Métis podcaster giving a voice to underrepresented communities
By Crystal St. Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Métis journalist Matthew Harrison is giving a voice to underrepresented communities through his podcast From the Heart of Canada. Harrison’s in-depth journalistic approach is part of the Winnipeg-based community television and radio broadcaster U Multicultural’s expanding audio and radio platforms. U Multicultural, which presents U Radio, is a non-profit media platform which showcases Canada’s diverse heritage through the voices of all Canadians and the many different cultures weaved throughout the country. Media training is also offered for individuals interested in becoming part of the industry. “U Multicultural is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and telling stories that reflect the rich tapestry of cultures within Canada,” said Taya Rtichsheva, executive director at U Multicultural. “Our mission is to create an inclusive media landscape...
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‘We kicked the door down’: Nations mark watershed moment for Columbia River Treaty
By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter First Nations leaders say wild salmon, ecological health and Indigenous rights must be at the forefront of efforts to update a 60-year-old international deal governing the waters of the Columbia River. In 1964, “Canada” and the “United States” ratified the Columbia River Treaty without Indigenous involvement or consent. It now affects more than 470 dams along the 2,000-kilometre cross-border waterway and its tributaries, according to the Columbia Basin Trust. But this time around, the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc and syilx Okanagan Nations have won seats at the negotiating table, as colonial governments work to modernize the treaty. For the past six years, the three nations have helped inform the “Canadian” and “B.C.” governments’ position on an agreement in principle (AIP) announced last month — including...
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Hajdu and Rickford ‘stand ready’ for Ginoogaming
By Austin Campbell Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The federal and provincial governments are speaking up. Greg Rickford, minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations economic reconciliation, and Patty Hajdu, minister of Indigenous Services Canada, have responded to comments made by Ginoogaming First Nation’s Chief Sheri Taylor about a lack of “decision-makers” meeting with her to discuss her community’s ongoing state of emergency. Earlier this month Dougall Media caught up with Chief Taylor to discuss Ginoogaming’s recently announced roadway and drainage rehabilitation project that broke ground on July 30. Taylor said she met with an acting assistant deputy minister from the premier’s office on July 9 but she criticized a lack of key decision-makers at the table. “They were more or less technical people. “We met with them, and I provided...
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Victoria Gold says it opposes Yukon application for receiver, First Nation also files
The Canadian Press The company that owns the gold mine where a failure led to a massive release of cyanide-contaminated ore says it plans to oppose an application by the Yukon government seeking the appointment of a receiver over the firm and its property. The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun says it has also filed a similar application in Yukon Supreme Court to address what it calls an “environmental catastrophe” caused by the heap leach pad failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold mine in June. A statement from Victoria Gold says it has been served with an application by the territory seeking the receivership and “related relief” after the failure, but makes no mention of the First Nation’s application. The company says in the statement that it intends to...
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Hesquiaht First Nation celebrates new run-of-river hydro, solar system at Hot Springs Cove
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Hot Springs Cove, B.C. – The passenger boat sliced dense coastal fog on the early morning ride to Hot Springs Cove, but by time family, friends and guests stepped foot on the village dock, the sun was breaking. Wearing two shades of pink, grey pants and a ponytail, Hesquiaht First Nation’s (HFN) elected Chief Councillor Mariah Charleson (łučinƛcuta), 36, greeted her visitors warmly at the entrance of the school as a mound of freshly knifed sockeye sat ready for the grill. “As Hesquiaht people, we have been self-sustaining for thousands of years. This opening of the project signifies that transformation and we’re really happy that everyone was able to make it here for the celebration,” said Charleson, who now lives in her childhood...
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Alvin Fiddler re-elected as Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief
Alvin Fiddler has been re-elected as grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN). Eelections were held at the annual Keewaywin Conference in Constance Lake First Nation in northern Ontario. Fiddler took 25 of the 40 votes, NAN announced Wednesday. Also running were Pauline Penena Mickelson of Sachigo Lake First Nation who received 10 votes and Bobby A. Narcisse, Aroland First Nation who took five votes. NAN, a political organization, represents 49 First Nations across Treaties 9 and 5. Fiddler, from Muskrat Dam First Nation, is now entering his sixth term as Grand Chief. He served as grand chief from 2015 to 2021 and previously as deputy grand chief for several terms. Fiddler replaced Derek Fox in 2023 who was removed from office after allegations of misconduct surfaced in 2023. Also...
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Northern Manitoba First Nation evacuates as wildfire burns nearby
The Canadian Press A northern Manitoba First Nation is being evacuated as a nearby wildfire threatens to edge closer to the community because of wind. The Canadian Red Cross says it is supporting the evacuation of Bunibonibee Cree Nation, formerly known as Oxford House. The wildfire is estimated to be 10 kilometres south of the community and roughly 57 square kilometres in size. Four other First Nations in the province remain evacuated, with the Red Cross saying community members are staying in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan says he has approved a request for assistance from the province on behalf of Bunibonibee Cree Nation and the Canadian Armed Forces has sent aircraft to support the evacuation. The First Nation has a registered population of about...
