CBC Indigenous

Indigenous Nurses Day celebrates their contributions to the nursing profession
Indigenous Nurses Day is April 10, which is the birthdate of Edith Anderson Monture, a Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) woman and the first First Nations woman to become a registered nurse in Canada. The day acknowledges the significant contributions of First Nation, Métis and Inuit nurses to health and wellness in the nursing profess...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-nurses-day-edith-montour-9.7158380?cmp=rss

Gjoa Haven heritage centre is preserving Nattilik Inuit history amid growing interest in Northwest Passage
As interest in the Northwest Passage grows, the Nattilik Heritage Centre wants to showcase, and preserve, more of Nattilik Inuit history. The museum is in Gjoa Haven – a community central to the ill-fated Sir John Franklin expedition in 1845.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nattilik-heritage-centre-franklin-amundsen-9.7167640?cmp=rss

First Nations leaders strongly oppose B.C. plan to pause DRIPA as Eby defends move ahead of confidence vote
First Nations leaders in B.C. are urging B.C. NDP MLAs to reject Premier David Eby’s plan to suspend some sections of the province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), as the government prepares to bring the proposal forward as a co...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/dripa-suspension-confidence-vote-first-nation-leaders-opposed-9.7158996?cmp=rss

Membertou forges ahead with own cannabis law while seeking federal recognition
Retired Canadian senator Dan Christmas was recently back in front of a parliamentary committee to push for recognition of Indigenous self-government rights over cannabis sales, while moving ahead in his home community of Membertou with a First Nation law on retailing marijuana products.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/membertou-cannabis-law-federal-recognition-9.7193191?cmp=rss

'Colonial thinking': Inuit criticize backlash to Gov. Gen. Mary Simon’s brand of bilingualism
Inuit are criticizing the prime minister's emphasis on the next governor general's bilingualism. They point out that the outgoing Governor General Mary Simon is also bilingual in English and Inuktitut.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/inuit-advocates-want-mary-simon-gov-gen-bilingualism-recognized-9.7193137?cmp=rss

Peguis First Nation musician William Prince to play 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Toronto
Peguis First Nation singer-songwriter William Prince will take the stage in Toronto next month to kick off the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies alongside other Canadian and international music stars.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/william-prince-fifa-world-cup-soccer-opening-ceremony-9.7194041?cmp=rss

Defaced mural of Stó:lō woman to be restored in Chilliwack
Community members in Chilliwack, B.C., say they feel unsettled after a beloved mural depicting a Stó:lō woman was splattered with black paint.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/community-rallies-after-beloved-mural-of-chilliwack-sto-lo-woman-defaced-9.7190311?cmp=rss

5 years after Quebec law, 129 Indigenous families still need answers on missing children
According to a recent government report, 129 Indigenous families have started the process of searching for 221 missing children since the law, known as Bill 79, came into effect.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/bill-79-five-years-indigenous-children-missing-quebec-9.7190006?cmp=rss

Indigenous youth from across Canada in Ontario's Brant County for intensive dance
More than 100 young people from 11 First Nation and Inuit communities across Canada are gathering for an intensive dance camp in southern Ontario in a program aimed at empowering Indigenous youth.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/indigenous-youth-dance-brant-county-9.7192723?cmp=rss

'So much is being allowed to spoil': Country food in Nunavut faces distribution challenges
Limited freezer space at airports, broken community freezers, and delays in cargo handling lead to expired food, according to one researcher.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/so-much-is-being-allowed-to-spoil-country-food-in-nunavut-faces-distribution-challenges-9.7191869?cmp=rss

Mayor of Arviat, Nunavut, says Star of David tuque wasn't political statement
Joe Savikataaq Jr. wore a tuque with the Star of David and the word Israel during a public event celebrating the Inuit Nunangat University. Amid high tensions over the Israel-Hamas war, the use of the symbol at a public event has drawn heated criticism on social media.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/arviat-mayor-star-of-david-israel-9.7190248?cmp=rss

