It’s been a busy week with no end in sight as we head into the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

With that in mind, our Truth and Politics panel will weigh in on a range of stories this week, including child welfare reform, Orange Shirt Day, the FSIN audit and vandalism at the constituency offices of two Manitoba cabinet ministers.

Joining host Dennis Ward on the Truth and Politics panel are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

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APTN National News, our stories told our way.

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Details are beginning to emerge about a forensic audit of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the political advocacy group that represents more than 70 First Nations in Saskatchewan.

Indigenous Services Canada says it presented the findings to the FSIN on Sept. 11, with a public summary expected before the end of the month. So far, FSIN has declined to comment.

Also on this week’s episode, a look at the internal confusion and fallout at Indigenous Services as the cost of Jordan’s Principle tops $2 billion and services face a crackdown.

Joining host Dennis Ward on the Truth and Politics panel are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

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APTN National News, our stories told our way.

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After months of speculation, the Carney government has unveiled a list of major projects deemed to be in the national interest.

An Indigenous advisory council has also been announced to guide the work of the new Major Projects Office and ensure equity ownership and meaningful participation for Indigenous Peoples.

Joining guest host Tiar Wheatle on this on this week’s Truth and Politics panel is Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Winnipeg Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair.

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APTN National News, our stories told our way.

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At least two people are dead, including the suspect, after multiple stabbings in Hollow Water First Nation in Manitoba. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of September 4 and resulted in eight community members suffering from stab wounds. The tragic incident conjures up memories from the mass stabbing in James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, which happened on this very day three years ago.

Also on this week's episode, some of the highlights from the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly in Winnipeg.

Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

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APTN National News, our stories told our way.

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The impacts of drugs, alcohol and violence in our communities are often in the news.

Next week, a resolution is coming forward at the Assembly of First Nations that calls for a First Nations-wide state of emergency in relation to the drug, alcohol and bootlegging crisis devastating First Nations families and communities across Canada.

Tiar Wheatle is filling for host Dennis Ward this week, joined by Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and lawyer Leah Ballantyne.

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APTN National News, our stories told our way.

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Some First Nation leaders in southern Manitoba are calling for a summit on the leadership of their grand chief.

This is the second time a non-confidence vote has been requested during Jerry Daniels’ leadership at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization.

Other Indigenous political organizations and governments have also been in the news this week, dealing with questions around leadership.

Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

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APTN National News, our stories told our way.

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The federal government says this wildfire season is already the second worst on record, with tens of thousands forced to flee, largely Indigenous. As smoke blankets parts of the Prairies and evacuation orders remain in place for 28 First Nations, we ask: is Canada handling wildfire evacuations and supports for First Nations the right way?

Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

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APTN National News, our stories told our way.

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Métis leaders were in Ottawa on Thursday for a meeting with the prime minister and some of his cabinet over Bill C-5; however, the summit has been more notable for who isn't there.

As we reported earlier, the Manitoba Métis Federation said they would not be going because the Métis National Council and Métis Nation of Ontario will be there.

At the same time, Métis Nation British Columbia also backed out because they were only invited as online observers.

Joining guest host Sav Jonsa are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

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APTN National News, our stories told our way.

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A new report released this week is highlighting the intersection between the disappearance of Indigenous women and human trafficking in Canada. According to the report by Thomson Reuters, despite being only 5 per cent of the population, Indigenous women and girls account for over 50 per cent of trafficking victims. While the data may not come as a surprise to Indigenous peoples, it is a cause for alarm.

Also, this week we're discussing a new poll that finds most Canadians think the country is making progress on reconciliation.

Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

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APTN National News, our stories told our way.

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A northern pipeline, improvements to the rail line connecting Hudson Bay to the Prairies, and expedited critical mineral mining are all on the table with the newly passed One Canadian Economy Act and Ontario's Bill 5. Great for Canada perhaps with U.S. tariffs on the horizon, but there’s always one big looming question when it comes to new infrastructure.

This week on Truth and Politics, we ask that very question: how will this affect First Nations rights?

Host Creeson Agecoutay is joined by Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press and Paskwâw Strategies CEO, Jennifer Laewetz.

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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/