‘We’ve become hyper-partisan,’ says Queen’s Park intern in Kiiwetinoong
By Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com SIOUX LOOKOUT – Eve Parry says the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s motto, “to hear the other side,” is “a really important message in today’s world.” The 23-year-old is one of ten people from across Canada selected this year for the highly competitive Ontario Legislature Internship Program, which allows interns to work for 10 months split between two political parties. “We’ve become hyper-partisan. So, just learning to be a bridge-builder and trying to see the best in different parties or ideologies, or just expose yourself to them, I think it’s really important in today’s world,” said Parry. Parry is now working with Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa of the NDP Party, after spending her first five months with Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman of the...
Register
Six Nations Elected Council joins men’s group in lawsuit against Six Nations Confederacy Council’s development institute
Six Nations Elected Council joins men’s group in photo after signing onto their class action lawsuit (SNEC Photo) By Lynda Powless Editor SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) has joined forces with a local men’s group to launch a class action lawsuit against the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Council’s development arm, the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI). Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) and representatives of the Six Nations Men’s Fire have formalized an agreement to work together in a proposed class action seeking accountability and transparency regarding funds received by the HDI on behalf of the community. Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill announced that SNEC passed a motion to join litigation initiated by Men’s Fire with representatives Bill Montour and Wilfred Davey at the General Council meeting on June 9. ...
Register
Brantford: Police asking public for help in finding missing Kyleigh
By Alex Murray Writer BRANTFORD, ONT- The Brantford Police Service (BPS) are asking for the public’s help in locating Kyleigh, a missing 12-year-old girl. BPS says Kyleigh was last seen on June 2, 2026 at a residence on Iroquois Street in east-central Brantford. BPS did not respond to a request for comment on why there was an eight-day gap between when Kyleigh was last seen and when the public media release went out. Kyleigh, a female with curly hair and a nose ring, was wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts the last time she was seen, according to BPS. The police are seeking assistance from anyone who might have information about Kyleigh’s whereabouts so they can verify her well-being. BPS encourages anyone with information to please contact them at...
Register
Ginoogaming First Nation: Minister “Celebrating” Ring of Fire Progress While Nearby Community in State of Emergency
By Alex Murray Writer While Ontario Minister Greg Rickford was “celebrating” his progress on the Ring of Fire project last week, Chief and Council at Ginoogaming First Nation were “going door-to-door,” to evict drug dealers. Ginoogaming Chief Sheri Taylor and her Council declared a state of emergency on May 13, 2026. Announced alongside neighbouring Long Lake #58 First Nation, the state of emergency is due to the growing presence of drugs and crime in their territories. Rickford, who is the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, made an announcement about a Ring of Fire milestone on June 2. That prompted a fiery statement from Ginoogaming in response on June 4. “It was deeply insulting to see...
Register
Tory MP says 4,000 letters sent urging Carney to amend Indian Act status rules
By Alessia Passafiume A Conservative MP says more than 4,000 letters have been sent to the House of Commons committee on Indigenous issues demanding that the federal government immediately change the way First Nations status works under the Indian Act. MP Billy Morin, the former chief of Enoch Cree Nation who serves as the Conservative party’s critic of Indigenous Services, echoed those calls in a letter he sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney this week. The committee, known as INAN, is studying legislation that would change the rules establishing who is entitled to First Nations status under the Indian Act. It was introduced in the Senate as S-2 and initially had support from the governing Liberals. The legislation was drafted to eliminate some gender inequities in the Indian Act and...
Register
Awards shine light on teamwork, service and community at Wiikwemkoong Tribal Police Service
By Jacqueline St.Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Manitoulin Expositor WIKWEMKOONG—In policing, much of the work happens quietly. It unfolds in late-night calls, difficult conversations, moments of crisis and acts of compassion that rarely make headlines. Last month, however, some of that work stepped briefly into the spotlight as members of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) were recognized with prestigious provincial honours celebrating excellence in policing, victim services and community engagement. At the annual Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) conference, held before an audience of approximately 700 policing professionals, retirees and community safety leaders from across the province, WTPS’s own Jackie White received the Catherine Martin Award for Excellence in Media Relations and Corporate Communications. At the same time, crisis responder Amanda Gibbons was recognized with the...
Register
Supreme Court silence leaves questions lingering over Aboriginal title and private property
By Jacqueline St.Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Manitoulin Expositor CANADA—The Supreme Court of Canada has chosen not to speak. And in that silence, one of the most consequential legal questions facing the country remains unanswered: can Aboriginal title ultimately prevail over privately owned land? On May 28, Canada’s highest court declined to hear an appeal arising from a landmark New Brunswick case involving the Wolastoqey First Nations. The decision leaves standing a ruling from the New Brunswick Court of Appeal, but offers no guidance on an issue that is increasingly finding its way into courtrooms across the country. As is customary, the Supreme Court provided no reasons for refusing leave to appeal. The case traces back to 2021, when the Wolastoqey First Nations launched a legal action seeking a...
