IRC leaders vote to keep Erwin Elias as chair

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Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-30 12:44:55.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance]

Following an independent investigation by a national law firm, 42 directors representing the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) and six community corporations voted to retain Erwin Elias as chair of the organization. The investigation examined undisclosed allegations against Elias and concluded that there had been no breach of the organization's bylaws. Elias had previously taken a leave of absence following his election as chair in January, pending the outcome of the governance review.

Crown Sector 2025-26 Payee Disclosure Report Released

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-29 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Finance, Governance, Economy, Indigenous]

The Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) tabled the Crown sector's 2025-26 Payee Disclosure Report with The Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies, detailing sector payments between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. CIC provided $68 million in dividends to Saskatchewan's General Revenue Fund, while total Crown procurement reached $2.1 billion, including $1.5 billion awarded to Saskatchewan suppliers and $152 million to Indigenous suppliers. Crown corporations employed over 11,000 people with total remuneration of just over $1.3 billion, and contributed over $35 million in grants, donations, and sponsorships to organizations like STARS air ambulance and the sector-wide Indigenous Bursary Program. The report lists ministerial and board expenses, supplier payments over $50,000, employee remuneration exceeding $50,000, and grants greater than $5,000 in accordance with Standing Committee guidelines.

N.W.T. premier commits to transferring child and family services to Akaitcho First Nations

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-29 12:24:40.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Social Services, Governance]

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson has committed to transferring jurisdiction over child and family services to the Akaitcho First Nations following concerns raised at their annual general assembly regarding foster children being separated from their culture. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation has already indicated its intent to pursue the process, prompting the Department of Health and Social Services to initiate work on establishing a coordination agreement under the federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. Previous audits by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada highlighted major failings in the territorial system, including unverified foster home safety, missed welfare checks, and excessive caseworker loads surpassing the internal maximum of 11 cases.

Dehcho Grand Chief welcomes calls to abolish the Indian Act

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-28 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance]

Dehcho Grand Chief Herb Norwegian has echoed calls from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew for the complete abolition of the 150-year-old Indian Act, citing its racist and discriminatory nature. Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated a commitment to moving Canada beyond the act, while academic and negotiation experts note that dismantling the legislation will require complex federal negotiations due to its integration with existing self-government agreements, band status registries, and tax exemptions.

UCP to vote on bathroom laws, land acknowledgements, but not separatism

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-27 18:10:54.0
Tags: [Alberta, Governance, Energy, Indigenous, Justice]

Members of Alberta's governing United Conservative Party will debate and vote on 22 policy resolutions at their annual general meeting in Calgary from November 27 to 29, 2026. The proposed resolutions include measures regarding public washroom policies and updates to the Alberta Human Rights Act, the discontinuation of First Nations land acknowledgements and blocking of indigenous land claims, mandatory byelections for floor-crossing MLAs, and opposition to federal net zero and carbon capture mandates. While the party's governing caucus is not bound by the member-approved resolutions, past meetings have resulted in implemented policy and legislative changes under Premier Danielle Smith's administration.

Akaitcho First Nations assembly kicks off in Dettah

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-27 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Infrastructure, Energy, Governance, Resources]

The Akaitcho Territory Government held its annual general assembly in Dettah, N.W.T., bringing together leadership from the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation, Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation, Salt River First Nation, Tthebatthie Denesųłiné Nation, and Yellowknives Dene First Nation to discuss shared priorities. The assembly addresses major regional infrastructure projects referred to the federal government's Major Projects Office, including the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor and the Taltson Hydro Expansion, which have faced wavering support and criticism over inadequate consultations from nations like Deninu Kųę́ and Łutsel K'e. Additionally, the assembly follows up on a 2025 initiative by a committee of elders to rename the Great Slave Lake to remove its derogatory historical connotations. Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Justice and Environment and Climate Change Minister Jay Macdonald are scheduled to attend.

First Nations-first ministers' meeting brings funding announcements and mixed reviews

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-26 22:37:54.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Finance, Infrastructure, Emergency, Governance]

Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the first Indigenous-focused first ministers' meeting in over two decades in Ottawa alongside the Assembly of First Nations, led by National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. Carney announced proposed federal funding ahead of the Nov. 5 budget, including more than $2.5 billion over five years for emergency preparedness in First Nations communities and more than $630 million over four years for First Nations and Inuit policing. Additionally, Carney committed to exploring the reform or abolition of the 1876 Indian Act and instructed his finance minister to collaborate with First Nations on new revenue-sharing mechanisms, such as a potential sovereign wealth fund.

