Looking back, looking forward: Niigaan Sinclair & Jennifer Laewetz break down 2024's biggest moments & what’s next
Release Date: 12/20/2024
Bill C-5: path to prosperity or threat to sovereignty?
Truth & Politics
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 and Politics, we look at how First Nations leaders are responding. Some say the legislation is a threat, others see economic opportunity. Host Dennis Ward is joined by Niigaan Sinclair, columnist...
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Blocked: journalists, ministers and accountability
Truth & Politics
The controversy continues after Manitoba’s minister of accessibility blocked the entire APTN News editorial team on social media. The block followed reporting on Minister Nahanni Fontaine’s comments about an American Sign Language interpreter at a public event. In a statement from the minister on Wednesday, Nahanni Fontaine said, “immediately upon learning that journalists were blocked on my social media account, I directed staff to reverse this decision.” This week on Truth and Politics, we ask: is it appropriate for an elected official to block a media outlet? Joining host Dennis...
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Should Minister of Accessibility be removed following American Sign Language remarks?
Truth & Politics
The fallout continues after comments made by Manitoba’s minister of accessibility about an American Sign Language interpreter. Caught on camera at a graduation ceremony, Nahanni Fontaine said the interpreter was distracting and shouldn’t have been on stage. That’s on this week’s Truth and Politics panel, along with a look at Canada Day and the ongoing infighting at the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our...
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Can you be sued for accusing someone of being a pretendian?
Truth & Politics
Can you be sued for saying someone isn't Indigenous? That's the title of recent report by Michelle Cyca for The Walrus, where she outlines two cases before the courts where someone accused of being a pretendian has sued their accuser. One of those court cases wrapped up this week. That is one of our topics on this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear...
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Bill C-5 backlash: Chiefs warn of a long, hot summer
Truth & Politics
The debate over fast-tracking legislation for so-called national interest projects is heating up. One First Nations leader is promising a long, hot summer if the federal government passes Bill C-5. Others are criticizing the national chief for her involvement in the so-called consultation process. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is apologizing after saying he treats First Nations “like gold” but they keep coming to him “cap in hand.” That’s on this week’s Truth and Politics panel, along with a discussion on the importance of National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Joining host...
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Stolen land or not? Panel unpacks poll and pipeline politics
Truth & Politics
A new poll conducted for the Association of Canadian Studies finds a majority of Canadians reject the idea that they live on stolen Indigenous land. Fifty-two per cent of those polled in May 2025 say they do not live on stolen land – that number climbs to 60 per cent in Alberta. Among youth, however, half of students surveyed believe they do live on stolen land. Also this week, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew floats the idea of a new pipeline to ship oil to Hudson’s Bay. Our Truth and Politics panel joins host Dennis Ward to weigh in. Jennifer Laewetz is CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan...
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Bill 5 passed: What it means for First Nations and Ontario’s economy
Truth & Politics
The Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act – or Bill 5 – has now passed, despite concerns raised by First Nations. It's the latest in a wave of legislation provincial governments are pushing forward as jurisdictions across the country look to launch development projects in part, in response to the Trump-era tariffs. Our Truth and Politics panel joins host Dennis Ward to weigh in. Jennifer Laewetz is CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair is a columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more:...
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The King’s visit to Canada and unprecedented wildfires in Manitoba
Truth & Politics
King Charles made a whirlwind visit to Canada, delivering the speech from the throne and meeting with leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council. In Saskatchewan, Glenn McCallum has been re-elected as president of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. And in Manitoba, a state of emergency has been declared. The military has been called in to help evacuate communities as wildfires force thousands from their homes. Three First Nations in northern Saskatchewan are also facing evacuations. Here to break it all down is our Truth and Politics panel....
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What do this week’s political moves mean for Indigenous families?
Truth & Politics
Plenty of developments on the federal political scene this week. Former chief and now Member of Parliament Billy Morin has been appointed the Conservative opposition critic for Indigenous Services. The recently elected Liberal government says it won’t present a new budget until the fall. And lawyers for the federal government say they’re done negotiating child welfare reform with the Assembly of First Nations and the Caring Society. Here to break it all down is our Truth and Politics panel. Jennifer Laewetz is CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair is a columnist with the Winnipeg...
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Three Indigenous MPs join Carney’s cabinet - what does it mean for our communities?
Truth & Politics
This week, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his new cabinet. Three Indigenous members of Parliament will be part of his inner circle. One of the most notable appointments is Mandy Gull-Masty, a former grand chief of the Grand Council of the Crees in Quebec. She becomes the first Indigenous person to lead Indigenous Services Canada. Our Truth and Politics panel is here, joining guest host Tiar Wheatle. Niigaan Sinclair is a columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press, and helping us out this week is Cassidy Caron, the former president of the Métis National Council and a principal with First...
info_outlineAs 2024 winds down, Winnipeg Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair and Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwaw Strategies join us to reflect on the year that was and discuss what may lie ahead.
That's on this week’s edition of APTN News’ Truth & Politics panel.
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APTN National News, our stories told our way.
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