Elected Chief says former patients of former Lady Wellington Hospital can seek compensation for abuse
Six Nations Elected Chief Sherri Lyn Hill highlighted a newly approved federal settlement for survivors of Indian hospitals, recent advocacy work with provincial ministries, and emerging partnerships aimed at supporting Six Nations programs and services. Elected Chief Hill updated the community during Six Nations Elected Council’s (SNEC) meeting Jan., 27. She said the Federal Court has approved a settlement agreement in Hardy v. Attorney General of Canada, class action. The case addressed abuses experienced by Indigenous patients at federally operated Indian hospitals, including the former Lady Wellington Hospital, which was in Ohsweken. “The settlement is meant to address claims for psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse,” Hill said. Under the settlement, eligible class members can receive direct compensation ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. To qualify, individuals must have been patients...
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Documentary marketing dinner cruises wants to film at Six Nations
A mini documentary featuring communities and tourism on the Grand River may feature Six Nations. Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) approved a request to film a mini documentary about the Grand River on Jan. 27 but stopped short of allowing it to be published, after councillors raised concerns about ownership, community benefit and editorial control. “I would move that we approve the filming, but not the publishing,” Councillor Alaina VanEvery said, adding that any decision to release the finished product should come only after council and staff have reviewed it. “That approval would come after we see the product,” she said. Quentin Stroud, owner and operator of Summit Aerial Drone Services, appeared before council seeking permission to film interviews, aerial footage and community events at Six Nations as part of...
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Federal action on water and wastewater infrastructured urged
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) has approved a recommendation calling for increased federal support for water and wastewater infrastructure. During its Jan. 27 General Council meeting, the Built Environment, Climate Adaptation, Lands and Membership made the recommendation. The Committee highlighted ongoing operational deficits within the Six Nations Department of Public Works. The motion notes that Public Works continues to operate under funding levels that do not meet the community’s current water and wastewater infrastructure needs. Council directed that Indigenous Services Canada be formally engaged to advocate for immediate increases in funding and resources. Councillor Dayle Bomberry raised concerns about broader federal funding structures and the need for accountability and timelines from senior officials. Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill agreed to press for responses during upcoming meetings with federal representatives. Kayanase Greenhouse...
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OPP charge two men
HALDIMAND COUNTY – Two men are facing trafficking charges after Haldimand County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop in Haldimand County. Haldimand OPP said they were on patrol on King Street in Hagersville Friday January 30, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m. when they conducted a traffic stop. OPP said the investigation found a quantity of suspected illicit drugs within the vehicle. Both men were taken into custody.William Thomas, 48, of Ohsweken has been charged with: Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (two counts), Driving Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor;.Robert Sears, 39, of Hagersville has been charged with: Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of...
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Six Nations Elected Council Briefs: Transparency to budgetting
Transparent dispute A dispute over transparency at the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) General Finance meeting on Feb. 2 ended with council voting to move a previously closed agenda item into open session. Councillor Alaina VanEvery questioned why In-Camera Agenda Item’s No. 4 and 5 were scheduled for in-camera discussion, arguing there was no clear justification for excluding the public. Deborah Jonathan, acting CEO, told council item number 4 involved a historical contracting process and future direction and said it was not appropriate for open discussion. VanEvery moved to bring item no. 5 related to Lands and Membership into the open session. The motion was seconded by Councillor Audrey Powless-Bomberry and carried. SNEC approved support for the Lands and Membership Department to apply for national funding related to early-stage land...
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Animal Nation aired weekly on APTN
By Sam Laskaris Writer Jesse Bochner continues to have a passion for nature documentaries. But instead of just watching them now, Bochner, a member of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation in Manitoba, has helped create what he hopes will become a hit series. Bochner is a writer, director and producer of Animal Nation, a seven-part series that will be aired weekly on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), starting on Jan. 8. “I’ve always loved documentaries,” said Bochner, who is 54 and lives in Montreal. “And as a kid, nature documentaries were definitely one of my favourite things. So, I’ve always been interested and eager to work on an animal nature documentary.” Each episode of Animal Nation is titled after a keynote species. The inaugural episode is titled Bear. Following...
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BMO fined $4 million by watchdog for overcharging customers on discounted plans
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada says it has applied a $4 million penalty on Bank of Montreal for overcharging customers after it failed to properly disclose fee details. The watchdog which is tasked with protecting users of financial products says the violations relate to charging clients monthly plan fees that should have been waived or discounted. The agency says 101,091 customers were affected between 2010 and 2024 and that the bank has issued refunds totalling more than $3 million. The bank has donated a further $600,000 for amounts that couldn’t be refunded. A BMO spokesperson says the bank holds itself to the highest standards of conduct, that it proactively reimbursed its customers and it reported the issue to the FCAC. The penalties relate to discounted bank accounts for newcomers,...
