GENOUS POLICY & RESEARCH
Welcome to The Rundow
Inthisissue:
Whether you ’ re interested in poli (the drama, the intrigue!), looking ways to dismantle settler-colon hetero-patriarchy, or just confu about what politicians ACTUALLY all day, The Rundown is here for yo With each season, IYR’s Centre Indigenous Policy and Research bring you a new edition of T Rundown recapping everything y need to know about what’s going on Canadian policy when it comes Indigenous rights, community, a reconciliation. In our 2024 Wrap edition, we bring you a highlight policy and advocacy happenin across the last year!
truth & reconciliation
> REMEMBERING MURRAY SINCLAIR: On November 4, 2024, the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Murray Sinclair, Mazina Giizhik (One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky), passed away at age 73, leaving behind a profound legacy. Sinclair was an Anishnaabe leader, judge, and senator. A member of Peguis First Nation, he was Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge and later went on to serve in the Senate from 2016-2021. Sinclair was a lifelong champion for justice and reconciliation, and as Chair of the TRC, he oversaw the collection of thousands of residential school survivors’ testimonies and helped shape the 94 Calls to Action. His loss was felt deeply across the country, with leaders, communities, organizations, and universities memorializing the deep impact he had as a mentor, advocate, and source of inspiration.
“ He called upon us to be kind to one another; to support young people in their search to know who they are and where they come from; and to believe in truth and justice. As we carry his memory forward, we are humbled by the love and respect shown to him, and we thank all who have honoured his legacy with us."
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-Sinclair Family
ART BY KENT MONKMAN
THE HON SEN EMERITUS MURRAY SINCLAIR 48” X 36”, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS, 2024 IMAGE FROM WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
truth & reconciliation CONT’D
> FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APOLOGIZES FOR NUNAVIK SLED DOG SLAUGHTER: On November 23, 2024, the Government of Canada apologized to the Inuit in Nunavik for the killing of sled dogs from the mid-1950s up until the late 1960s. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged the federal government’s role and announced $45 million for community revitalization efforts, including the restoration of dog team culture. The apology follows years of advocacy by Makivvik, representing Inuit in Nunavik, and recognizes the harm caused by federal inaction and assimilation policies.
> FINAL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL GRAVES REPORT: In October, Kimberly Murray, Canada’s Special Interlocuter on residential school gravesites, released her final report. The report entitled Upholding Sacred Obligations highlights the need for justice, accountability, and proper commemoration of unmarked graves. As part of her directive, Murray outlined a range of legal, moral, and ethical obligations for governments, churches, and institutions to fulfil. The Special Interlocuter’s work has been driven by survivors and families still seeking answers. Murray emphasized the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and ceremonies as part of the healing and truth-telling process.
truth & reconciliation CONT’D
> INDIGENOUS YOUTH ROOTS
RECONCILIATION BAROMETER REPORT: In 2024, the Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research at IYR published our Indigenous Youth Reconciliation Barometer, highlighting the results of our nationwide engagement with Indigenous youth (ages 18-29) on their visions for empowerment and thriving futures. Through the exploration of themes like culture, wellness, education, meaningful work, solidarity, and reconciliation, the report details the hopes, challenges, and leadership of Indigenous youth across the country.
Check it out! CBC recently featured our work in an article on Indigenous youth perspectives on reconciliation. The piece highlights some of the key findings from the Barometer report on the voices of Indigenous youth across the country.
Read more:
truth & reconciliation CONT’D
>FIRST NATIONS CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES SETTLEMENT: On July 11, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) secured a 10-year, $47.8 billion commitment from Canada to reform First Nations child and family services. The commitment stemmed from a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling in 2016, which includes adjusted funding for remote First Nations communities and focuses on housing to ensure safe homes for families. However, on January 25, First Nations chiefs voted to reject the deal, citing concerns over transparency and funding distribution. In response, the AFN executive team will meet to discuss a new negotiation strategy, with leaders calling for greater oversight and a revised mandate to ensure the agreement better reflects the needs of First Nations communities.
> NCTR ANNUAL YOUTH EMPOWERMENT GATHERING: In September, thousands of students gathered in Winnipeg for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s annual youth empowerment gathering. This year ’ s theme, Mino-Pimatisiwin (the Good Life), focused on inspiring youth through storytelling, performances, and teachings from Elders, residential school survivors, and Indigenous role models. The event honoured the resilience of Indigenous communities, with students carrying an orange banner to remember the children lost to residential schools.
“(The) event is really geared towards youth grades eight to grade twelve, and meant to empower and inspire them by getting to listen and hear from Elders, survivors, knowledge keepers, as well as role models.”
-Kayla Johnston, NCTR Director of Education
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
> INUIT NUNANGAT UNIVERSITY: Inuit
Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) has received a historic $50 million contribution from the Mastercard Foundation to support the development of Inuit Nunangat University, the first Inuit-owned and Inuitgoverned university in Canada. The university will open by 2030. The funding will advance academic planning, course development, and community engagement, reducing barriers to postsecondary education for Inuit while centring Inuit knowledge and perspectives. ITK aims to raise an additional $160 million to complete the project.