Register
‘We are not who we are because of cheques from Ottawa and Victoria’: Former President of Haida Nation talks conservation in Tofino
By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tofino, B.C. – Miles Richardson, former president of the Council of the Haida Nation and champion of Aboriginal title and rights, was in unceded Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations territory on June 4 and 5 for a speaker series at Clayoquot Campus. Coincidentally, Richardson’s visit paralleled Premier David Eby’s visit with Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, a modern treaty nation located across the harbour from Ucluelet in the community of Hitacu. Richardson served as president of the Council of Haida Nation from 1984 to 1996. During his 12-year tenure, he led the drafting of the Constitution of the Haida Nation and the development of the first comprehensive Haida Nation land and marine use plan, enacted under Haida law. Richardson also helped establish the Haida Watchmen program. “At that...
Register
First Degree Murder charge laid after OPP officer killed in the line of duty
HEARST, ON – Charges have been laid in connection with the death of an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer killed in the line of duty near Hearst. On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., members of the James Bay OPP were attempting to stop a vehicle as part of an ongoing investigation. During the attempted apprehension, an officer was struck by the vehicle. The officer, OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, was seriously injured and was later pronounced deceased. OPP members and a Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service member took the individual into custody. As a result of the investigation, Justin Veronneau, 18 years old of Hearst, was charged with the following Criminal Code offences: First degree murder, section 235(2) Assault police, section 270(1)(a) Flight from police, section 320.17 – two counts...
Register
Indigenous Police Are “Part of the Solution” Against Organized Crime: Former Senior RCMP Investigator
By Alex Murray Writer When Garry Clement spoke at the 17th Annual First Nations Chiefs of Police Association Conference in Victoria, B.C. in May, he was confronted by two important truths. The first, is that Indigenous police services are an “increasingly” crucial component of Canada’s defense against transnational and organized crime. “Public safety in Canada depends on our ability to evolve faster than the threats we face,” Clement wrote in a recent op-ed piece. “Indigenous policing is not the weakest link in that effort. Increasingly, it is one of our greatest opportunities for building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.” The conference, which ran May 19-21, transported Clement a quarter century into the past, as he’d spoken to the FNCPA 25 years previously in 2001. The former National Director for...
Register
It’s hot out there, OMSK holds Beach Day to beat the heat
By Alex Murray Writer The first official day of summer may not be until June 21. But Oliver M. Smith-Kawenni:io got the summer season going early on Monday, June 8 as dozens of excited youngsters zoomed around the campus during their annual Beach Day celebration. It’s a tradition that’s been going for at least 10 years according to Vice Principal Wanda Davis and teacher Ms. Vokes, who organized the event this year. OMSK teachers and volunteers manned the various activity stations combining fun in the sun with literacy and outdoor activities. Students alternated periods of 20 minutes of play with reading sessions in the cool shade. Davis said Beach Day is a big hit with the students. “If you ask the students, it’s their favourite day of the year,” Davis...
Register
Six Nations Youth Embrace the Creator’s Game at annual school lacrosse tournament
By Alex Murray Writer “It’s the Creator’s game, one of the few traditional games we still get to play.” That’s why Dave Sowden, Grade 5 teacher at Oliver M. Smith-Kawenni:io, believes it’s important to pass on a love of lacrosse. That love was on full display at the annual Six Nations School Lacrosse Tournament on June 2. The co-ed event has been going on since Sowden himself was in elementary school, which was “not a couple, but a few decades ago,” he said with a chuckle. The tournament featured two competitions: one for primary kids from kindergarten to Grade 3, and one for intermediates in Grades 4 to 6. Teams played 20-minute games during the double-elimination tournament held at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena this year. The Primaries took the field...
Register
Elementary schools on Six Nations will have new septic systems
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) approved a recommendation authorizing Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill to sign documentation required to replace federal schools’ infrastructure during the General Finance Committee meeting on June 1. The decision came following a recommendation from the Built Environment, Climate Adaptation, Lands and Membership Committee. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is responsible for five federal schools within Six Nation, including Jamieson Elementary, JC Hill Elementary, Emily C. General, I.L. Thomas Elementary, and Oliver M. Smith Elementary. The motion said that three of the schools, Emily C. General, I.L. Thomas Elementary, and Oliver M. Smith Elementary, rely on peatland systems for onsite wastewater treatment. The project is valued at approximately $2.8 million and will support upgrades to the peatland wastewater treatment systems at the affected schools. An assessment completed in...