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![“Death of General Brock at the Battle of Queenston Heights” by John David Kelly. Brock fought alongside the Six Nation Warriors, which consisted of the Mohawk, Seneca, Delaware, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga and Tutelo Nations, against Americans. [Wikimedia]](https://theturtleislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Push_on_brave_York_volunteerslarge-760x390.jpg)
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke reminds Prime Minister Carney: Canada would not exist without Indigenous allies
By Lynda Powless Editor While Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney may think Canada thrives because of its French and British society, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke doesn’t agree. The council has sent a letter to the Prime Minister reminding him, the country was not built by the French and English alone, but exists because of First Nation Allies. Prime Minister Carney‘s remarks came during a Jan. 22 Building Canada together speech he made in response to remarks made by President Donald Trump. The letter reminds Prime Minister Carney of the importance the Mohawk played in Canada’s history. The letter from the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke reads: “Wa’tkwanonhwerá:ton Prime Minister Carney, In your speech of January 22, 2026 on the theme of Building Canada Together, which you delivered on the Plains...
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Did she really say that!
Only in the U.S.A. can a singer turn a humanitarian issue into a case of it’s all about me. During last week’s Grammy Awards American singer Billie Eilish told the world “No one is illegal on stolen land.” The singer made the comment after accepting her Song of the Year win at the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles Feb., 1. She gave her thanks, declared she didn’t know what to say and out popped… “No one is illegal on stolen land.” The remark was meant to show support to the newly arrived immigrants being targeted by Trump’s ICE team. Not, you know Native Americans who have been there since well, time immemorial or to support any Indigenous rights movement, people or issues. Or to draw attention to her $3...
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Today in History
February 9 In 2020, following consultations with Inuit leaders and people in the Northwest Territories, the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos made the decision to keep their team name. They later changed their minds, announcing on July 21st 2020 that the name would be discontinued, saying that views regarding the team name are “shifting.’’ The names “Edmonton Football Team’’ and “EE Football Team’’ were adopted while the organization began the process of establishing a new name. (The team officially became the Edmonton Elks in June 2021.) In 2018, a jury in Battleford, Sask., found farmer Gerald Stanley not guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Colten Boushie, 22, a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation, who died on Stanley’s farm near Biggar in August 2016. The verdict sparked rallies...
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UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY: We Were Hockey Heroes
By Xavier Kataquapit I recently lost my cousin Joey Okimaw. We were childhood friends who had grown up together since we first entered grade school in Attawapiskat. Joey’s parents are Margaret and Peter Okimaw. Margaret is my first cousin and she is the daughter of my uncle Alex and aunt Susan Kataquapit. It was always exciting to be around Joey when we were kids because he was the first grandchild in Alex’s family. It meant that Joey and his siblings Gregory and June were always surrounded by a group of young, vibrant aunts and uncles. Alex’s children are Janie, John, Rosalyn, Bertha, Evelyn, Morris, James, David, Helen and Margaret. They are all older than me, so we younger cousins, looked up to all of them. My favourite memories of Joey...
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Ironmen square off against Coyotes in opening-round playoff series
By Sam Laskaris Writer Toss away all the regular season stats. That’s because a new phase of the 2025-26 campaign – the playoffs – is set to begin for the Six Nations Ironmen. The local senior men’s squad is in its inaugural season in the Northern Premier Hockey League (NPHL). The Ironmen had some ups and downs in regular season action, winning 10 of their 20 matches. The Six Nations squad wrapped up its regular season on Saturday, with a 5-4 shootout loss against the host Tilbury Bluebirds. The Ironmen ended up in second place in the North Division of the league’s Metropolitan Conference. The Six Nations side is now gearing up for its best-of-seven divisional semi-final series against the Halton Hills Coyotes. The Ironmen head into the series as...
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Hill brothers help Snipers earn victory over Bears
By Sam Laskaris Writer A pair of brothers who made their first appearances of the season played crucial roles for the Six Nations Snipers on Sunday. Former Snipers’ captain Vern Hill and his younger brother Thunder Hill helped the Snipers register a 16-14 Arena Lacrosse League (ALL) victory over the Ohsweken Bears. The match was held at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena (ILA). Thunder Hill led the Snipers’ attack as he scored four goals and added an assist for a five-point effort. Vern Hill, a defender, netted one goal and also earned an assist. Snipers’ head coach Darcy Powless was obviously pleased to have the brothers suit up for his squad on Sunday. “They’ve been on the list all season,” Powless said of the club’s roster. “They were just finally able...
