Tag: Aboriginal News

December 13, 2021 — Ottawa, Ontario — Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada — Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, and Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, co-chaired the Inuit–Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) meeting both virtually and at the Shaw Convention Centre. The meeting gave space to Inuit leaders from national organizations and from each of the four land-claim organizations, as well as federal ministers, to engage on the issues affecting Inuit Nunangat.

A key focus of the discussions was on continuing work to co-develop the Inuit Nunangat Policy while also addressing the social and economic inequities across Inuit Nunangat.

The Government of Canada and Inuit leaders will also continue important work together on the National Action Plan, Inuit Action Plan and the Federal Pathway to address the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Other participants at today’s meeting included

• Duane Smith, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
• Aluki Kotierk, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
• Pita Aatami, Makivik Corporation
• Johannes Lampe, Nunatsiavut Government
• Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Inuit Circumpolar Council
• Rebecca Kudloo, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
• Brian Pottle, National Inuit Youth Council
• The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
• The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
• The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board of Canada
• The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice
• The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada
• The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport

Ottawa, Ontario (December 10, 2021)—The Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Marc Miller, issued the following statement today:

“Part of a shameful and racist colonial policy, Residential Schools forcibly removed Indigenous children—First Nations, Inuit and Métis—from their communities and denied them their families, languages and culture while also enduring widespread abuse. It is our moral obligation to Survivors to pursue the truth and to support them, as well as those suffering from intergenerational trauma in their search for closure. Addressing the ongoing impacts of Residential Schools is at the heart of reconciliation and a renewal of the relationship between Indigenous Peoples who attended these schools, their families and communities, and all Canadians.

Reconciliation requires a whole-of-government approach, breaking down barriers and rethinking how we do our work. The Government of Canada is committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure we continue to do all we can to share the Residential School-related documents we have, while respecting Survivors’ wishes, legislation, court orders, settlement agreements and ongoing litigation processes.

Under the Indian Residential School Settlement, the Catholic Church entities had the obligation to disclose documents to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Based on guidance the parties received from the TRC, Canada has disclosed over 4 million documents to the TRC. Four Catholic entities, involved in several residential schools, have—to date—refused to waive litigation privilege in order for Canada to share the documents. On conclusion of its mandate in 2015, the TRC transferred its document collection to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. I have therefore directed my Department to take all necessary measures to hand over the relevant school narratives and the associated documentation to the NCTR. This includes approximately 12,000 documents. We have committed to disclosing the missing Residential School narratives to the NCTR within 30 to 45 days. 

I have also directed my department to conduct a broader internal review of existing documents to ensure transparency and full disclosure of all relevant documents, where possible. This is a step toward accountability and a stronger understanding of the legacy of Residential Schools. The internal review may later expand into other topics that partners deem relevant. Additional documents could also be disclosed while respecting the wishes of Survivors, applicable legislation, ongoing litigation, the courts’ supervisory role and existing settlements. This will be done after consultations with Indigenous partners, stakeholders and Survivor representatives. 

As part of measures to fulfill the promise of reconciliation, I am proposing this new approach to the disclosure of documents related to Residential Schools. In addition to the extensive internal review, this will necessitate the development of a new structure to govern document disclosure and the formation of an interdepartmental committee to identify and disclose relevant documents of historical interest to the NCTR.

Reviewing and reforming our processes connected to the disclosure of documents related to Residential Schools is key to fulfilling our promises to Indigenous Peoples—to rebuild trust and strengthen our nation-to-nation, Inuit–Crown, and government-to-government relationships.”

December 9, 2021 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario—Indigenous Services Canada

In 2018, the National First Nations Water Leadership Award was established to recognize First Nations individuals or organizations that have demonstrated leadership and outstanding dedication to the advancement of clean and safe drinking water in First Nations communities.

Today, Indigenous Services Canada is pleased to announce that Jonathan Riberdy of Zhiibaahaasing First Nation is the recipient of the 2021 National First Nations Water Leadership Award. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Riberdy last week and deliver the exciting news that he was this year’s award winner.

