Hodgson pitches major projects to First Nations as wildfires scorch communities

By Alessia Passafiume As Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson pitched First Nations chiefs in Ottawa on Thursday on the federal government’s major projects push, chiefs in Ontario and Quebec were scrambling to secure federal help for communities forced to evacuate due to wildfires. One small northwestern Ontario community, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation — also known as Collins First Nation — has burned to the ground. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said the community is being left behind by Indigenous Services Canada because it isn’t recognized as a First Nation by the federal government. Anishinabek Nation has been fundraising on Collins First Nation’s behalf. Chiefs and officials gathered in Ottawa this week for the Assembly of First Nations annual meeting held a blanket dance…

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