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SPORTS BRIEFS: Rivermen have new league opponent with addition of Trenton franchise
By Sam Laskaris Writer The Six Nations Rivermen will be squaring off against a new rival this season. That’s because it was recently announced the Ontario Series Lacrosse (OSL), the league the Rivermen compete in, is expanding by one team. The new OSL entry is the Trenton Kodiaks. This franchise will also serve as the Senior B affiliate for the Cobourg Kodiaks, who are members of the Major Series Lacrosse, a Senior A loop that includes the Six Nations Chiefs, the three-time defending national Mann Cup champions. With the addition of the Trenton franchise, the OSL will now consist of seven squads for the 2026 season. The league also includes the defending OSL champion Brooklin Merchants, Hamilton Bengals, Owen Sound North Stars, Collingwood Crushers and Ennismore James Gang. The 2026...
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Northwest Angle chief reports no trouble with border crossing
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source ANIMAKEE WA ZHING — To visit friends and relatives in Minnesota, members of one First Nation must cross the Canada-U.S. border three times. Chief Linda McVicar says her members haven’t had any trouble making the trip — so far. The Animakee Wa Zhing 37 chief told Newswatch the triple border crossing is a routine matter for the 60 or so people living on Windigo Islands, one of the First Nation’s two reserves. They commonly go to Minnesota to shop and see friends and family, she said. Windigo Islands lies just outside a small northward jut in the Canada-US. border with Manitoba to the west and Ontario to the north and east. The least inconvenient way to leave is over water...
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Dangerous person alert issued in Manitoba after woman abducted from home
Mounties have issued a dangerous person alert after a woman was abducted from a First Nation in northern Manitoba. Officers are searching for 39-year-old Joshua Paupanekis, alleging he fled with the woman after another person was attacked with a hammer in a home on Pimicikamak Cree Nation RCMP say Paupanekis was armed with a knife and that they believe 20-year-old Raeanne Thomas is in immediate danger. The alert lit up cellphones across the province. Multiple police units, along with police dogs, are searching the area. RCMP are asking the public for information and say the suspect shouldn’t be approached as he’s considered armed and dangerous. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 5, 2026. ...
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N.S. RCMP say officers faced racist comments during raid at Indigenous cannabis store
An RCMP manager in Nova Scotia says he takes issue with officers being called white supremacists and Nazis during a recent police raid of an Indigenous-run cannabis dispensary. Supt. Jason Popik with the Southwest Nova District RCMP says the remarks that officers heard during a Jan. 30 police search near the Annapolis Valley equate to racist commentary. Cody Ward is a Mi’kmaq man from Sipekne’katik First Nation who filmed police searching a truckhouse-style cannabis shop in Welton Landing, N.S., operated by his uncle. Ward, who asserts he has a treaty right to sell cannabis, can be heard on video saying the RCMP members are behaving like Nazis following orders. In an interview today, Ward said the officers carrying out the provincial government’s wishes to crack down on illegal cannabis are...
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Canadian Inuit head to Greenland to show solidarity, attend consulate opening
By Dylan Robertson As Canada prepares to launch its new consulate in Greenland this week, dozens of Inuit from across the Canadian Arctic flew into the Danish territory’s capital Nuuk on Thursday to show solidarity. Makivvik, the group representing Inuit from across northern Quebec, commissioned an Air Inuit flight Thursday from Montreal with more than 60 Inuit leaders and youth on board, along with a handful of journalists. The Canadian Press spoke with passengers on the flight about why they’re going. ‘Unity’ and ‘strength’ “It’s basically us wanting to show unity and our strength as Inuit, in being united,” said Makivvik vice-president Adamie Delisle Alaku. “We’re bringing a plane full of Inuit to show support and to show unity with our Greenlandic fellow Inuit facing all kinds of threats, especially...
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Officer tells fatality inquest he believed he would be hit by stolen vehicle
By Brittany Hobson A Winnipeg officer who was on the scene of a fatal police shooting of a 16-year-old First Nations girl says he thought his life was in danger. Const. Serge Sylvestre told an inquest into the death of Eishia Hudson that he was standing near the stolen Jeep she was driving when his partner fired the first shot. Sylvestre says he tried to apprehend the driver, but feared he would be hit when the vehicle started moving backward in his direction. Eishia was killed in 2020 after the vehicle she was driving was involved in a liquor store robbery and police chase. The inquest is to look at whether systemic racism played a role in the death and whether the use of force was appropriate. Inquests don’t assign...
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BC commits $3.3M in funding for flood mitigation planning in the Sumas Prairie
By Robyn Bell, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Fraser Valley Current After back-to-back flood events in December and January, the province is putting some financial backing toward flood mitigation in the Sumas Prairie. “December’s flooding in the Sumas region was a vivid reminder that this critical national economic and transportation corridor is highly prone to water surges during periods of heavy rainfall,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. The province is putting $3.3 million toward the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Planning Initiative, which was created in 2021 after disastrous floods hit the region. The initiative is made up of the Semá:th, Máthxwi and Leq’á:mel First Nations, the City of Abbotsford, the City of Chilliwack, and the province. The initiative was told of the funding in December,...
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