““This is going to be a university where people who want to go to university in Inuit Nunangat will be grounded in Inuit society and also have a full spectrum of educational opportunities that include learning more about our society and our practices.”
-Natan Obed, President of ITK
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> MMF FIRST MÉTIS MODERN TREATY WITH CANADA: The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) has made history as the first Métis group to sign a modern treaty with the federal government. This milestone follows a 2021 agreement affirming the MMF’s self-government and a memberapproved vote on the treaty last year. The MMF’s mandate extends to protecting Red River Métis across Canada, beyond Manitoba’s borders. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree attended the event, while other provincial Métis organizations continue to await similar treaties.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP CONT.
> GRASSY NARROWS: In June, Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek
First Nation (Grassy Narrows) filed a lawsuit against the federal and Ontario governments, arguing they violated their obligations under Treaty 3 by failing to protect the community from ongoing mercury contamination in the English-Wabigoon River system. The contamination, which dates back to industrial pollution in the 1960s and ’70s, has affected nearly 90% of the population. On September 18, thousands rallied at Queen’s Park in Toronto as part of the Walk for Mercury Justice calling for compensation for all affected members, protection of traditional lands, and urgent remediation efforts. While the province has committed to river cleanup and the federal government has allocated funding for a Mercury Care Home, community leaders say action has been slow, and they will continue pressing for justice.
On July 10, Grassy Narrows appealed to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to seek international support and pressure for more decisive action after decades of inadequate responses from Canadian provincial and federal authorities.
“This case will be a test of Ontario's and Canada's commitment to truth, reconciliation and justice following one of Canada's worst environmental and human rights catastrophes.
-Chief Rudy Turtle
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COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP CONT.
> WE MATTER COLLECTIVE HEALING GUIDE: We Matter has published the Collective Healing Guide; a new resource designed to inspire and empower Indigenous youth and communities to foster healing and connection. Rooted in the teachings of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the guide serves as a learning tool to promote well-being and resilience through shared knowledge and cultural wisdom. It provides practical insights and strategies to support collective healing, strengthening Indigenous voices and traditions for future generations.
Read more:
cOMMUNITY BUILDING & SOLIDARITY
>MAYO, YUKON’S FIRST PRIDE PARADE: The village of Mayo, Yukon, hosted its first Pride parade, driven by the initiative of student Ava Young in honour of her late aunt Natasha. Over 50 residents gathered to celebrate the Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ community. Natasha Young, a Na-Cho Nyak Dun citizen and proud member of the Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ community, passed away last year. The parade saw participants proudly uniting in a show of support and acceptance, with organizers hoping to make this celebration an annual tradition.
>PROCLAIMING OUR ROOTS PROJECT: We previously highlighted the Proclaiming Our Roots project, which has been documenting the interconnected histories of Indigenous and African diasporic communities across the country. This ongoing initiative continues to explore over 400 years of African diasporic presence and the deep ties between Indigenous and Black ancestries, centring personal stories to reshape our understanding of Black-Indigenous identity, community, and resistance across Turtle Island. You can learn more about the Proclaiming Our Roots project and explore the personal stories the team has documented here!
cOMMUNITY BUILDING & SOLIDARITY
>INDIGENOUS MUSIC CAPSULE: In 2025, a capsule filled with Indigenous music will be launched to the moon as part of NASA’s Lunar Codex project. This initiative, in collaboration with the Estate of Norval Morrisseau and Crown-Indigenous Relations, aims to preserve and share Indigenous culture in a lasting way. The capsule, titled Polaris, will feature soundwaves of Indigenous songs etched onto NanoFiche, a technology designed to endure for over a billion years. Artist Blake Angeconeb is creating the cover art for the project, blending contemporary and traditional styles.
> ‘BUILDING THE FIRE’ YOUTH SOLIDARITY WORKSHOP: In August, Indigenous Elders in Woodstock, Ontario, hosted cross-cultural workshops for youth in the community. The event, called ‘Building the Fire’, was created by the Indigenous Solidarity Awareness Network and brought together Indigenous Elders, artists, and young folks to share cultural traditions and skills. Participants engaged in workshops on caribou tufting, dot painting, dreamcatchermaking, and dance, learning artistic techniques and cultural knowledge. With hopes of becoming an annual gathering, the conference fostered connections and understanding across cultures.
“ ” As Indigenous people, seven generations is very important so we're trying to think about those generations that are coming and how we set them up.
Patricia Marshal-DeSutter, Director of the Indigenous Solidarity Awareness Network
at parliament hill
>PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU STEPS DOWN: In January, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader after nearly a decade in office. Parliament was also prorogued until March 24, pausing all legislative work. On March 9, 2025, the Liberal Party selected Mark Carney to take over as leader and become the Prime Minister, at least until the next election. When Parliament resumes, the Conservatives have stated they will call a vote of non-confidence, which could trigger an early election ahead of the scheduled October 2025 vote.
