Settler-Indigenous Issues
SHEILLA: My engagement in Settler-Indigenous issues in Canada goes back some thirty years, with the publication of Rotten to the Core: The Politics of the Manitoba Métis Federation in 1995. It was a dramatic introduction in my role as an investigative journalist, and I would not have predicted that my story of the MMF’s turbulent years would still be selling three decades later.
My approach to contemporary Settler-Indigenous issues has evolved over time from multiple perspectives—investigative journalist, author, academic researcher, grassroots advocate, and peacebuilder. This is reflected in the publications, book reviews, media events, and books that I am sharing on this page.
You are welcome to download and share my publications, with the proviso that material used in publications be appropriately credited. You are also welcome to share thoughtful comments via the Contact form.
Publications
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​UN submission: A Numbers Game: The value of Indigenous annuities in CANZUS states. Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, 60th Session Human Rights Council Report, March 2025. Modernized Annuity Working Group.
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Journal article: Mason, G., Jones, S., & Helgason, W. (2021). A modern annuity for Canada - Concrete reconciliation. Journal of Aboriginal Economic Development, 12(1), 92-110.
Presentations
Speaker: "The original two solitudes and the rise of anti-Indigenous hate." Global Forum on Bigotry and Hate, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, September 12-13, 2025, Winnipeg.
Panelist: “First Nations Modern Annuities: A Guaranteed Income for FN People,” Indigenous Perspectives on Governance and Basic Income, with co-panelist Wayne Helgason. The BIG Forum on Basic Income Guarantee, May 25, 2024, University of Ottawa, Ottawa.
Media
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Op-ed: The purpose of the ‘10th man rule’ (for advancing First Nations sovereignty). Winnipeg Free Press. March 14, 2025.
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Interview: Indigenous community in Manitoba react to $5 treaty payment agreement that hasn’t increased since 1871, Global TV News, June 13, 2023
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Interview: Long lineups for treaty annuities at The Forks spark discussion about 'insulting' $5 payment, CBC Radio Manitoba, June 10, 2023
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Op-ed: Time to re-examine treaty annuities and the land, by Sheilla Jones, Wayne Helgason, and Gregory Mason, Winnipeg Free Press, December 29, 2021.
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Op-ed: Modern Annuity a game-changer for First Nations families, by Sheilla Jones and Sheila North, Toronto Star, December 23, 2019.
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Interview: Sheilla Jones and Sheila North on if the treaty annuity was turned on its head, interviewed by host Melissa Rigden, APTN National News, September 6, 2019.
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Interview: Re-direct money from Indigenous Affairs departments and into the pockets of status Indians: researcher, interviewed by host Melissa Rigden, inFocus, APTN, April 18, 2019.
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Op-ed: Indigenous Affairs portfolio is democratically flawed, Ottawa Sun, Vancouver Sun, Winnipeg Sun, and Hamilton Spectator, January 12, 2019.