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Aboriginal unemployment rate in Canada 2022 | Statista

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From 2007 to 2022, the unemployment rate of Aboriginals in Canada has fluctuated.

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1.the unemployment rate for indigenous has grown by 7.8 % between 2007 and 2022.

2. The big unemployment rate leads to poor condition of life like bad nutrition.

3.If the indigenous people get out of unemployment, they usually go work to jobs that don't pay much and they get accepted at jobs with more difficulty than non in

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Inadequate Housing and Crowded Living Conditions - #3 of 8 Key Issues

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This article explains some of the basic information about the reserve system to understand the housing situation’s complexities better.

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Suicide prevention in Indigenous communities

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Suicide prevention and mental wellness services for Indigenous communities. If you're experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, call the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310. It's toll-free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or connect online at hopeforwellness.ca.

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Indigenous Safe Drinking Water Crisis in Canada- overview — The Indigenous Foundation

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Importance of Clean Water In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the basic human rights to water and sanitation, decreeing that everyone has the right to sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, physically accessible, and affordable water for personal and domestic use. The Sixth

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Safe Water for First Nations

Nothing is more important than clean water.

Yet at any given time there are drinking water advisories in dozens of First Nations communities across Canada. The lack of clean, safe drinking water in First Nations is one of the greatest violations of the UN-recognized human rights to water and sanitation.

While there has been progress in recent years, there are still 28 long term drinking water advisories on reserves including some that have been in place for more than 25 years. There is also a deficit in funding for the maintenance and operation of drinking water systems on reserves, which the Parliamentary Budget Officer identified as amounting to $138 million per year.

Instead, the Liberal government has been promoting public-private partnerships (P3s) as a solution. History has shown that P3s not only cost more, but they also lead to the privatization of water and a loss of community control and jobs. P3s are not the answer to the drinking water crisis in First Nations.

The Council of Canadians fights for safe, clean water for everyone. We support Indigenous peoples' right to self-government and self-determination. Greater control by and for First Nations over water is a basic step toward reconciliation, a requirement of  the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and a necessary precondition to ending drinking water advisories in First Nations for good.

20+ years

Some of the advisories date as far back as 1995 - like Neskantaga First Nation.

July 2010

In 2010, the United Nations declared water and sanitation human rights, acknowledging they are essential to the realization of all other rights.

5,000

A single drinking water advisory can mean as many at 5,000 people lack access to safe, clean drinking water.

73%

73 per cent of First Nations' water systems are at high or medium risk of contamination.

Long-term drinking water advisories with public systems on reserves
First Nation Reserves with long-term drinking water advisories

View the Water Drops photo gallery
Sources:

Alternative Federal Budget, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, February 2019, policyalternatives.ca

Glass half empty? David Suzuki Foundation and Council of Canadians, February 2017

Indigenous Services Canada, Government of Canada, canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada.html

Read more analysis

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Safe Water for First Nations Nothing is more important than clean water. Yet at any given time there are drinking water advisories in dozens of First Nations communities across Canada. Th...

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Indigenous foster children living in private households: Rates and sociodemographic characteristics of foster children and their households

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The current study uses the 2011 National Household Survey and the 2016 and 2021 Censuses to provide data on the number of Indigenous foster children in private households, foster child rates, and disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous foster care rates between 2011 and 2021. Subsequently, select sociodemographic characteristics of Indigenous children in foster care and household characteristics are explored using the 2021 Census.

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The Government of Canada has co-developed, with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, new legislation to reduce the number of Indigenous children and youth in care and improve child and family services.

The Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families came into force on January 1, 2020.

On July 7 the Assembly of First Nations and Government of Canada signed a protocol co-developed by both organizations to establish a new structure to support discussions on the implementation of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
Protocol regarding An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families in relation to the Assembly of First Nations

About the act

Co-developed with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners, the act:

affirms the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services

establishes national principles such as the best interests of the child, cultural continuity and substantive equality

contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

provides an opportunity for Indigenous peoples to choose their own solutions for their children and families

On June 21, 2019, the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families became an official law, and on January 1, 2020, its provisions came into force.

What did the act change?

Indigenous groups who wish to do so can design and deliver child and family services solutions that best suit their needs. Just as the act was co-developed with our partners, we will continue to work with them through the transition and implementation phases of the act.

As of January 1, 2020:

Indigenous groups who have developed their own legislation will have 2 options to exercise jurisdiction under the act.

Every service provider delivering child and family services to Indigenous children and families will need to follow the minimum standards found in the act.

Existing agencies will continue to provide services to Indigenous children.

Agreements related to existing delegated agencies will remain valid unless the parties decide otherwise.

Indigenous groups that choose to exercise their jurisdiction could continue working with delegated agencies or could create their own delivery service models.

The act provides that agreements such as treaties and self-government agreements in relation to child and family services between Indigenous groups and federal, provincial, or territorial governments that predate the coming-into-force of the act prevail in case of conflict.

To facilitate the work of those providing child and family services, information will be posted on the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) website related to notices of intent, coordination agreements and Indigenous laws as they are made available: Notices and requests related to An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

ISC will continue to work with Indigenous groups who wish to exercise their jurisdiction as they decide which option they prefer to use.

To access a list of service providers consult the First Nations Child and Family Services interactive map.

The Repository for notices under section 12 lists contact information for Indigenous governing bodies who have informed ISC directly that they are authorized by an Indigenous group, community or people to receive notice from service providers.

Information on Canada's approach concerning the implementation of the act is currently being updated following feedback received from partners. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Co-development of federal legislation on Indigenous child and family services

During the summer and fall of 2018, the Government of Canada engaged with national, regional and community organizations representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis as well as Treaty Nations, self-governing First Nations and Inuit, provinces and territories, experts and people with lived experience, including Elders, youth and women. 65 engagement sessions were held across the country, with nearly 2,000 participants. These sessions were part of the co-development of legislation that contributes to comprehensive reform of Indigenous child and family services.

Indigenous children in foster care

In Canada, 53.8% of children in foster care are Indigenous, but account for only 7.7% of the child population according to Census 2021.

Results from the 2011 National Household Survey also show that 38% of Indigenous children in Canada live in poverty, compared to 7% for non-Indigenous children.

If you need more information in relation to the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, please contact:

Please note that the phone lines and mailbox are not monitored outside of regular business hours. ISC cannot address specific child and family services delivery concerns, including concerns with service providers. Do not send personal information pertaining to specific service delivery matters.

If you have concerns or inquiries about the safety or well-being of a child, contact the appropriate authorities within your provincial or territorial jurisdiction.

Related links

Thank you for your feedback

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Reducing the number of Indigenous children in care

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We are making progress on the 6 points of action, including engaging with Indigenous partners on the co-development of potential federal legislation on Indigenous child and family services.

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Rate of female homicide victims in Canada by Aboriginal identity | Statista

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This statistic shows the rate of female homicides in Canada from 2001 to 2022, by Aboriginal identity.