>NDP-LIBERAL SUPPLY AND CONFIDENCE DEAL ENDS: In September, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced that his party was ending their agreement to support the Liberal government in parliament. The NDP and the Liberals have had a supply and confidence agreement since March 2022 that helped keep the minority Liberal government in power, in exchange for the government prioritizing policy initiatives like universal pharmacare and birth control. Singh said that the deal would end because the Liberal Party let down Canadians by siding with corporate interests and not supporting workers enough. Moving forward, the NDP will decide how to vote on Liberal policies independently.
What is the supply and confidence agreement?
The agreement was a promise made by the NDP that they would support the minority Liberal government in key votes, like passing the budget, to help them stay in power. In return, the Liberals agreed to work on things that the NDP prioritizes like dental care and affordable housing.
AT PARLIAMENT HILL CONT.
> NEW ARCTIC FOREIGN POLICY: Canada has introduced its Arctic Foreign Policy (AFP) a strategy designed to address challenges in the region, such as climate change, security concerns, and geopolitical shifts. Announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, the policy focuses on asserting sovereignty, engaging in diplomacy, strengthening Arctic governance, and fostering collaboration with Indigenous communities and international partners. The $34.7 million policy highlights the Arctic’s evolving significance in global affairs.
“ ”Effective partnerships for a stronger, flourishing Arctic rely on co-development with Inuit, whether it be at home or abroad. Removing barriers for Inuit to connect with each other across borders and strengthening institutions, including the Arctic Council, are examples of what lies ahead. The Arctic Foreign Policy and policies like it must uphold Inuit self-determination, including our full and effective participation. We look forward to the work ahead with the federal government to make this happen.
-Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk, President of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada
AT PARLIAMENT HILL CONT.
> PARKS CANADA NEW INDIGENOUS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: Parks Canada has introduced a new Indigenous Stewardship Policy to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities in conserving nature and culture across national parks and heritage sites. Developed with the Indigenous Stewardship Circle, the policy aims to promote healing, cultural continuity, and co-governance. While some Indigenous leaders, like Haida Nation member Cindy Boyko, see the policy as a step toward reconciliation and inclusion, others, like Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, argue that more needs to be done to address historical injustices, including recognizing traditional territories like Wood Buffalo National Park.
> NATIONAL STRATEGY RESPECTING ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT: Bill C-226, the National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act, mandates the development of a national strategy to assess, prevent, and address environmental racism while advancing environmental justice in Canada. The bill received royal assent on June 20, nearly four years after similar legislation was first introduced in Parliament. The legislation aims to address the disproportionate environmental impacts experienced by affected communities and shape policies that affect their environments.
what we’re reading
> Who We Are: Four Questions for a Life and a Nation by Murray Sinclair
Murray Sinclair’s Who We Are is a powerful oral history that reflects on his life as an Anishinaabe judge, senator, and leader in the movement for truth and reconciliation. Framed around four key questions: Where do I come from? Where am I going? Why am I here? Who am I? The book explores Indigenous identity, resilience, and the pursuit of justice in Canada.
>The All + Flesh by Brandi Bird
Brandi Bird’s debut poetry collection, The All + Flesh, is a powerful exploration of kinship, language, memory, and identity. Through striking and intimate verse, Bird examines the tension between ancestral connections and contemporary realities, reflecting on movement, change, and decolonial possibilities.
≥ Becoming a Matriarch by Helen Knott
Helen Knott’s Becoming a Matriarch reflects on grief, love, and the weight of legacy after losing her mother and grandmother. Blending poetry, humour, and raw honesty, she navigates the complexities of matriarchy, sobriety, and self-discovery. This deeply moving memoir offers a powerful journey through loss and resilience, making it a must-read.
what we’re listening to
> The Place That Thaws
APTN News’ The Place That Thaws is a six-part podcast exploring resilience and adaptation in Canada’s northernmost communities, Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord. Through intimate interviews and immersive storytelling, the series reveals how climate change is reshaping Arctic life, from shifting hunting traditions to the increasing presence of polar bears on shore. This powerful podcast offers a deeper look at the lived experiences of those on the front lines of environmental change.
> Reconciliation and Indigenous Representation in Media
On this episode of Détours, lawyer and former MNA Alexis Wawanoloath explores the challenges of true reconciliation, emphasizing that healing and restitution must come before real progress can be made. He critiques how government interests often override Indigenous rights, continuing the legacy of colonialism. In the second half, the discussion shifts to Indigenous representation in media, questioning tokenization and how to move beyond it.
> Muddied Water
CBC’s Muddied Water explores the history of the Métis peoples in Manitoba, beginning with Louis Riel. Host Stephanie Cram unravels the intricate origins of the Métis and follows the thread from resistance to renaissance.
