• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• C-37 (45-1) - First Nations Clean Water Act

  Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
  Date: 2026-10-09 13:20:48.0
  Tags: [National, Indigenous, Infrastructure, Environment, Governance]

  Bill C-37, titled the First Nations Clean Water Act and introduced by the Minister of Indigenous Services, has completed second reading and was referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) on October 9, 2026. The legislation establishes a comprehensive federal framework regarding water, source water, drinking water, wastewater, and related infrastructure on First Nation lands. The bill builds upon previous class-action litigation settlements concerning safe drinking water in First Nations communities and is accompanied by a historic funding commitment and a departmental Charter Statement tabled on September 25, 2026.

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• Carney government to study new major projects bill with tool last used in Harper era

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-09-25 20:34:29.0
  Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Economy, Labour, Governance, Indigenous]

  The federal government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced Bill C-39, a 244-page omnibus bill titled the Building Canada Strong Act designed to fast-track major economic development projects and address labour disruptions across 24 different acts and regulations. Government House leader Steven MacKinnon announced that the bill will be referred to a specialized "legislative committee"—a parliamentary mechanism last used by the federal government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2012 for Bill C-11. The legislation has drawn criticism from organized labour, environmental groups, and the Assembly of First Nations over proposed alterations to consultation practices, impact assessments, and the Canada Labour Code. While opposition parties intend to scrutinize the bill and propose amendments in committee, the governing Liberals hold a majority to pass the legislation in the House of Commons.

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• AFN chief warns Carney against 'abusing' majority to pass new major projects bill

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-09-22 18:30:50.0
  Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Energy, Labour, Indigenous, Governance]

  Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has warned Prime Minister Mark Carney against abusing majority government powers to pass Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act. The legislation shifts project reviews for major infrastructure such as pipelines and power transmission lines from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator while also proposing amendments to the Canada Labour Code. The AFN chief criticized the federal government for limiting debate and consultations, stating that staff in the Alberta-based major projects office lack understanding of First Nations rights and demanding that leadership be permitted to bring forward legislative amendments.

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• Search begins for Canadian team to restore uninhabitable 24 Sussex Drive

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-08-31 23:39:11.0
  Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Governance, Indigenous]

  The federal government has officially launched the first stage of a procurement process—a Request for Qualification (RFQ) posted on August 21—to select seven finalists for a national design and construction competition to restore the uninhabitable official residence at 24 Sussex Drive. The winning design and construction team, to be awarded by the fall of 2027, must incorporate Canadian materials and innovations, meet accessibility and heritage standards, and ensure that Indigenous people and businesses execute at least five per cent of the contract's total value. The Rideau Hall Foundation is leading a fundraising campaign for the project, which has raised more than $735,000 toward a $50 million fundraising goal, while the construction budget will be established in the subsequent Request for Proposal in the winter of 2027.

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