Wiikwemkoong actor building a reputation in Canada, across the world
By Laura Stradiotto Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Jonathan Fisher didn’t know it then but singing Stairway to Heaven for the WikyTV5 Christmas telethon in his last year of high school would be the beginning of a rewarding career in theatre. Fisher still calls Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory home but since that 1991 performance on his community’s television station, he has performed on stages across the globe, most recently with Native Earth Performing Arts in the role of Louis Riel in the all-Indigenous cast of the historical satire Women of the Fur Trade. After a sold-out premiere in January at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the production will continue at Aki Studio in Toronto from April 9-21. Women of the Fur Trade is described by the production company as a story...
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Province, Wolastoqey argue over striking portions of big title claim
By John Chilibeck Local Journalism Initiative Reporter New Brunswick’s provincial government has asked a judge to toss key portions of the big Aboriginal title claim filed by the Wolastoqey Nation for more than half of the province’s territory. The province argues the Indigenous leaders who launched the court action in 2020 and amended it to include several large timber companies have over-reached. The government also says unrepresented, everyday New Brunswickers who own homes and businesses in the traditional Indigenous territory should be left alone. At issue is what the declaration would mean in real terms. Premier Blaine Higgs and Attorney General Ted Flemming have warned of impacts for all New Brunswickers if the six small Indigenous communities, with a population of 8,400 along the St. John River, succeed in establishing...
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Efforts Underway To Find Michel Band Descendants To Establish Michel Callihoo Nation
By Jeremy Appel Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Michel Callihoo Nation Society (MCNS) is in search of people who are descended from members of Michel Band #472 as it seeks to obtain official federal government recognition for a new band,,Michel Callihoo Nation. Chief Michel Callihoo signed onto Treaty 6 in 1878, resulting in the establishment of Michel Band two years after the Treaty was initially signed. In 1880, the nation received 40 square miles of reserve land on the Sturgeon River near St. Albert. Michel was disbanded in 1958 when former prime minister John Deifenbaker enfranchised the entire band’s membership as a means of forced assimilation, except for four women and one child, who lost their band membership but maintained their Treaty status. This was the first and only time...
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Police Seek Public Assistance: Repeat Offender wanted on Canada Wide Warrant
(WINDSOR, ON) – The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result of a breach of his Statutory Release. Nicholas MCCULLOUGH is described as Caucasian male, 30 years of age, 6’0” (183cm), 187 lbs (84 kgs) with brown hair and brown eyes. MCCULLOUGH has a Scar on his right cheek, left elbow and shoulders. MCCULLOUGH has a Cross Tattoo on his chest. Nicholas MCCULLOUGH is serving a six (6) year, seven (7) month and one (1) day sentence for; Aggravated Assault Possession of a Prohibited/Restricted Weapon Knowing its Possession was Unauthorized. Discharge Restricted/Prohibited Firearm with Intent Possession of a Weapon Contrary to Prohibition Order Fail to Comply with Probation Order In addition, Nicholas MCCULLOUGH is...
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Federal cuts push NWAC to lay off staff
GATINEAU, Que., — The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) has had to pay off 75 employees, half its staff after being hit with the termination of a government skills training program. NWAC says, like other Indigenous non-profit organizations across the country it does not receive stable core funding forcing it to lay off half of its workforce. `It is heart-breaking to lose so many talented and dedicated people,” says NWAC President Carol McBride. “We hope to create additional employment opportunities when this organization secures further work in the service of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people. But, until that time, our financial hands are tied, and we simply do not have the money to sustain our current payroll.” With the ending of the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP),...
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$4.6M economic boost to the region from Alberta Winter Games
By Jesse Boily Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Alberta Winter Games created an estimated economic impact of $4.6 million for the Grande Prairie region. The estimate comes from a Sport Tourism Canada STEAM report. “Being a games city is something we’re very proud of,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton. “It gives us an opportunity not only to highlight our incredible facilities but our northern hospitality, and these games did absolutely that.” She said on top of a great event, the fact that it brought a “significant economic development impact is incredible.” A city report states, “Municipal investment in sport tourism has proven to have significant direct and indirect benefits to the community while fostering youth sports development.” About 6,000 visitors came to the city for the games Feb....
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Supreme Court upholds First Nation election requirement, rules that Charter applies
Must live in community to sit on council OTTAWA- The Supreme Court of Canada is upholding a rule that requires members of a Yukon First Nation to live in its community should they want to serve on its council. Cindy Dickson had been fighting in the courts to have that requirement declared unconstitutional because it means council members must move back to the community within 14 days of winning a seat. Living about 800 kilometres away, Dickson was unable to move to Old Crow if elected because her son requires access to medical care not available in the community. The self-governing First Nation’s rule, however, was found by the majority of the court to constitute a specific government activity, and the court ruled that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms...