Mr. Riberdy is a water operator whose commitment and passion are an inspiration to his community. He has worked alongside his Chief and Council to help bring long-term solutions that provide safe and clean drinking water to his community, and he strives to share his knowledge with others. 

For many years, Jonathan has worked tirelessly to uphold high drinking water standards in his community and to train young Indigenous water operators across Ontario. Jonathan currently serves as his community’s water supervisor, a project manager for Swim Drink Fish Canada, and a director for the Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario.

Additionally, $10,000 in bursaries are made available each year in the winner’s name to First Nations individuals who are pursuing or furthering their career in the water and wastewater industry. Applications are open, and those interested in pursuing professional development in the industry are highly encouraged to apply. The Circuit Rider Trainer Professional Association (CRTPA) is responsible for administering the bursaries and more information is available on the CRTPA website, including an application form for the bursaries.

Congratulations Mr. Riberdy!

Ottawa, Ontario — Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada will hold a media availability on the Federal Court’s decision related to Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders.

Date: October 29, 2021
Time: 5:30 p.m. (EDT)

Where: Sir John A. Macdonald Building – Room 200
144 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario

The media availability will also be held by teleconference.

Toll-free (Canada/US) dial-in number: 1-866-206-0153
Local dial-in number: 613-954-9003
Passcode: 4814879#

Ottawa, Ontario (October 29, 2021) – the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, issued the following statement today:

“We have been unequivocal from the start: we will compensate those harmed by child and family services polices in order to mend past wrongs and lay the foundation for a more equitable and stronger future for First Nations children, their families and communities.

Today, the Government of Canada and the Parties, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and Assembly of First Nations, are announcing that we have agreed to sit down immediately and work towards reaching a global resolution by December 2021 on outstanding issues that have been the subject of litigation. This will include:

• providing fair, equitable compensation to First Nations children on-reserve and in the Yukon who were removed from their homes by child and family services agencies, as well as those who were impacted by the government’s narrow definition of Jordan’s Principle,
• achieving long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Service program, and 
• funding for the purchase and/or construction of capital assets that support the delivery of child and family services on-reserve and Jordan’s Principle.

As we work to ensure that those who have been harmed are fairly compensated, we are also committing to significant investments to address long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services and will work with the parties to put in place an approach that best serves these children. We will also continue this work through the ongoing implementation of An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families, which affirms and recognizes their jurisdiction over child and family services.

In order to allow the Parties time to have meaningful discussions and to reach a lasting agreement, Canada, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and Assembly of First Nations have agreed to pause litigation on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision. Providing the space to reach agreement on compensation and funding for future reforms will help us reach the best outcome. This means that while Canada filed what is known as a protective appeal of the Federal Court decision of September 29, 2021, the appeal will be on hold and the focus will be squarely on reaching an agreement outside of court and at the table.

As part of our collective responsibility to end discrimination against Indigenous Peoples, we must redress past harms. We will continue to work with our provincial and territorial partners, and all Canadians, to stand together to fight racism at every level, in every part of our society.

Indigenous children and youth are at the centre of what we do; our commitment to their health and well-being is an essential part of our journey towards reconciliation.

Our investments represent our significant commitment to make amends for past actions, but also to invest in a fairer, healthier future. Our country will be stronger for it.” 

November 3, 2021 — Ottawa, Ontario — Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada is working to renew relationships with Indigenous Peoples, including by supporting Indigenous groups that are working to rebuild their Nations or Inuit communities in a manner that responds to their unique needs and priorities. This was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and is an objective outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced today that the annual call for proposals is now open to eligible First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups seeking to rebuild their Nations. Successful applicants will receive funding to support activities such as constitution development, community engagement and consultation toward rebuilding their nations. The Nation Rebuilding Program can help to advance reconciliation and self-determination for Indigenous Peoples, improve well-being and economic prosperity, and develop healthier and more sustainable communities.

In Budget 2018, the government invested $100 million over five years to support the efforts of Indigenous groups in developing their own path to reconstituting their Nations. The Nation Rebuilding Program is an important step forward on the path toward self-determination by supporting Indigenous groups in rebuilding their governance structures and capacity at the Nation level.