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Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
PDF Version
July 2017

Research and Statistics Division

Indigenous women represent 10% of the total population of missing women in Canada

According to the Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: 2015 Update to the National Operational Overview report by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Indigenous women represent 10% (174) of the total population of women in Canada missing for at least 30 days reported by the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) (1,750). Of these, 111 women were identified as missing due to "unknown" circumstances or foul play was suspected.

Proportion of Indigenous women homicide victims increased since 1991

Between 1980 and 2014, there were 6,849 police-reported female homicide cases in Canada. Among the total number of female victims, 16% were Indigenous women. Since 1991, the number of murdered non-Indigenous women has declined. In contrast, the number of murdered Indigenous women has remained relatively stable, thus accounting for an increasing proportion of Indigenous female homicide victims. For example, in 1980, Indigenous women accounted for 9% (18) of female homicide victims, whereas in 2014, they accounted for 21% (30) of female homicide victims. In 2014, the rate of homicide of Indigenous women (3.64 per 100,000) was almost six times higher than non-Indigenous women (0.65 per 100,000).

Higher homicide rate of Indigenous women in the territories

Between 2001 and 2014, the territories had a police-reported homicide rate for Indigenous women that was higher than the overall rate in Canada. The prairies also had a higher police-reported homicide rate of Indigenous women than the overall rate in Canada. The largest difference in police-reported homicide rates between Indigenous women and non-Indigenous women was in the Yukon (12 times higher for Indigenous women) and in Saskatchewan (11 times higher for Indigenous women).

Half of the homicides of Indigenous women were committed by a family member

Of the total solved homicide cases of Indigenous women between 1980 and 2014, half (53%) were committed by a family member, a quarter (26%) by an acquaintance and 8% by strangers. The 2014 homicide survey found that fewer homicides of Indigenous women occurred in a residence (66%) compared to non-Indigenous women (88%). In addition, 17% of homicides of Indigenous women occurred on a street, a road, or a highway compared to 1% of non-Indigenous women.

Footnotes

Footnote 1

Footnote 2

Miladinovic, Z., and Mulligan, L. Homicide in Canada, 2014. Juristat. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-002-X. 2015.

Footnote 3

Footnote 4

Footnote 5

Footnote 6

Footnote 7

Footnote 8

Footnote 9

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Department of Justice Canada's Internet site

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Overrepresentation: The Nature and Extent of the Problem

Failures of the criminal justice system for Indigenous people are manifested in many ways, perhaps most notably in the extreme overrepresentation of Indigenous individuals as incarcerated offenders. This can be demonstrated in two ways: by examining the Indigenous inmate population as a proportion of the total inmate population; and by looking at the comparative rates of Indigenous incarceration and changes in those rates.

The 2017-2018 Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI) pointed to increasing numbers of incarcerated Indigenous people. Indigenous inmates in federal institutions rose from 20 percent of the total inmate population in 2008-2009 to 28 percent in 2017-2018, while representing only 4.1 percent of the overall Canadian population. Similarly, the percentage of federally incarcerated Indigenous women rose from 32 percent of the female inmate population to 40 percent. While proportions of Indigenous incarceration have risen substantially, the overall inmate population (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) has risen only slightly. The Correctional Investigator stated:

In the ten-year period between March 2009 and March 2018, the Indigenous inmate population increased by 42.8% compared to a less than 1% overall growth [in the total adult custodial population] during the same period. As of March 31, 2018, Indigenous inmates represented 28% of the total federal in-custody population while comprising just 4.3% of the Canadian population. The situation continues to worsen for Indigenous women. Over the last ten years, the number of Indigenous federally sentenced women increased by 60%, growing from 168 in March 2009 to 270 in March 2018. At the end of the reporting period, 40% of incarcerated women in Canada were of Indigenous ancestry. These numbers are distressing. (OCI, 2018: 61)

The Department of Justice Canada (2018c) has examined trends in adult federal custody populations based on data points for the last three census years (2006, 2011, and 2016). The Department's report draws a number of conclusions, including the following that relate directly to adult Indigenous individuals admitted to federal correctional institutions:

Although the incarceration rates for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous men have decreased over the past decade, the rate of Indigenous male offenders remains eight times higher than that of non-Indigenous men. The number of Indigenous male offenders continues to increase while the number of non-Indigenous male offenders has decreased slightly.

The incarceration rates and total numbers for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous women have increased over the past decade; the incarceration rate of Indigenous women continues to be much higher (12.5 times) than that of non-Indigenous women. (Department of Justice Canada, 2018c)

Statistics Canada has provided data that expand on the overrepresentation issue by addressing provincial and territorial corrections, as well as federal corrections. In 2016-2017, Indigenous adults accounted for 28 percent of admissions to provincial and territorial correctional services and 27 percent of admissions to federal correctional services (Statistics Canada, 2018a). Yet they represented only 4.1 percent of the total Canadian population ( ibid.). According to Statistics Canada:

An admission is counted each time an individual begins any type of custody or community supervision program. Aboriginal adults represented 4.1% of the Canadian adult population in 2016/2017, while accounting for 28% of admissions to provincial/territorial correctional services and 27% of admissions for federal correctional services. In comparison, in 2006/2007, Aboriginal adults accounted for 21% of admissions to provincial and territorial correctional services (excluding Prince Edward Island and the Northwest Territories) and 19% to federal correctional services. (Statistics Canada, 2018a)

Overall adult admissions to federal institutions (Indigenous and non-Indigenous adults combined) grew less than one percent in 2018. However, Statistics Canada data indicate admissions of Indigenous adults to federal correctional services increased significantly between 2006-2007 and 2016-2017 to 27 percent. The proportion of Indigenous adult admissions to provincial and territorial institutions was slightly higher at 28 percent in 2016-2017 ( ibid.).
The numbers for Indigenous youth involved in provincial and territorial correctional services are even more serious:

Aboriginal youth accounted for 46% of admissions to correctional services in the 10 reporting jurisdictions in 2016/2017, while representing 8% of the general youth population in those same jurisdictions. Aboriginal youth are overrepresented in both custody and community supervision, accounting for 50% of custody admissions and 42% of community supervision admissions. Aboriginal females accounted for a greater proportion of custody admissions among youth relative to their male counterparts. Aboriginal female youth accounted for 60% of female admissions, while Aboriginal male youth made up 47% of male youth admissions. (Statistics Canada, 2018a)

A telling way to see the trend to higher Indigenous incarceration numbers is to compare percentages of adult Indigenous admissions to provincial and territorial correctional services by type of supervision between 2012-2013 and 2016-17. These numbers represent the percentage of Indigenous inmates as a proportion of the total inmate population. It is also important to remember that the Indigenous population as a percentage of the overall Canadian population was only 4.1 percent in 2016-2017 (Statistics Canada, 2018a).

