Podcast · News

Truth & Politics

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.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 13 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 18 min

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 Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair 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/

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

1 Oct 2026 · 19 min
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 panel, where we discuss the facts, the feelings and a display of bold-faced residential school denialism in the lead up to the day. Joining host Tiar Wheatle to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories…
24 Sep 2026 · 19 min
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 Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair 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/
17 Sep 2026 · 12 min
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 new investments in Canada. Those are the topics for this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Alessia Passafiume with the Canadian Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more:…
10 Sep 2026 · 17 min
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 rights. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national voice of 70,000 Inuit in Canada, has called the NCC fraudulent. Also on the panel this week, a new reporter in Nunavut is facing an unusual problem: an AI account stealing content from legitimate journalists. Those are the topics for this week's Truth &…
3 Sep 2026 · 15 min
'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 shovel. Also on the panel this week, the ongoing implosion of the British Columbia Conservative Party. Those are the topics for this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN…
27 Aug 2026 · 19 min
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 News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
20 Aug 2026 · 12 min
'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 resurrection of the Keystone XL pipeline, also known as the zombie pipeline, as United States President Donald Trump says it could be coming back. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National…
13 Aug 2026 · 13 min
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 that is also expected to result in irreversible effects on the water, land, air and First Nations in the area. The other is a supply road from Webequie First Nation to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire, which is already facing a judicial review. That's the topic this week on Truth & Politics. Joining host…
6 Aug 2026 · 14 min
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 banner hung from a fence near Edmonton over the long weekend containing derogatory remarks about First Nations people and why the Alberta government has yet to condemn it. Joining guest host Savannah Kelly to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free…
30 Jul 2026 · 11 min
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 gone viral with many questioning the use of force. Those are our topics for this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz, the CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Alessia Passafiume, an Anishinaabe Parliament Hill reporter with the Canadian Press. • • • APTN…
23 Jul 2026 · 10 min
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 called for a public inquiry and the resignation of the minister of Indigenous Services. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz, the CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Alessia Passafiume, an Anishinaabe Parliament Hill reporter with the Canadian Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories…
16 Jul 2026 · 11 min
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 Winnipeg Free Press and Alessia Passafiume, an Anishinaabe Parliament Hill reporter with the Canadian 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/
9 Jul 2026 · 13 min
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 the province. Also on the panel this week, a look at some of the resolutions for next week's Assembly Of First Nations annual general assembly. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our…
2 Jul 2026 · 13 min
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 the ground next year? For more, our Truth & Politics panel is here. Joining Host Dennis Ward is Jennifer Laewetz, the CEO of Paskwa Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, a columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more:…
25 Jun 2026 · 14 min
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 Northwest Territories and the deep geological repository for nuclear waste in northwestern Ontario. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more:…
18 Jun 2026 · 15 min
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 actions by Smith and the UPC when it comes to violating treaties, calling a referendum and failing to take action on the violation of privacy rights of millions of people. Also on the panel this week, the reintroduction of the First Nations water legislation is being met with criticism. Joining host Dennis…
11 Jun 2026 · 17 min
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 Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair 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/
4 Jun 2026 · 17 min
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 punishable crime failed to pass in the Senate, the Assembly of First Nations' trip to Buckingham Palace to speak with King Charles and the latest on what's been unfolding in Thunder Bay. Joining host Sav Jonsa to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the…
28 May 2026 · 11 min
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 to consult. That is one of the topics for this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more:…
21 May 2026 · 12 min
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 satirical prank show. For clarity, APTN News had no prior knowledge nor any involvement in this production. This week, after many of the people contacted to take part in the show started speaking out, CBC paused production on Northland Tales. That is one of the topics for this week's Truth & Politics…
14 May 2026 · 19 min
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 discuss are Alberta-based strategist and advisor Cara Currie Hall and 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/
7 May 2026 · 13 min
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 of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair 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/
30 Apr 2026 · 10 min
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 panel. Also on the panel this week, after more than four decades, the Gathering of Nations has had its last dance. Plus, the minister of Indigenous Services says the clock is ticking for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw…
23 Apr 2026 · 12 min
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 Manitoba Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement had its second reading in the House of Commons. But the Assembly of First Nations is already calling on the federal government to kill the bill. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and…
16 Apr 2026 · 9 min
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 Anishinaabe Nation and the latest trip around the moon. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair 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…
9 Apr 2026 · 8 min
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. However, some advocates say it is time to reallocate that funding elsewhere. Our Truth & Politics panel weighs in on that and controversy over cannabis on the East Coast. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • •…
2 Apr 2026 · 13 min
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 discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair 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/
19 Mar 2026 · 11 min
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 this week's panel are Niigaan Sinclair of the Winnipeg Free Press and Bronwyn Dobchuk-Land, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Winnipeg. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts:…
12 Mar 2026 · 12 min
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 on our website, her defection could have a number of consequences, from helping push the Liberals to a majority to threatening efforts to end the second-generation cut-off. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free…

About Truth & Politics

Truth & Politics is a English news podcast from APTN. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: APTN
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 13 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1355172846

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