Tag: Aboriginal News

March 8, 2022 — Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation, British Columbia — Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Today, Chief Georgina Livingstone and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation and the Government of Canada have reached an agreement to settle Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation Unlawful Cut-Off of 22.5 Acres from IR No. 1 specific claim.

The resolution of this claim addresses a longstanding historical grievance where Canada was alleged to have unlawfully cut off 22.5 acres of land, referred to as Lot 54, from Lake Cowichan Indian Reserve 1. The severed land was later sold by the Esquimalt and Nanaimo (E&N) Railway, now known as the Vancouver Island Railway, in 1911.

Through dialogue and negotiation, Canada and Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation reached a settlement of $3,474,135 in compensation.

The successful resolution of this historical grievance is essential for Canada’s reconciliation journey with Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation. Canada will continue to work alongside the Nation to rebuild trust and renew the relationship for the benefit of all Canadians. 

The funding will support an inclusive recovery, enhance competitiveness and create jobs across the territory

March 8, 2022  – Whitehorse, Yukon – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

The Government of Canada is continuing its support for businesses and organizations as they adapt, grow and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. New investments by the Government of Canada are helping to build a strong foundation for the workforce of today and into the future.

The Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), the Honourable Daniel Vandal, and Member of Parliament for Yukon, Dr. Brendan Hanley, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $3.6M in projects across the Yukon to support businesses, create jobs, and grow Yukon’s economy.

This funding, delivered by CanNor, supports two regional initiatives led by First Nations economic development organizations across the Yukon. While each project is unique, they both help communities and Northerners build opportunities for economic growth by fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness and creating jobs across the territory. Through this investment, these organizations will create four new full-time jobs, and maintain or expand eighteen existing jobs. They will also create opportunities for pre-employment training as well as enhance the competitiveness of local providers in the region.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to long-term sustainable economic development across the Yukon. Initiatives such as these support a stable path forward from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 8, 2022 – Mission, British Columbia

Governments of Canada and British Columbia working together to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026 and 100% by 2030

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Lisa Beare, British Columbia’s Minister of Citizens’ Services, announced a historic partnership to invest up to $830 million to support projects that will improve access to high-speed Internet in rural, remote and Indigenous communities throughout British Columbia.

Under this plan, both levels of governments will contribute up to $415 million, for a total combined funding of $830 million to connect the entire province of British Columbia. British Columbia’s funding will build on investments made to date and will include the $289 million announced in B.C.’s Budget 2022. Both governments of Canada and British Columbia will work with local communities, including Indigenous communities, to achieve the national target of connecting 98% of Canadians by 2026 and 100% by 2030. British Columbia’s plan accelerates this work, with a provincial target of 100% of B.C. communities connected by 2027.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia recognize the important role access to high-speed Internet will have in economic recovery following the pandemic. Collaborating to provide better Internet services to British Columbians living in rural, remote and northern communities will contribute to the economic growth of the entire province. 

Support line

There is a national toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing mental health support for anyone who needs emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649.

Supports are also available through the MMIWG health and cultural support services.

Support could include professional counselling with a focus on healing, emotional supports such as listening, and referrals to additional services and culturally specific help centred around traditional healing methods and Elder services.

March 8, 2022 —  Ottawa, Ontario, Unceded Traditional Algonquin Territory — The Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, Patty Hajdu; the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, Marc Miller; and the Minister of Northern Affairs, Daniel Vandal, issued the following joint statement today:

“On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the extraordinary achievements and hard work of women and girls who inspire us with their leadership and the difference they make in their communities. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear how much we all depend daily on influential women as our foundations of strength, stability, resilience and inspiration. Today, we recognize their accomplishments, contributions and sacrifices, especially those made by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) people.

This year, we recognize the many First Nations, Inuit and Métis women leading the way in fields of healthcare, science, social work, law, diplomacy, sports and many more. The most recent Governor General Order of Canada recipients included many Indigenous women, celebrating the inspiring work they have done abroad, at home and in their communities. We certainly know that they will not be the last to make such inspiring contributions, and we look forward to seeing many more women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people follow in their footsteps.