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MCK suit against Northvolt plant takes preliminary step forward
By Marc Lalonde Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The suit filed by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake against the construction of an electric-vehicle battery plant took a preliminary step forward when a judge was appointed to the case earlier this week. In addition, the MCK received notice that its request for Special Case Management in its suit against the construction of the proposed Northvolt battery plant near Saint-Basile-le-Grand was approved. Special Case Management is the appointment of a single judge to oversee all filings related to a particular suit. “It means we can move into case management,” MCK lead on the environment portfolio Ross Montour said. “It means we can present our case to the judge outside of the courtroom situation.” The advantage of a Special Case Management designation “is that...
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Auditor General slams feds on First Nations public safety funding
By Marc Lalonde Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Canada’s Auditor-General found `serious issues’ with funding of First Nations policing services and public safety, but those haven’t changed since another auditor’s report a decade ago, the chief of Kahnawake’s Peacekeepers said. “We had another auditor general’s report come out in 2013 that said the same thing, and where are we now? Nowhere,” Peacekeeper Chief Dwayne Zacharie said. “The Viens Commission, the (national inquiry) on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, they all came out and said it’s important the government invest further into First Nations policing and public safety, but it’s still really hard to get funding. Sure, they have funds that get us a car or a new truck, but I have no bodies to put in that truck.” Auditor-General...
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B.C. orca calf rescue team considers changing tactics to save stranded whale: DFO
ZEBALLOS, B.C.- A rescue team working to coax a stranded killer whale calf from a lagoon off northern Vancouver Island is prepared to change tactics to save its life, including the possibility of lifting the orca out to the open ocean, says a Fisheries Department marine mammal co-ordinator. Paul Cottrell said Wednesday that all contingencies will be considered over the coming days after efforts by a team of experts and First Nations members failed to get the two-year-old to leave the lagoon. He said they won’t rule out placing the orca in a sling-type device and hoisting it to the open ocean. “We are thinking beyond if we have to change tactics, depending on the calf’s health going forward,” said Cottrell at a news conference with Ehattesaht First Nation Chief...
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Auditor’s Report comes as no surprise to Kahnawake, Rice says
By Marc Lalonde Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Federal Auditor General Karen Hogan’s report that the federal government has massively failed First Nations communities on matters of housing funding comes as no surprise to anyone in the community who has tried to access funds for housing projects, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake executive operations officer Alan John Rice said. Rice said Tuesday morning that Hogan’s report, which showed very little had improved for First Nations housing since 2015, sounds about right. “That’s how I look at it,” he said. “There is absolutely funding available for housing projects but there are so many deadlines and hoops to jump through that it’s almost impossible to get anything done.” Rice said that the reporting required by the government to release housing funding is so rife...
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`I simply want to use my voice,’ says community leader and women’s advocate Amber Aglukark
By Kira Wronska Dorward Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Amber Aglukark, president of Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, in addition to her new role as city councillor, first got involved with community leadership and advocacy as a result of dog-sledding. Coming from a long line of mushers, Aglukark “really started with my passion for this work here in Iqaluit , training and running a dog-team and having my son included. I had a desire to be part of a group that promotes the culture of Nunavut and wanting to be a part of that process , as well as being a mother and daughter in this territory, and how I could pass our traditions on? I wanted to ensure that the tradition continues with my son and his children.” While...
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‘It can be lonely to be a warrior for the Earth’
By Matteo Cimellaro Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Kevin Schofield is no stranger to Parliament Hill. He visited the seat of the Canadian government 10 years ago as part of the Idle No More movement that challenged Ottawa’s erosion of Indigenous rights. Now, Schofield, who is a musician working under the moniker Tennessee Cree, is on the Hill to perform in front of crowds of climate activists participating in the Global Fight to End Fossil Fuel rallies taking place in at least 60 countries. The climate rallies are demanding an end to fossil fuels and greenwashing as well as more international co-operation and accountability for major polluters. For Schofield, Indigenous rights must be front and centre in conversations about climate change because those rights are interdependent with the health of the...
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`The Gold Rush is over’: First Nations chiefs celebrate mining exploration court decision
By Matteo Cimellaro Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Leaders from the Gitxaa?a and Gitanyow First Nations are celebrating a historic victory after the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled the province’s laws on mining stakes did not meet the Crown’s duty of consultation. The court challenge opposed the laws that let exploration companies stake claims without prior consent, often for as low as $60. The judge found that the duty to consult is triggered when a mining stake is claimed in the province. However, it’s unclear whether the ruling will impact other provinces. For Naxginkw (Tara Marsden), Wilp sustainability director for the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, the reaction to the case is a “mixed bag.” On one hand, there is relief regarding the duty to consult for mineral tenures. On the other...
