Indigenous member of Nipissing U's board quits over Mike Harris controversy
Maurice Switzer quit Nipissing University's board of governors because of an interaction between an Indigenous student and former Premier Mike Harris.
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Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Cision Canada
STATEMENT - Reflecting on the past and shaping a better future Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - On the occasion of National Indigenous Peoples Day, marked on June 21, 2025, Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Interim Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, issues the following statement: Tomorrow, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we join people across the country in celebrating the distinct cultures, histories, and enduring achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Since time immemorial, Indigenous communities have been the stewards of these lands and waters. Together, they have helped shape the culture, traditions and inherent values of what is now known as Canada. These are rich histories to celebrate. But there has been much to overcome. The legacy of colonialism — including the impacts of residential schools, the Indian Act, the separation of families, the unmarked graves of children, the displacement of communities — has led to generational trauma and bears heavily on the present. We must be mindful of these realities. Indigenous peoples in Canada continue to face systemic discrimination and the denial of their human rights. Among them: the right to self-determination, to safe drinking water, to safe housing, to the preservation of language, and to live free from violence and injustice. Working towards reconciliation means more must be done to ensure that all Indigenous peoples can live in full realization of their human rights. This is a collective responsibility. It belongs to all of us because this history belongs to all of us. Together, we must recognize intersecting identities and amplify the many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices by including women and girls, men, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, Elders, youth, and people with disabilities. We must support distinctions-based, Indigenous-led solutions. And we must keep challenging colonial-based systems that continue to do harm. At the same time, we must remember to keep celebrating Indigenous contributions, which are among Canada's greatest strengths. They encompass artistry, leadership, learning, family, community, environmentalism, and all the other everyday contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Let's ensure all forms of Indigenous excellence are celebrated and free to flourish. Stay Connected social media.
Vancouver Sun
3 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Conversations That Matter: Understanding Indigenous rights and reconciliation
'Over the 27 years since the Delgamuukw decision, the relationship between First Nations and the government of Canada has changed — in some ways significantly. In others, not so much,' says Bruce McIvor, the author of 'Indigenous Rights in One Minute.' The legal relationship took another step forward following the Haida decision in 2004. That decision led to changes in the way resource and infrastructure projects are approved and built. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was another milestone: first as a healing journey and second in establishing a record of Indigenous history in Canada. It recorded the mistreatment and trampling of rights of First Nations people and shared those stories with the entire country. The Commission heard testimony from 6,500 witnesses, which culminated in a call for 94 actions to further facilitate reconciliation. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Understanding and appreciating the unique legal and societal circumstances Indigenous people lived under and endured for more than 150 years is challenging, McIvor says. 'A big part of reconciliation is calling out misinformation and lies, getting to the truth so that we can have honest conversations. That was my motivation to write the book.' McIvor joined a Conversation That Matters about what we all need to know in order to talk about reconciliation. See the video at Learn More about our guests career at
Cision Canada
5 hours ago
- Cision Canada
RBC deepens its commitment to advancing reconciliation and human rights with the launch of its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan Français
The bank thanks 400+ First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, employees and business owners who shared their insights to help inform RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan and journey forward TORONTO, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) published its Reconciliation Action Plan: Pathways to Economic Prosperity – a strategic framework outlining the bank's measurable, long-term commitment towards reconciliation and plans to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action 92 1 for Corporate Canada. Building on RBC's longstanding history 2 of working with Indigenous communities across Canada, the plan prioritizes the organization's actions and investments across five key pathways – Economy, People, Community, Environment and Leadership – to help drive inclusive economic growth, create positive social change and advance reconciliation. "At RBC, we believe that long-term Indigenous prosperity is at the heart of a growing economy and thriving society for Canada," said Dave McKay, President & CEO, RBC. "Helping advance reconciliation efforts by collaborating with Indigenous peoples, unlocking more opportunities for Indigenous participation, and creating greater access to capital will be critical to boosting