Between 2013-2014 and 2016-2017, total Indigenous admissions to custody rose from 25 percent of total admissions to 30 percent. Sentenced admissions rose from 26 percent to 30 percent. Remands rose from 23 percent to 29 percent. And other custodial statuses rose from 32 percent to 33 percent. (Statistics Canada 2016a; Statistics Canada, 2017a)

A number of significant points arise from these numbers. First, Indigenous admissions to custody are substantially higher than non-Indigenous admissions in all categories. Second, admission percentages for Indigenous offenders increased in all categories between 2012-2013 and 2016-2017. This means, of course, that the admission percentages for non-Indigenous offenders decreased in all categories. Third, when one considers the relative overall Indigenous population size, the differences are striking. For example, while representing 4.1 percent of the overall Canadian population, Indigenous adults accounted for almost 30 percent of total custodial admissions in 2016-2017 (Statistics Canada 2016a; Statistics Canada, 2017a).

It is worth noting that custodial admissions of adult Indigenous offenders vary by province and territory, as do the proportions of Indigenous inmates compared to the relative proportions of Indigenous people in the general population. Ontario, the western provinces, and the territories have significantly higher proportions of Indigenous incarceration relative to the Indigenous percentage of the population than do Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. For example, in 2011-2012, Saskatchewan had a relatively high proportion of Indigenous people in its total adult population at 12 percent, but 78 percent of the total adult incarcerated population were Indigenous. In Nova Scotia, on the other hand, Indigenous adults were 3 percent of the provincial adult population and 11 percent of the incarcerated adult population (Statistics Canada, 2014). Thus, the relative incarceration numbers are lower compared to overall population rates in Nova Scotia than in Saskatchewan. These relative differences apply generally when comparing jurisdictions across the country.

In 2016-2017, Indigenous youth (12 to 17 years) accounted for 8 percent of all youth in the provinces and territories (Department of Justice Canada 2018a). However, in 2016-2017 they accounted for a much higher proportion of young people admitted to the corrections system: 46 percent ( ibid.). The overrepresentation of Indigenous youth was even more disproportionate among girls in 2016-2017. Indigenous female youth accounted for 60 percent of all female youth admitted to provincial and territorial corrections systems, compared to 47 percent for Indigenous male youth (Statistics Canada, 2018a).

Finally, we should look at the victimization of Indigenous people in Canada. Statistics Canada has provided data relating to this problem for the year 2014 (Statistics Canada, 2016c: 3):

In 2014, a higher proportion of Aboriginal people than non-Aboriginal people in Canada reported being victimized in the previous 12 months. Overall, 28% of Aboriginal people living in the provinces and territories compared with 18% of non-Aboriginal people reported being the victim of one of the eight types of offences measured by the General Social Survey (GSS) on Victimization.

In 2014, the overall rate of violent victimization among Aboriginal people was more than double that of non-Aboriginal people (163 incidents per 1,000 people versus 74 incidents per 1,000 people). Regardless of the type of violent offence, rates of victimization were almost always higher for Aboriginal people than for non-Aboriginal people.

While victimization rates are relatively high for Indigenous people, it is important to recognize that this does not mean Indigenous people are inherently more likely to commit crimes, including violent crimes, than non-Indigenous people. Nor are Indigenous people inherently more likely to be victimized than non-Indigenous people. As the Statistics Canada analysis below indicates, being Indigenous in itself is not the most significant risk factor in becoming a victim. Rather, other social and economic factors - both historical and current - have greater statistical weight in potential victimization.

When controlling for various risk factors, Aboriginal identity by itself did not remain associated with increasing one's overall risk of violent victimization. Rather, the higher rates of victimization observed among Aboriginal people appeared to be related to the increased presence of other risk factors among this group-such as experiencing childhood maltreatment, perceiving social disorder in one's neighbourhood, having been homeless, using drugs, or having fair or poor mental health. (Statistics Canada, 2016c)

While this is true in statistical terms, it must be recognized that being Indigenous is often a strong factor in victimization. We know this from the many disturbing examples of violence, including murder, experienced by Indigenous women and young people. The cases addressed by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2019), and the inquiry into the deaths of seven Indigenous high school students in Thunder Bay from 2000 to 2011 (Talaga, 2017) demonstrate this point. The problem is further complicated by the fact that colonialism, socio-economic marginalization, and systemic discrimination always play a role in these terrible cases.

Numerous Commissions of Inquiry and courts, including RCAP (1996), the TRC (2015), and the Supreme Court of Canada (various rulings), have confirmed that a broad range of factors have contributed to the overrepresentation of Indigenous people as offenders and victims. These factors are discussed in the following section.

Footnotes

Footnote 5

Slight discrepancies appear in different official publications with respect to the Indigenous percentage of the overall Canadian population; for example, while the OCI estimated the percentage of Indigenous people to be 4.3 percent of the total Canadian population, Statistics Canada concluded the proportion to be 4.1 percent.
Absolutely accurate Indigenous population counts are difficult to achieve and may vary according to timing and the enumeration techniques employed. Regardless, the variances are small enough such that they do not affect the message in the overall incarceration numbers as expressed here. See Footnote 11.

Footnote 6

Footnote 7

Footnote 8

Footnote 9

Footnote 10

Footnote 11

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Overrepresentation: The Nature and Extent of the Problem - Research and Statistics Division - Overrepresentation of Indigenous People in the Canadian Criminal Justice System: Causes and Responses

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Department of Justice Canada’s Internet site

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Over-representation of Indigenous persons in adult provincial custody, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021

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This Juristat article presents data and information on the extent of Indigenous over-representation in correctional systems across Canada in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, using three new corrections indicators recently developed: Incarceration Rates for Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons, the Over-Representation Index, and the Custodial Involvement Rate. In addition, trends in the use of bail and remand will be explored, along with possible impacts on over-representation. The findings are presented from five provincial correctional service programs reporting to the Canadian Correctional Services Survey (CCSS): Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.

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Colleges and Institutes Canada | By the Numbers: Indigenous Post-Secondary Education in Canada

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Indigenous postsecondary education in Canada is a dynamic landscape marked by resilience, progress, and ongoing challenges. The latest data from Statistics…

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Postsecondary educational attainment and labour market outcomes among Indigenous peoples in Canada, findings from the 2021 Census

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This study uses data from the 2021 Census to report on postsecondary educational attainment and labour market outcomes among Indigenous adults aged 25 to 64 years. As First Nations people, Métis and Inuit are more likely to live in certain regions, which can impact their participation in both education and the labour market, the article pays particular attention to patterns in educational attainment and employment among those residing in remote areas, on reserve, and communities across Inuit Nunangat.

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K-12 - Elementary and Secondary Education

First Nations students have the Inherent and Treaty right to receive an education that is in accordance with their culture, values, traditions, and languages - free from prejudice and discrimination.

The AFN Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) and the National Indian Education Council (NIEC) are guided by Resolution 16/2016, Honourable Process to Develop Recommendations to Support First Nations Education Reform, which calls for full and meaningful regional First Nations participation on First Nations education reform, requires any draft federal legislation on First Nations education to be ratified by Chiefs-in-Assembly, and demands that Canada honours and upholds its constitutional obligation for inherent and Treaty rights to education.