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In emergencies, communities must come first
By Matteo Cimellaro Local Journalism Initiative Reporter When Brenden Mercer worked the attack lines as a forest firefighter, he was sent into the deep reaches of the bush with nothing but trees in sight. It left a profound impression and greatly influenced his future work helping First Nations prepare for emergencies like catastrophic wildfires. He came away thinking the approach to emergency management should change. Communities must come first. “Communities are on fire. Communities need help,” Mercer said. “That’s where we should focus our efforts: protecting people, protecting homes, not five trees in the middle of nowhere.” Later, Mercer found a role that reflected his beliefs. He found a job with the First Nations Emergency Services Society. FNESS, for short, helps B.C. First Nations with emergency management through a four-pillar...
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What it means to lead through fire
By Matteo Cimellaro Local Journalism Initiative Reporter James Tomma was done with politics and wasn’t planning to run in the 2020 election. He told his supporters he was ready to walk away. But they told him to put up or shut up and urged him to be on the ballot. Somehow, he won. Now, two and a half years later, as Kukpi7 (Chief) of Skwl?x te Secwepemcul?ecw, Tomma is leading his community through a difficult journey of recovery from the worst wildfire disaster in band history. In August, the Bush Creek fire left devastation and displacement in its wake as it spread across the nation’s lands about 70 km east of Kamloops. Tomma is now in charge of a lengthy rebuilding process there. Nearby, Lytton First Nation is only now...
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Interior Department rule aims to crack down on methane leaks from oil, gas drilling on public lands
By Matthew Daly THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP)- The Biden administration issued a final rule Wednesday aimed at curbing methane leaks from oil and gas drilling on federal and tribal lands, its latest action to crack down on emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming. The rule issued by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management will tighten limits on gas flaring on federal lands and require that energy companies improve methods to detect methane leaks that add to planet-warming greenhouse gas pollution. The action follows a more comprehensive methane-reduction plan announced by the Environmental Protection Agency in December. The plan, announced at a global climate conference in the United Arab Emirates, targets emissions from existing oil and gas wells nationwide, rather than focusing...
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Treaty 8 First Nations Introduce Law Requiring Children To Stay In Care Of Their Nation
By Jeremy Appel Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta have drafted a new law to ensure that children cannot be adopted or put into care without the consent of their First Nation. Treaty 8 chiefs announced the Nehiyaw and Dene Nations of Treaty No. 8 Adoption and Private Guardianship Law at a March 15 news conference, where attendees wore sweatshirts declaring “Our children are NOT for sale.” The law supersedes any other legislation dealing with First Nations children, leaders emphasized. `Treaty 8 First Nations maintain authority over our children, youth and families, that is not the right of the province or any other level of government. Currently, our children are being stolen from our Nations,” explained Chief Ivan Sawan of Loon River Cree Nation, who...
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In emergencies, communities must come first
By Matteo Cimellaro Local Journalism Initiative Reporter When Brenden Mercer worked the attack lines as a forest firefighter, he was sent into the deep reaches of the bush with nothing but trees in sight. It left a profound impression and greatly influenced his future work helping First Nations prepare for emergencies like catastrophic wildfires. He came away thinking the approach to emergency management should change. Communities must come first. “Communities are on fire. Communities need help,” Mercer said. “That’s where we should focus our efforts: protecting people, protecting homes, not five trees in the middle of nowhere.” Later, Mercer found a role that reflected his beliefs. He found a job with the First Nations Emergency Services Society. FNESS, for short, helps B.C. First Nations with emergency management through a four-pillar...
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New Manitoba NDP government may not be climate’s best friend
By Matteo Cimellaro Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A newly elected Manitoba NDP government doesn’t necessarily mean good outcomes for the environment, an Indigenous climate advocate says. Continued pressure will be needed to keep the NDP honest and accountable with their environmental platforms, said Daniel Gladu Kanu, director of the Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective, an organization working to restore Lake Winnipeg through an Indigenous framework. Kanu is pushing for the party to refine its 15-point environmental platform, which he says lacks detail, specifically on climate policies. The Progressive Conservatives had run a negative campaign that ceded both the environment and reconciliation to the NDP, “so much so that the NDP didn’t really have to speak to it,” he explained. “They really could just run on the fact that people assumed they would...
