February 17, 2016

Families and loved ones of murdered and missing Indigenous men and boys hope this upcoming national inquiry focused on women and girls will have an impact on their plight as well.

And so does Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett.

“We believe by doing an excellent piece of work, if we design a commission properly and can get to those root causes, that we will discover a lot about root causes for both missing and murdered women and girls and missing and murdered men and boys,” said Bennett.

Fort McKay First Nation to jointly launch new service company

The Tsilhqot’in First Nation is one step closer to reconciliation, at least in regards to the provincial government of British Columbia.

The Nation and the province reached an accord Feb. 11 with the signing of an official declaration to work together over the next five years towards realization of the Supreme Court of Canada Tsilhqot’in decision, the first to recognize Aboriginal title over wide swaths of territory.

February 16, 2016

Poundmaker’s Lodge has called off a boycott on TD Canada Trust.

The decision to step back from the call made by executive director Brad Cardinal that Poundmaker’s supporters “take (their) valuable business elsewhere,” followed a ceremony held Feb. 10.

New images go up around Edmonton

Indigenous programs, projects benefit from CFEP, CIP grants

February 12, 2016

On a personal level, Danielle Boudreau is hoping to get a permanent grave marker for her sister.

“My sister doesn’t have a headstone because we can’t afford a headstone. She’s still going unnoticed even in her last day,” said Boudreau, who is Metis from the St. Paul/Saddle Lake area.

On a wider level, she is hoping that a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women will meet the needs and bring closure for the many, many family members impacted by the tragic loss of a loved one. 

February 11, 2016

First Nations play an important role in the oil and gas industry and need to consolidate their position as leaders. That is the message Joe Dion, chairman and CEO of Frog Lake Energy Resources Corp., will be delivering on the second day of the Assembly of First Nations forum on energy.

“We need to look at how we can be a part of building this nation,” said Dion. “We are being looked at as true partners of this confederation. So now as leaders we need to be responsible in leadership and in how we can drive this new development in a responsible manner.”

Harvey Strosberg said Canada insisted First Nations go through the government rather than deal directly with oil and gas companies, and Canada failed to protect First Nations’ interests. Now Canada will have to pay.

Strosberg is the lawyer for two Saskatchewan First Nations in a lawsuit against the branch of the federal government responsible for monitoring oil and gas production on or near the First Nations’ territories.