PODCAST · news
Truth & Politics
by APTN
Each week on APTN National News, our Truth & Politics panelists Jennifer Laewetz and Niigaan Sinclair sit down with host Dennis Ward to discuss important topics affecting Indigenous Peoples in the news.
Episodes
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Alberta referendum, FSIN dispute, Premier's stance on denialism raises ire
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has raised the ire of First Nations organizations in Manitoba over his stance on the criminalizing of residential school denialism. That's one of the topics on this week's Truth & Politics panel. Also on the panel this week, a look ahead to next week's Alberta…
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Child welfare reform, proposed pipeline and minister on criminalizing denialism
Child welfare reform, the proposed Pacific Link pipeline and comments the minister of Indigenous Services made about criminalizing residential school denialism are all on the table for this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw…
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Truth and Reconciliation: The facts, the feelings and the bold-faced denialism
September 30 marked the sixth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It's a day for remembering the dark legacy of residential schools and honouring the survivors and the children who never made it home. That's the topic on this week's Truth & Politics...
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Parliament returns, Bill C-39 unveiled, First Nations offered pipeline stake
It's been a wild week with the return of Parliament, an election called in British Columbia and news that Canada has offered First Nations an ownership stake in the Trans Mountain pipeline. Those are the topics for this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are…
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Summit gathers politicians, industry executives – but not many Indigenous leaders
Canadian politicians have spent this week pitching plans for major projects to foreign investors at a summit in Toronto. The first-of-its-kind Canada Investment Summit brought together federal and provincial ministers, investors and Canadian CEOs with the plan to unleash nearly $500 billion in…
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NunatuKavut Community Council controversy and an AI fake reporter
Ottawa has ended the bid of the NunatuKavut Community Council, an organization that claims to represent 6,000 self-identified Inuit living in south and central Labrador. The controversial group, formerly known as the Labrador Métis Nation, has been fighting for years for land, hunting and fishing...
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'Dig Deeper' shirts cast doubt on unmarked graves – is denialism getting worse?
As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, Rebel News has a new series of T-shirts questioning the existence the suspected unmarked graves at former residential schools. Some of the orange shirts, also being sold in children's sizes, say 'dig deeper' and have an image of a…
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Another round of tariffs and counter tariffs – can businesses weather the storm?
On this week's Truth & Politics, we're talking tariffs, climate emergencies, treaty anniversaries and the NFL debut of the first Navajo player. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National…
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'Miscarriage of justice' as Ojibway Nation outraged over parole decision | Truth & Politics
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to Brayden Bushby, the man convicted of fatally injuring Barbara Kentner back in 2017 and the leadership of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation are outraged and in disbelief over the situation. Also on this week's Truth & Politics panel is the possible...
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Why did the feds approve major projects with irreversible environmental impacts?
The Liberal government recently approved two major projects in northern Ontario, even though federal impact assessment for both say there will be significant damage to the environment and Indigenous rights. The Crawford Nickel Project, just north of Timmins, is an estimated $5-billion project…
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A decade after Colten Boushie's death and a banner causing outrage
This Sunday marks the grim 10th anniversary of the fatal shooting of Colten Boushie by Gerald Stanley, who was later acquitted. It's an emotional time for many, with an event planned to mark the occasion. We discuss whether race relations have improved in the decade since. Also on the panel, a...
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Apparent leaked directive to BC Conservatives to stop using term 'First Nations'
A British Columbia reporter apparently got his hands on a leaked communication where the provincial Conservative leader is encouraging the word 'Indian' to be used to describe First Nations people. And an incident where RCMP officers tasered and punched a First Nations woman in Saskatchewan has...
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Evacuations, widespread damage: What's the long-term plan to address wildfires?
As of July 22, the federal government says more than 3,400 people are evacuated from 16 First Nations across Canada. Ten of those First Nations are in Ontario, where are least two communities have seen widespread damage. Leadership there have been critical of the provincial response and have…
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What stood out at this year's Assembly of First Nations annual general assembly?
The Assembly of First Nations annual general assembly has now come to an end after a busy couple of days. As we've been reporting, major projects, residential school denialism and the wildfire situation were among the big topics. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Niigaan Sinclair with the...
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Pipeline project from Alberta to Ontario proposed – but is it just a pipe dream?
Another pipeline project was proposed this week. The Northern Shield Energy Corridor would carry half a million barrels a day from Alberta to Ontario. Some First Nations have expressed concern, while Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has yet to weigh in on the 3,300 km pipeline that would run through…
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Questions remain over Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's proposed pipeline to B.C.
We are a few hours away now from a fast-changing announcement on the next steps for a pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia. The proposed pipeline was to be announced by July 1 and much remains up in the air. What is the route, is there a private sector proponent and will shovels actually hit...
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Feds consider fast-tracking three major projects – what are the possible impacts?