The Government of Canada remains committed to gender equality and to providing an inclusive and safe space for all Indigenous and non-Indigenous women across our country and around the world. We will continue to support and empower Indigenous women who lead initiatives and make contributions in the social, economic, cultural and political spheres to better the lives of those around them. We must continue to address the inequities and socio-economic gaps that disproportionately affect Indigenous women on a daily basis, including the lack of proper living conditions, culturally appropriate emergency housing and access to education.

There is much work to be done. Indigenous women, their children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people still live with systemic racism and the threat of violence. Through the Federal Pathway, the Government of Canada’s contribution to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan, we are working to end gender and race-based violence at the root cause of this national tragedy.

Together, we will remove barriers experienced by women in Canada and around the world. We will sustain our efforts to foster more inclusivity and encourage more Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people to enter positions of leadership, innovation and change. Today, we celebrate them and all that they bring to our communities, our country and our world.”

Ottawa – March 8, 2022

Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, issued the following statement today on International Women’s Day.

“Happy International Women’s Day! Today we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and girls, in all their diversity, who are breaking down barriers, lifting each other up, and making the world a better place.

This year’s theme – Women Inspiring Women – honours the remarkable women and girls who inspire us to do better and be better; from the colleague who challenges norms and harmful stereotypes, to the neighbour who finds new ways to build a stronger community. Women all around us inspire us every day to reach our highest potential.

Advocates like Dr. Notisha Massaquoi motivate us to fight for what we believe in. Author Kim Thúy’s inspirational story reminds us of the courage and resilience that lies within us. Leaders like Maria Barile encourage us to raise our voices against violence and discrimination. These women and so many others, have helped make Canada the country we know and love, and we are forever grateful for their contributions.

Today, we also present the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to four women who have made outstanding contributions to advance equality for women and girls in Canada. Thank you Monique Aubry Frize, Carina Gabriele, Bailey Greenspon and Caitlin Salvino for demonstrating leadership and improving the lives of Canadian women.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but we know that women and girls – particularly racialized women and girls – have been hardest hit. Women have faced steep job losses and reduced hours of work. They have shouldered extra unpaid responsibilities at home – caring for pre-schoolers and supporting children with virtual learning, while balancing working from home. Many women continue to serve bravely on the frontlines as teachers, nurses, doctors, and other public health officials.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s also reflect on how far we have come to move gender equality forward. Women and girls deserve a future free from stigma, stereotypes, and violence, and with equal rights and opportunities, so they can reach their highest potential. Only by working together can we make this future a reality.

Today, I invite you to share stories about the women and girls in your life who inspire you, using the hashtag #IWD2022 on social media. We must all continue to stand up for women’s rights, and amplify women’s voices, because when women and girls succeed, we all do.” 

Associated Links

March 8, 2022 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), issued the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day:

“Every day, women and girls strengthen our communities, our country, and our world. On this International Women’s Day, I invite you to join me in celebrating all the women and girls who inspire us with their leadership, strength, skills, knowledge and day-to-day actions.

“We all benefit when women have equal opportunity to contribute to the economy, participate fully in society, and achieve their personal and business goals within a fair and equitable workforce. This includes women from under-represented groups such as Black and racialized women, Indigenous women, immigrant women, LGBTQ2 women, senior women, and women with activity limitations.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, inequalities have sharpened, taking a toll on women’s work, economic security, and well-being. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that women are not left behind, and that they have the support, and resources to advance their goals.

“By investing in the success of women, we are making sure Canada’s economy succeeds. By advancing gender equality, Canada could add as much as $150 billion in incremental GDP by 2026. But there is still much work to be done.

“To build back better, we know that our economic recovery must benefit everyone, including women. That is why our government has brought forward initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, establishing a national Early-Learning and Childcare system, strengthening Diversity in Corporate Governance, and advancing a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

“I am proud that my department – ACOA – has invested almost $79 million in women-owned or -led organizations throughout Atlantic Canada, creating an estimated 975 jobs, and protecting an estimated 4,000 jobs, over the past five years.

“By helping more women entrepreneurs thrive, compete, and grow their business, we are building a stronger, more inclusive economy for all Atlantic Canadians.”