Canadian Heritage aware of turmoil in Indigenous languages office months before audit
By The Canadian Press Staff Documents show the Canadian Heritage department was aware of internal strife at the Indigenous languages office for months before it launched a financial audit of the organization. Half a dozen sources, including former employees, told The Canadian Press that over the five years of its existence, the arm’s-length Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages has failed to move the needle on strengthening Indigenous languages and supporting research. Instead, they say, the office has focused on extensive travel and hosting one big conference in Ottawa that cost $10 million. They also allege a toxic work environment, bullying, projects left uncompleted and staff quitting in frustration. The sources spoke on the condition they not be named due to fear of reprisals. Similar allegations are outlined in...
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Documentary about Treaty 8 to be screened in Fort St. John
By Energeticcity.ca Local Journalism Initiative Reporter FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A screening of a documentary about of the history of Treaty 8 will be in Fort St. John later this month. The film, ‘Spirit of Treaty 8’ will have two showings on Sunday, June 21st, at the North Peace Cultural Centre. The date coincides with the 125th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 8, which took place in June 1899 and was signed by the Crown and bands in the Lesser Slave Lake area of modern-day Alberta. Geographically, the area of Treaty 8 covers 840,000 kilometres, stretching from northern Saskatchewan to the Northwest Territories. The project was announced in 2025 as a collaboration between the city of Fort St. John and the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, and was produced...
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Federal government announces mining workforce alliance to build ‘talent pipelines’
By Michael MacDonald The federal government has announced a new industry-led alliance aimed at growing the skilled workforce for Canada’s mining industry, which is struggling to fill key jobs. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu made the announcement Thursday in southwestern Nova Scotia, saying the new body, dubbed the mining and minerals workforce alliance, is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s drive to build a more independent economy. “They have a labour shortage … in many areas of the country,” Hajdu said in an interview, referring to the mining industry. “They cannot find the kinds of professionals they need.” The minister said the industry and other skilled trades are also facing “a negative net popularity’ with young people. “These are good quality, solid careers and too few Canadians know about them. Too...
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AFNQL urges the provincial government to abandon Bill 1
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) is urging the Quebec government to withdraw the proposed Quebec constitution. At a meeting in Montreal last Wednesday, the AFNQL’s council of chiefs unanimously reaffirmed that withdrawing Bill 1 is the only acceptable path forward. AFNQL Regional Chief Francis Verreault-Paul argued that the bill would enshrine the “legal erasure” of First Nations within Quebec’s legal framework. “Adopting this bill, in its current or amended form, would amount to constitutionalizing the political and legal erasure of First Nations — move that directly perpetuates the Doctrine of Discovery and is incompatible with any genuine form of reconciliation,” Verreault-Paul said. The Quebec Constitution Act, tabled in the National Assembly last October, aims to codify Quebec’s alleged fundamental values...
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A lawsuit challenges Hawaii homestead leases limited to those with 50% Hawaiian blood
By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher HONOLULU (AP) — A lawsuit filed this week in U.S. court in Honolulu challenges a century-old system that provides one of the most valuable benefits for Native Hawaiians: land at almost no cost. The lawsuit says the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which sets aside land for those who have at least 50% Hawaiian blood quantum, is unconstitutional. It was filed Monday by the Pacific Legal Foundation on behalf of a man who is not Hawaiian but is described in the lawsuit as a lifelong Hawaii resident. It’s the latest challenge to Native Hawaiian entitlements amid the Trump administration’s pushback against diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Homestead communities across the state have been key to economic self-sufficiency and strongholds of Hawaiian culture and traditions. Those with at...
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Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre in Iqaluit receives another $5 million from Inuit association
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) has allocated an additional $5 million to the planned Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre in Iqaluit, the organization announced on June 3. So far, the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre has collected $75 million toward its $175 million price tag, with an additional $50 million needed to help cover the facility’s operating costs. Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the federal government, and the Government of Nunavut committed to spend $50 million on the centre in March 2025. QIA has allocated $10 million out of the $75 million set aside so far. The facility is being run by the Inuit Heritage Trust, which has a goal of returning 200,000 Inuit belongings, including archaeological artifacts and ethnographic items, back to Nunavut....
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B.C. extends pause on new mineral claims in northern regions to 2027
The British Columbia government has extended its pause on new mineral rights claim registrations in the northwestern and north-central regions until 2027 due to ongoing land-use planning with First Nations. The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals says in a statement that the pause, which applies to new mineral and placer claims, was set to expire on Wednesday but has now been extended to Jan. 31 of next year. The province says existing mineral claims are not affected but registration of new claims and for coal licences will remain on hold. The government says in a statement that the orders have been suspended for the completion of work with the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit and Kaska First Nations, and to allow for engagement with industry, local governments and other parties....