First Nations K-12 Education Transformation

Budget 2016

Budget 2016 allocated $2.6 billion over five years for improving primary and secondary education for First Nations children and $129.4 million over two years for supporting early learning and child care. On December 5, 2017, First Nations-in-Assembly resolved to support AFN Resolution 65/2017, New Interim Funding Approach for First Nation Education. This has resulted in the co-development of a Policy Proposal for a new funding approach to First Nations on-reserve education to support students, schools and communities.

New Interim Regional Funding Models

As of April 1, 2019, the series of new interim regional funding models for elementary and secondary education have been implemented. First Nations across the country are at various stages of implementation, experiencing diverse challenges and successes. Many First Nations are engaging in regional technical table meetings to further examine their interim formulas to determine next steps, as the provincial comparability standards are inadequate to achieving substantive equality and improved outcomes

AFN Resolution 35/2019

In July 2020, First Nations-in-Assembly passed AFN Resolution 35/2019, Additional Funding for First Nations Elementary and Secondary Education, to call on the Government of Canada to provide additional investments in 2020 for First Nations elementary and secondary education in order to complete local, Treaty and/or regional education agreements that accurately and adequately reflect the diverse needs and circumstances of First Nations learners, schools, communities and education organizations.

Post-Secondary Education

The AFN advocates for increased funding and stronger First Nations jurisdiction and control over First Nations post-secondary education and adult learning.

First Nations are exercising the right to self-determination and their self-government right to direct and make decisions regarding all aspects of education, including post-secondary education. First Nations have Inherent, constitutional, human, and Treaty rights to education that accords with their respective cultures, values, traditions and languages to support holistic lifelong learning.

First Nations require adequate, predictable, sustainable and equitable funding and resources to support strong student outcomes, develop local capacity, support community-based delivery of post-secondary education programs, and establish and advance First Nations post-secondary institutions through First Nations-led local, regional and Treaty-based post-secondary education models.

First Nations are in the process of negotiating and concluding their own post-secondary education models.

Education Infrastructure

First Nations students have an Inherent and Treaty right to education, including education infrastructure as part of their lifelong learning process. This includes the right to safe, equitable and sustainable education infrastructure that incorporates the unique needs of First Nations students.

The work in First Nations Education Infrastructure is mandated through the AFN Resolution 34/2019, First Nations Education Infrastructure Review. First Nations-in-Assembly resolved to support policy or program changes in regards to First Nations education infrastructure that reflect the true needs of our students. These needs include identifying and addressing the improvement required in capital, repairs, transportation, operations and maintenance and more.

The CCOE, NIEC, and the AFN have been mandated to lead this review that will ensure First Nations students have safe, adequate and sustainable education infrastructure.

Federal Commitments

Budget 2019

As of March 31, 2019, more than $585.7 million of targeted funds has been invested to support education-related infrastructure projects.

Budget 2016

Budget 2016 provided $969.4 million over 5 years for First Nations education infrastructure, in addition to $500 million remaining from Budget 2014.

It's Our Time: First Nations Education Digital Toolkit

The AFN has developed It's Our Time First Nations Education Toolkit as the basis of a comprehensive strategy to reach out to First Nations students, teachers, schools, communities and the Canadian public at large.

The resource is designed to bring together First Nations and non-First Nations people and foster a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and action.

For more information please visit It's Our Time: The AFN Education Toolkit

Technical and Chiefs Committees

First Nations-in-Assembly establish committees by way of resolution to lead work or take action on specific subjects. Once established, committee members are appointed following each region's formal rules, policies, and procedures for the operations of the regional Assembly of First Nations (AFN) offices. Chiefs' committees and technical committees provide recommendations to the AFN, the Executive Committee, and the First Nations-in-Assembly.

National Indian Education Council

The mandate of the National Indian Education Council (NIEC) is to use technical expertise and knowledge of grassroots and First Nations education to advise the Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) and the AFN on education matters relating to First Nations on a national level.

The NIEC also assists the CCOE in the development of new funding mechanisms for First Nations Education that support First Nations' development of a holistic, culturally responsive, high-quality education for First Nations Students for joint collaboration.

Chiefs Committee on Education

The mandate of the CCOE is to provide political direction, advice and recommendations on education matters affecting First Nations to the National Chief and the AFN Executive Committee, and the AFN Languages and Learning Sector. While a national body, the CCOE will pass recommendations through a regional lens.

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AFN's Education Policy Sector advocates to ensure that students receive high quality, linguistically and culturally appropriate education.

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Health is a basic human right.

But across Canada, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and communities face unacceptable health disparities.

Due to the legacy of colonialism and systemic racism, Indigenous Peoples are more likely than other Canadians to experience persistent poverty, contributing to food insecurity and barriers to housing and education - key contributors to chronic illnesses and other health challenges.

And seeking medical care is fraught. Indigenous Peoples face extreme and inequitable barriers to accessing care, including a dire lack of health services, particularly in remote communities. They also experience anti-Indigenous racism in health systems, and face a lack of cultural safety and acceptance of Indigenous health and healing models. These barriers have led to disproportionately poorer health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in comparison to the non-Indigenous population in Canada.

Within Indigenous communities, health workers of any kind are in short supply. Despite making up more than 4.5% of Canada's population, less than 1% of the country's physicians identify as Indigenous.

We have a teaching called Seven Generations, meaning I'm the product of seven generations and my impact will be felt forward for seven generations. So we have a responsibility to the younger generations that they not only survive medical school, but thrive throughout their medical careers.
- Dr. Nel Wieman, Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada president (IPAC)

These issues were highlighted in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report on the devastating legacy of Canada's residential schools. Eight of the 94 calls to action are aimed at wide-ranging transformations to health care, from requiring medical schools to facilitate training on Indigenous issues to recognizing the value of Indigenous healing practices.

As part of its long-term strategic work, the Canadian Medical Association Board unanimously called for action to address the ongoing structural inequities that marginalize Indigenous communities and to advance their inclusion in social systems - including health care.

Indigenous Peoples guiding the change

Improving health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples must start with Indigenous voices leading the way.

In June 2022, the CMA convened a Guiding Circle with 16 First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, experts and knowledge-keepers. Together, they will identify areas of focus for the CMA's work on Indigenous health going forward.

The Guiding Circle is an opportunity to address the historic devaluation, and in many cases outright dismissal, of Indigenous Peoples' voices regarding their own health care.
- Dr. Alika Lafontaine, CMA president

An Indigenous lens is critical to our work on health and climate change. The CMA's contribution to Canada's first National Adaptation Strategy includes a call to fund, promote and learn from Indigenous-led, land-based mitigation efforts.

The CMA advocates for better health policies affecting Indigenous Peoples. In May 2022, CMA President Dr. Alika Lafontaine appeared before a House of Commons committee to discuss the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, explaining how improving its administration and accessibility is key to addressing health inequities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.