'It's time to abolish the Indian Act,' Manitoba premier tells PM in historic meeting with chiefs

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-26 19:39:49.0
Tags: [National, Manitoba, Indigenous, Governance, Justice]

During a historic first ministers' meeting in Ottawa alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called for the federal government to abolish the 150-year-old Indian Act. Kinew argued that the race-based legislation and status card system are incompatible with modern Canadian human rights and self-determination, stating that the act must be dismantled in cooperation with First Nations people and governments. The closed-door summit marked the first gathering of its kind between First Nations leaders and first ministers since the 2005 Kelowna Accord talks.

First Nations want tangible results as 'historic' first ministers' meeting opens

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-26 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance, Infrastructure, Energy]

First Nations leaders and Canada's first ministers convened in Ottawa for the first Indigenous rights first ministers meeting in two decades, led by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and federal officials. The Assembly of First Nations circulated discussion papers seeking commitments on economic prosperity, policing, constitutional rights, health, and education, alongside a draft 'Declaration of a Shared Path Forward' proposing annual meetings. Grassroots groups, including the Truth Before Reconciliation Network and Onion Lake Cree Nation, staged protests and issued a cease-and-desist notice, arguing that elected chiefs do not adequately represent inherent treaty rights-holders amid rising tensions over major resource infrastructure projects.

A ‘reset’ or ‘one and done’? First Nations and first ministers set to hold historic meeting

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-25 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance, Infrastructure, Resources, Mining]

The Assembly of First Nations, led by National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, and Canadian first ministers are holding a historic, closed-door First Ministers' Meeting in Ottawa to redefine relations, discuss infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development, and address major project involvement. Notable absences include the premiers of Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, while several Indigenous leaders have expressed skepticism over meeting formats, speech restrictions, and stalled federal Indigenous legislation under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The federal government, through the Privy Council Office and Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, plans to announce new community supports during the one-day conference.

First Nations leaders voice priorities ahead of historic meeting in Ottawa

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-24 14:06:34.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance, Economy, Public Safety]

First Nations leaders are preparing for a historic meeting in Ottawa with Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers, marking the first gathering of its kind in over two decades. Tensions have risen over recent federal legislation aimed at streamlining major project developments without adequate Indigenous consultation, which critics argue threatens reconciliation. Ahead of the talks, the Assembly of First Nations released position papers focusing on economic development, policing, public safety, employment, and health, with specific proposals including a First Nations sovereign wealth fund.

Alberta introduces new flag rules and restrictions for all schools starting in 2027

Source: Alberta - Provincial Politics
Date: 2026-10-24 00:27:35.0
Tags: [Alberta, Education, Governance, Indigenous, Culture]

The Government of Alberta announced new provincial rules restricting flag displays across all public, separate, francophone, charter, and accredited independent schools starting January 4, 2027. Under the policy led by Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides and Premier Danielle Smith, the flags of Canada and Alberta must be flown outside during the school year, while municipal, sports team, Franco-Albertan, and Vatican City flags are permitted. Other flags—including First Nations, Métis Settlement, foreign national, and the Royal Union Flag—are restricted to specified days and cannot remain displayed for more than 14 consecutive days. School boards may apply for exemptions only for flags that do not constitute a political, social, or ideological statement and reflect school identity.

Yukon government asks court to toss Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in lawsuit over mining regulation changes

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-23 18:41:15.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Mining, Resources, Justice, Governance]

The Yukon government filed a statement of defence in the Yukon Supreme Court asking to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation regarding temporary amendments made in May 2025 to placer-mining, quartz-mining, and water-use regulations. The amendments, set to remain in effect until December 31, 2028, allow the territorial government to extend soon-to-expire permits and licences for eligible operators to mitigate a major permitting backlog. Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in's January lawsuit alleges that the territory failed to consult the First Nation in violation of its final agreement and seeks financial compensation, whereas the government argues it had no duty to consult during the legislative process and that the First Nation delayed legal action.