This week, the federal government announced three major projects to be considered for fast tracking under the Building Canada Act – and all three have major implications for Indigenous Peoples. They include a deep-water port in Nunavut, a highway connecting Yellowknife with Inuvik in the…
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War of words as chiefs call for investigation into Alberta premier, UCP members
A war of words is unfolding in Alberta after chiefs there unanimously passed a resolution this week calling for an investigation into Premier Danielle Smith and members of the United Conservative Party. The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs in Alberta want the RCMP and auditor general to look into…
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How the month of June combines 2SLGBTQ+ pride and Indigenous history
It's Pride Month, Indigenous History Month, pow wow season and Sundance time. There are also several audits underway on how Indigenous governments and organizations are spending their funding. Those are the topics on this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Tiar Wheatle to discuss are...
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Proposal to make residential school denialism a crime fails to pass in Senate | Truth & Politics
There has been an increased amount of violence in First Nations in recent months, and much of it is in the North. That is one of the topics for this week's Truth & Politics panel. Also on the panel this week, changes to a proposed anti-hate bill that would have made residential school denialism a...
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Manitoba premier calls out Alberta premier over separation, duty to consult
Premiers from Western Canada and the territories met in Alberta earlier this week. Much was on the agenda, but one of the big headlines to come out of it was comments Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew made during a press conference, calling out Alberta Premier Danielle Smith over separation and the duty...
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Production paused on satire series for CBC and APTN after guests, who said they were misled, speak out
There is continuing controversy over an Indigenous-led, unscripted comedy series in early production for CBC Entertainment and APTN, as the future of the show looks murky. According to a joint statement from CBC and APTN, Northland Tales was pitched at an Indigenous Screen Summit in 2024 as a...
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Separatist petition quashed in Alberta – what is means and what comes next
An Alberta judge has delivered a major blow to the separatist movement in Alberta after quashing the separatist petition, saying the provincial government breached its duty to consult with First Nations. That is one of our topics for this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward to...
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MMIWG funding questions, New governor general, $12M final blow for the MNC?
It's been another busy news week with Red Dress Day, the naming of a new governor general and a multi-million-dollar legal victory for the Manitoba Métis Federation. Here to help break it all down for us is our Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Creeson Agecoutay to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz...
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Thoughts on Red Dress Day as the MMIWG crisis continues
May 5 is the annual National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, also known as Red Dress Day. It comes at a time when there are questions over funding for MMIWG initiatives and advocacy organizations. That is one of our topics for this week's Truth & Politics...
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Why is B.C. Premier David Eby flip flopping on DRIPA legislation?
The controversy in British Columbia over the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) continues, even after Premier David Eby backed down on a previous plan to pause or suspend the legislation. Also on the panel this week, the Manitoba Metis Federation is celebrating as the...
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Carney secures Liberal majority, FSIN ordered to repay $29M
Mark Carney has secured his majority government and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations held its first assembly since being ordered to repay nearly $29 million to the federal government. Our Truth & Politics panel discusses these developments, plus the connection between the…
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Some federal funding to combat MMIWG crisis set to end – what happens now?
There are concerns over funding meant to end the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Organizations like the Native Women's Association of Canada and the National Family and Survivors Circle say funding they receive from the federal government is about to sunset....
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Reaction to prime minister making light of a protestor from Grassy Narrows | Truth & Politics
After taking a week off, our Truth & Politics panel has a lot of ground to cover, including another prime minister making light of a protestor from Grassy Narrows First Nation. Also this week, the NDP have selected Avi Lewis as the new leader of the federal party. Joining host Dennis Ward to...
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Why Manitoba might be offering no timeline for new consumption site
It has been touted as Canada's first Indigenous-led supervised consumption site. The Manitoba government promised a facility during its first term. Earlier this month, it said the launch was imminent. Now, Premier Wab Kinew is backing away and offering no timeline. Joining host Dennis Ward on…
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Reaction and possible impacts after MP Lori Idlout crosses floor to join Liberals
It was a surprise move in federal politics this week when Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crossed the floor from the NDP to the governing Liberals. Idlout, the territory's sole MP, has been critical of the federal government since she was first elected to the House of Commons in 2021. As you can read over...
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Why do incidents involving security guards crossing the line keep happening?
As we have been reporting this week, there has been a lot of outrage over the way a security guard at a Winnipeg Dollarama brutalized an alleged shoplifter. Both the guard and alleged shoplifter are now facing charges. For more on this latest incident involving a security guard, our Truth &...
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Violence in Puerto Vallarta and what travellers should consider
The tranquility of Puerto Vallarta was shattered by gunfire and arson after members of a drug cartel reacted violently to the killing of their leader by federal authorities in Mexico. Flights into the popular resort city were cancelled or turned around mid-air to avoid the conflict, while…
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Métis Nation-Saskatchewan reduces services for citizens, adds $7k office space
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan says it is reducing mental health services due to federal funding cuts. The cuts will directly impact citizens who rely on the supports. But the announcement comes at a time when the MN-S also confirmed it is spending just over $7,000 a month for office space in Ottawa....