The CMA Foundation continues to support the work of Indigenous-led organizations, most recently with a $2-million contribution to the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund and a $1-million grant to the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada to support the sustainability and longevity of the organization and to develop a national mentorship program.

The CMA also continues to build awareness of the impact of colonialization on Indigenous health through training for employees, and through public-facing projects such as the film The Unforgotten.

Building relationships with Indigenous partners

The CMA is in the process of building meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives, most notably with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the member-based organization that represents Indigenous physicians and medical learners.

In order to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in all of its work, the CMA continues to solicit expertise from Indigenous organizations such as NVision, an Indigenous-owned and led consultancy group.

I am pleased to hear that the CMA is looking deeply at their history and also the role that physicians have played in the history of Canada. Recognition of the truths of the traumas inflicted, as well as the ongoing harm and racism occurring today in healthcare, will be essential if we are to support healing through partnered action rooted in a common understanding.
- Tammy White Quills-Knife, CMA Patient Voice

What physicians can do to help

Collaboration with physicians and learners of all ages, stages and specialties, from rural and remote communities as well as big cities, is essential for a better way forward.
Find out how to get involved with the CMA's work. Read more about CMA's areas of focus

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Health is a basic human right. But across Canada, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and communities face unacceptable health disparities. Due to the legacy of colonialism and systemic racism, Indigenous Peoples are more likely than other Canadians to experience persistent poverty, contributing to food insecurity and barriers to housing and education - key contributors to chronic illnesses and other health challenges.

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Current Reality April 16, 2024: Budget 2024 invests $918M over 5 years to accelerate work in narrowing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis housing and infrastructure gaps. Only $176M is budgeted for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The AFN estimates $350B is needed to close the gap by 2030; the Inuit Tapariit Kanatami estimate that $55.3B is needed over 10 years PLUS $800M annually for operations and maintenance for the next 25 years. March 19, 2024: Four audits and 20 years later, the federal government and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, commonly called the CMHC, have made “little progress” in improving housing in First Nations communities across the country, says Auditor General Karen Hogan. “Indigenous Services Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation have been mandated to work with First Nations to meet their housing needs by 2030. We found that 80% of these needs were still not met with 7 years left before 2030,” Hogan said in a report issued Tuesday. According to the audit, there are 119,000 housing units in approximately 600 First Nations in Canada. Hogan found that people living on First Nations are “4 times more likely to live in crowded housing and 6 times more likely to live in housing in need of major repairs than non‑Indigenous people, according to Canada’s 2021 Census.” First Nation, Inuit and Métis are the fastest growing population in Canada – increasing 9.4 per cent from 2016 to 2021 according to the latest census. Sept. 22, 2022: The 2021 census finds about 17.1 per cent of Indigenous people live in crowded homes, and 16.4 per cent live in homes in need of major repairs with the worst conditions on the prairies. Manitoba had 36 per cent of its First Nations population living in crowded housing, with 29 per cent in housing in need of serious repairs. In Saskatchewan, the figure came in at 34 per cent and 25 per cent. Other facts (not from the census): One in five Indigenous people who live off-reserve are homeless or live in overcrowded, unsafe or inadequate housing. A new Statistics Canada study, commissioned by The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) Project and funded by Indigenous Services Canada finds that mortality and morbidity related to fire, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning Indigenous Peoples are: over five times more likely to die in a fire. That number increases to over 10 times for First Nations people living on reserves Inuit are over 17 times more likely to die in a fire than non-Indigenous people Rates among Métis were higher than non-Indigenous estimates (2.1), but these rates were not significantly different. There is no national fire protection code that mandates fire safety standards or enforcement on reserves. All other jurisdictions in Canada including provinces, territories, and other federal jurisdictions (such as military bases, airports, and seaports) have established building and fire codes. Inuit Throughout their traditional homelands, Inuit face an acute housing crisis which threatens their health and safety. This persistent and growing housing shortage has been characterized as one of the most significant public health emergencies in this country. Severe overcrowding, substandard homes, and a lack of affordable and suitable housing options has left many Inuit families one step away from homelessness; an unsettling reality in one of the harshest climates in the world. In Nunavik alone, over half of Inuit families live in overcrowded housing. In far too many communities, up to 15 people, including young children, live in small and crumbling three bedroom units. The effect of these conditions, on children in particular, is deeply troubling. Overcrowding results in higher levels of domestic violence and abuse, placing children in unacceptably vulnerable situations. The lack of decent and affordable housing continues to have serious public health repercussions throughout the Inuit territories. Tuberculosis, which is rare in southern Canada, occurs among Inuit at a rate over 250 times higher than for non-Indigenous Canadians. Inuit families are at higher risk for mental health problems, including stress and anxiety. High levels of respiratory infections among Inuit children, such as chronic lung disease after lower respiratory tract infections, are also linked to crowding and poorly ventilated homes. “We can do better: Housing in Inuit Nunangat”. Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, 2017

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1 Most of the indigenous people that live in inadequate housing have mold and a lot of moisture in the walls, this can cause medical respiratory issues.

2 The Inuit community has the most poor conditions of life

3 Because the indigenous kids don't have right conditions to study that explains a little why they have a lower success rate at school.

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1. The suicide rate is rising for indigenous people but mostly for those that live in the north

2. For the youth, the cause of suicide is mostly because of colonial issues, discriminations and loss of their culture

3. The rate of the youth suicide in indigenous communities is 5 times bigger that the rest of Canada.

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1 If clean water would be accessible for all the indigenous people there would be less diseases in their communities

2 Clean water is a human right, and because they don't have it this right is not respected

3 A new water advisory could help as much as 5000 people to have good water.

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1 Big overerepresentation of indigenous kids in foster care

2 They are mostly there because of abuse and neglect

3 In foster care they are separated from their culture and have no access to their history and traditions

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1 There is less non indigenous that are murdered than indigenous women

2 In territories there are the most homicides of indigenous woman

3 The most of murders were caused by a family member of theirs

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The incarceration rate of Indigenous peoples in Canada should be labelled a national crisis. The flaws in the justice system are insidious and perpetuate the cycle of poverty and marginalization that is the reality for far too many Indigenous people. The situation is of such enormity that of 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, 18 are devoted to Justice, plus another three aimed at Equity in the Legal System - more than double those committed to any other issue.

Indigenous adults accounted for about one-third of all adult admissions to provincial and territorial (31%) and federal (33%) custody while representing approximately 5% of the Canadian adult population in 2020.

Indigenous youth accounted for one-half (50%) of youth admissions to custody in 2020/2021 while representing about 8% of the youth population.

The above statistics are not unique to the era - the incarceration rates of Indigenous people have been disproportionally high for decades. Measures have been taken from changes to Criminal Code to Supreme Court of Canada rulings, but nothing has changed. The incarceration rates keep climbing. Since 1989, eleven Royal Commissions or Commissions of Inquiry have addressed the issue of Indigenous justice either directly or as one among many questions regarding Indigenous people in Canada.

