Police watchdog hires award-winning Indigenous investigator
By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner New Brunswick’s police watchdog has hired an Indigenous investigator, a long-held demand of First Nations still reeling from the deaths of four of their members at the hands of cops. The Serious Incident Response Team, called SiRT for short, announced this week it had appointed Mallory Metallic to a five-year term as the organization’s first Indigenous Liaison Investigator for the province. Metallic grew up in the Mi’kmaq community of Listuguj, Quebec, just across the border from Campbellton on the New Brunswick side. She spent several years working as a cop in Listuguj and Summerside, P.E.I., where she helped victims of domestic violence, sexual assaults, and other major offences, according to a SiRT release. The organization declined a request from Brunswick...
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Mohawk Council of Kanesatake seeks permanent injunction against defendants in chaining of council office
By Hadassah Alencar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eastern Door The Superior Court of Quebec heard the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake’s application for a permanent injunction last week against a number of defendants to have them stop interfering with the operations of the council, in a case that began after the expulsion of workers and the chaining of the band council office by a group of locals in 2023. The lawyer for the defendants announced during the first day of the hearing on Monday, September 14, that the defendants had withdrawn his mandate, the defendants would not participate in the hearing, and that they understood that judgment could be rendered against them, according to the law firm representing council, Dionne Schulze. Council’s re-amended application argues that the chaining of the...
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Carbon capture conference side panel discusses Indigenous partnership
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Besides an opening prayer from O’Chiese First Nation Elder Theresa Strawberry, there was scant Indigenous representation in the main conference hall at this year’s Carbon Capture Canada conference, held in Edmonton from September 15–17. In the exhibition hall next door, Enbridge sponsored a panel discussion on Sept. 15 that focused on industry partnering with Indigenous communities to support carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology. Moderator Blaine Collett, senior advisor to the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, said at the panel’s outset that “one of the most important factors in determining whether these investments become a reality is trust between communities.” “Experience has shown us that even the best projects can struggle if they are not built on a foundation...
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U of W marks 10 years of Indigenous education requirement
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press The University of Winnipeg is collecting course outlines, historic concerns about systemic racism on campus and related records to mark the 10-year anniversary of mandating Indigenous studies. The unveiling of a new archive drew nearly 200 people to Centennial Hall on Thursday afternoon to reflect on how the Indigenous course requirement, also known as “the ICR,” came to be. University archivist Brett Lougheed told the crowd its inception is “an amazing story” of student activism that, until now, wasn’t accurately reflected in U of W records. “What little material we had told the story of administration’s role in developing the ICR as though it was the ultimate driver… and not a student-led response to racism,” Lougheed said. History professor Mary...
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OPP Officer Charged in Child Exploitation Investigation
ALLISTON, ON – A 54-year-old Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer is facing charges after a child exploitation investigation by the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU) executed a search warrant at an Alliston residence in June. The OPP CSEU, with assistance from the OPP Nottawasaga Detachment and members of the OPP Digital Forensics Unit, arrested and charged Chris Weise, 54, after a child sexual exploitation investigation Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at a residence in Alliston saw the seizure of a number of electronic devices. As a result on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Chris Weise of Alliston, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences: Accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, section 163.1 (4.1) Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, section 163.1(4) The investigation revealed Weise...
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Dunnville residents facing drug charges
HALDIMAND COUNTY – Two Dunnville residents are facing drug-related charges after Haldimand-Norfok Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) raided a residence in Dunnville Sept., 22, 2026. Haldimand-Norfolk OPP and Community Street Crime Units (CSCU) executed a search warrant at a Broad Street residence as part of an ongoing drug investigation that began in the summer of 2026, OPP said. As a result of the search, police seized a quantity of suspected controlled drugs, Canadian currency, and other “offence-related items. Daniel Josefowicz, 44, of Dunnville has been charged with Criminal Code offences of: Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Suspected cocaine, Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Suspected methamphetamine, Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking –...
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Quebec publisher halts promotion of book in AI controversy amid new allegations
A Quebec author who earlier this week was accused of using artificial intelligence to write an award-winning novel is now facing a new set of allegations regarding the originality of his previous work. A La Presse report published Wednesday alleges that some articles attributed to Thélyson Orélien and published in Quebec and French media between 2012 and 2014 included passages that were also found in previously published work by other authors. The La Presse article said the newspaper used the U.S.-based Pangram software that flagged the apparent similarities. The Canadian Press has not independently verified the allegations reported by La Presse. They come days after Orélien was accused of using generative AI to write his novel, “C’était ça ou mourir,” which translates to “It was either that or dying’.’ Orélien...
