and thorough investigation. The federal government has pledged support, acknowledging the ongoing pain from Canada’s residential school legacy. Since 2021, similar searches have been conducted across Canada, uncovering anomalies at several former residential school sites. Monias emphasized that uncovering the truth is essential for closure.

Kitsumkalum Treaty Signed by First Nation, Governments

The Kitsumkalum Treaty was initialed on June 25, marking a significant step in the nation-to-nation relationship between the Kitsumkalum First Nation, the Government of Canada, and the Government of British Columbia. The treaty is guided by principles from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and focuses on preserving Kitsumkalum’s culture and spiritual practices while advancing the nation’s autonomy. Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree and BC Minister of Indigenous Relations Murray Rankin were present for the event. Melissa Quocksister, a communications and community engagement consultant for Kitsumkalum, stated that the treaty ensures the protection and promotion of the community’s cultural traditions, languages, and spiritual practices.

This event is part of a broader trend in Canada, where several First Nations are achieving significant milestones in self-governance and treaty agreements. Recently, the Kitselas Treaty, the Whitecap Dakota Nation’s Self-Government Treaty, and historic settlements with various Saskatchewan First Nations have been announced, reflecting ongoing efforts to correct historic injustices and promote Indigenous self-determination and economic growth.

Reconciliation Ceremony Marks Historic Apology Between Dakota Plains First Nation and City of Portage La Prairie

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) has praised the Mayor and City Council of Portage la Prairie for overturning a 1911 law that prohibited Dakota people from living in the city. This decision was made official during a historic Reconciliation Ceremony on the Dakota Plains First Nation. AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick emphasized that this act is a significant step toward reconciliation, acknowledging the wrongs committed against the Dakota Plains people over a century ago.

She commended the leadership of the Portage City Council and the Mayor, stating that this sets an example for other communities with similar racially motivated policies. Grand Chief Merrick highlighted the profound impacts of the Dakota Plains people’s displacement, including the loss of land, economic opportunities, cultural continuity, and ancestral connections. She stressed that reconciliation efforts, like the one in Portage la Prairie, are crucial for healing these deep wounds and should be accompanied by economic development opportunities to restore what was lost.

AMC and Canada Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding on Jordan’s Principle Implementation

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canada to enhance the implementation of Jordan’s Principle for First Nations children, youth, and families in Manitoba. This agreement, which took five years to develop, represents a joint commitment to improving the rights and well-being of AMC-member First Nations. The MOU aims to address systemic issues in service delivery and promote equitable implementation of Jordan’s Principle, emphasizing the legacy of Jordan River Anderson and non-discrimination in service provision. Key provisions include supporting First Nations self-determination, involving First Nations leadership through the Jordan’s Principle Equity Roundtable, and prioritizing capacity building to address health, social, and educational needs without jurisdictional delays.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick emphasized the importance of upholding the authority of the Chiefs-in-Assembly and ensuring decisions are made by those who understand the unique challenges of First Nations. Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, Patty Hajdu, highlighted the importance of culturally appropriate and community-led services. This MOU signifies a collaborative effort between AMC and Canada to ensure all First Nations children in Manitoba have access to equitable services that support their growth and well-being.

Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Canada and B.C. Celebrate 10-year Title Anniversary with Renewal of Agreement

Marking the 10th anniversary of the historic Tŝilhqot’in Decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, which recognized the Tŝilhqot’in Nation’s Aboriginal title to a portion of their traditional territory in British Columbia. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the celebration on title lands, along with federal ministers, provincial ministers, Indigenous leaders, and other dignitaries, to honor the Elders and witnesses who testified during the trial. To mark the occasion, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, the Government of Canada, and the Province of British Columbia signed a five-year renewal of the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement (GNPA). Initially signed in 2019, this agreement aims to bring transformative change to the Tŝilhqot’in people and their relationship with the government. The GNPA has supported various initiatives, including governance, emergency management, housing, fisheries, ranger programs, and community support. The renewal of the GNPA, along with new funding from Canada and British Columbia, reinforces the commitment to advancing reconciliation, mutual respect, and partnership, working towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all Canadians.

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10th anniversary of landmark Tsilhqotʼin decision commemorated

Historic Apology: Portage la Prairie Confronts Past Injustice at Dakota Plains First Nation

On June 26, 2024, a historic event took place at Dakota Plains First Nation, where the City of Portage la Prairie issued an official apology to the Dakota people for a 1911 law that forbade them from living in the city. This event, attended by Premier Wab Kinew and the entire Portage la Prairie City Council, featured a council meeting where the racist ruling was unanimously overturned.