What are Gladue Reports?

Looking at the early days of the penitentiary system, which began with the 1834 Penitentiary Act, one of its goals was to reform inmates into industrial workers through "solitary imprisonment, accompanied by well-regulated labour and religious instruction." [1] The prison chaplains had a high authority level and acted as teachers. Following sentencing, inmates entered an imposing building where they were searched, their belongings seized, their hair cut short, and their clothing burned - effectively severing links to their former lives. Sound familiar?

Prisons and residential schools were two sides of the same coin. Two federal institutions with the same goal, albeit one less directly focused on Indigenous people - to divest Indigenous people of their connection to their land, history and culture; through assimilation to "do away with the Indian problem."

The passing of the Indian Act in 1876 put Indigenous people on a path of increasing intersections with the law. Under the repressive measures of the Indan Act, overtime, it was an offence for an Indigenous person:

To keep their children out of residential schools

To practice cultural ceremonies

To leave the reserve without a permit

To sell farm products without a permit

To hire a lawyer

To form political organizations

Injustice and Indigenous Women

Despite decades of legislative and policy efforts to address systemic racism and misogyny in the criminal legal system, the overrepresentation of Indigenous women in federal prisons has continued to skyrocket. As of May 6, 2022, Indigenous women account for half of all women in federal prisons, yet represent fewer than 4% of women in Canada. [2]

The "Injustices and Miscarriages of Justice Experienced by 12 Indigenous Women" report lists ten systematic factors leading to miscarriages of justice for Indigenous women:

1. Genocidal colonial forced removals from lands, institutionalization (from reserves, residential schools, mental asylums, Indian hospitals, to prisons) where Indigenous Peoples were subjected to violence and forced assimilation, and exclusion from the safety of communities due to the Indian Act resulting in intergenerational trauma, marginalization and lack of access to adequate economic, social, health and other supports

2. Victimization, hyper-responsibilization and deputization

3. Hyper-responsibilization and criminalization as a result of trying to survive and navigate marginalization and violence

4. Bias with respect to police responses, particularly investigation and charging practices

5. Bias in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, exacerbated by the distortion of charging and plea-bargaining practices occasioned by mandatory minimum penalties

6. Lack of application of section 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code and inadequate contextualization of racism, sexism and violence in legal defences of Indigenous women

7. Failure to consider alternatives to punitive sentences, in particular as a result of mandatory minimum penalties

8. Discriminatory risk assessment and classification tools, practices and policies, and consequent limited access to programs, services and conditional release within the prison system

9. Unending nature and ongoing impacts of life sentences

10. Perpetuation of vicious circle of children in foster care, forced separation of Indigenous women from their children and communities and greater likelihood of them ending up in prison than in post-secondary education

The over-representation of Indigenous women in higher security levels has been a concern for decades. The Office of the Correctional Investigator's 2021-2022 Annual Report highlights the ongoing high percentage (65%) of Indigenous women classified as maximum security. The Auditor also points his finger at the reason:

A deeper dive into the situation uncovers that this over-representation is largely the result of systemic bias and racism, including discriminatory risk assessment tools, ineffective case management, and bureaucratic delay and inertia.

Prison culture

Residential schools were the tool the federal government used to effectively separate students (150,000 over the 150+ years the schools were in operation) from their culture, spirituality, community and family. The outcome was the majority of those who survived (over 6,000 died or disappeared) were culturally rudderless. The loss of culture continues to impact the families of residential school survivors. When Indigenous offenders enter the prison system, they are introduced to prison culture where violence solves problems. And when they are released, they take that toxic prison culture back to their communities.

For some residential school survivors whose trauma is so overwhelming, building a life outside an institution is not feasible. They commit crimes to be incarcerated because at least they will have food and a bed in a warm building. Indigenous youth have also been known to commit crimes on a Friday afternoon so that they can spend the weekend with access to food and a safe bed away from family violence.

Federal restorative programs have primarily focused on rehabilitation after sentencing; however, in 2022, the federal government launched the "Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism," designed to break the cycle of reoffending, support rehabilitation, and make the communities safer for everyone. The Framework was created following the royal assent of Bill C-228, or the Reduction of Recidivism Framework Act, in June 2021. The five priority areas identified to assist offenders are housing; education; employment; health; and positive support networks.

Coincidentally, we have identified four of those five priorities in our article, 8 Key Issues for Indigenous Peoples in Canada; follow the links for deeper dives into each issue.

The Framework, while well-intentioned, is treating the symptoms, not the underlying disease, which is a justice system rooted in colonialism. A more holistic approach is required, and that means a return to self-government, self-determination and self-reliance.

The TRC's calls to action for reconciliation are the guidelines for all of us to follow if we are going to support intergenerational healing and de-escalate the rate of Indigenous people in the justice system.

[1] Adema, Seth, "More than Stone and Iron: Indigenous History and Incarceration in Canada, 1834-1996" (2016). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive).
[2] Injustices and Miscarriages of Justice Experienced by 12 Indigenous Women
Featured photo: Kingston Penitentiary, Kingston, Canada. Photo: Unsplash

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Higher Levels of Incarceration - #6 of 8 Key Issues

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The incarceration rate of Indigenous people in Canada should be labelled a national crisis. This blog post digs into why.

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1.The fact that there are a lot of indigenous people in prisons affects the other issues like poverty and the levels of indigenous children in forte care

2.Indigenous men are very more likely to be incarcerated than a man for example.

3.Even if their population is small and it is not a big percentage of Canada's population, there are a big percentage of people in prison

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1 Things like the lack of food, poverty and historical injustice can affect the path of studies of an indigenous person.

2 The post secondary school is often fa away from certain regions where a lot of indigenous youth lives

3 indigenous people often don't study past a bachelor degree, they often stop studying to go work

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1 It is difficult for them top having access to heath care, especially when they live in remote communities

2 They often phase racism in the health care system when they go to get medical help.

3 Poverity, bad alimentation, and the lack of housing can cause medical issues to them

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The housing needs in Inuit communities are the highest amongst all populations in Canada, with 40 per cent of Inuit living in overcrowded housing compared with six per cent of Canadians as a whole. In 2011, the "core" housing need - meaning the number of people needing access to suitable housing - was 33.6 per cent for Inuit, compared with 12.5 per cent Canada-wide.

Throughout Inuit Nunangat, a deep and costly housing crisis has persisted for decades. It began in the second half of the 20th century when more Inuit began to live in permanent settlements. In some cases, Inuit were forced to relocate to other settlements by federal, provincial and territorial governments because their communities were seen as too small or too remote to provide services. Commitments were made to provide housing to Inuit settling in these communities, but the housing provided was extremely inadequate. Many spent their first few years living in the communities in tents because no housing was available when they were relocated. Communities were instantly overcrowded, and households were ill-equipped by all standards, let alone those living in Arctic and Subarctic conditions.

