Tag: Aboriginal News

November 19, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister celebrates inspirational educators who are empowering the next generation of Canadians

Day in and day out, educators across Canada are nurturing a culture of curiosity and encouraging young people to ask questions, to dream and to think outside the box. Teachers and early childhood educators have shown unparalleled resilience, determination and compassion in the face of COVID-19, continuing to keep children safe while equipping them with the skills, tools and experience they need to succeed to the fullest.

Today, on the eve of World Children’s Day, the Prime Minister awarded 68 of Canada’s top educators with the country’s highest honours for Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and Excellence in Early Childhood Education. These award recipients are an inspiration to us all as their diverse and innovative approaches to teaching are helping shape the youth who will be building the Canada of tomorrow.

Today also marks the launch of the nomination period for the 2022 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in STEM and Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Canadians across the country are encouraged to nominate an inspirational educator who is making a real difference in their community.

The nomination period will be open until 11:59 p.m. (PT) on February  8, 2022. 

November 22, 2021 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that First Nations affected by recent flooding in British Columbia are safe and secure, that a coordinated emergency management response is supported, and that communities are positioned for a strong recovery.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced that Indigenous Services Canada has received and approved a funding request through the Emergency Management Assistance Program for $4.4 million in additional funding to the British Columbia First Nations’ Emergency Services Society. Funds will be used to support the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society as they assist First Nations in their response to the widespread flooding caused by the recent atmospheric river event.

Additionally, the Government of Canada will provide $330,000 to the First Nations Leadership Council, to be divided equally among its member organizations (i.e., the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit and the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs) to address immediate response needs in the wake of this ongoing emergency.

Indigenous Services Canada will continue to work in close partnership with impacted First Nations in British Columbia, provincial partners and federal departments, including the Department of National Defence and the Department of Emergency Preparedness. The safety and security of First Nations is the top priority of Indigenous Services Canada and we stand ready to provide further resources as needed.

November 26, 2021 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

The inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in key sectors of the Canadian and Quebec economies is an important part of our post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

While the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec is taking place in Montreal, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced the renewal of two key Strategic Partnership Initiatives (SPIs) that contribute to the economic self-sufficiency of Indigenous communities in Quebec, specifically the True North Treasure Initiative, with a contribution of $4.5 million, and the Forest Full Value Initiatives, with a contribution of $4.5 million.

Mining is an important part of Quebec’s economic growth. The True North Treasure Initiative aims to support Indigenous participation in this key economic sector by facilitating partnerships between Indigenous communities and the private and public sectors. Renewing this initiative will help Indigenous communities build on the momentum of recent years to continue to train qualified workers, create jobs in the mining sector and develop business opportunities.

The Forest Full Value Initiative aims to help Indigenous communities take advantage of a growing number of opportunities in forest bioeconomy in Quebec thanks to targeted investments that will allow them to leverage forest resources in a sustainable manner. The renewal of this initiative will help First Nations communities establish important partnerships, create jobs and improve their economic activities related to the food and energy sectors while honouring their cultures and traditions.

November 30, 2021 – Long Plain First Nation, Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Honouring Canada’s legal obligations to Indigenous Peoples and working collaboratively to resolve historical grievances is fundamental to advancing reconciliation in Canada.  

Today, Chief Dennis Meeches and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced that Long Plain First Nation and the Government of Canada have reached a settlement on the 1916 Surrender – Mismanagement of Sales Specific Claim. This achievement marks a significant step toward addressing the wrongs done to the community and rebuilding Canada’s relationship with Long Plain First Nation.

Submitted by Long Plain First Nation in November 1999, this specific claim concerns the sale of First Nation reserve land in 1916, whereby Canada failed to administer the land sales according to the terms of the surrender. Canada accepted the claim for negotiations in September 2011 and has worked alongside the community to achieve a settlement. The First Nation held a successful ratification vote on August 1, 2021. The settlement agreement was executed by Minister Miller on November 8, 2021, formally concluding the claim.

In the settlement agreement, Canada agreed to provide $31,942,680 in compensation, and to provide the option for the First Nation to acquire up to 1,750 acres of land and apply to have that land added to reserve.

Through mutual collaboration and the community’s engagement, this agreement between Long Plain First Nation and Canada represents a mutual understanding to rectify the error in our history for the members of the community, and for the generations to come. The successful resolution of this settlement, which is due to Long Plain First Nation, is a key step in Canada’s commitment toward reconciliation—one that demonstrates our commitment to rebuilding trust and one that acknowledges and respects the Treaty relationship and helps build a better future for all Canadians.