Auditor presses N.W.T. child and family services to assess its own needs

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-22 20:17:39.0
Tags: [National, Social Services, Governance, Indigenous]

Canada's Office of the Auditor General (OAG) criticized Northwest Territories Child and Family Services—housed within the Department of Health and Social Services—for systemic staffing shortages, unmanageable caseloads triple internal maximums, and failing to systematically assess its own human resource needs. Deputy Auditor General Andrew Hayes reported that 98 percent of children in care in the N.W.T. are Indigenous, and persistent job vacancies continue to compromise welfare checks and foster home safety evaluations. In response, executive director of child and family services Arijana Haramincic stated the department has added 56 positions, expedited hiring, adjusted cultural training, and implemented bi-annual internal audits.

N.W.T.'s Great Slave riding to be renamed Yellowknife East

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-21 21:31:59.0
Tags: [National, Governance, Indigenous]

Members of the Legislative Assembly in the Northwest Territories agreed to officially rename the territorial Great Slave riding to Yellowknife East, following a recommendation from the Electoral Boundaries Commission that criticized the original name as demeaning and objectionable. The Legislative Assembly's board of management will bring forward legislation to formalize the name change, addressing longstanding concerns regarding colonial terms in northern geographic and political nomenclature. At the same time, MLAs rejected a separate commission recommendation to expand the number of electoral districts from 19 to 22.

Alberta to stay in Canada; PM Mark Carney, First Nations and leaders hail unofficial results

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-20 18:32:10.0
Tags: [Alberta, National, Governance, Indigenous, Immigration]

In an unofficial provincial referendum held in Alberta, 75.5 per cent of voters rejected separation by choosing to remain in Canada, while 24.5 per cent voted in favour of option two. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith discussed intergovernmental cooperation on shared priorities, including immigration, following the results. Indigenous leaders, including Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi of Treaty 8 First Nation and Chief Samuel Crowfoot of Siksika Nation, emphasized the importance of upholding treaties and protecting rights while noting ongoing political divisions.

S-245 (45-1) - National Blanket Ceremony Day Act

Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-20 10:25:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance]

Bill S-245, titled the National Blanket Ceremony Day Act, was introduced in the Senate as a Senate Public Bill by Senator Mary Jane McCallum during the 1st session of the 45th Parliament. The legislation reached its second reading in the Senate, with debate occurring on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The bill proposes to establish a designated National Blanket Ceremony Day to recognize and commemorate Indigenous cultural practices and history across Canada.

Q&A | Nunavut’s devolution is 6 months away. Here’s what the premier says to expect

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-19 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Governance, Resources, Mining, Indigenous]

Nunavut Premier John Main outlined preparations for the territory's April 1 devolution date, which will transfer responsibilities for Crown land and natural resources from the federal government to the Government of Nunavut. The transition involves establishing a new department responsible for lands and resources, transferring nearly 100 federal workers, and maintaining an 85 percent Inuit employment target within the new department. Initially, the Nunavut government will mirror existing federal regulations and mineral tenure rules before undertaking future legislative reviews to align policies with territorial priorities. Additionally, Premier Main addressed the financial restructuring of major regional employer Baffinland, owner of the Mary River Mine in the Qikiqtani region, emphasizing the importance of corporate viability for local employment and royalties.

Q&A | Navarana Beveridge looking ahead in her first week as NTI CEO

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-18 11:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance, Social Services]

Navarana Beveridge assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) on October 5, 2026, bringing two decades of experience with Inuit organizations, including negotiating the Mary River Project Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement. In her first week, Beveridge outlined her priorities to focus on listening to leadership, preparing for the upcoming Annual General Meeting in Kugluktuk alongside President Gloria Uluqsi, and implementing the Inungnik Makipalliatittiniq strategic plan. She emphasized collaboration with government bodies and regional Inuit associations to address critical regional issues such as housing shortages, food insecurity, and family services.

IRC moving forward with vote on whether to remove chair from office

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-16 18:13:33.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance]

The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation announced that a meeting and vote will be held on October 28 and 29, 2026, to determine whether Chair Erwin Elias should be removed from office. The vote follows the completion of an independent investigation into undisclosed allegations dating prior to Elias's election in January 2026. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and community corporation boards received the confidential investigation report, prompting resolutions from at least four community corporation boards demanding the removal vote.