Feds, YKDFN at odds over First Nations infrastructure as nation-building

The federal government and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) are at odds over whether First Nations infrastructure constitutes nation-building.

Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty had previously stated publicly that First Nations infrastructure does not qualify for Ottawa’s push to fast-track what it calls “nation-building” projects.

In a statement sent to NNSL Media, YKDFN CEO Matthew Spence wrote that reconciliation and nation-building are not separate, arguing that First Nations infrastructure is, in fact, nation-building.

"Indigenous-led infrastructure and services – such as housing, education or harm reduction – are part of nation-building," Spence stated. "These investments address legacies of colonial harm, create healthier communities, and lay the foundation for Indigenous nations to thrive. The Assembly of First Nations has rightly called the First Nations infrastructure gap 'the mother of all reconciliation projects.'"

His statement also says that Indigenous infrastructure goes hand-in-hand with Arctic sovereignty.

"Strong, healthy Indigenous nations like YKDFN are the backbone of Canada’s enduring presence in the North," according to Spence.

Alty spoke in the House of Commons earlier this month about Prime Minister Mark Carney's One Canadian Economy Act, which is being marketed as a way to break down trade and labour barriers between provinces and to streamline infrastructure projects.

Alty said the bill would require consultation with Indigenous peoples.

"It would require consultation both during the process of determining which projects are in the national interest and, most important, once a project is selected during the permitting process," said Alty at the time. "Both steps would require our Indigenous partners."

But the federal government's legislation, known as Bill C-5, has been met with serious criticism from other Indigenous groups.

NNSL Media has been reaching out to Alty's office since her election win but has yet to receive a response.

Asked whether reconciliation is a form of nation-building, Premier R.J. Simpson paused to reflect. After a few seconds of silence, he concluded that it is.

Simpson gave the example of fostering better relationships with Indigenous groups so both partners can move more quickly on larger infrastructure projects that could drive economic benefits to the NWT. He also referenced Jordan's Principle, the federal government's legal obligation to ensure First Nations children have access to adequate public services such as education.

"I'd say that's nation-building," said Simpson, noting how the NWT's increase in graduation rates in small communities in recent years is attributable to the initiative. "When you see that happening across the country, now you're talking about a nation-building program."

Earlier this month, two territorial ministers, Caitlin Cleveland and Lesa Semmler, issued a joint press release urging the federal government to continue funding for Yellowknife Education District No. 1.

Without that funding, the public school board would be forced to lay off dozens of educational assistants before the start of the 2025-26 school year.