Michael Petawabano elected Chief of Mistissini
After a first round of voting ended neck and neck, Michael Petawabano was elected Chief of Mistissini and John S. Matoush as Deputy Chief in a run-off election.
Politics
ᐊ ᓃᑳᓂᔅᑭᑭᓂᐧᐃᒡ ᐊᐱᑎᓰᐧᐃᓐ
Quebec First Nations sign historic education agreement with Ottawa
A five-year, $1.1 billion regional agreement announced July 14 between the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) and the federal government will give 22 First Nations in Quebec financial control over their own education systems.
Meet Your Chiefs: Ouje-Bougoumou Chief Curtis Bosum
Before becoming Chief, Curtis Bosum worked in numerous capacities related to his community’s economic development, including as the Chief Executive Officer of its local development corporation. Earlier in his career, he was involved in organizing the opening of a vehicle dealership in Ottawa and served as general manager of a community-owned snowmobile dealership in Chibougamau.
Suspended in June, RoseAnne Archibald wins vote at AFN general assembly
At a tumultuous meeting of the Assembly of First Nations July 5, RoseAnne Archibald was reinstated as National Chief after being suspended by the AFN executive committee June 17 over complaints of abusing staff.
Cree activist fights Ottawa’s assimilation policies toward off-reserve Indigenous children
The Federal Court of Canada has certified a class-action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of off-reserve Indigenous children who were removed from their families and forced into non-Indigenous foster care between 1992 and 2019.
Labrecque-Saganash to fly the colours of Québec solidaire in the provincial election
Cree voters will see a familiar name on their ballots in the provincial election this October. Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash announced May 29 her intention to run as a Québec solidaire candidate in the Ungava riding.
Indigenous groups to fight law that seeks to eliminate languages other than French in public sphere
Despite growing protests, the National Assembly adopted Bill 96 in a 78-29 vote May 24. The controversial language law reforms the Charter of French Language in all spheres of society, imposing heavier French requirements in the workplace, education and government services.
Quebec First Nations launch initiative to prepare self-government measures
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is launching an Office of Self-Determination and Self-Government to pool research, legislative materials, and training to help First Nations implement their own laws. The office will conduct studies, gather expertise, and develop a “media watch” on issues related to self-determination.
Provincial police back up Eeyou Eenou force amid staffing shortages
Sixteen police officers from the Sûreté du Québec are being “loaned” to four Cree communities as the Eeyou Eenou Police Force (EEPF) says it is operating with staffing levels of only 40%.
Grand Chief reflects on Pope’s apology following Vatican visit
A historic week of meetings with Indigenous leaders from across Canada culminated with Pope Francis expressing his “sorrow and shame” for the “deplorable” abuses at residential schools.