Grand chief demands apology, says Innu can’t back Churchill Falls deal with Quebec
The Grand chief of the Innu Nation says the Indigenous group will not support a new energy deal with Hydro-Québec unless the Newfoundland and Labrador government changes its stance on Innu history in Labrador. Jodie Ashini says Premier Tony Wakeham must apologize to the Innu people and acknowledge the harm his government has caused them. She has said that Wakeham’s government believes a “fringe” theory that suggests the Innu arrived in Labrador about 300 years ago, after the Europeans. She says Wakeham insulted the Innu people when he announced his government would audit all the research at the provincial archeology office related to Innu history. Ashini says Innu history spans thousands of years, and it did not begin when the government of Newfoundland and Labrador began documenting it. Newfoundland and...
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From scooters to Indigenous rights law, B.C.’s local leaders discuss top concerns
British Columbia’s Indigenous law, affordability and crime are all on the agenda at an annual municipalities conference in Vancouver, but the mayor of New Westminster, B.C., says the top concern among seniors in his community is fear of scooters on sidewalks. He says the scooters are a relatively “novel threat” compared with cars, but the provincial government began testing their use in certain communities seven years ago and still hasn’t introduced consistent regulations to improve safety. Johnston told reporters outside the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention the province needs to issue regulations across communities while investing in education and active transportation infrastructure. Crashes involving e-scooters have prompted warnings from police in Metro Vancouver, while several school districts have clamped down on their use. The e-mobility devices are among a...
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Lowering hiring standards for Inuit would create ‘2 classes’ of officers: Police chief
By Dominique Gené, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Nunavik’s public security committee has rejected two recommendations aimed at increasing Inuit representation in the region’s police force, saying they would create unequal hiring standards. Police Chief Jean-François (Jeff) Bernier gave an update to regional councillors Tuesday on the committee’s response to recommendations for reforming the police service and rebuilding public trust. They stem from an audit launched in July 2025 on policing in Nunavik after three fatal police shootings occurred in the region within eight months. A fourth person — a six-year-old girl — died during a police operation while the audit was being prepared. Released in May, the audit includes 35 recommendations. Twenty-one were supported by the committee, eight were conditionally supported, five were not supported and one received...
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Carney says Canada is ‘ahead on incentives’ in race with U.S. to attract investment
By The Canadian Press staff Prime Minister Mark Carney says that while Canada is “ahead on incentives” in the race with the United States for investment, it still has a lot of ground to make up. At a news conference in Toronto at Canada’s first-ever national investment summit today, Carney announced plans to court private investors to run major Canadian airports and to bring in tax reforms to spur foreign investment. Carney’s government is lowering the marginal effective tax rate from roughly 13 per cent to 6.4 per cent, which could make the country a more attractive place to invest but will also lower the government’s revenue in the near term. The prime minister said the new tax measure makes the incentive for companies to invest in Canada twice as...
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Date set for coroner’s inquest into 2020 death of Toronto woman that led to protests
The date has been set for a coroner’s inquest into the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, a Toronto woman who fell from a highrise balcony while police were in her home more than six years ago. The inquest will begin on Oct. 13, with Dr. David Cameron as the presiding officer, and is expected to last 14 days. Korchinski-Paquet, a 29-year-old woman of Ukrainian, Black and Indigenous ancestry, died on May 27, 2020 after police responded to calls about a family dispute at the apartment. Her death came days after the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man from Minneapolis, and further fuelled protests and calls to defund the police. The case also brought greater scrutiny to how police deal with people experiencing mental health crises. Ontario’s police watchdog cleared...
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Membertou receives national award from Fulbright Canada
By Rosemary Godin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cape Breton Post Membertou First Nation in Unama’ki has received another award based on its economic development and governance. Executive director of Membertou administration Trevor Bernard travelled to the 2026 Victoria Forum of Fulbright Canada late last month on behalf of the community to accept an Honouring Nations Canada award given to Membertou for its “four decades of Indigenous-led nation building, economic development and strong governance.” The First Nation has had the same leader in Chief Terry Paul for over four decades. “This is an incredible honour for our community to be recognized on this national stage,” reads a statement released by Membertou. “We look forward to continuing on this path of community development, sovereignty, and self-determination for generations to come.” Bernard was...
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Has Ottawa’s Ring of Fire road decision set the stage for a Highway of Tears 2.0?
By Anushka Yadav, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Pointer Content warning: This story discusses missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, systemic violence, and the ongoing grief experienced by their families and communities. Some details may be distressing or difficult to read. “the bread far from the hunger the apology the confusion the broken road these things we gather in this blanket bone and sand and sage we wash the world, between us hold this blanket, fill it with our tears and when we have cried from one dawn to the next then we will rise, and we will dance until they’re home, until they all are home” In Anna Marie Sewell’s ‘ Washing the World ’, grief is not left to be carried alone. Fragments of...
