Attawapiskat First Nation youth taking Ford’s PCs to Ontario’s highest court in landmark Bill 5 challenge
By Anushka Yadav, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Pointer Ramon Kataquapit of Attawapiskat First Nation was 22 when former prime minister Justin Trudeau left an unsettling impression on him. It foreshadowed the scene he witnessed at Queen’s Park a year later which has pushed him to take legal action for the “lands, waters, and rights” of his people. In February 2024, Ramon, a North Bay-resident, took his seat beside Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, surrounded by members of NAN’s Oshkaatisak Council. They were all in Thunder Bay, ready to talk about clean water and community needs with Trudeau. As soon as the conversation began, he noticed something that left a deep impression on him: the “disrespect” from Trudeau. “He wouldn’t even look at our chief,” Ramon told...
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Feds, Ontario to sign deal reducing regulatory burden on Ring of Fire, other projects
By Liam Casey Ottawa and Ontario are set to sign a deal Thursday that will reduce the regulatory burden on large projects, including the road to the Ring of Fire, The Canadian Press has learned. Provincial and federal government sources who are not allowed to speak publicly say Ottawa has agreed to eliminate any duplicative work on its impact assessments on large projects. A draft agreement posted on the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s website says the goal is to work together to implement the “One Project, One Review and One Decision” approach. Webequie First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation are leading environmental assessments on three roads that would connect the provincial highway system to their communities and mining activities in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region in northern...
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Six are facing drug and firearms charges after major bust in Brantford and Brant County
BRANT COUNTY- Six people are facing a series of charges after the Brant County Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) launched a drug trafficking investigation linked to addresses on Maple Crescent in Paris and Sheridan Street in Brantford. On December 16, 2025, Brant CSCU-supported by Oxford, Middlesex, Elgin, Wellington, Haldimand, and Norfolk CSCU members, West Region Tactics and Rescue Unit, Emergency Response Team, OPP Canine Unit, and Brant OPP-executed two warrants at the identified addresses and took a total of six individuals into custody. Sheridan Street, Brantford: Jacob Etenberg, 21, of Brantford is charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Fentanyl Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking...
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New Brunswick first province to sign on to Carney’s ‘one project, one review’
By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner New Brunswick is the first province this year to sign on to the “one project, one review” approach pushed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, meant to ensure the feds and province speed up environmental reviews of big industrial projects. At a news conference in Fredericton on Tuesday, Dominic LeBlanc, the federal minister responsible for major projects, and Premier Susan Holt exulted over the benefits of having one environmental impact assessment for a given project, instead of two, to help gain the trust of investors. Environmentalists and First Nations had grave concerns about the change. “The same number of eyes can look at a particular review at the same time. It doesn’t have to be sequential,” LeBlanc said of the old...
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Indigenous-Led Family Reunification Program Running Out of Time
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun The difference between a child coming home and staying in foster care can be measured in many ways. In Manitoba, right now, it’s about five months. That’s the funding gap threatening Geoffrey’s Garden, an Indigenous-led family reunification program in Winnipeg that has helped dozens of parents get sober, reunite with their children, and save the province millions in foster-care costs, yet is still fighting to keep its doors open. “We’re okay, probably until February or March,” founder Cindy Huckerby explains. That breathing room came from a last-minute grant through Jordan’s Principle, money that arrived after two parents had already completed the program. It allowed Geoffrey’s Garden to pay overdue utility bills, catch up on arrears, and stabilize operations through the winter....
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Indigenous-Led Family Reunification Program Running Out of Time
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun The difference between a child coming home and staying in foster care can be measured in many ways. In Manitoba, right now, it’s about five months. That’s the funding gap threatening Geoffrey’s Garden, an Indigenous-led family reunification program in Winnipeg that has helped dozens of parents get sober, reunite with their children, and save the province millions in foster-care costs, yet is still fighting to keep its doors open. “We’re okay, probably until February or March,” founder Cindy Huckerby explains. That breathing room came from a last-minute grant through Jordan’s Principle, money that arrived after two parents had already completed the program. It allowed Geoffrey’s Garden to pay overdue utility bills, catch up on arrears, and stabilize operations through the winter....