NDP's Leah Gazan calls MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ critics 'bigots'
NDP MP Leah Gazan is standing by her use of the initialism MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ and denouncing those who are mocking her online for using the term.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/gazan-mmiwg2slgbtqqia-pushback-9.7159796?cmp=rss

Caribou decline forces difficult cultural choices
Caribou numbers in Quebec are falling fast. First Nations and Inuit leaders are considering whether to pause hunting to help the herds recover. The Quebec government has yet to make a final call on a hunting ban.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7158032?cmp=rss

After 150 years, Canada still has an Indian Act. Why is it so hard to get rid of?
The Indian Act marks 150 years since it was enacted this month. CBC Radio's The House spoke with First Nations leaders, historians and legal experts about the Indian Act and attempts by First Nations to move beyond it.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/150-years-indian-act-9.7152147?cmp=rss

Improve drinking water on First Nations by uplifting water operators, group says
A group dedicated to ending the 41 current long-term drinking water advisories on First Nations say part of the way to achieve the goal is by recognizing and investing in the people who work in water treatment plants.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/water-operators-first-nations-9.7144974?cmp=rss

Getting access to RCMP 'Native extremism' files took 4-year fight
Library and Archives Canada cited 'national security' concerns and said it would take nearly four years to complete a request by CBC Indigenous to see 50-year old secret records from an RCMP Security Service program that spied on Indigenous leaders.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/rcmp-access-1970s-spying-files-9.7143553?cmp=rss

Mistissini, Que., team to tackle 1,000-km Grand défi cycling challenge
Five athletes from Mistissini, Que., are gearing up to ride 1,000 kilometres this summer as part of Quebec’s Grand défi cycling challenge, but first they need to raise $13,000 to support the ride.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/mistissini-1000km-grand-defi-cycling-9.7136226?cmp=rss

'I want answers,' aunt says after missing Manitoba woman Leah Keeper's remains identified
The remains of a mother of two who was missing for nearly three years have been found, Winnipeg police announced Wednesday — but Leah Keeper's family say they feel left in the dark about details surrounding her death.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/leah-keeper-missing-woman-remains-found-9.7156296?cmp=rss

Organizations, families demand change on Red Dress Day in Regina
Organizations like YMCA kikaskihtânaw Centre and Regina Treaty Status Indian Services hold events every year to commemorate Red Dress Day on May 5 in honour of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG).
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/organizations-families-demand-change-on-red-dress-day-in-regina-9.7188857?cmp=rss

Ottawa to begin $8.5B rollout for Ontario First Nations to reclaim child welfare
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says $8.5 billion will begin flowing to Ontario First Nations on May 29 to reclaim their child welfare systems.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ontario-first-nations-child-welfare-deal-funding-roll-out-9.7192941?cmp=rss

Manitoba communities pay tribute to MMIWG on Red Dress Day
Communities across Manitoba commemorated Red Dress Day on Tuesday, honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and paying tribute to lost loved ones.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7188971?cmp=rss

Manitoba premier says Speaker was wrong to change legislature rules
The Speaker of the Manitoba Legislature banned members from calling each other names — including racist — to address a decline in decorum. Premier Wab Kinew told CBC Manitoba's Information Morning the Speaker was wrong and asked for the decision to be reversed.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7192960?cmp=rss

Giving birth in a hotel room? For some Indigenous women, gaps in care mean few options
Across many northern and remote Indigenous communities, families must leave weeks before giving birth. Some travel alone, others bring a support person, while children and extended family stay behind.
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/giving-birth-in-a-hotel-room-for-some-indigenous-women-gaps-in-care-mean-few-options-9.7192322?cmp=rss

Residents at Kuujjuaq, Que., elders home to be relocated
The Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre (UTHC) says there are heating issues with the Tusaajiapik elders home, and it’s working on alternative housing options for the facility’s 13 residents, 10 of whom are either bedridden or in wheelchairs.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/kuujjuaq-elders-home-tusaajiapik-relocate-9.7156514?cmp=rss