Register
More funding needed for winter roads
Six Nations Public Works needs more funding for winter road maintenance due to harsher winters and higher-than-expected seasonal demands. Six Nations Elected Council approved an increase to a winter road maintenance supply contract during the General Finance Committee meeting on June 1, following a recommendation from the Built Environment, Climate Adaptation, Lands and Membership Committee. The committee recommendation for increased funds was related to additional costs to the Six Nations Public Works Department for winter road maintenance materials, including a liquid sand and salt mixture and straight salt used across the community’s roads. The Public Works Department had originally budgeted approximately $300,000 for the 2025-2026 operations and maintenance cycle based on historical usage. The supply contract with Waterford Sand and Gravel Limited was initially approved with an upset limit of...
Register
Louise Arbour becomes Canada’s 31st Governor General
By Catherine Morrison and David Baxter Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour added the title of Governor General to her distinguished resume Monday in one of the most important ceremonies in Canadian democracy — the act of naming a new representative for the King in Canada. Arbour, 79, replaces Mary Simon, who became Canada’s first Indigenous viceregal in 2021. The official duties of a governor general include serving as commander-in-chief of Canada — which includes awarding military honours — swearing cabinet ministers into office, proroguing and dissolving Parliament, making appointments on the prime minister’s advice and granting Royal Assent to turn bills into law. Arbour was welcomed at the Senate of Canada building on a sunny Monday morning by Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, his wife Diana Fox, Usher of...
Register
Funding for Six Nations departments, $2.02 million for infrastructure
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) approved a series of funding allocations and a separate insurance premium adjustment during the General Finance Committee meeting on June 1, following recommendations from the Built Environment, Climate Adaptation, Lands and Membership Committee. Indigenous Services Canada provides annual funding for Six Nations assets and education funding based on nominal roll adjustments, which reflect approximately 60 per cent population considerations. Departments including Public Works, Housing Administration, Parks and Recreation, Information Technology Solutions, Administration, and Fire Services were given the opportunity to submit funding priorities. However, the motion said the department requests exceeded available funding. The motion said that the allocation process required adjustments and reductions, with Six Nations Development Corporation management agreement funds used to address remaining shortfalls. SNEC approved a final allocation package totalling approximately...
Register
Editorial: Open or closed and is there a penalty?
This week Turtle Island News has received a letter from a Six Nations Band councillor outlining her concerns over increasing closed meetings of the current elected council. Now just before we read the letter let us remember normally governing bodies, including band councils are allowed to hold closed-door (“in-camera”) meetings but only for specific reasons. Those reasons include personnel issues, labour negotiations or legal matters. And they can’t just go into a closed meeting. They have to pass a public resolution that explains the reason for closing the meeting before they shut down the session or turn off the online viewing. Turtle Island News has frequently objected to any SNEC closed session that does not indicate why they are closing the session. But with the current council it has progressed to...
Register
Letter to the Editor: Veteran Six Nations Councillor questions is “modernizing” Six Nations Elected council working
By Helen Miller “Indian” politics sure ain’t what it used to be since the younger generation took over. The previous 58th Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) decided the system needed modernizing which was really an attempt to turn the SNEC into a municipal-type council. Administration became top-heavy and even more bureaucratic. High level positions were created that in my mind weren’t needed. Clearly, modernization isn’t working. But no one wants to admit that, so they keep plugging away trying to make it work. SNEC cannot ever be a replica of a municipal council. Let’s look at Brantford City Council (BCC). BCC only deals with city issues. Brant County Council deals with county issues, and both councils have the help of an MP to deal with federal issues and an MPP...
Register
Warriors aiming to finish atop Can-Am standings
By Sam Laskaris Writer Despite a bit of a blip in their plans, the Grand River Warriors still have some lofty expectations this season. The Warriors, who are in their third season of operations, are one of two Six Nations-based Senior B men’s lacrosse clubs. Unlike the Six Nations Rivermen, who participate in the Ontario Series Lacrosse, the Warriors are the lone Canadian entry in the Can-Am Lacrosse League. The Can-Am circuit also includes five franchises in the state of New York. The Can-Am playoff champs do end up competing in the Presidents Cup, the Canadian Senior B tournament. This year’s national tourney will be held in Edmonton, starting in late August. The Warriors, who play a 20-game regular season schedule, are currently sporting a 7-5 record, good for third...
Register
Rivermen acquire rights of NLL goaltender
By Sam Laskaris Writer The Six Nations Rivermen did not even play a game this past week. But the local Senior B lacrosse squad managed to register a big win. That’s because the Rivermen acquired the Senior B playing rights of goaltender Cam Dunkerley from the Owen Sound North Stars. Instead of the North Stars receiving a player in return, the Six Nations franchise sent an undisclosed amount of cash to the Owen Sound club. Dunkerley is expected to boost the already solid Rivermen netminding as he also plays professionally in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) with the San Diego Seals. Dunkerley, who is 26, has also had NLL stints with the Saskatchewan Rush, New York Riptide and Ottawa Black Bears. The Black Bears were rebranded after the Riptide relocated...
Register
