Truth & Politics

Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Manitoba declared a state of emergency after a four-day power outage caused major damage to water and plumbing systems, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. That's the focus of this week's Truth and Politics panel, along with a look at U.S. expansionism and what it could mean for Indigenous Peoples – from the situation in Venezuela to renewed talk about Greenland....

A special edition of our Truth and Politics panel, we look back at some of the biggest stories of 2025, including those that did not always get the attention they deserved. The panel also looks ahead, breaking out the crystal ball to discuss the key political and social issues to watch in the year ahead. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair...

Video showing a First Nations man being evicted from a hospital in Prince Albert, Sask., and left in the snow has sparked outrage. The Prince Albert Grand Council is calling for answers and accountability from the hospital, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the security company involved. The panel also marks the 10th anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final...

A landmark legal decision has affirmed that Canada owes a legally binding fiduciary duty to provide adequate on-reserve housing. The ruling is being viewed as a huge victory for more than 100 First Nations across the country. For more on the ruling and its implications, we're joined by our weekly Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, the CEO of Paskwâw Strategies,...

The Assembly of First Nations is busy with their winter assembly this week in Ottawa. The prime minister attended and spoke about the proposed pipeline linking Alberta to the northwest coast of British Columbia. That's the topic on this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Creeson Agecoutay are Jennifer Laewetz, the CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair, a columnist with the Winni...

Celebrated author Thomas King revealed this week that he is not Cherokee. The revelation has left many people shocked and upset, though the admission is not coming as a big surprise for others. That's the topic on this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Creeson Agecoutay are Jennifer Laewetz, the CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair, a columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. •...

A Senate committee's vote to end what's known as the second-generation cut off and implement a one-parent rule is being welcomed by long-time advocates and First Nations organizations across Canada. That's the focus of this week's Truth and Politics panel. Joining host Tiar Wheatle are Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press, and Mi'kmaw lawyer and professor Pam Palmater. • • • AP...

From the statutory release of convicted killer Shawn Lamb to the early departure of Canada's prison watchdog Ivan Zinger, the federal correctional system is under scrutiny. That's the focus of this week's Truth and Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward are Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press, and Mi'kmaw lawyer and professor Pam Palmater. • • • APTN National News, our stori...

Reaction to Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget is mixed. Many Indigenous leaders say the budget fails to live up to expectations. They're especially disappointed in the lack of new funding, even though proposed cuts to Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations turned out to be smaller than expected. That's the focus of this week's Truth and Politics panel. Also on th...

Manitoba's premier says a member of the opposition mocked him as he prepared to speak about his father and the history of First Nations being denied the right to vote. Wab Kinew says the Progressive Conservative MLA made a crying sound and gesture during a speech about protecting the rights of vulnerable groups. Jeff Wharton, the MLA in question, denies the allegation. That's one of the topics up...

Canada's auditor general says Indigenous Services is falling short. Karen Hogan says despite an 84 per cent increase in funding, the department has failed to act on more than half of the recommendations made over the past decade to improve services and programs. Access to clean drinking water and emergency management are among the top concerns. That's the focus for this week's Truth and Politics p...

Mi'kmaw Member of Parliament Jaime Battiste is calling for a study that could lead to major changes to the Indian Act. The Liberal MP recently tabled a motion to examine the impacts of sections of the Act known as the second-generation cut-off. Also on the agenda for this week's Truth and Politics panel - cows and plows. Why does this historic agreement remain so controversial? Plus, the Universit...

First Nations University of Canada in Saskatchewan is facing scrutiny after an internal investigation into its president was leaked. The report, obtained by APTN News, looks into allegations against FNU president Jacqueline Ottmann involving nepotism and mismanagement. Prepared by Deloitte Legal Canada, the report substantiated many of the claims and found the president created what it called a 'c...

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan has broken its silence on the forensic audit of its finances. Indigenous Services Canada and auditing firm KPMG found $34 million in questionable spending. A statement from the organization, which represents more than 70 First Nations in Saskatchewan, says it has faced unwarranted attacks in relation to the audit. For more, our Truth &...

It's been a busy week with no end in sight as we head into the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. With that in mind, our Truth and Politics panel will weigh in on a range of stories this week, including child welfare reform, Orange Shirt Day, the FSIN audit and vandalism at the constituency offices of two Manitoba cabinet ministers. Joining host Dennis Ward on the Truth and Politics panel...

Details are beginning to emerge about a forensic audit of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the political advocacy group that represents more than 70 First Nations in Saskatchewan. Indigenous Services Canada says it presented the findings to the FSIN on Sept. 11, with a public summary expected before the end of the month. So far, FSIN has declined to comment. Also on this week's epis...

After months of speculation, the Carney government has unveiled a list of major projects deemed to be in the national interest. An Indigenous advisory council has also been announced to guide the work of the new Major Projects Office and ensure equity ownership and meaningful participation for Indigenous Peoples. Joining guest host Tiar Wheatle on this on this week's Truth and Politics panel is Je...

At least two people are dead, including the suspect, after multiple stabbings in Hollow Water First Nation in Manitoba. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of September 4 and resulted in eight community members suffering from stab wounds. The tragic incident conjures up memories from the mass stabbing in James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, which happened on this very day three ye...

The impacts of drugs, alcohol and violence in our communities are often in the news. Next week, a resolution is coming forward at the Assembly of First Nations that calls for a First Nations-wide state of emergency in relation to the drug, alcohol and bootlegging crisis devastating First Nations families and communities across Canada. Tiar Wheatle is filling for host Dennis Ward this week, joined...

Some First Nation leaders in southern Manitoba are calling for a summit on the leadership of their grand chief. This is the second time a non-confidence vote has been requested during Jerry Daniels' leadership at the Southern Chiefs' Organization. Other Indigenous political organizations and governments have also been in the news this week, dealing with questions around leadership. Joining host De...

The federal government says this wildfire season is already the second worst on record, with tens of thousands forced to flee, largely Indigenous. As smoke blankets parts of the Prairies and evacuation orders remain in place for 28 First Nations, we ask: is Canada handling wildfire evacuations and supports for First Nations the right way? Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskw...

Métis leaders were in Ottawa on Thursday for a meeting with the prime minister and some of his cabinet over Bill C-5; however, the summit has been more notable for who isn't there. As we reported earlier, the Manitoba Métis Federation said they would not be going because the Métis National Council and Métis Nation of Ontario will be there. At the same time, Métis Nation British Columbia also backe...

A new report released this week is highlighting the intersection between the disappearance of Indigenous women and human trafficking in Canada. According to the report by Thomson Reuters, despite being only 5 per cent of the population, Indigenous women and girls account for over 50 per cent of trafficking victims. While the data may not come as a surprise to Indigenous peoples, it is a cause for...

A northern pipeline, improvements to the rail line connecting Hudson Bay to the Prairies, and expedited critical mineral mining are all on the table with the newly passed One Canadian Economy Act and Ontario's Bill 5. Great for Canada perhaps with U.S. tariffs on the horizon, but there's always one big looming question when it comes to new infrastructure. This week on Truth and Politics, we ask th...

The federal government's controversial Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, is now law. Pushed through in just a few weeks, the bill aims to fast-track development projects deemed in the national interest. But critics say it sidelines Indigenous rights and opens the door to environmental harm. Nine First Nations in Ontario have launched a legal challenge against the legislation. This week on Truth a...