National Indigenous News June 17

Darrell Stranger takes a look at some of the latest Indigenous news making headlines across the country. 

Transcript

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This is a look at your National Indigenous News. I'm Daryl Stranger. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Golmasty says new legislation unveiled by her government will create a legislative framework to protect safe drinking water in First Nations communities. Golmasty told reporters on Parliament Hill that Bill C 37, tabled in the House of Commons Tuesday, will advance the critical work of addressing long-term drinking water advisories and recognize First Nations jurisdiction over water on their lands. She said the new bill is backed by $4.6 billion in funding over five years and described the sum as the single largest commitment ever made to First Nations water protection. Nishnaviaski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fidler said the legislation offers a strong starting point for addressing the problem. His nation currently has 16 long-term and eight short-term drinking water advisories. Gulmasty said the new bill was written so that it will stand the test of time. Bill C thirty seven states the federal government will further the progressive realization for individuals on First Nations lands of the human right to safe drinking water as protected by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The House of Commons is expected to rise by the end of this week for the summer break, which means the legislation likely won't be debated or voted on until the fall.

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Blackfoot Confederacy invites families to participate in placenta ceremony taking place on June 22nd. Natasha Scout is the administrative and cultural liaison official for the Blackfoot Confederacy.

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The Blackfoot placenta ceremony is our traditional way of honoring the beginning of life. For many of our Blackfoot families, the placenta is very considered very sacred because it nurtured and supported the baby throughout pregnancy. The ceremony also provides an opportunity for families to reconnect with our Blackfoot cultural teachings, honor and support their child's journey. And strengthening their connection to family, community, and the land. So this gathering will bring together mothers, babies, families, and our elders in a good way to recognize the impact, the importance of the birth and the responsibility that we're given that to shield the beginning of this uh this special gift that we're giving a child and to support the start of the child's life.

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In Calgary, I'm Joanna Luna.

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The Indigenous Screen Office is set to launch its first ever professional development program dedicated to Indigenous screenwriters in partnership with Paramount. The Indigenous Screen Office Paramount Rewrite Lab is an advanced script development initiative designed to support four Indigenous writers who have completed the development phase of a project and are ready to undertake an intensive rewrite process. The program will support participants with completed scripts or strong project outlines through a structured curriculum that includes story editing, mentorship, peer learning, and guidance from experienced industry advisors. The ReWrite Lab is intended to strengthen projects at a critical stage between development and production, helping writers refine their stories and prepare them for the global marketplace. The ReWrite Lab aims to strengthen Indigenous-led screen stories through advanced script development, foster a collaborative cohort experience that encourages creative growth and resilience, provide access to high level industry expertise and mentorship, and increase project readiness for production and financing opportunities. Applications for the Rewrite Lab will open in July, and the program will run from December through March of 2027. That's a look at your national Indigenous news.