Six Nations hit by severe rainstorms saw flooding across the community
Six Nations and surrounding areas were hit by the first summer rainstorm today (Wednesday June 18 2025) with ditches overflowing onto roadways and parking lots turning into mini-lakes. Chiefswood Road between Fifth and Six Nations lines flooded out slowing traffic and in some cases causing vehicles to stall and left parked by the side of the roadway while front yards of some homes and businesses yards were flooded. Meanwhile Grand River Enterprises found its warehouses turned into islands and ditches and roadways were flooded out. Photos by Turtle Island News photojournalist Jim C. Powless ...
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Federal judge to deny Trump administration’s motion to dismiss lawsuit over block on wind projects
By Jennifer Mcdermott And Alexa St. John A federal judge in Massachusetts said Wednesday he plans to deny a motion by the Trump administration to dismiss a lawsuit over its blocking of wind energy projects, siding with a coalition of state attorneys general. Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C. are suing in federal court to challenge President Donald Trump’s Day One executive order halting leasing and permitting for wind energy projects. Judge William G. Young said during a hearing that he plans to allow the case to proceed against Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, but will dismiss the action against Trump and cabinet secretaries other than Burgum named as defendants. He said he thinks states do have standing to sue, which...
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Nunavut puts in another strong showing at national science fair
By Darrell Greer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Kivalliq News The Kivalliq contingent of Ivalu Leishman-Brocklebank and Kayalaaq Leishman-Brocklebank, of Chesterfield Inlet, and Millie Aaruaq, of Baker Lake, put in a strong showing at the Canada-Wide Science Fair held at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton from June 1-6. Ana Leishman of Chesterfield Inlet accompanied the three to the national fair and said they did Nunavut proud at the event. Grade 10 student Ivalu had the top project in the intermediate category for her project ‘Testing Ivalu’ (caribou sinew used as thread). Aaruaq was looked upon as the “darling” of the event, according to Leishman, while Kayalaaq presented a strong project on willows. The latter was an expansion of her 2024 entry —determining climate data for the past 30 years...
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Ford’s controversial Bill 5 puts Ontario’s at-risk species at even more risk
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative The boreal caribou roams more than 1,000 square kilometres each year across Ontario’s northern forests, relying on vast, undisturbed land to find food, escape predators and raise its young. But under Premier Doug Ford’s new controversial Bill 5, that critical habitat has been reduced — on paper — to just a calving site. The rest can now be cleared, mined or developed. The law, widely seen as favouring developers and extractive industries, replaces Ontario’s Endangered Species Act with weaker rules that eliminate recovery goals, shrink the definition of “habitat” and allow development to proceed without environmental studies or expert review. Critics call it one of the most sweeping environmental rollbacks in provincial history. They warn it sidelines science,...
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Ford’s controversial Bill 5 puts Ontario’s at-risk species at even more risk
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative, Canada’s National Observer The boreal caribou roams more than 1,000 square kilometres each year across Ontario’s northern forests, relying on vast, undisturbed land to find food, escape predators and raise its young. But under Premier Doug Ford’s new controversial Bill 5, that critical habitat has been reduced — on paper — to just a calving site. The rest can now be cleared, mined or developed. The law, widely seen as favouring developers and extractive industries, replaces Ontario’s Endangered Species Act with weaker rules that eliminate recovery goals, shrink the definition of “habitat” and allow development to proceed without environmental studies or expert review. Critics call it one of the most sweeping environmental rollbacks in provincial history. They warn...
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Major projects bill moving ahead despite pushback from Indigenous groups, MP
-CP-A House of Commons committee is scheduled to sit until midnight Wednesday as MPs study legislation that would give the government sweeping powers to drive forward major projects. It appears Bill C-5 will be pushed through the House this week with the support of both Liberal and Conservative MPs, despite warnings from environmental and Indigenous groups. The legislation would allow the federal government to designate projects in the “national interest” and fast-track them by granting approvals within two years. A handful of environmental groups said Wednesday the federal government is hastily pushing the bill through Parliament and could be endangering species and sidestepping its duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples in the process. “For all these reasons and more, we say go back to the drawing board,” said Charles Hatt,...
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The Latest: Hegseth taking questions as Trump demands Iran’s surrender to Israel
(AP) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is returning to Capitol Hill on Wednesday for another potentially combative hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee as airstrikes between Iran and Israel threaten a potentially devastating wider war. President Donald Trump has demanded Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER,” and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that joining the Israeli strikes will “result in irreparable damage” for the United States.” TikTok still isn’t banned: Trump is expected to sign yet another order extending the deadline for TikTok’s Chinese owner to divest the popular video-sharing app. Despite a ban on the app in the U.S. that went into effect the day before Trump’s inauguration, this will be the third time Trump has extended the deadline. A federal judge has blocked the administration from limiting passport...