From protest coverage to emergency updates: Behind the mic at the Dene Tha’ Community School
Teenagers are running a radio station in the First Nations community of Chateh, 850 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. They hope to keep the residents informed in the event of flooding and wildfire that could threaten the northern Alberta reserve.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/dene-tha-community-school-chateh-radio-9.7192997?cmp=rss

Former Manitoba Inuit Association CEO arrested on sexual assault charges
Nastania Mullin, 39, was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant issued by the Nunavut RCMP. He was arrested at a home in Winnipeg Wednesday, police said in a news release.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/former-manitoba-inuit-association-ceo-arrested-on-sexual-assault-charges-9.7159110?cmp=rss

First Nations say they fear 'legislative extinction' under Indian Act's 2nd-generation cut-off
Witnesses before a House of Commons committee Thursday say they fear "legislative extinction" of their First Nations if the federal government does not eliminate the Indian Act's second-generation cut-off.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/bill-s2-indian-act-status-cutoff-9.7192649?cmp=rss

Newly uncovered Inuit animation from the '70s screening for the first time
After more than 50 years, newly uncovered Inuit stop-motion animation reels from the 1970s are being screened across Nunavut.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/newly-uncovered-inuit-animation-reels-from-1970s-screening-for-first-time-9.7159815?cmp=rss

Arguments complete in hearing for First Nations groups opposing Alberta separation referendum
Three First Nations groups appearing in court in Edmonton this week have completed their arguments in their legal fight against a proposed referendum on Alberta separating from Canada.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-separatism-court-first-nations-9.7158636?cmp=rss

Chiefs call for moratorium on N.S. cannabis raids after last week's highway protests
Mi'kmaw chiefs in Nova Scotia are demanding a moratorium on RCMP raids on cannabis stores in their communities.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/mi-kmaw-chiefs-call-for-moratorium-cannabis-raids-9.7159140?cmp=rss

How the Indian Act has impacted the lives of one Anishinaabe family
In 1971, Jeanette Corbiere Lavell challenged the part of the Indian Act that removed a woman's Indian status if she married a non-Indigenous man, asserting that it violated her right to equality under the Canadian Bill of Rights.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indian-act-jeanette-corbiere-lavell-9.7156519?cmp=rss

N.W.T. school boards hope new territorial funds will help fill gap left by Jordan's Principle
N.W.T. schools hope new territorial funding will ensure some cultural programs, mental health resources and trauma-informed support programs at schools continue.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/jordan-s-principle-education-nwt-speech-pathology-9.7155175?cmp=rss

'Very gentle soul': Family, friends devastated after Métis woman, 77, killed in Saskatoon
On a day dedicated to honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, family and friends of Dory Cook had very fresh grief in their hearts.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/dory-cook-homicide-murder-charge-9.7190548?cmp=rss

Innu man dies in custody after 'violation of human dignity,' reports Quebec ombudsman
The Quebec ombudsman identified several failures in the care provided to Philippe Pinette, a 40-year-old Innu man from Uashat, near Sept-Îles on Quebec's North Shore. He died in hospital on Sept. 19, 2022, while under the care of the Quebec City detention centre.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/innu-man-dies-violation-dignity-quebec-ombudsman-9.7191340?cmp=rss

High number of Indigenous people incarcerated concerning but not surprising, says Nunatsiavut Government
The findings of a new study into the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in Newfoundland and Labrador’s correctional facilities are not a surprise, says a representative of the Nunatsiavut Government.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nunatsiavut-government-response-9.7155937?cmp=rss

MMIWG2S+ programs at risk of losing federal funding, say Indigenous women's organizations
At a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, leaders of Indigenous women's organizations called upon the federal government to provide sustained funding to programs addressing missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, two-spirit and gender diverse people.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/mmiwg2s-program-funding-indigenous-women-9.7156396?cmp=rss