Elder Leslie Smoke opened with a prayer, followed by Chief Don Smoke expressing his emotions about the progress and recalling his late father’s pride in the event. Premier Wab Kinew and Mayor Sharilyn Knox highlighted the importance of reconciliation, acknowledging the historical injustices faced by the Dakota people and committing to future cooperation. Mayor Knox spoke about her personal journey of understanding the Dakota people’s history and the significance of reconciliation for the community’s unity and health. Councillor Ryan Espey read the official acknowledgment and apology, emphasizing the need to acknowledge history to move forward.

The event was seen as a pivotal step towards reconciliation, with residents like Wilbur Pashe noting its historical importance. Chief Smoke called for economic reconciliation and future partnerships with Portage la Prairie. Grand Chief Jerry Daniels and Sophia Smoke shared their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the past and building a future of mutual respect and cooperation. Elder Kevin Tacan and AMC Grand Chief Kathy Merrick also spoke, underscoring the progress made and the vision of past leaders. The day was marked by reflection, apology, and a commitment to a future of reconciliation and partnership.

Federal Government Settles Hundreds of Millions Worth of Claims with Sask. First Nations

First Nations in Saskatchewan are securing significant settlements from the federal government to address historic injustices through “specific claims.” These claims aim to rectify past wrongs:

Muskowpetung Saulteaux Nation: The largest single claim, with a $150 million settlement, addresses a 1909 illegal land surrender of over 7,400 hectares. Chief Melissa Tavita highlighted the long struggle, initiated in the 1990s, and the overwhelming support from the community.
Kinistin Saulteaux Nation: Received $56 million for unfulfilled agricultural benefits promised during treaty signing.
Fourteen First Nations: Secured a total of $37 million for the denial of treaty annuity payments over 65 years following the 1885 resistance.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree emphasized the government’s commitment to reconciliation and correcting past injustices. Lawyer Steven Carey noted the extensive efforts required to achieve these settlements, which were the result of decades of perseverance. Recent changes have slightly sped up the process, but initial responses still take over three years. From April 2022 to April 2023, 56 specific claims were settled for $3.5 billion.

Whitecap Dakota Nation Celebrates Self-Government Treaty

Whitecap Dakota Nation in Saskatchewan celebrated a Self-Government Treaty that formally recognizes the First Nation’s lawmaking powers in areas such as governance, land management, natural resources, business development, and more. Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged the flaws in the Indian Act and emphasized the importance of this treaty for interim support to First Nations. Negotiations for the treaty began in 2012, it was signed and announced in May, and received royal assent on June 22.

Chief Bear highlighted the significant progress Whitecap Dakota Nation has made towards self-governance since 1979, including reducing the unemployment rate from 70% to 6%. Former Minister Marc Miller praised the treaty for establishing a nation-to-nation relationship and affirming the inherent right of self-government for the Whitecap Dakota Nation under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Poilievre Faces Backlash at AFN General Assembly, Slams ‘Paternalistic’ System

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the federal government’s “paternalistic” management of First Nations and emphasized economic opportunity as a path to reconciliation during his address to the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly in Montreal. Poilievre highlighted issues such as the carbon price, housing, illegal drugs, and crime but faced backlash for omitting key topics like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls, and climate change. Poilievre committed to ending the Ottawa-knows-best approach and simplifying funding for First Nations if elected as prime minister. He emphasized economic growth as crucial for reconciliation, condemning residential schools as a “monstrous abuse” of power. During a Q&A, Chief Judy Wilson criticized Poilievre for his lack of focus on significant Indigenous issues. Several delegates protested his speech by standing with their backs turned and heckling him as he left.

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Draft Treaty Agreement Reached for Northwest BC First Nation

After decades of negotiation, a draft treaty has been initialed by the province, federal government, and the Kitselas First Nation. Chief Glenn Bennett stated that the Kitselas Treaty will provide greater control over their future, including land ownership, self-governance, and enhanced programs and services. Approval from all three parties is still required. Once approved, the treaty will constitutionally recognize the Kitselas First Nation’s rights to governance, harvesting, land ownership, resource management, and other rights and benefits. Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree emphasized that supporting Kitselas Nation’s priorities is crucial for renewing and strengthening their partnership. This would be the fifth treaty in BC, following the nearby Nisga’a Final Agreement.

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