Latest from Brett Forester
Activist warns of ‘propaganda’ as CSIS officials tout agency’s new approach to Indigenous people
Officials at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service say the organization is mending its ways and acknowledging past investigating of Indigenous people has left a legacy of mistrust that persists today. One activist, however, is dismissing the overtures as propaganda.
Canada now approves far fewer Jordan’s Principle education requests in Ontario, tribunal hears
The federal government has drastically cut funding for First Nations kids in Ontario seeking educational support under Jordan’s Principle, a tribunal hearing revealed this week. The money decreased from $122.1 million to just $1.2 million over the same time periods in 2024 versus 2025.
Analysis
Some of 2025’s big stories in Indigenous politics could heat up in 2026
From the ongoing legal battle over Indigenous children's rights to the controversy over the new Liberal government's major projects law or the landmark Cowichan decision in British Columbia, 2025 was a year of both familiar situations and major shifts in the world of Indigenous politics.
Canada's appeal dismissed in battle over fixing mould in Oneida grandmother’s home
The Canadian government has lost in court a second time to a First Nations grandmother fighting to fix extensive mould at her home on Oneida Nation of the Thames, near London, Ont. The decision is the first time the Federal Court of Appeal has considered the legal issues surrounding Jordan's Principle.
Former national chief says AFN lawsuit to move ahead, settlement talks 'stonewalled'
Former Assembly of First Nations national chief RoseAnne Archibald says her $5-million lawsuit against the national advocacy organization is moving forward, after settlement talks “were stalled and stonewalled” for 18 months.
Delayed introduction of First Nations clean water bill 'unacceptable,' say chiefs
Chiefs in Ontario are denouncing the federal government’s delayed introduction of a bill to ensure First Nations have safe drinking water. They're also concerned that Canada intends to weaken proposed legislation before tabling it.
Assembly of First Nations calls for withdrawal of Canada-Alberta pipeline deal
Assembly of First Nations chiefs are demanding the withdrawal of Canada and Alberta’s recently announced new pipeline deal and expressing full support for First Nations on the British Columbia coast that strongly oppose the initiative.
How investigating Indigenous activists became a CSIS priority for at least a decade
Canada's spies subjected Indigenous activists to a series of “Native extremism” investigations for at least a decade beginning in 1988, in what internal documents show was a countrywide surveillance program that became more intrusive following the resistance at Kanehsatà:ke, or the Oka Crisis.
Nunavut MP says kids are starving, as Liberals' budget sparks debate about potential impacts
The federal Liberal government's Indigenous spending plan is rousing questions and debate about the potential impact of a two per cent budget cut alongside a lack of new money for core reconciliation programs.
Indigenous leaders decry budget’s lack of money for key reconciliation programs
Indigenous leaders are concerned after this year’s federal budget left key reconciliation programs without guaranteed money beyond spring 2026. Programs covering education, health and urban Indigenous friendship centres are running out of money, prompting fears they could be terminated or face massive cuts.