Joint investment of $19.9 million to improve lower Coquitlam and Fraser rivers’ diking systems announced
By Patrick Penner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A $19.9 million funding package has been announced to improve the diking systems along the lower Coquitlam River and Fraser River. Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart, Kwikwetlem First Nation Coun. John Peters, Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon, and Port Moody MLA Rick Glumac announced the joint investment on Aug. 15 at ƛ̓ éxətəm Regional Park, formerly known as Colony Farm Regional Park. Stewart said the local governments and First Nations are the “front lines’ with respect to climate change, as seen through recent flooding events across the province. “Our collective action in planning and preparing for flood events underscores our shared commitment to safeguarding our communities and reducing the risks they face,” Stewart said. Rising water levels and increased rainfall from climate change are...
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Violence prompts curfew for everyone on Manitoba First Nation, Indigenous group says
An organization representing Indigenous peoples in Manitoba says a First Nation in the northern part of the province is imposing a curfew for all residents following a night of stabbings in the community. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak says in a statement that its grand chief stands with O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation Chief Shirley Ducharme and her council in their declaration of a state of emergency. RCMP say one stabbing victim was taken to Thompson, Man., with non-life-threatening injuries and a suspect was arrested, while another person was treated at the community’s nursing station for a reported stab injury to their hand. The statement from MKO says that based on advice from RCMP and the community nurse in charge, the First Nation will enforce a curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for...
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Following criticism, Ottawa removes funding caps for residential school searches
The Canadian Press The federal government is backtracking on a move to limit funding for searches of former residential school grounds. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree said in a statement Friday the government has heard concerns from Indigenous leaders and communities “loud and clear.” Communities could previously receive up to $3 million per year through the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund, but the government had moved to cap funding at $500,000. Anandasangaree said the government will now lift that cap and remove planned restrictions on the funding, which goes toward locating burial sites at former residential schools and identifying children who never returned. The recent changes, he said, “fell short of our solemn commitment to finding the children.” The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs was among the groups that...
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GRCA warns thunderstorms could raise river flows, but flooding not expected this weekend
The Grand River Conservation Authority is warning the public thunderstorms expected to arrive Friday (Aug 16) and continue through the weekend could bring up to 40mm of rain to the Grand River watershed . The weather system was forecasted to arrive Friday (Aug 16) and thunderstorms could also increase the amount of rainfall in localized areas. The GRCA says “No significant flooding is expected with this event; however, river flows in local waterways will be higher than normal for this time of year. This increases the risk of flooding in low lying areas near watercourses and in urban areas if drainage systems are overwhelmed.” GRCA reservoirs will be used to reduce downstream flooding; however, river flows will remain elevated, increasing the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed....
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Brantford heading to Association of Municipalities of Ontario with shopping list, Six Nations Elected Council attending to meet and greet
By Lynda Powless Editor BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford is headed to the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) meeting next week with a grocery list of needs joining more than 2,500 participants from hundreds of municipalities and organizations across Ontario at Ottawa’s Shaw Centre from August 18 to 21 and among them will be a Six Nation Elected Council delegation. The conference allows municipal and provincial officials to discuss “pressing challenges that extend beyond municipal resources and responsibilities,” the city said in a statement . Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) did not release a statement. Turtle Island News has learned a delegation are attending. “It’s a great opportunity for Elected Council to meet with municipalities, neighboring and beyond, as well as with MPPs, MPs, or other...
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Upcoming Mi’kmaw Summer Games being held in Membertou
This year’s Mi’kmaw Summer Games will be held in Unama’ki’s own Membertou First Nation. By Meghan Dewar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Cape Breton Post The Games will feature a range of different sport competitions, including golf, t-ball, softball, basketball, swimming, badminton, track and field, Special Olympics, and many more. There will also be many vendors set up on-site. The Games will also feature non-sport attractions and activities, such as Opening Ceremonies at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre (August 19), a PowWow at Membertou PowWow Grounds (August 24-25), and a Drone Light Show at the PowWow Grounds (August 24.) Summer Games merchandise will also be available at the Opening Ceremony of the Games on August 19. Membertou Chief Terry Paul is excited for the community to host the 2024 Mi’kmaw Summer...
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‘We are doing our best to accelerate the Mackenzie Valley Highway’
The Northwest Territories’ premier says his government is “really working” to make the Mackenzie Valley Highway a reality as the Sahtu stumbles through a chaotic resupply season. By Ollie Williams Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Addressing regional leaders at the Dehcho Annual Assembly on Tuesday, R.J. Simpson said his territory needed to have “the infrastructure in place that people in the rest of Canada take for granted.” The Mackenzie Valley Highway would give the Sahtu region its first all-season road connection to the rest of Canada. The project, expected to cost well over $1 billion, has been proposed for decades and is currently undergoing environmental assessment, but has never had the federal financial backing it will need to be realized. “We’re not looking for aerospace manufacturing facilities or anything like that....