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Ottawa orders Appeal Court to review murder convictions of two Saskatchewan sisters
By Dayne Patterson Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser has ordered the courts to reopen the case of two Saskatchewan sisters who spent almost three decades in prison for what may be wrongful murder convictions. Fraser says he is sending the case of Odelia and Neressa Quewezance back to an Appeal Court for a review. Fraser, in a statement Thursday, cited reasonable grounds to conclude that a miscarriage of justice occurred in the 1994 convictions. “My decision does not decide guilt or innocence, as that will rest with the courts,” Fraser said. “Our responsibility is to make sure Canadians can trust their justice system, and that means, in rare cases, returning cases to the courts.” Fraser noted there is new information that was not before the courts during the trial or...
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Fort St. John Métis Society hosts third fishing derby on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
By , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca CHARLIE LAKE, B.C. — A local Métis community organization is wrapping up its final plans for its annual fishing derby. Hosted by the Fort St. John Métis Society, the event at the Charlie Lake Boat Launch will take place on Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. With registration fees being awarded to the victors, an additional $1,000 in prizes will also be given, according to the society’s director, Bailie Copeland. Copeland told Energeticcity.ca this, along with other events held by the society, are open to all members of the public. “We have seen actually repeat people coming each year,” said Copeland. “[The] crowds have gotten bigger. People are bringing their kids and their grandkids.” “[It] gets people outside for Truth...
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Quebec publisher halts promotion of book in AI controversy amid new allegations
A Quebec author who earlier this week was accused of using artificial intelligence to write an award-winning novel is now facing a new set of allegations regarding the originality of his previous work. A La Presse report published Wednesday alleges that some articles attributed to Thélyson Orélien and published in Quebec and French media between 2012 and 2014 included passages that were also found in previously published work by other authors. The La Presse article said the newspaper used the U.S.-based Pangram software that flagged the apparent similarities. The Canadian Press has not independently verified the allegations reported by La Presse. They come days after Orélien was accused of using generative AI to write his novel, “C’était ça ou mourir,” which translates to “It was either that or dying’.’ Orélien...
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Treadway clarifies views on residential schools, reconciliation
By Pam Fedack, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Kenora Miner & News Kenora council candidate Karla Treadway says criticism surrounding her past podcast discussions has mischaracterized her views on residential schools, reconciliation and Indigenous issues. Treadway, one of 13 certified candidates seeking six council seats in Kenora’s Oct. 26 municipal election, has faced criticism over comments made during podcast appearances and discussions with guests. Kenora resident Tania Cameron, a member of Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, has described some of Treadway’s statements about residential schools as denialism and raised concerns about other comments involving First Nations communities. Treadway rejects that characterization. “My position is straightforward: residential schools should never have existed, the suffering that occurred is real, and Canadians should also be able to discuss our history honestly even when those conversations are...
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Hunters again report being turned away at Bloodvein checkstop
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun The Manitoba Wildlife Federation says licensed hunters are once again being denied access to public Crown lands at a checkstop near Bloodvein First Nation. Chris Heald, Senior Policy Advisor with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, said the organization has now heard of five hunting parties being turned away from the checkstop. The latest report came Sunday, when a group of licensed hunters travelling on the East Side public highway was stopped and told they could not proceed for the purpose of hunting, according to the MWF. Heald said the federation had warned the issue could arise again if a solution was not reached before another hunting season. “We predicted this would happen,” Heald said. The MWF says it reached out to Bloodvein...
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Ottawa orders Appeal Court to review murder convictions of two Saskatchewan sisters
Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser has ordered the courts to reopen the case of two Saskatchewan sisters who spent almost three decades in prison for what may be wrongful murder convictions. Fraser says he is sending the case of Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance back to an Appeal Court for a review. Odelia was 21 when arrested. She is now 55. Nerissa was 18 at the time and is now 52. Fraser, in a statement Thursday, cited reasonable grounds to conclude that a miscarriage of justice occurred in the 1994 convictions. “My decision does not decide guilt or innocence, as that will rest with the courts,” Fraser said. “Our responsibility is to make sure Canadians can trust their justice system, and that means, in rare cases, returning cases to the courts.”...
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The Mohegan Tribe made an early bet on a WNBA team. Now the Sun is setting
By Savannah Peters For Cass Meehan, childhood visits to their Mohegan homelands meant family time and basketball. At six, sporting a red jersey that hung past their knees, Meehan joined a roaring crowd at some of the Connecticut Sun’s first WNBA games. Two decades later, the Mohegans have sold the Sun to the Houston Rockets and the Sun is relocating. “I remember the energy in the arena,” Meehan said. “I knew it was Mohegan’s team we were cheering for.” Now 29, Meehan is among a loyal group of Mohegan fans preparing to say goodbye to a team that became a point of community pride. The Mohegan Tribe purchased its WNBA franchise for $10 million in 2003, becoming the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports team. Over 24...