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B.C. wildfires hit Indigenous communities harder, human rights report says
A new report from British Columbia’s Human Rights Commissioner says Indigenous reserves are four times more likely to face wildfires than non-reserve communities in the province. The report from the office of Kasari Govender looking into the impact of wildfires on vulnerable communities finds Indigenous groups as well as children and those experiencing poverty are disproportionately impacted by the blazes. Govender’s report says that between 2000 and 2024, Indigenous reserves comprised all but one of the 37 B.C. communities where at least half of their total land area was burned by wildfires. Lytton, B.C., which was largely destroyed by the 2021 heat dome wildfire, was the exception, but Govender notes that more than 30 per cent of the community’s population was Indigenous. In a statement, Govender says the report shows...
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Small changes in the classroom can create supportive environments for individual student success
By Shari Narine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com By implementing new assessment practices that emphasize Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives, educators “can reclaim humanity…for all learners,” write co-editors Jo Chrona and Brooke Moore in their new bookSag̱aytg̱awdi: Grounding Assessment in Indigenous Knowledges for Equity and Well-Being. Assessment is the process of gathering information in order to understand a student’s learning. That information can either stifle learning or further that student’s learning, the book posits. “In schools and classrooms…many folks have used assessment practices as gatekeeping practices…If we want education systems that are vibrant and exciting and places that… nurture and support us to continue to grow and to learn, then we have to understand assessment in a different way,” said Chrona, an educator, philosopher and member of the Kitsumkalum First...
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Striking new Indigenous welcome posts stand proud at Delta City Hall
By Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Delta Optimist Two new welcome posts made by artists from the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) and the Musqueam Indian Band (MIB) were unveiled on Sept. 9 at the entrance of Delta’s City Hall. Mayor, city councillors, police department members, public service representatives, and Indigenous neighbours gathered to celebrate the milestone. “Today is about more than the installation of two welcome posts. It’s about recognizing the history, the culture and the endearing presence of the Coast Salish peoples on these lands,” said Taylor Baker, TFN’S executive councillor on behalf of chief and council. “It is about acknowledging that our stories, our teachings and connections to this territory did not begin with the creation of these municipal boundaries and will continue into the future.” For...
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TFN’s new underwater drone will strengthen environmental stewardship and marine monitoring
By Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Delta Optimist Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) just picked up a new high-tech gadget which will help them collect and manage their own underwater data and have more control over their environment. The ‘Revolution Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)’ features a 4k camera with a 260-degree revolving head that can collect visuals from 305 metres deep, even in low-light conditions. “We’ve been excited about something like this for a long time because we feel it has really good capability to enhance not only stewardship, but also environmental monitoring and, of course, Indigenous land management capacity,” said Krystal Lockert, member and natural resources manager of TFN. “This will allow us to independently inspect underwater conditions around terminals, marine infrastructure, and development projects, and also understand whether...
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Half-tonne of garbage collected at Tsawwassen Causeway beach
By Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Delta Optimist A Delta-based community group of 24 volunteers cleaned up 1,047 lbs of trash within four hours on Aug. 29 from a beach in Tsawwassen. This was one of three cleanups the group organized this year, bringing their total collected garbage and waste to nearly one ton from the causeway area. “These results raise significant questions about ongoing waste accumulation, illegal dumping, environmental stewardship, cleanup responsibility and preventative measures along the Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway,” said Maxwell Sudermann, founder and organizer of Common Ground Community Care group. The group provides practical, hands-on assistance to neighbours who can’t manage certain physical tasks on their own, such as cleaning and yard work. The group’s Sept. 8 report emphasized the walking-path section approaching the BC Ferries...
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Trial begins for man charged in fatal hit-and-run on Hwy 11
By Carrie Ivardi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY — The trial for a man who was charged in relation to a fatal hit-and-run incident near Highway 11 in Long Lake #58 First Nation began on Friday. Gurmeet Singh Brar, of Edmonton, appeared in court for his trial before Justice Robin Lepere in a Thunder Bay courtroom and pleaded not guilty to failing to stop at a collision causing death. According to the agreed statement of facts, Brar told police following his arrest in May 2024 that he “didn’t see anyone.” The court heard that the body of Kathleen Desmoulin, 41, of Long Lake 58 First Nation, was discovered in the afternoon of Nov. 18, 2023. Greenstone OPP arrived on the scene and found a red running shoe, a...
