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 it could mean for Indigenous Peoples – from the situation in Venezuela to renewed talk about Greenland.

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

• • •

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/

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 year ahead.

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

• • •

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/

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 panel also marks the 10th anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report.

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

• • •

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/

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 Truth & Politics panel.

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

• • •

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 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 Agecoutay are Jennifer Laewetz, the CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair, a columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

• • •

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/

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 Laewetz, the CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair, a columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

• • •

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/

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 Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press, and Mi'kmaw lawyer and professor Pam Palmater.

• • •

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/

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 Winnipeg Free Press, and Mi'kmaw lawyer and professor Pam Palmater.

• • •

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/

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 turned out to be smaller than expected.

That's the focus of this week's Truth and Politics panel.

Also on the agenda: Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew's response to a Supreme Court of Canada ruling that struck down mandatory minimum sentences for some child pornography offences.

Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss is Winnipeg Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair.

• • •

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/

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 vulnerable groups.

Jeff Wharton, the MLA in question, denies the allegation.

That's one of the topics up for discussion on this week's Truth and Politics panel.

The panel also weighs in on the Canadian Armed Forces' apology to Indigenous soldiers, Ontario's push for Ring of Fire development and Indigenous Disability Awareness Month.

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

• • •

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/