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Investigation: Are the Alberta Oil Sands Killing First Nations? (Part 1)
By Jacob Cardinal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News “The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.” Gin Rummy. There will be blood Fort Chipewyan is a small community in Northern Alberta located on the southwest shore of Lake Athabasca. The town is only accessible by plane, boat or ice-road travel. A 2021 Canadian census recorded 847 permanent residents, though the population is estimated to be closer to 1,000. While Fort Chipewyan was established as a trading post in 1788, making it the oldest European settlement in Alberta, the majority of residents are Mikisew Cree, Athabasca-Chipewyan Cree and/or Metis. Approximately 250 kilometres North of Fort McMurray, the land is considered by many as the Chipewyan Cree’s traditional territory. The previously mentioned Athabascan-Chipewyan Cree (ACFN) has a designated...
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Membertou cannabis law proposal led by former senator Dan Christmas
By Rosemary Godin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cape Breton Post Former Canadian senator Dan Christmas is using his retirement days and his wisdom to help his home of Membertou First Nation wind its way through cannabis law that will help his own community and perhaps other First Nations across the country. The federal government legalized cannabis in Canada in 2018. Although First Nations are subject to the same laws as off-reserve retail stores, most have been asserting treaty rights to implement their own cannabis regulations within their communities, including regulations on sale, use, and cultivation that fall under what some legalists are calling “grey areas.” Christmas says he was approached by Membertou Chief Terry Paul and band council about 18 months ago and asked to consider leading an initiative to...
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Indigenous tourism feels the pinch from decline in US visitors and funding cuts
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Dean Werk was supposed to be gearing up for a busy summer on the Fraser River in British Columbia. Instead, the Métis owner of Great River Fishing Adventures is watching his calendar empty out as American clients, once the lifeblood of his business, cancel trips one after another. Earlier this year, Werk’s company — known for helping clients catch and release some of the biggest sturgeon on the river — lost a US group worth $85,000. “We worked for two years to put this package together for them. And that booking got cancelled,” Werk said. Soon after, a $65,000 booking was also lost. Werk is concerned this is just the beginning and the sector could face a situation similar to...
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Heat dome will blanket much of the US, with worrisome temperatures in Midwest
By Isabella O’Malley Summer will make a dramatic entrance in the U.S. this week with a heat dome that will bring stifling temperatures and uncomfortable humidity to millions. The heat will be particularly worrisome this weekend across wide stretches of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, where forecasters are warning of extreme temperature impacts. This will be the first stretch of true summertime weather for many from Midwest to the East Coast, said Tom Kines, a meteorologist at the private weather company AccuWeather. “A lot of those folks have been saying, where’s summer? Well, buckle up, because it’s coming,” said Kines. The humid conditions will make places that exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) feel as much as 20 degrees hotter, said Kines. Heat dome forming A heat dome occurs...
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Pair of ribstones returned to Blackfoot Crossing
By John Watson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Strathmore Times Two sacred cultural artifacts have been returned to Siksika Nation after more than a century of being held in the Canadian Museum of Natural History. The two artifacts are ribstones, which are carved objects which bear spiritual significance. Shannon Bear Chief, CEO of Blackfoot Crossing Museum and Historical Park, explained they were previously used for mediation and prayer by previous generations. “Why they were taken, I believe it was just like everything else – language, culture, that was stripped from the Blackfoot people. It was also just another act of removing them rocks to remove the meditation and the prayer,” she said. “Bringing home our objects is also a significant historical event because our spirits are coming home. And then we’ll...
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Los Angeles mayor lifts downtown curfew she imposed during protests against immigration raids
By Michael R. Blood And Jaimie Ding LOS ANGELES (AP) — Downtown Los Angeles businesses hoped customers would return quickly after Mayor Karen Bass lifted a curfew she had imposed last week to prevent vandalism and break-ins during nighttime protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. The protests, which have been largely concentrated in a few blocks of downtown where federal and local government buildings are, were in response to Trump’s immigration crackdown in the city and subsequent deployment of the National Guard and Marines. The curfew set in place June 10 provided “successful crime prevention and suppression efforts” and protected stores, restaurants, businesses and residents, the Democratic mayor said Tuesday. It covered a relatively tiny slice of the sprawling city. Little Tokyo neighborhood hit hard On Tuesday afternoon, the...