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The Lumbee Tribe’s federal recognition is assured, with a final push by Trump
By Graham Lee Brewer With the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act by the Senate on Wednesday, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is all but assured to become a federally recognized tribal nation. The state-recognized tribe, whose historic and genealogical claims have been a subject of controversy, has been seeking federal recognition for generations. Congress has considered the issue for more than 30 years, but the effort gained momentum after President Donald Trump endorsed the tribe on the campaign trail last year. “It’s going to be a very, very emotional time for us. It’s going to be a time to rejoice and a time to be happy,” said Lumbee Tribe member Charles Graham, a retired special education teacher and former state legislator. “We’ll be able to stand on...
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Federal judge blocks Whitmer from shutting down submerged Great Lakes pipeline
By Todd Richmond A federal judge on Wednesday blocked Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ‘s attempt to shut down an aging oil pipeline running beneath a channel linking two of the Great Lakes, finding that only the federal government can regulate interstate pipeline safety. Whitmer, a Democrat, ordered regulators in 2020 to revoke an easement that allows Enbridge Inc. to operate a 4.5-mile (6.4) kilometer pipeline segment under the Straits of Mackinac, which link Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Whitmer made the move out of concern that the 72-year-old pipeline could rupture and cause a catastrophic spill. Enbridge filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the revocation and the pipeline continues to operate. President Donald Trump’s administration argued in filings this year that Whitmer’s order interferes with U.S. foreign energy policy...
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Feds, Ontario to sign deal reducing regulatory burden on Ring of Fire, other projects
By Liam Casey and Allison Jones Ottawa and Ontario are set to finalize a deal Thursday that will reduce the regulatory burden on large projects, including the road to the Ring of Fire, The Canadian Press has learned. Provincial and federal government sources who are not allowed to speak publicly say Ottawa has agreed to eliminate any duplicative work on its impact assessments on large projects. A draft agreement posted on the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s website says the goal is to work together to implement the “One Project, One Review and One Decision” approach. Ontario Premier Doug Ford was asked if this would be the final piece of the puzzle in order to begin building the roads to the Ring of Fire next year. “I believe so,” he...
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Christmas Cheer
Six Nations police, firefighters and ambulance services were all on hand Friday on Chiefswood Road in front of the Iroquois Village Plaza stopping traffic, but not for tickets, instead they were giving out a bit of Christmas Cheer, handing out Tim’s Cards and promoting safety over the holidays. (Photos by Jim C. Powless)...
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Proposed Six Nations Hospice gets $33,000 donation
Six Nations Health Foundation donates $33 thousand toward a hospice in the community. The Six Nations Health Foundation presented a donation of $33,481.66 to the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC)at the General Council meeting on December 9. The funds will support the development of the community hospice, which has been in progress for the last five years. The presentation, led by Foundation President Ruby Jacobs and several board members, highlighted two years of fundraising events and reaffirmed the community’s strong support for expanded end-of-life care in the community. Jacobs said the Foundation, established in 2008 as a registered charity, continues to focus on supporting “well being and health and wellness events and situations in the community” while raising funds for major projects, including the hospice. “We really support the hospice...
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Six Nations firefighters battle blaze in freezing temperatures
Six Nations Fire fighters rushed out into freezing temperatures last Thursday night when a family home went up in flames. A two story structure on Fifth Line was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene. Six Nations Fire Chief Mike Seth said a single person was living in the home but escaped without injury. He said cause of the fire was accidental but may have been electrical in nature. The Ontario Fire Marshall’s office is investigating. Fire Chief Seth said Onondaga Fire also attended scene. “They were called in to assist because of the roads. We were having difficulty getting trucks on the roads and volunteers had difficulty getting to the station with the ice and weather.” He said once on scene firefighters knocked it down quickly....
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Six Nations Tim Hortons’ will have new local owners
Six Nations residents will be tipping their coffees to new owners of the Six Nations Tim Horton’s franchise. Scott and Austim Hill from Grand View Corporation are moving to take over two existing Tim Hortons operations on Six Nations. The two appeared before the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) to secure the final piece needed to close the deal, a Band Council Resolution granting the Royal Bank of Canada access to the reserve should assets need to be recovered. The request from the father, son duo, comes as the pair prepared to assume control of the two restaurants Tuesday, Dec., 16 pending SNEC’s approval of the lender-required a BCR. During the presentation, Scott Hill explained that the opportunity emerged unexpectedly after initially exploring a new development. “We inquired about a...