Inuit experience enormous stress from the negative effects of overcrowded and inadequate housing.

Chart showing the barriers to housing in the Inuit regions

Inuit communities lack the numerous and diverse housing options available in southern Canada. The housing continuum for most Inuit communities is generally restricted to public housing units for the majority of Inuit, government staff housing subsidized by employers and very expensive single-family dwellings that are limited to the few communities large enough to have private housing markets.

Because housing affects every aspect of life, including work, health, education and family, it is crucial that quality housing be made available to everyone. Inuit experience enormous stress from the negative effects of overcrowded and inadequate housing. The Inuit population is the youngest population in the country, with a median age of 23. Throughout Inuit Nunangat, the chronic lack of housing stifles youth social mobility, with overcrowding linked to increased health problems for youth, who often find it difficult to get enough sleep or find a quiet place to study and do their homework. Having access to appropriate and affordable housing is critical for improving education and learning along with health and well-being.

Today, Inuit are involved in the direct management of housing in their communities. In addition to managing housing directly, each Inuit land claims organization has well-established and reliable construction divisions and economic development organizations that were created to ensure the maximum level of benefits remain in Inuit communities.

The solutions for improving housing outcomes will not look the same for all regions. Each Inuit region is unique in terms of housing delivery, roles and responsibilities (the nature of partnerships within each jurisdiction for the delivery of housing) and specific housing needs. In addition to inconsistent or non-existent access to federal housing funding, as described above, the criteria associated with federal and provincial programs generally do not result in appropriate housing solutions for Inuit communities.

View of a typical Inuit community that lacks the diverse housing options available in Southern Canada

Affordability is the biggest barrier to increasing private home ownership or rental options for Inuit in Inuit Nunangat. Housing construction and operation and maintenance costs in Inuit communities are extremely high. When combined with the high cost of living and the low income levels of many Inuit families, renting or owning a home, without significant subsidies, is impossible. The federal government's national housing strategy (a 10-year, $40-billion plan announced in late 2017) and subsequent policies and programs must take into consideration how these high costs drastically and negatively impact life in Inuit communities. The government must commit to work in partnership with Inuit to find ways to reduce the costs associated with lot development, construction and operations and maintenance, including the transportation of materials. Having access to direct, flexible investments would ensure that Inuit authorities can make the most impact toward addressing the needs in their communities.

Targeted efforts in the Inuit regions are leading to improved housing designs that will hopefully begin to spread further throughout Inuit communities, helping to ensure the sustainability of housing in Inuit Nunangat. One example of an improved design is a prototype duplex constructed in Nunavik, Que., following collaboration from a number of partners. A second example is a sixplex design under construction in Nunatsiavut by the Nunatsiavut government.

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The housing needs in Inuit communities are the highest amongst all populations in Canada, with 40 per cent of Inuit living in overcrowded housing compared with six per cent of Canadians as a whole. In 2011, the "core" housing need - meaning the number of people needing access to suitable housing - was 33.6 per cent for Inuit, compared with 12.5 per cent Canada-wide.

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Stefania Giesbrecht was hoping that by the time she finished her studies, she could move back to her community of Saugeen First Nation.

But after nine years on a wait-list, the single mother of three said she has no idea when she will be able to make the move to the community on the shores of Lake Huron near Owen Sound, Ont.

"I put myself onto the waiting list, and my mother went on the waiting list and my sister went on the waiting list," she said.

"And none of us have got any updates."

Giesbrecht said she wants to live on-reserve to immerse her children in their culture. That is something her mother couldn't do as a child of the Sixties Scoop, when Indigenous children were forcefully removed from their families and placed in foster homes by child-welfare authorities.

Giesbrecht said she doesn't blame the community leadership, often referred to as band office officials, for the lengthy wait.

But she does hold the federal government accountable for chronic underfunding that has affected generations, and makes it difficult for First Nations communities to grow in size.

"When the Canadian government intended to assimilate Indigenous people into the body politic, they had no intention of providing us housing for a bigger populace," she said.

Canada's housing shortage has become a major issue in federal politics as people struggle to afford home prices and rent.

But in some Indigenous communities, inadequate housing is nothing new.

Billions of dollars worth of investment needed: AFN

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) had said last year there was a need for $44 billion to address current on-reserve housing needs alone, plus another $16 billion to account for projected population growth to 2040.

Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu noted that figure when she told the Globe and Mail ahead of last year's budget that she had made an "ambitious" request, although she did not detail the specific amount she had wanted to see.

The 2022 federal budget ended up committing $4 billion over seven years for building and repairing housing in Indigenous communities, including $2.4 billion over five years for housing on First Nations reserves.

Communities say the investments fall far short of what they need.

Only a few thousand people live on-reserve in Peguis First Nation, north of Winnipeg, but there is a shortage of 800 homes.

Chief Stan Bird said families are forced to live in overcrowded homes and the situation is becoming more dire.

One family of 11 is sharing a three-bedroom home, he said. Two of the people living there have chronic health conditions.
LISTEN | How immigration interacts with housing affordability:
"We're in a housing crisis," said Bird. "We've been in this position for a number of years."

"People are tired - I'm tired," he said. "People are growing angry."

Still, the AFN is hoping it can close the gap before 2030.

The Indigenous advocacy organization is working with the federal government to co-develop and implement a national strategy for First Nations housing and related infrastructure.

As of August, the estimated cost to bring housing and infrastructure on reserves up to general Canadian standards is more than $342 billion, with housing alone accounting for $135 billion of that.

The lack of adequate federal investment in Indigenous housing is also a concern off-reserve.

A report by the parliamentary budget officer in 2021 found that after taking into account current programs, there was a $636-million annual gap between what Indigenous households in urban, rural and northern areas can afford to pay for adequate shelter, and the cost of obtaining it.

This year's federal budget earmarked $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement an urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing strategy through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. that is co-developed with First Nations, Inuit and Métis. That was on top of the $300 million over five years in the 2022 budget.

But that is less than what the National Housing Council, an advisory body to the federal government, had said was needed. The council had recommended at least $6.3 billion over two years beginning in 2022-23.

In June, the federal government also announced $287.1 million of "immediate funding" to address the critical need for safe and affordable Indigenous housing projects.

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Federal underfunding of Indigenous housing leads to years-long wait-lists, frustration | CBC News

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The housing shortage has become a major issue in federal politics as people struggle to afford home prices and rent. But in some Indigenous communities, inadequate housing is nothing new. The Assembly of First Nations has said $44 billion is required to address current on-reserve housing needs.

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Context

INAN adopted the following motion on February 15, 2022:

"That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study on the effects of the housing shortage on Indigenous Peoples across Canada; that the committee invite the Minister of Indigenous Services, experts and government officials to examine this issue; that the committee hold a maximum of six meetings on this issue; that the study takes into consideration and builds on the evidence from the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities report entitled Indigenous Housing: The Direction Home (adopted on Thursday, May 6, 2021), the Parliamentary Budget Officer report on Urban, Rural and Northern Housing (Thursday, February 11, 2021); that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House; and that the committee request that the government table a comprehensive response to the report within a year."
Background
The Ministers' March 4, 2022 appearance will launch the INAN study on the Effects of Housing Shortage on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The committee will hold a maximum of six (6) meetings on this study. Future meeting dates and witnesses lists for the remainder of the study are not yet available.