Canada's long-term competitiveness. Our bank is deeply committed to doing more and working with Indigenous communities across Canada to help deliver on this ambition." Building upon the foundational progress RBC has made over the last several decades, the bank re-imagined the mandate of its Indigenous Banking team and leadership to transform its approach to Indigenous collaboration. Last year, RBC appointed Chinyere Eni, a commercial banking executive, a member of Little Pine First Nation (Cree) and a second-generation Nigerian (Igbo) to help shape RBC's Indigenous strategy for the future. In May 2024, RBC Origins was launched, along with a new Truth and Reconciliation Office led by Brittanee Laverdure, a member of Liard First Nation (Kaska Dena). The team grew with net new leadership mandates covering Transaction Advisory Services, Human Rights, Regional Banking, Strategy and Portfolio Initiatives. Today, these mandates are led by team members who bring decades of collective experience working directly with Indigenous communities. In collaboration with Phil Fontaine, Special Advisor to RBC and former three-term National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, RBC Origins aims to bring to life one of the guiding principles of RBC's Purpose Framework – Ideas for People and Planet™ of advancing human rights and reconciliation. The bank is committed to doing so by strengthening the intersection of its work holistically across RBC's Indigenous banking, sustainability, and human rights strategies. RBC has also evolved its strategy and community engagement model to build trust-based relationships and amplify Indigenous voices to help steward the next chapter of the bank's reconciliation journey. Chinyere Eni, Head, RBC Origins notes: "Many of the 1.8 million Indigenous Peoples in Canada 3 continue to live at the periphery of economic well-being. Creating meaningful change that will last for generations requires a focus on scalable systemic approaches to Nation-to-Nation building, enhancing Indigenous access to capital, fostering financial and community well-being, and creating opportunities to empower the next generation of Indigenous talent, entrepreneurship, sustainable development and innovation." The reconciliation journey requires deliberate and sustained efforts toward responsible and respectful practices. As such, RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan serves as the foundation for effective implementation, continuous measurement and monitoring, and transparency. "Developing this plan has been a meaningful journey unto itself. There's been a tremendous mobilization of leadership, talent and engagement within RBC and the process has served as an important catalyst to transform the way the bank intends to engage with Indigenous communities going forward," Fontaine adds. To help ensure that an effective methodology was in place to generate candid feedback, RBC Origins collaborated with lead agency, BOOM InterTribal, an Indigenous-owned and -led strategic and creative partner. BOOM engaged Archipel Research & Consulting to solicit insights and ideas from more than 400 Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities, employees and business owners across Canada. These insights helped inform the bank's strategic priorities and investments across five pathways: Economy: To contribute to the prosperity of Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities through tailored advice, programs and financial solutions aligning to The RBC ® Inclusive Opportunities Blueprint. People: To be an employer of choice for Métis, First Nations and Inuit talent and to foster a supportive environment across Canada to help shape the future of RBC. Community: To promote the well-being and economic growth of Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities by supporting the areas of greatest needs impacting Indigenous communities. Environment: To advance environmental stewardship efforts and sustainable practices aligned with the RBC ® Climate Blueprint. Leadership: To advance reconciliation through greater leadership, governance, transparency and accountability across RBC's Canadian operations. Launching on the eve of National Indigenous Peoples Day and the summer solstice, the Reconciliation Action Plan is guided by the theme of 'Celestial Cycles'–a creative concept by BOOM InterTribal to reflect the cycles long used by Indigenous Peoples to navigate movement and decision-making. The concept mirrors RBC's own journey of reflection, continuous learning and evolution, guided by its Purpose. Emily Kewageshig, an Anishinaabe artist and storyteller from Saugeen First Nation No. 29 visually brought this to life in a way that honours the past while inspiring the future throughout the report. RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan will be reviewed in 2027 to evaluate the bank's progress, with subsequent biennial updates. RBC looks forward to continued progress and anticipates announcing an update later this summer related to the Economy pathway of its Reconciliation Action Plan. To learn more about RBC Origins and RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan, visit Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the "safe harbour" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any applicable Canadian securities legislation, with respect to RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan. For cautionary statements relating to the information in this press release, refer to the "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" section in RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan. About RBC Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at ® Registered Trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. For media inquiries, contact: Lara Banlaoi, RBC Corporate Communications