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BC’s housing crunch means redefining affordable and middle income
By Sidney Coles Local Journalism Initiative Affordable housing is one of the hottest topics in politics and policy in BC today. A slew of recent legislation proves it. The Ministry of Housing has passed three bills in the past two years (Bills 43, 46 and 47) that all focus on supply through amendments to transit-oriented areas, financing, and residential developments. Bill 16 (Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2024) gives the municipalities some power to use their bylaw authority to mandate certain requirements that were previously only available through rezoning with the hope of expediting the development approvals processes. Under the authority of the Housing Supply Act, municipalities in the CRD have been ordered to meet specific housing targets. Victoria’s target, set in November 2023, was 4,902 housing units by 2028. It...
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NASA jet takes northerners for a ride over the N.W.T.
By Aastha Sethi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Cabin Radio Three Northwest Territories residents had the opportunity to see the territory from a NASA climate science jet. “It was interesting. I’ve never been on a plane like that before. I’ve done different kinds of flights, but never one where they’re collecting data like that,” said Hannah Ascough, who boarded the flight on behalf of northern environmental advocacy group Ecology North. During the roughly four-hour flight, Ascough said NASA scientists discussed some of the “drastic changes” the land has experienced as a result of climate change. While flying over Kakisa Lake, the scene of an active wildfire and an area affected by previous fires, Ascough said a map showed passengers the location of fire burn scars. She said the trip showed her “different...
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Jury at coroner’s inquest into death of First Nations woman begin deliberations
The Canadian Press A coroner’s inquest jury looking into the death of an Ontario First Nations woman has begun deliberating its findings and recommendations after hearing closing arguments in the case Thursday. Ruthann Quequish died on April 1, 2017 from ketoacidosis, a complication associated with diabetes, at her home in Kingfisher Lake First Nation after going to the community nursing station several times in the days and hours before her death. In examining the circumstances of the case, a five-person jury is expected to determine the manner of the 31-year-old’s death and any appropriate recommendations. Lawyers for Quequish’s family, the Shibogama First Nations Council and Kingfisher Lake First Nation argued the woman’s death should be ruled a homicide because she died as a result of untreated diabetes in an under-serviced...
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Tribe and environmental groups urge Wisconsin officials to rule against relocating pipeline
The Associated Press MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A tribal leader and conservationists urged state officials Thursday to reject plans to relocate part of an aging northern Wisconsin pipeline, warning that the threat of a catastrophic spill would still exist along the new route. About 12 miles (19 kilometers) of Enbridge Line 5 pipeline runs across the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s reservation. The pipeline transports up to 23 million gallons (about 87 million liters) of oil and natural gas daily from the city of Superior, Wisconsin, through Michigan to Sarnia, Ontario. The tribe sued Enbridge in 2019 to force the company to remove the pipeline from the reservation, arguing the 71-year-old line is prone to a catastrophic spill and land easements allowing Enbridge to operate on the reservation...
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Jury at coroner’s inquest into death of First Nations woman begin deliberations
The Canadian Press A coroner’s inquest jury looking into the death of an Ontario First Nations woman has begun deliberating its findings and recommendations after hearing closing arguments in the case Thursday. Ruthann Quequish died on April 1, 2017 from ketoacidosis, a complication associated with diabetes, at her home in Kingfisher Lake First Nation after going to the community nursing station several times in the days and hours before her death. In examining the circumstances of the case, a five-person jury is expected to determine the manner of the 31-year-old’s death and any appropriate recommendations. Lawyers for Quequish’s family, the Shibogama First Nations Council and Kingfisher Lake First Nation argued the woman’s death should be ruled a homicide because she died as a result of untreated diabetes in an under-serviced...
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Traditional drum dancing and throat singing explained
By Kira Wronska Dorward Local Journalism Inititative Reporter Drum dancing and throat singing were originally gendered activities in Inuit society, as explained by Leanna Wilson at Nunavut Parks “Learn To” session in the Iqaluit Visitors Centre on Aug. 6. “It looks like we have people from almost every community in Nunavut here,” says Wilson, originally from Pangirtung, looking at the group of 15 or so who assembled. According to Wilson, throat singing was originally an activity performed by women as a way to pass the time in camp. The singing also aided their babies, carried in amautis, fall asleep by being soothed as a result of the vibrations through the women’s backs. Over time, it became the source of friendly competition, with the goal of winning by making your opponent...
