First Nations

A record number of First Nations people died in NSW prison custody last year, with two more deaths reported this month. Matthew Roberts, a 27-year-old Bundjalung, Yaegl, and Gamilaroi man, died by suicide in July at Lithgow correctional centre, and another First Nations man, 21, died a week later at Clarence correctional centre. Advocates warn this year's numbers could exceed last year's record.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the northern British Columbia tanker ban will remain in place as Canada pursues an Alberta pipeline to the Pacific Coast. The pipeline aims to diversify oil exports beyond the U.S. and address separatist tensions in Alberta, with British Columbia and some First Nations opposing a northern route. Compensation for environmental risks will be provided if the pipeline is built in southern British Columbia.

The Carney government is slowing down planned regulatory changes that angered some First Nations and mobilized civil society organizations. This decision follows feedback from thousands of people.

Tensions are rising between First Nation leaders and Thunder Bay police over missing persons cases, with Indigenous leaders claiming their community searchers are being disregarded. The police chief has warned against spreading 'inaccurate or incomplete information.'

Andrea Woodley, a homeless First Nations woman, is at risk of death due to septicemia and has been waiting for public housing in WA since 2023. She has been in and out of hospital for weeks and her family fears she will die without a safe home. Andrea still has a two-year wait for public housing despite her critical condition.