Regina program helps young men build new lives outside the justice system
Participants in a Regina program aimed at preventing young Indigenous men from returning to criminal behaviours and incarceration through housing, employment, therapy and connection to cultural activities say it's helping them change their lives.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/regina-program-rtsis-crime-prevention-reintegration-9.7158143?cmp=rss

Former NHL goalie Carey Price among those calling for changes to Indian Act
More witnesses weighed in Tuesday on legislation that would make changes to registration under the Indian Act, including eliminating the second-generation cut-off.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/carey-price-2nd-generation-cutoff-9.7189114?cmp=rss

'Fire-breathing dragons': Indian relay team from Sask. starts gearing up for Calgary Stampede
As the snow starts to melt, the Black Bear Indian relay team starts preparing for its second season. After a successful debut with several victories last year, the team is now setting its sights on achieving even more.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/black-bear-indian-relay-team-sask-2026-calgary-stampede-9.7136329?cmp=rss

Algonquins of Barriere Lake try to keep lights on as federal funding dries up
With funding for its diesel generators set to expire, the Algonquins of Barriere Lake First Nation is searching for a way to keep power flowing in the community. Their chief has been at odds with Indigenous Services Canada and Hydro-Québec on what the long-term solution should be.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/algonquins-of-barriere-lake-power-struggle-indigenous-services-canada-hydro-quebec-9.7191577?cmp=rss

Why First Nations in B.C. are buying up casinos
Both the CEO of a First Nations development arm and an academic say acquiring these businesses provides economic incentive at a time when nations still face barriers to generating wealth.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/first-nations-bc-casino-acquisitions-9.7137178?cmp=rss

Water walk ceremony welcomes community to care for water in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Lakehead University welcomed the community to care for the water in a water walk ceremony around Boulevard Lake in Thunder Bay, Ont., on Friday. The ceremony was the second part of a two-part speaker and experiential learning series focused on Indigenization, cultural health literacy and creating a space in academia for more elders an...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/water-walk-ceremony-9.7158315?cmp=rss

Transportation remains key issue impacting MMIWG2S on Highway of Tears, 2 decades later
Safer transportation to discourage hitchhiking between communities was one of 33 recommendations produced by the original 2006 symposium and took 10 years advocacy to bring to fruition, with gaps persisting.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/mmiwg2s-highway-tears-transportation-9.7159942?cmp=rss

CRTC calling for Indigenous-led radio stations in Ottawa and Toronto
Canada's telecommunications regulator is calling for applications for Indigenous-led FM radio stations in Ottawa and Toronto. Stations dedicated to Indigenous communities have been absent from both markets since First People’s Radio Incorporated ceased operations in September.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/crtc-indigenous-radio-stations-ottawa-toronto-9.7137224?cmp=rss

Manitoba requests military help to prepare Peguis First Nation for major spring flood
The Canadian military has been asked to help prepare Manitoba's largest First Nation community for an expected spring flood that could reach devastating levels.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/peguis-flooding-military-help-requested-9.7157448?cmp=rss

MMIWG2S+ vigil held on Parliament Hill to mark Red Dress Day
A vigil on Parliament Hill Tuesday called for more action into the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/red-dress-day-vigil-parliament-hill-9.7188743?cmp=rss

Rally held in Edmonton to support First Nations’ fight to stop Alberta separation referendum
Signs and the flags of many nations filled Sir Winston Churchill Square in downtown Edmonton on Wednesday as roughly 200 First Nations leaders, community members and supporters gathered to oppose an attempt to force a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-rally-first-nations-court-alberta-referendum-petition-9.7157152?cmp=rss

Cote First Nation elders offer support in the court
Elders from Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan help community members attending court hearings as offenders or victims, by offering support, love and a sense of accountability, as well as cultural guidance.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7158142?cmp=rss