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Brant County woman facing murder charge in man’s death
BRANT, ON – A 79-year-old woman is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with a two-year-old homicide in Brant County. Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) had been called to a Salt Springs Church Road address on November 24, 2022, at about 12:45 p.m., after the report of a deceased individual. Investigators have now determined the deceased, Gordon Oughtred, 82, of Brant County, died as result of homicide. Brant County OPP have charged Elfgard Oughtred, of Brant County, with second degree murder, contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code. The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford on August 16, 2024. A publication ban has been issued and OPP said further information will not be released. The Brant...
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Memorial University chair resigns after sharing pro-Palestinian email with alum’s dad
The Canadian Press NEWFOUNDLAND-LABRADOR-The chair of the board of regents at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador has resigned after he was criticized for forwarding a pro-Palestinian campaign email he received from an alumna to her father. Glenn Barnes’ resignation took effect on Thursday. In a statement on the university’s website, the board said members held a special meeting Tuesday during which they concluded Barnes had breached their code of conduct when he shared the email in June. “The board thanks Mr. Barnes for his seven years of service and steadfast commitment to Memorial as a regent since 2017 and as chair since 2022,” the statement said. “As previously indicated, the privacy breach associated with this incident has been reported to the provincial Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner...
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New Edmonton Elks owner says classic ‘Double E’ logo to drive the team’s branding
The Canadian Press In their 75th anniversary season, the Edmonton Elks have shifted from community to private ownership. The new owner, heavy-construction magnate Larry Thompson, was introduced at Commonwealth Stadium on Thursday. What isn’t clear are Thompson’s plans for the team name or if the club will remain at the 56,400 seat stadium. Rumours have circulated that Thompson is keen on changing the team’s name back to “Eskimos”. The CFL franchise adopted the Elks name in 2021. “I don’t think that’s a question for today,” Thompson said when asked about the team’s brand. “Today, I just want to be a fun, celebrative day for everybody, the fans, the city of Edmonton, the Elks club. “I will be focusing in the future on ‘Double E’ more.” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said...
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Regina food bank opens new location with choice model, a first in Canada
The Canadian Press The food bank in Regina has opened a new location using a first-of-its-kind model in Canada that allows clients to select their items. The Regina food bank says the space will let people choose food as if they were shopping at a grocery store, rather than having to take pre-made boxes. It says the model accommodates the unique dietary and cultural needs of users while fighting record food insecurity. The centre will bear the name asahtowikamik, which means feeding lodge in Cree. The hub will also offer financial, nutritional literacy and Indigenous programming. In 2023, Regina’s food bank served more than 65,000 households, an increase of 17 per cent from the previous year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2024....
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In this tiny Indigenous community, a clean power project is driving the economy
Local Journalism Initiative 15/08/2024 Former Hesquiaht Chief Richard Lucas dreamed of a day when his community of Hot Springs Cove would have clean, self-sufficient energy. After 17 years, that dream came close to fruition with the 2021 opening of the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Project which has reduced the community’s reliance on diesel by 71 per cent. Lucas lived to see construction begin in 2018, but sadly did not live to see the opening and a long-awaited victory ceremony on Aug 8. The plant, which the Hesquiaht operate, employs four community members and is now an economic driver for the nation. It is an important step toward reconciliation, said Chief Councillor Mariah Charleson. “First Nations people, we relied on ourselves for thousands and thousands of years, and that’s how we survived. And...
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Manitobans on bail could be monitored electronically through new program: government
The Canadian Press The Manitoba government is launching an electronic monitoring program to supervise those who have been charged with crimes and released on bail and may regulate the purchase of weapons like machetes in its efforts to crack down on petty and violent crime. The province is to begin making 100 ankle monitors available next week, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced Wednesday. “This will be an important tool available now to law enforcement and to those who are supervising bail to ensure that they are kept safe, and that ultimately our communities are safer,” he said. The 24-7 system will use GPS to monitor an individual’s location in real-time. The devices use voice, audio and vibration commands to communicate with those wearing them, and can emit loud alerts if...
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B.C. report explores inequalities in justice, health, child-welfare systems
The Canadian Press Inequalities are baked into British Columbia’s justice, health and child-welfare systems and rights issues in the province abound in schools, hospitals and workplaces, says the province’s human rights commissioner. Kasari Govender’s office released its latest report Wednesday, spotlighting human rights issues people face when they come into contact with 10 provincial systems, especially Indigenous people, women and other marginalized groups. She said the report was based on “deep listening” to the experiences of people in communities affected by entrenched inequalities, such as Indigenous Peoples and their long-standing disproportionate clashes with criminal justice and child-welfare systems. “What we need to do is to shift our thinking to understanding how our laws, our policies, our systems, impact people disproportionately and that’s the kind of analysis that we’ve used here,”...
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