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Mounties in Saskatchewan resume hunt for suspect in deadly shooting
The hunt is back on for a suspect in a deadly shooting this week at a remote northern Saskatchewan First Nation, Mounties said Wednesday. It began Monday after a shooting at a home in Pelican Narrows, 500 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. A 28-year-old woman died at the scene and a man was also taken to hospital with injuries. Two suspects were initially arrested. One was released without charges soon after and, on Wednesday, police said the second person had been let go. At the same time, they released video footage of who they believe to be the suspect. The video depicts a person dressed in black with a black head covering running down a road. RCMP arrested two people after a shooting Monday near the health centre in Pelican Narrows,...
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Minister says Canadian forestry crisis goes beyond Trump tariffs
By Wolfgang Depner Canada’s forestry sector is the trade “canary in the coal mine” as it faces structural challenges that go beyond Trump-era tariffs, says the federal minister responsible for natural resources. Tim Hodgson made that comment Wednesday as he unveiled close to $130 million in funding for 56 forestry-related projects across the country. Hodgson, who is in Langford, B.C., to meet with Canada’s provincial and territorial forest ministers, also released a report suggesting homegrown problems, such as unstable access to fibre and lack of domestic demand that are threatening the industry with an “existential crisis.” He said the additional funding for the industry is on top of the various supports worth $2 billion, which the federal government has announced since August 2025, to help the sector remain competitive and...
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Conservative MP says First Nations votes will be critical in Alberta referendum
By Sarah Ritchie Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Conservative members of Parliament are set to spend their summer break campaigning for Albertans to stay in Canada — and one member of his caucus says he will focus on working with Indigenous leaders to get out the vote. Edmonton Northwest MP Billy Morin said chiefs are doing something “very admirable” in Alberta by fighting for treaties and for Canadian unity. “This one matters. We can’t sit this one out,” he said. Albertans are set to vote in October on whether they want to stay in Canada or prefer to hold a future binding referendum on separating from the country. Poilievre said last month that he and his caucus will be campaigning across Alberta over the summer and encouraging people to stay...
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CP NewsAlert: Mounties in Saskatchewan resume hunt for suspect in deadly shooting
Police say the hunt is back on for a suspect in a deadly shooting this week on a remote northern Saskatchewan First Nation. Mounties arrested two people after the shooting Monday near the health centre in Pelican Narrows, 500 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. Officers had found two people shot on a road. A woman, identified as being 28, died at the scene, and a man was taken to hospital. The first suspect was released soon after, and RCMP now say their second suspect has been let go without charges. Mounties are distributing video footage of a person they believe is the shooter, dressed in black with a black head covering running down a road. More coming....
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Minister won’t say when he ordered audit of Indigenous languages office
By The Canadian Press Staff Canadian Heritage Minister Marc Miller won’t say when his department ordered a financial audit of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages after it received anonymous complaints. The Canadian Press reported earlier this week an audit is being conducted on the office tasked with helping to preserve at-risk Indigenous languages. Half a dozen sources, including former employees, told The Canadian Press that over the five years of its existence, the commissioner’s office has failed to move the needle on strengthening Indigenous languages and supporting research. Instead, they say, the office has focused on extensive travel and hosting one big conference in Ottawa that cost $10 million. They also allege a toxic work environment, bullying, uncompleted projects and staff quitting in frustration. The sources spoke...
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Mary Simon says serving as Governor General was the ‘honour of a lifetime’
By Canadian Press Staff Outgoing Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says it was the “honour of a lifetime” to serve in the post for the past five years. Simon made the comments at a send-off ceremony today in Ottawa, days before her term officially concludes. Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is grateful for her service and efforts to further Indigenous reconciliation. Carney says Canada is walking the “long road of reconciliation” and forging a renewed relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown thanks in part to Simon’s efforts. The prime minister announced in May that retired Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour would succeed Simon as Canada’s next governor general. Arbour will take her place in a formal ceremony on June 8. This report by The Canadian Press was first published...
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Conservative MP says First Nations votes will be critical in Alberta referendum
By Sarah Ritchie Conservative MP Billy Morin says he will spend the summer talking to Indigenous leaders about encouraging people to vote in the Alberta referendum. Albertans are set to vote in October on whether they want to stay in Canada or prefer to hold a future binding referendum on separating from the country. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he and his caucus will be campaigning across Alberta this summer and encouraging people to stay in “the Canadian family.” Morin, who was chief of Enoch Cree Nation before entering federal politics, says he understands many First Nations people are hesitant to vote — but this referendum is different. He says he sees chiefs in his home province fighting for treaties. First Nations in Alberta are fighting back against separatists in...