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AFN regional chiefs to represent First Nations at meeting with Carney, premiers
By Alessia Passafiume Assembly of First Nations regional chiefs will join premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney for a rare meeting in late October — the first such meeting between chiefs and first ministers in decades. A source shared details of a Wednesday planning meeting held by the Assembly of First Nations on the condition they not be named because they were not authorized to discuss it. The premiers, Carney and First Nations representatives are set to meet in Ottawa on Oct. 26, just as tensions are rising over the federal and provincial governments’ major projects agenda. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has invited premiers and Carney to a daylong ceremony ahead of the October meeting. She told The Canadian Press last week that First Nations leaders want to bring...
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BPS Warn Residents About Phone Upgrade Scam
September 23, 2026-The Brantford Police Service (BPS) is warning residents about a scam involving fraudsters posing as cellphone providers. The BPS said victims are offered a phone upgrade and later provided with false return instructions, shipping labels, or QR codes. The new device is then redirected to the fraudster, while the victim remains responsible for the phone and related costs. Protect Yourself Do not order or return a device based on instructions from an unsolicited caller, text, or email. Verify all offers and return instructions directly with your provider. Review your account for unauthorized orders or changes. If you provided personal information, monitor your financial accounts and credit activity. Report Fraud Emergency: Call 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: Brantford Police Service, 519-756-0113 Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 Anyone who believes they may have been...
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Brantford Police seeking information on missing woman
BRANTFORD, ONT-The Brantford Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance to locate missing 21-year-old Yewehnitahawi ‘Tia’. Tia was last seen September 19, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., in the area of North Park Street and St. George Street. Tia is described as female, Indigenous, approximately 5’6” in height, 160 lbs., with long, black, curly hair, Last seen wearing her hair pulled back in a bun, with black flip-flop sandals, black socks, blue jogging pants and a blue hooded sweatshirt. Tia has a cast on her right arm and was wearing a black sling. The Brantford Police Service are concerned about Tia’s well-being and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information regarding her location. Tia has ties to London, Ontario. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the...
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Haudenosaunee Beadwork Conference hosted in Kahnawake for first time
By Jordan Standup, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The 17th annual Haudenosaunee Beadwork Conference was hosted in Kahnawake for the first time last weekend. The annual event, which brings together bead workers from across the Confederacy, was held at the newly opened Kanatahkwèn:ke last Friday to Sunday. “There were about 176 people registered this year,” Jessica Hill of the organizing committee ‘the BeadBabes’ told Iorì:wase. “That’s the highest turnout I think that they’ve ever had. We were lucky to have a beautiful new space to accommodate that many people.” She said the conference began with registration and a reception last Friday. “Then we had the honouring of the late Gail Albany Montour and her family was invited. We did a nice presentation because she was really our mentor,” Hill said....
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Deputy mayor warns against accuracy of former mayor’s AI-based website
By Daron Letts, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News People in Iqaluit should not depend on a new website launched this month by former Iqaluit mayor Kenny Bell because it relies on artificial intelligence, says deputy Mayor Kim Smith. Smith cautioned against trusting Bell’s City Hall Record website during Tuesday’s council meeting and again in a social media post Wednesday morning. “Residents should be interested in council’s work, should ask questions, and should expect clear and accountable decision-making,” she wrote in the post, echoing her comments from the night before. “But, we should also be careful about presenting an AI-generated website as an authoritative record.” When asked for comment after Wednesday’s meeting, Smith told Nunatsiaq News, “AI isn’t the same as legitimate news and sources.” City Hall Record uses ChatGPT...
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‘God cleaned the slate’: Ashes pave the road to recovery after B.C. wildfires
By Darryl Greer Joel Patan says his “life is ashes” now, as he sifts the ruins of his home that was incinerated last month, along with most structures in the small community of Faulder outside Summerland, B.C. “It’s just gut-wrenching,” he said. Patan, who runs an HVAC company, said his family moved onto their “dream property” in December 2024, buying it after flipping two other homes. He said there were once more than 80 homes in Faulder but most were destroyed by the Bald Range wildfire that roared eastward on the evening of Aug. 7, setting off an evacuation of thousands from the Okanagan communities. An 80-year-old woman who lived in Meadow Valley nearby died suddenly during the evacuation, and Penticton RCMP said it was believed her death was “a...
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