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KEPA Summit focuses on environment and culture
By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald The 11th annual Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association (KEPA) Summit was held last week and consisted of three days of learning from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, along with others who care for the land. The theme for this year is Ksaahkomma ki Sokinaapi-Environment and Health and hosted several panelists, including schools located on the Kainai Reserve and the Blackfeet Community College. The summit began on Wednesday at the Aahsotapi Elementary School in Lavern, which recently opened for the 2024/2025 school year. The summit was opened with a pipe ceremony led by Elders Peter Weasel Moccasin and Mike Bruisedhead. Following the pipe ceremony, Charlie Crow Chief (Mai’stonia) co-founder of KEPA and designer of the KEPA Flag and Lodge (tipi) was honoured and...
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Thirty unit housing complex proposed for cannabis field
By Lynda Powless Editor In a surprising move Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) learned the federal government was investing in a 30-unit housing complex on the same property now home to a large-scale cannabis grow-op and community members weren’t consulted. Last week Six Nations community member Nancy Porter, waving a document, asked SNEC if it knew a housing development may go up on the controversial Fourth Line cannabis property. Six Nations Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill told her, no. “First I’ve seen it,” Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill said. The issue arose during community concerns over a large-scale cannabis operation on the same Fourth Line property resurfaced at SNEC’s June 10th meeting. During the session community member Nancy Porter, who’s property abuts the cannabis operation, voiced strong opposition to the cannabis project...
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Six Nations child rushed to hospital after dog bites
$1,000 reward offered after 11-year-old mauled by two dogs By Tara Lindemann An Ohsweken family is offering a $1,000 cash reward in their search for the owners of two dogs who mauled an 11-year-old girl on her front porch in what the family is calling an unprovoked attack. The incident occurred on On June 14, just after 9 p.m. at the family home on Mohawk Road, between 1st line and Townline Road. Lyric VanEvery was on the front porch colouring with chalk, when her aunt, Krista Hill, said two dogs came along seemingly from out of nowhere – one came close to VanEvery as the second dog circled – and attacked. “The house is further back, and I was in the (front) living room, right there, and I didn’t hear...
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“It just shouldn’t have been there” community complains of cannabis field in back yards
By Lynda Powless Editor Six Nations community concerns over a large-scale cannabis operation on Fourth Line, went unanswered by Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) meeting Tuesday ( June 10) leaving people frustrated and warning they would hold their own community meeting on cannabis. Elected Chief Sherri Lyn Hill and councillors faced questions about oversight, safety, and transparency from community members. Elected Chief Sherri Lyn Hill said there would be no decisions on the issue that evening but added SNEC would discuss the issue and “I think with the concerns there will be changes.” Community members expressed frustration over what they call a lack of transparency and environmental oversight. Six Nations resident Nancy Porter told SNEC she is dealing with traffic issues, is being flooded out and unknown people were wandering...
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Six Nations and Brantford Police seize drugs and weapons
BRANTFORD/Ohsweken-Four Brantford residents are facing a series of drug related charges after a Six Nations and Brantford police crackdown in a fentanyl and cocaine trafficking investigation that spanned both communities. The Six Nations Police Drug Enforcement Unit and Brantford Police Service Drug and Firearm Enforcement unit, wrapped up the illicit drug investigations Thursday, June 12th, 2025. Police said the investigation centred on the trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine at both Six Nations of the Grand River and the City of Brantford Thursday. The joint investigation saw Section 11 Controlled Drugs & Substances Act search warrants executed on a Colborne Street East residence in the City of Brantford with the assistance of the Brantford Police Service Emergency Response Team. Four people were arrested inside the residence without incident. As a result...
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Construction underway on a tourist information centre is raising the ire of Six Nations Community members
By Tara Lindemann Writer Confusion and anger is surfacing after Six Nations Elected Council failed to consulted with the community on its building of a tourist information building at Chiefswood National Historic Site. The information site is being built adjacent to the national recognized historic E. Pauline Johnson’s birthplace. “I have been told it was Councillor Greg FraZer that had the medicines cut down and is building the welcome center,” wrote Steve Williams in a public post on social media. “No regard for an Historical Site. The former elected chief said “I think Greg (FraZer) should step down as a councillor, and council should step up to the plate and deal with this. But I don’t think any of them have the backbone to deal with this.” Staff from Kayanyse...
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Six Nations Pride organizing for annual parade
By Tara Lindemann Writer A 10th Anniversary is sometimes commemorated with aluminum or tin, but Six Nations Pride celebrations on June 25 will include all that fabulously glitters. Hosted by Six Nations Department of Well-Being, the two-and-a-half hour, family-friendly event at Veterans Park will be a safe space for everyone, particularly those identifying as 2SLGBTQQIAP+. There won’t be a parade this year, in part due to the timing, and in part due to a shift in offerings after feedback from last years’ events. “Drag performers are a focus point this year,” said Mental Wellness Educator, Jamie Dereniowski. “Entertainment right from five o’clock to 7:30 p.m., and we have local vendors and specific agency supports geared towards Pride. “Food is free, too.” The department took over events last year grassroots groups,...
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