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Eligible Six Nations people can apply to class action settlement
Assistance is available for Six Nations members who want to apply for the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Class Action Settlement. Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) were updated on the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Trout Class Action Settlement at the General Council meeting on December 9. Darrah Pine Beaver, from Deloitte, the claim administrator and representatives from Castlemain Group, including local claims helper, Atatawi Bush outlined how community members can access support as the compensation process continues to roll out. The presentation focused on eligibility, claims phases, and the supports available to Six Nations members as the first claims period opened March 10, 2025 and continues. Council later passed a motion approving Bush, who lives in the community, to work alongside...
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Package stolen from porch
(HALDIMAND COUNTY) – On December 8, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a theft from an Orkney Street, Caledonia address. The investigation determined that the homeowner had a package delivered to the residence and it was not there when they arrived home. Porch pirates are taking advantage of home deliveries, especially at this time of year. The OPP encourages the public to utilize a work address if possible or request a neighbour who will be home to receive packages, in the event you are personally unable to be there upon arrival of any delivery. Investigators are requesting if anyone has any information regarding this ongoing investigation to contact the Haldimand OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain...
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Six Nations Well-Being department receives highest designation
Six Nations Well-Being Department has received the highest designation in its national accreditation. Six Nations’ Well-Being Committee Chair and Councillor Amos Key provided a wide-ranging update to Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC), outlining progress on major health initiatives, ongoing challenges in federal programs, and a significant national recognition for the community’s health services at the General Council meeting on December 9. Deborah Jonathan, director of the Well-Being department helped Key announce that the department has been awarded Exemplary Standing through Accreditation Canada, the highest possible rating. Jonathan said the recognition shows the staff’s strong teamwork, client care, and dedication across the department’s many programs serving the community. “This achievement reflects the incredible amount of dedication and work that happens across all the programs and services within the well being department...
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Former national chief’s $5M lawsuit against AFN heading to court
After more than a year of delays in reaching a settlement, a legal case filed against the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) by former national chief RoseAnne Archibald will be heading to court. Naming the AFN, then-members of its Executive Committee and the National Indian Brotherhood (NIB), the civil lawsuit will soon enter its discovery stage, where both parties will formally exchange and examine information, documents and evidence. The process is designed to encourage settlement before the case goes to trial. Archibald seeks to claim at least $5 million in damages from the defendants for “defamation of character, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence,” as well as the legal indemnities she has incurred as a result of what she believes was a “campaign to sideline her and...
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Inuvialuit kayak, other items from Vatican unveiled at Museum of History
By Alessia Passafiume An Inuvialuit kayak more than a century old was unveiled Tuesday at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que. along with a handful of other priceless Inuit items returned to Canada from the Vatican collection. The kayak, hand-built from driftwood, sealskin and sinew, was one of the artifacts earmarked for repatriation by Inuit representatives who were given a private showing of the Vatican’s holdings in the Amina Mundi exhibit during a trip to Rome in 2022. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed was part of that delegation, which visited Rome to accept Pope Francis’s apology for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system. Obed said the late pope told him in conversation that “if items were taken forcibly or without consent,” it amounted to...
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Editorial: HCCC- public dollars need public airing
Dear Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs’ Council: With the holiday’s just a week away one doesn’t want to put a damper on all the coming fun. And the break for family time. But… For over a decade the Six Nations Confederacy Chiefs Council (SNCCC) has not made its annual audits public. There has not been a public posting on the website of audits since 2018. And there has been no public posting of any audit meetings for the public, well, anywhere. And simply saying go to council isn’t good enough. The SNCCC at Grand River receives funds on behalf of the people here at Six Nations of the Grand River. Not on behalf of people at Akwesasne or Oneida or Onondaga but on behalf of the Six Nations of the Grand River community...
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Today in History
Dec. 14 In 1956, John Diefenbaker was elected leader of the federal Progressive Conservative party. He became the 13th prime minister of Canada in June 1957, the first Conservative leader of the country in 22 years. His determination to guarantee human rights led to the Canadian Bill of Rights and the granting of the federal franchise to Canada’s aboriginal peoples in 1960. He remained prime minister until 1963, was deposed as party leader in 1967, and died in 1979. In 2002, the first Innu of Davis Inlet began moving into their new homes in Natuashish, a newly built community on the north coast of Labrador. In 2021, the discovery of unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in B.C. was named Canada’s news story of the year as...
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