No taxes, free housing, and free tuition? You've probably seen those claims online about Indian Status—but are they actually true?

InFocus is taking a break for the summer, so while we're away, we're sharing some of our other work with you. Jesse Andrushko and Savannah Kelly launched a new YouTube series called APTN News Answers, where they break down questions, current events, and issues affecting Indigenous peoples.

According to the latest Census, more than 830 thousand First Nations people in Canada are registered under the Indian Act. There are plenty of misconceptions about what that status does and doesn't provide. So they dug into the facts.

Here's that episode of APTN News Answers.

Find the whole series here: https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourstories/answers/

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, guest host Dennis Ward examines the ongoing controversies surrounding the Thunder Bay Police Service, a force that has faced numerous independent investigations over alleged discrimination against Indigenous Peoples.

Journalist Jon Thompson joins the show to discuss his decades of reporting on policing issues in Thunder Bay, concerns about how missing persons investigations continue to be handled in the city and the relationship between police and the media.

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

Talal Dakalbab was only named the commissioner of the Correctional Service in Canada in March but says he's already reaching out to communities to integrate them with prison programs to help rehabilitate inmates.

Dakalbab, who takes over the position from Anne Kelly, joins guest host Mark Blackburn to talk about how he plans to revamp a prison system many see as outdated and unable to change.

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, guest host Karyn Pugliese speaks with federal NDP leader Avi Lewis about rebuilding the party and his political vision.

This interview originally aired on APTN Nation to Nation. Find full episodes here: https://www.aptnnews.ca/nationtonation/

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

The Quewezance sisters have spent decades fighting to clear their names after being convicted of a murder they say they did not commit. More than 30 years after their conviction and four years after their case was sent for review, they are still waiting for answers.

On this episode of APTN News InFocus, guest host Leanne Sanders examines the lengthy delays facing people seeking justice after a wrongful conviction.

Leanne speaks with Senator Kim Pate, Toronto Star investigative reporter Kevin Donovan, legal expert Kent Roach and Mi'kmaq lawyer Suzanne Patles.

Read Leanne's story here: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/still-waiting-quewezance-sisters-case-still-under-review-after-four-years/

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens examines Canada's ecological footprint and the push for solutions through conservation and Indigenous-led stewardship.

York University researcher Eric Miller breaks down new findings showing humanity is consuming resources at a rate equivalent to 1.7 Earths per year and explains what Canada must do to reduce its impact.

Then, Seal River Watershed Alliance executive director Stephanie Thorassie joins the show to discuss the proposal to protect northern Manitoba's Seal River Watershed as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens looks at calls to rewrite Canada's Cannabis Act.

Former senator Dan Christmas told a House of Commons committee the law has failed to recognize First Nations jurisdiction and does not align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

APTN News reporter Jesse Staniforth joins the show from Montreal to explain how the Cannabis Act is affecting Indigenous communities and what changes are being proposed.

Read Jesse Staniforth's story here: https://www.aptnnews.ca/featured/amid-nova-scotia-raids-senators-hear-calls-for-indigenous-sovereignty-over-cannabis/

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens speaks with Nunavut Premier John Main about the territory's priorities as the Arctic draws more attention.

Elected in fall 2025, Main says northern leaders are still advocating for basics like housing and food security – needs many in southern Canada take for granted.

He joins the show to discuss Arctic sovereignty and what Nunavummiut need from Ottawa now and in the years ahead.

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens looks at Canada's changing trade relationship with the United States.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned about relying too heavily on the U.S., even as Ottawa works to maintain ties and expand trade elsewhere.

Tabatha Bull is the president of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and a member of Carney's revamped economic advisory council. She joins the show to discuss the future of key agreements and what it means for Indigenous businesses.

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens marks a major milestone for APTN's interview series Face to Face.

The show is celebrating its 300th episode after more than a decade of in-depth conversations with First Nations, Métis and Inuit changemakers.

Since taking over as host in 2017, Dennis Ward has brought Face to Face to communities across Turtle Island, including early interviews on the ground at Standing Rock, while continuing to expand the show's reach with in-studio performances and French-language episodes.

Dennis Ward joins the show to reflect on some of his favourite moments and what the future holds for the series.

• • •

APTN National News, our stories told our way.

Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/