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Oldman Watershed Council expands its work
By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Shootin’ the Breeze The Oldman Watershed Council, a two-decade-old non-profit, says it is carrying out some of its most consequential work yet. From planting thousands of willows along eroding streambanks to restoring wetlands and fencing sensitive areas, dozens of annual OWC stewardship projects add up to millions of dollars in ecosystem benefits across southern Alberta, according to the organization. OWC says those efforts are part of its broader mission to improve water security across the Oldman River basin through collaboration and hands-on restoration. Founded in 2004 and based in Lethbridge, OWC describes itself as a neutral forum that brings together municipalities, Indigenous nations, industry, government and landowners to tackle water security across southwestern Alberta — roughly from High River south to Grassy Lake...
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Saskatchewan lifts fire ban; 1,200 evacuees from northern communities returning home
By Jeremy Simes Saskatchewan is lifting its fire ban while roughly 1,200 evacuees from the province’s northeastern region are heading home. Bryan Chartrand with the Saskatchewan Public Safety says rain this week improved conditions, allowing the province to rescind the ban and let residents start campfires or use all-terrain vehicles. The ban had been in effect in forested areas, stretching from northwest Saskatchewan to the east by the Manitoba boundary. Chartrand says rain and cooler temperatures had also helped the fight against a blaze that was threatening road access for two First Nations communities northeast of Saskatoon. He says about 1,200 residents from Red Earth Cree Nation and Shoal Lake Cree Nation are making their way back home. Chartrand says a new fire has started north of the two First...
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Six Nations Elected Council says it is “transitioning” out of cannabis just as new season begins
Six Nations Elected Council repeals its cannabis control law By Lynda Powless Editor Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) is “transitioning out” of the cannabis business. SNEC announced Friday (May 29) it was beginning “a process to consider phasing out and repealing” its Six Nations Cannabis Control Law.” The announcement comes five years after SNEC launched its regulations saying council now “has expressed interest in discontinuing this regulatory role.” SNEC cited “ongoing challenges” and the cost to maintain the current regulatory system” as reasons for discontinuing. SNEC did not cite what the costs associated with maintaining its system or the challenges were. While Six Nations has a large cannabis industry the band has only one licensed cannabis business at Six Nations. Six Nations Police (SNP) Chief Darren Montour says he is aware...
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And that’s a Wrap! Community Awareness ends with … barbecue!
By Alex Murray Writer It was fun while it lasted, but the month of free events and food has come to an end at Six Nations of the Grand River. Community Awareness Month concluded in style on Friday (May 29) with the SNGR Finale BBQ at the Central Administration building in Ohsweken. Hundreds of happy and hungry community members strolled or drove over to the event, which ran from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees picked up a free food ticket from Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill or Councillor Greg Frazer as they entered and had a chance to indulge in a pulled pork sandwich on a bun, salads, fruits, and drinks. It was one of the heartiest free meals offered up during Community Awareness this year. Plate in hand, Taima Beaver...
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Six Nations has new Chief Operating officer
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill introduced Jill Hill as the new Chief Operating Officer during the General Finance Committee meeting on June 1. “Before we get started, I just want to introduce the new Chief Operating Officer, Jill Hill. Welcome, Jill, on your first day,” she said. Elected Chief Hill didn’t give any more details about the new staff member. Hill brings a background in law, governance and Indigenous policy to one of the most senior administrative positions within Six Nations of the Grand River. A member of Six Nations of the Grand River, Hill is Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan. She was raised on Six Nations Territory and continues to live in the community. Hill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University...
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Developer wants to build prefabricated housing factory at Six Nations
Six Nations Elected Council is considering a developer’s proposed mass timber modular housing manufacturing facility that proponents say could bring jobs, economic development and housing construction to the community. Chad Feeny-Glassford, a Six Nations band member, told Six Nations Elected Council’s (SNEC) May 26th meeting he is partnering with Windmill Development Group’s three non-band members to develop the plant. He said they plan to bring in a mass timber production facility for affordable housing on Six Nations to be constructed on Hwy 54 at the Middleport boundary. Feeny-Glassford introduced his business partner Jonathan Westeinde, a board member for Intelligent City and CEO of Windmill Development Group, to float the idea of locating the facility on the reserve. The proposal was accepted as information. Councillor Dayle Bomberry said SNEC has some...
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