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Fear-mongering on land rights? Politician accused of spreading misinformation
The former leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia is the latest right-leaning politician to be accused of spreading misinformation and fear mongering about Indigenous land rights. According to reporting by our friends at The Tyee, Conservative MLA John Rustad told a packed house…
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Inquest into teen's death, Billie Eilish backlash over 'stolen land' comment
As we've been reporting this week, an inquest is currently underway in Winnipeg into the shooting death of 16-year old Eishia Hudson. Hudson was shot and killed by a Winnipeg police officer in 2020, following a high-speed car chase, prompted by a liquor store robbery. Our Truth & Politics panel...
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Poilievre faces confidence vote, and who are the Coastal First Nations?
The Conservative Party of Canada is in Calgary this weekend for their national convention, where Pierre Poilievre's leadership will be voted on. Poilievre has drawn the ire of the Coastal First Nations coalition in British Columbia over his social media posts. The Heiltsuk Nation are coalition...
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Carney urges middle powers to come together in his speech at World Economic Forum
A speech by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week has garnered international coverage and high praise from many – with the exception of U.S. President Donald Trump, who took his own shots at the Canadian leader. It all comes against the backdrop…
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Profanity laced voicemails and ICE arresting Native Americans
An elected official with the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan was caught on tape leaving a series of profanity-laced voicemail messages. APTN National News obtained the recordings from the sister of the man who says he left them on her phone. We begin this week's podcast by listening to one of those...
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Crisis in Pimicikamak Cree Nation and U.S. expansionism
Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Manitoba declared a state of emergency after a four-day power outage caused major damage to water and plumbing systems, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. That's the focus of this week's Truth and Politics panel, along with a look at U.S. expansionism and what…
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Video of a man being evicted from a hospital, dumped in the snow sparks outrage
A special edition of our Truth and Politics panel, we look back at some of the biggest stories of 2025, including those that did not always get the attention they deserved. The panel also looks ahead, breaking out the crystal ball to discuss the key political and social issues to watch in the…
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Video of a man being evicted from a hospital, dumped in the snow sparks outrage
Video showing a First Nations man being evicted from a hospital in Prince Albert, Sask., and left in the snow has sparked outrage. The Prince Albert Grand Council is calling for answers and accountability from the hospital, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the security company involved. The...
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Will a recent landmark legal decision help address the on-reserve housing crisis? | Truth & Politics
A landmark legal decision has affirmed that Canada owes a legally binding fiduciary duty to provide adequate on-reserve housing. The ruling is being viewed as a huge victory for more than 100 First Nations across the country. For more on the ruling and its implications, we're joined by our weekly...
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Carney visits the Assembly of First Nations – will he do more than give promises? | Truth & Politics
The Assembly of First Nations is busy with their winter assembly this week in Ottawa. The prime minister attended and spoke about the proposed pipeline linking Alberta to the northwest coast of British Columbia. That's the topic on this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Creeson…
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Author Thomas King reveals he's not Cherokee – why some call the news a gut punch
Celebrated author Thomas King revealed this week that he is not Cherokee. The revelation has left many people shocked and upset, though the admission is not coming as a big surprise for others. That's the topic on this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Creeson Agecoutay are Jennifer...
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Ending second-generation cut off – what would it mean for First Nations people?
A Senate committee's vote to end what's known as the second-generation cut off and implement a one-parent rule is being welcomed by long-time advocates and First Nations organizations across Canada. That's the focus of this week's Truth and Politics panel. Joining host Tiar Wheatle are Niigaan...
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Shawn Lamb's release and Ivan Zinger's resignation
From the statutory release of convicted killer Shawn Lamb to the early departure of Canada's prison watchdog Ivan Zinger, the federal correctional system is under scrutiny. That's the focus of this week's Truth and Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward are Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the...
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Why Indigenous leaders say Carney's budget falls short
Reaction to Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget is mixed. Many Indigenous leaders say the budget fails to live up to expectations. They're especially disappointed in the lack of new funding, even though proposed cuts to Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations…
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Manitoba Premier accuses opposition MLA of mocking speech
Manitoba's premier says a member of the opposition mocked him as he prepared to speak about his father and the history of First Nations being denied the right to vote. Wab Kinew says the Progressive Conservative MLA made a crying sound and gesture during a speech about protecting the rights of...
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Why Indigenous Services is falling short despite a funding boost
Canada's auditor general says Indigenous Services is falling short. Karen Hogan says despite an 84 per cent increase in funding, the department has failed to act on more than half of the recommendations made over the past decade to improve services and programs. Access to clean drinking water and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Each week on APTN National News, our Truth & Politics panelists Jennifer Laewetz and Niigaan Sinclair sit down with host Dennis Ward to discuss important topics affecting Indigenous Peoples in the news.
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Truth & Politics currently has 97 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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Each week on APTN National News, our Truth & Politics panelists Jennifer Laewetz and Niigaan Sinclair sit down with host Dennis Ward to discuss important topics affecting Indigenous Peoples in the news.
How often does Truth & Politics release new episodes?
Truth & Politics has 97 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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