INAN's most recent focus has been on a study of the Barriers to Indigenous Economic Developmen t, which it launched on February 4, 2022. The key issues that were raised during the economic barriers study relate to the inaccessibility to funding for Indigenous communities, (leading to a lack of stable revenue); education; inaccessibility to energy and transportation infrastructure; and, housing disparities. The ISC and Northern Affairs Ministers appeared with officials on February 11, 2022.
Membership
MP Jamie Schmale (CPC), critic for Indigenous Services, has been vocal on housing disparities affecting Indigenous populations. Specifically, the member had advocated for an increase in funding to address issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as overcrowding in First Nations communities. "The need for proper housing in Indigenous communities should be top of mind for everyone in this place. During the pandemic we have all seen the crowded situations and the fact that the virus does spread quicker inside tight spaces with lots of people. This is where governments need to re-evaluate how they are doing business because in many cases, the First Nations communities have ideas and ways to fix this problem." (Hansard, Budget Implementation Act, June 11, 2021)

MP Martin Shields (CPC), Deputy Critic for Minister for Indigenous Services, has been critical of the history surrounding Indigenous populations that are now affecting Indigenous cultures and languages. The member has made considerable efforts to advocate for First Nations in his riding, such as the Siksika Nation, and has indicated they are experiencing housing problems. (Hansard, November 5, 2020).

MP Shannon Stubbs (CPC), new member for INAN, has been vocal about reconciliation and economic development in Indigenous communities and has advocated for further investments to improve housing disparities. "However, while Conservatives made historic investments and took action regarding Indigenous culture, education, housing and water treatment under the previous government, the reality is that a total reliance on federal funding will never provide the future that First Nations want for their children. That is why Indigenous economic reconciliation and empowerment are also important to Conservatives." (Hansard, Indigenous Languages Act, May 9, 2019)

MP Gary Vidal (CPC), critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations, has spoken about the lack of funding allocated to Indigenous communities in the Prairies, as well as the need for better housing. "Madam Chair, I asked in question period the other day whether we could expect, for the First Nations-owned lumber mill in my riding, to have the $20 million that have been withheld in tariffs returned to it through this process ... Can this lumber mill in Saskatchewan that has $20 million tied up, which is not being used for First Nations to provide social housing and other benefits to its communities, expect to get its $20 million back, and when it might happen?" (Hansard, December 1, 2021)

MP Lori Idlout (NDP), newly elected MP, new member of INAN, and critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, has noted the need for better housing for Indigenous people affected by the opioid crisis, as well as better housing for seniors. She recently spoke about the need for better housing for people in Nunavut. "All the while Nunavummiut also continue to struggle amidst a housing crisis. A 2020 report from the Nunavut Housing Corporation said there are an estimated 56% of Inuit that live in overcrowded homes." (Debates, February 15, 2022).

MP Marilène Gill (BQ), critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, has been an active advocate for Indigenous issues, specifically the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 72-78. The member has recently been more vocal on housing in Indigenous communities. "People will correct me if I am wrong, but according to everyone I have spoken with, housing is a cornerstone of First Nations development and well-being." (Hansard, December 8, 2021).

MP Jenica Atwin (LIB), new member for INAN, has focused on issues relating to Indigenous youth throughout her career, primarily focusing on education. Recently, the member has spoken out on issues relating to Indigenous housing in contrast with other intersectional influences, such as water quality, poverty and racism. "I am thinking of court cases, child welfare, residential school survivors, the boil water advisories, the lack of action on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the snail's pace of implementing the TRC recommendations, the poverty, the state of housing." (Hansard, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, April 15, 2021)

MP Jaime Battiste (LIB), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, has been strong advocate for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit issues throughout his career. He has spoken about the inequalities that Indigenous people face, and the effects of poverty on Indigenous youth. "To me, it is hard to look those in my community in the eye when the rate of children in poverty is 75% in my community despite their having a right to earn a moderate livelihood." (Hansard, Emergency Debate, October 19, 2020)

MP Michael V. Mcleod (LIB) has been outspoken on the unique challenges of Indigenous communities in the North, such as the cost of living and food insecurity. "In communities across the Northwest Territories, access to affordable housing is one of the biggest issues my constituents face. That is why I was so pleased last month to join the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and local leaders for three announcements that will help more people in NWT have a safe place to call home." (Housing - Statements by Members, February 2, 2022)

MP Patrick Weiler (LIB) has spoken out about the need for better housing for Indigenous people in his riding in BC. "Indigenous communities in British Columbia deserve access to safe and affordable housing. That's why our Government is investing in 80 affordable housing units on Squamish Nation Reserve lands at Siyich'em in Squamish and Xwmelch'stn in West Vancouver to help stimulate the local economy and improve the quality of life for Squamish Nation members." (Newswire.com, February 22, 2022)

MP Marcus Powlowski (LIB) has also acknowledged the need for better housing for Indigenous communities. "I fully support efforts to improve the living conditions of the Indigenous population - we can do better than we are doing now." (Netnewsledger.com, July 21, 2019)

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on March 4, 2022 and will be held via the web platform Zoom. While officials from Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada, and XX, are appearing during the first hour, INAN has invited other witnesses to appear from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

All witnesses will be asked to connect to the meeting at 12:30 p.m. The Zoom link will be sent directly from the House of Commons to the witnesses.

The Chair will call the meeting to order and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce the witnesses and invite the Ministers deliver their opening remarks (speaking order TBC). Following the Ministers, officials from XX may also make opening statements. It is recommended that all speakers speak slowly and at an appropriate level to ensure they are heard by the interpreters. All witnesses are asked to mute their microphones unless they are speaking.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses are asked to respond to questions in either English or French, but to limit switching back and forth between languages as this often creates technology/interpretation challenges. It is recommended that the speeches are made in one official language.

Following the opening remarks, there will be rounds of questions from Committee members (as listed below).

Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:

First round (6 minutes for each Party)

Conservative Party of Canada

Liberal Party of Canada

Bloc Québécois

New Democratic Party of Canada

Second round

Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)

Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)

Bloc Québécois (2.5 minutes)

New Democratic Party of Canada (2.5 minutes)

Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)

Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)

The meeting can be watched via parlvu, however there may be an up to 70-second delay with the field. A real time audio line will be shared if one is provided for this meeting.

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Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs - Effects of the Housing Shortage on Indigenous Peoples Across Canada - March 4, 2022

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INAN adopted the following motion on February 15, 2022: "That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study on the effects of the housing shortage on Indigenous Peoples across Canada; that the committee invite the Minister of Indigenous Services, experts and government officials to examine this issue; that