Today, in recognition of their outstanding leadership, Katy Thorne of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and the Lower Nicola Indian Band’s Public Works Team were announced as the 2024 recipients of the National First Nations Water Leadership Award at the Assembly of First Nations’ National Housing and Infrastructure Conference held in Calgary, Alberta.
The Weso’tmk Samqwan Incorporated Framework Agreement was signed on Wednesday, February 19, by Chief Bill Ward of Metepenagiag and Chief George Ginnish of Natoaganeg, Directors of Weso’tmk Samqwan Incorporated, and Tammy Drew-Howse, Associate Regional Director General, ISC Atlantic Region. The agreement serves as a roadmap for transferring water and wastewater management services from the Government of Canada to Weso’tmk Samqwan Incorporated, clearly defining roles and responsibilities. It addresses key gaps in service standards, capacity building, regulations and funding, advancing the goal of self-sufficiency for Mi’kmaw First Nations.
When it comes to Jordan’s Principle, our top priority and our intention have not changed: making sure First Nations children have access to the products, services and supports that they need.
Zhiibaahaasing First Nation Chief Irene Sagon Kells and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, are excited to mark the official groundbreaking of the community's new water treatment plant and major upgrades to its water distribution system.
Today, the Poplar Hill First Nation is joined by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, to celebrate the community's connection to the Ontario power grid, marking an end to their community's reliance on expensive, emissions-intensive diesel-generated electricity.
Canada cannot determine what is best for First Nation children, but does have an important role in undoing injustices and supporting First Nation families.
Five years ago, on January 1, 2020, Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (the Act), came into effect, undoing past harms and affirming the inherent rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services.
T'k̓wenm7íple7tens re Kíkwe is a result of decades of work by Tsq̓éscen̓ leadership, staff, and community, with advice and guidance from Tsq̓éscen̓'s Elders and traditional knowledge keepers.
Since 2016, nearly $8.8 billion has been announced for Jordan’s Principle to meet health, social, and education needs of First Nations children, taking into account their distinct circumstances, needs and experiences. More than 8.2 million products, services and supports have been approved under Jordan's Principle since 2016.
We have worked to develop operations to meet the growing volume of requests. We are reviewing our processes at regional and national levels to be more consistent and clearer on the required documentation and the services First Nations children can access through Jordan’s Principle.
Today’s announcement marks a meaningful step towards comprehensive reform that moves beyond the Indian Act, guided by First Nations, Rights-Holders and impacted individuals.
