March 25, 2026

The Government of the Northwest Territories has released its What We Heard Report, which reflects the feedback gathered as part of its Public Service Act modernization initiative. The initiative is focused on amending the Act’s section 41, which defines union representation for NWT public servants, including employees of Aurora College, the Commission scolaire francophone, and/or the Divisional Education Councils. NWT says that the proposed changes would establish a public service labour relations board, which would be responsible for actions such as certifying new bargaining units. Those who provided feedback emphasized the importance of labour relations stability, clear and predictable rules, and independent decision-making processes. They also highlighted the need for greater employee choice and sector-specific representation, while raising concerns about government involvement and the potential risks with the changes.

The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) has mandated Indigenous cultural competency training for lawyers across the province. The LSO explained that the new cultural training course would help to ensure licensees—who are increasingly working with Indigenous clients and legal issues—have the baseline competence they need for their work. When it launches in Spring 2026, the course will be available online and at no cost; it will also count toward licensees’ annual continuing professional development requirements. The Indigenous Bar Association issued a statement commending the LSO for taking action that would “strengthen the legal profession’s understanding of Indigenous peoples, laws, and experiences” in the justice system. “Cultural competency is not simply a professional requirement, it is also a significant part of the broader responsibility lawyers hold in advancing justice,” said Indigenous Bar Association President Ajay Winterburn.

The Government of Yukon has announced a 12-month independent review of its Department of Education that will examine its delivery of core services across the fronts of K-12, postsecondary, and adult education. In particular, the review will focus on improving outcomes for First Nations students, rural students, and students with inclusive education needs. It will also examine opportunities to better include Yukon First Nations histories, languages, and cultures across the education system. The final report will be submitted in 2027 with recommendations for improving supports for learners. YK Minister of Education Scott Kent explained that the review panel members will “identify what is working well, where improvements are needed, and how we can better support learners across all stages of learning.” YK noted that the review and recommendations will not examine school capital planning, Yukon University’s capital planning or governance, or Early Learning and Child Care.

Pikangikum First Nation community leaders have called for a review of police procedures after an incident involving the Ontario Provincial Police at Eenchokay Birchstick School. CBC reports that the OPP Pikangikum Police Detachment received an anonymous phone call about “something happening at the school,” and subsequently located and detained two high school students without incident. The students were expelled by the Pikangikum Education Authority and faced charges from the OPP of possession of weapons on school property and related threats. However, the OPP later informed community leaders that the police officers “failed to follow the proper procedures during the arrest,” resulting in a breach of the students’ rights. Community leaders from the Pikangikum First Nation expressed their disappointment with the situation and called for a review of police procedures and accountability.

Indigenous-led innovation and economic collaboration hub Luminary has published the results of a study of the current and future state of Indigenous engagement in business schools. Through a survey of 48 business schools, Luminary explored Indigenous engagement strategies, student supports, curriculum, and partnerships and research with Indigenous organizations. Among the study’s findings, the authors noted that only 59% of business schools had an Indigenous strategy in place; 48% had a formal response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and only half offered at least one Indigenous course. The report also noted a strong interest among business schools in expanding their Indigenous curriculum and engagement, even where their capacity remained limited. Luminary President and CEO Kelly Lendsay called for this interest to be matched with action, including through stronger relationships with Indigenous partners.

The Government of Canada has announced several investments through the Indigenous Languages Program into projects that will support Indigenous language and culture. Under the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component, Canada announced $17.2M in funding over two years to support Indigenous-language broadcasters across radio and television. “By supporting Indigenous broadcasting, we are protecting vital knowledge and culture while creating new opportunities for local talent,” said Canada Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty. In the Yukon, Canada announced a $14.3M investment into anti-hate education, Indigenous language and supports, and cultural activities. In the Northwest Territories, Canada is investing $4.8M into five projects that will directly support First Nations language activities and social gatherings, including early childhood and adult immersion programs.

Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District (SD68) is reportedly considering changing the name of Chase River Elementary. The school’s name reportedly stems from a situation in 1853, in which the report of a Hudson’s Bay Company worker who was shot resulted in the arrest and death of a Snuneymuxw man. “Given this history, we have concerns about whether the current school name, particularly (for) those from Snuneymuxw, would feel welcomed, honoured and represented in their learning environment,” said SD68 Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Programs Jacquie Poulin. The board voted unanimously to form a committee, which will embark on a public engagement process to consult with land-based First Nations, non-land-based Indigenous peoples, the local community, the school community, and municipality. If the committee discovers that renaming the school is the recommended decision, then the committee members would be expected to identify two other potential names for the school. CHEK News notes that there is no timeline for the process.

Two months after the Berens River First Nation’s school burned down, the more-than-400 affected students are back in class, thanks to the efforts of the First Nation and the Frontier School Division. Some students were offered space at Frontier Collegiate in Cranberry Portage, Manitoba; others are studying at Berens River community sites such as the adult education centre and community council building. “We have eight locations where we have provided supplies and new furniture and tables and books and libraries, everything as quick as we can get it into the school so there’s a level of normalcy for the kids,” said Frontier School Division Superintendent Tyson MacGillivray. “That’s been really important, and we’ve had really good support from the community of Berens River and the First Nation around getting these spaces up to school standards.” The division’s short-term goal is to secure temporary classrooms in time for the 2026-27 school year, while the long-term goal is to build a new school.

Judge DE Labach of the Court of King’s Bench in Saskatchewan has awarded $70K in damages to University of Regina Associate Professor Michelle Coupal after ruling that she was defamed. Coupal sued University of Ottawa Associate Professor Darryl Leroux—who CBC says is an Indigenous identity scholar—for defamation over statements made in 2021 and 2022 about Coupal’s claims to Indigenous identity. In his decision, Labach explained that the defamation occurred when Leroux alleged that Coupal had intentionally committed fraud, pretended to be Indigenous, and relied on forged documents. Leroux’s lawyer told CBC that he intends to appeal.

Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation has announced that it will be building a new Headstart Centre in 100 Mile House this April. The grounds that the First Nation acquired for its forthcoming Little Knowledge Keepers Headstart Centre were previously used by School District 27 for a junior secondary school, which was demolished in 2020. When it is complete, the new centre will be 5,500 square feet in size, with space for infants, toddlers, and 3-to-5-year-old children. The centre will be open to any families with Indigenous heritage. “I’m excited to bring TFN’s culture, traditions and language into the 100 Mile community. I think it’s going to create good connections,” said Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation’s early years senior manager Tami Archie. The Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation has reportedly also taken over another early care and learning centre in 100 Mile House, renaming it Little Dreamers Childcare.