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Three PMs: Carney recruits Chrétien, Harper to kick off investment summit
By Craig Lord Three prime ministers were on hand in Toronto to mark one of the largest private sector investments in Canadian history on Monday — the opening salvo in Mark Carney’s two-day summit aimed at attracting billions of dollars in capital to Canada. The deal in question was a massive data centre expansion planned by Bell in Saskatchewan, a move that the Montreal-based telecom giant’s CEO Mirko Bibic said will require $50 billion in capital investment to complete. In the room for the announcement was Carney and bipartisan pair of former prime ministers — Liberal Jean Chrétien and Conservative Stephen Harper — the latter of whom will deliver closing remarks at the inaugural investment summit on Tuesday. The event is part of Carney’s bid to improve Canada’s reputation...
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RCMP officer charged after baton launcher probe
By Brook Wagner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Medicine Hat News An Alberta RCMP officer has been charged with assault with a weapon and breach of trust after the province’s police watchdog investigated his use of a less-lethal baton launcher. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team arrested Constable Tyler Bell on Thursday, followed by the announcement of the charges in a news release on Friday. The charges stem from a call in the Atikameg townsite on Sept. 10, 2025. ASIRT says the incident took place after RCMP officers responded to a report of a man with a large knife. ASIRT investigators examined how the officer used the baton launcher, while also reviewing the officers reports and statements. ASIRT began it’s investigation on Oct. 8, 2025, after an allegation of excessive force....
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Fort Nelson First Nation unveils new look council, community education board
By Edward Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT NELSON, B.C. — Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) revealed its first look at its new council after its election on Sept. 9. FNFN elections are based on prominent families within the community, with each councillor representing a particular family. A Chief Councillor is then elected from the council. Curtis Dickie was elected as the new Chief Councillor, replacing Archie Harrold. Harrold, however, was re-elected to the council. Joining them will be Aaron Dendys, Calvin Capot Blanc, Patricia Capot Blanc, Amber Lloyd and Stephanie Parson. In fact, Patricia Capot Blanc and Harrold are the only remaining members from the previous administration. The newly elected community education board was also sworn in on Sept. 10 at FNFN’s Arbour. The roundtable consists of former...
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Indigenous legislation among top issues at Union of B.C. Municipalities convention
By Wolfgang Depner An annual gathering of municipal leaders from across British Columbia is underway with the province’s Indigenous rights legislation high on the agenda, along with housing and public safety, among other topics. The Union of B.C. Municipalities convention runs until Friday in Vancouver and president Cori Ramsay said the future of B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act would be top of mind for many of the nearly 2,000 expected delegates. “I think it’s going to draw a ton of attention,” she said of a session on Tuesday to serve as a platform for both supporters and critics of the legislation. The convention program describes the session as bringing together various perspectives, with presenters including legal experts, the chiefs of two First Nations, and Laura Jones,...
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Carney’s investment summit draws protests by Indigenous leaders, eco groups
By Alessia Passafiume Prime Minister Mark Carney’s high-stakes pitch for foreign investment is also attracting protests by Indigenous leaders and civil society groups opposed to his agenda. Hundreds of executives and global asset managers descended on Toronto on Monday for Canada’s first-ever national investment summit. Carney has set an ambitious goal of attracting $1 trillion in new investment over the next five years. Demonstrators, including representatives of labour unions, Indigenous leaders and climate and housing advocates, plan to mobilize against the event and protest outside the summit’s opening gala. Protest organizers say they reject the idea of leaving Canada’s economic future in the hands of CEOs and worry about the future of public services, pipelines and arms manufacturing. Speaking in Toronto on Monday, Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Na’Moks said Carney has...
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Carney’s investment summit draws protests by Indigenous leaders, eco groups
By Alessia Passafiume Prime Minister Mark Carney’s high-stakes pitch for foreign investment is also attracting protests by Indigenous leaders and civil society groups opposed to his agenda. Hundreds of executives and global asset managers descended on Toronto today for Canada’s first-ever national investment summit, and Carney has set a lofty goal of attracting $1 trillion in new investment over the next five years. Demonstrators, including labour unions, Indigenous leaders and climate and housing advocates, are mobilizing against the event and plan to protest outside the summit’s opening gala later today. Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Na’Moks says Carney is blackmailing the public into thinking Canada needs to build more major projects to protect itself from predatory U.S. trade policy. He says no projects will go forward without support from Canadians and Indigenous...
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‘He fought addiction, and he won’ First Nation announces treatment centre
By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner Two leaders who have battled addiction were front and centre at an announcement to build a new, $1.3-million treatment centre in Bilijk, a small community west of Fredericton battling a drug and alcohol crisis. Last week, Justice Gruben, a 28-year-old from the First Nation who was recently elected chief, and Rob McKee, the justice minister who is also responsible for addictions and mental health services in New Brunswick, took the podium at the press conference. The money from the provincial and federal governments will go toward an outpatient treatment centre in the heart of the community expected to open next spring. The Bilijk Health Centre is already helping 75 out of the registered population of about 700, but it does...
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