![Interview: Russ Diabo on changes to federal policy for adding land to First Nations reserves [video]](https://nbmediacoop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RusselDiaboJul312026.jpg)
The Canadian government recently invited people to share their feedback about proposed changes to the federal “additions to reserve policy,” which allows parcels of land to be added to existing First Nations reserves.
Ottawa asked people to share their thoughts about proposed changes to the policy through an online survey.
People can also submit written feedback by email (politique.aar-policy.atr@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca), or contact the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations to set up a virtual meeting with government officials.
The review period is open until September 22, according to a news release issued by the federal government last month.
To learn more about the Additions to Reserve Policy and the changes that are underway, the NB Media Co-op spoke to First Nations policy analyst Russ Diabo.
He said the redesign is meant to address a backlog of requests for additions of reserve land, and that it’s part of a larger set of changes that will eventually overhaul Indigenous policy in Canada.
Lisha Francis is a student at St. Thomas University and member of Elsipogtog First Nation. This report was produced as part of media production workshops hosted by the NB Media Co-op.
Video credits: Interview by Lisha Francis; Wowkwis Augustine assisted with camera work; Lance Francis assisted with production; production and editing by David Gordon Koch.
This project has been made possible in part by the Local Journalism Initiative. We also acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada. Thank you to St. Thomas University’s Aotiitj program for providing access to the classroom at the Elsipogtog Community Service Centre.
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