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Saskatchewan First Nation calls for help after community evacuated due to wildfire
The Canadian Press 14/08/2024 The leadership of a Saskatchewan First Nation has called for help and says the province is failing to act hours after issuing an evacuation order for Sandy Bay, Sask. due to an escalating wildfire. A statement Tuesday from officials with the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation said the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has refused to hire hundreds of qualified First Nations firefighters to tackle the blaze near the community of 1,800 in the province’s northeast. “Their reasoning? A lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE). They say that our firefighters only have cotton overalls instead of the Nomex fabric coveralls required for fighting these intense fires,” Chief Peter Beatty said in the statement. He said First Nations have access to the necessary gear, including hats and boots,...
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Two Ohsweken residents facing weapons and stolen vehicle charges
By Austin Evans Writer A man wanted on outstanding weapons and stolen vehicle warrants just wasn’t fast enough to evade Six Nations Police after being spotted working on two vehicles on Bicenntennial Trail. Six Nations police, on patrol, spotted a man with an outstanding arrest warrant working on two vehicles at a residence on Bicentennial Trail on August 2. Police called for more officers to respond and once they arrived the man attempted to drive away in one of the cars but was caught and taken into custody. At the same time a woman ran from the car and was arrested after a short foot pursuit. Police said both the man and woman had warrants for their arrest from neighbouring police services. The police investigation also revealed both vehicles were...
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B.C. report explores inequalities in justice, health, child-welfare systems
The Canadian Press British Columbia’s Human Rights Commissioner says inequalities are baked into the province’s justice, health and child-welfare systems. Kasari Govender says her office’s latest report is aimed at spotlighting the human rights issues people face when they come into contact with 10 provincial systems, especially Indigenous people, women and other marginalized groups. Govender says “unaffordable, inaccessible and inappropriate housing” tops the list for human rights issues in B.C., where homelessness and encampments “unsurprisingly” grow amid the housing affordability crisis. She says women and girls are particularly at risk of violence on the street, and choose to stay with abusive partners with no other affordable options for housing. Govender’s report, titled “Rights in Focus: Lived Realities in B.C.,” says thousands of people have been forced into homelessness in the...
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Two Ohsweken residents facing weapons and stolen vehicle charges
By Austin Evans Writer OHSWEKEN, ONT- Two Ohsweken residents are facing weapon and stolen vehicle charges after Six Nations Police raided a Seneca Road address July 5, 2024, seizing a prohibited weapon and three stolen vehicles following a firearms investigation. A man and a woman were taken into custody without incident. Ohsweken resident Jeffrey Martin, 44, is facing charges including: possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a firearm or weapon contrary to a prohibition order, and three charges of possession over $5,000. Police also arrested 31-year-old Ohsweken resident Alana Hill. Hill has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and three charges of possession over $5,000. Both of the accused were held in custody pending a formal bail hearing....
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Historical groups looking to preserve area’s stories
By Darlene Wroe, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter DISTRICT – Members of the area’s historical community are working at forming a new umbrella organization to support local heritage museums and groups. Maggie Wilson, president of the Cobalt Historical Society, Felicity Buckell of the Cobalt Mining Museum, and Sarah Johnston of the Haileybury Heritage Museum (and also the Cobalt Historical Society) are seeking to create a district-wide organization with the common objective of preserving local history. Wilson related in an email interview that the group met in the spring to discuss current projects, including the digitization of the Haileyburian newspaper that had been printed locally in the first half of the twentieth century. Wilson said that the group “discussed formal alliances between the two Cobalt heritage agencies, and how we could improve information...
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Northern Animals hoping for city support
By Darlene Wroe Local Journalism Initiative Reporter TEMISKAMING SHORES – Representatives of the Northern Animals Rescue and Sanctuary and the City of Temiskaming Shores are meeting to discuss the support the rescue centre needs. Last week representatives of the centre went online to highlight that rent for their building loomed and they did not have the funds. They expressed the view that closure was near. The building houses about 100 dogs and cats at any time. Jennifer MacKewn, founder of the not-for-profit centre, was more optimistic by this week after city representatives reached out to her for a meeting to discuss the situation. Her hope is that the meeting will reveal a way the city can help the centre, and come up with a model the sanctuary can take to...
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Six Nations Elected Council taking out $23 million loan to fund Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo schools
By Lynda Powless Editor Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) is taking out a $23 million loan to fund construction of the Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo Elementary and Secondary School. SNEC passed a motion in an in-camera Political Liaison meeting directing CEO Nathan Wright to obtain a loan for a little more than $23 million to finance the construction of the school’s building. Wright told SNEC, during its Tuesday, Aug., 13 council meeting more information on the project will come soon. “In addition to that we will be seeking an Indigenous preference loan through a number of different avenues, that comes with a 1 per cent interest rate attached to that,” he said. The school’s board has been coming to SNEC to plead its case with an ever rising cost for constructing the school...
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Six Nations woman heads NASA’s Mars simulation
NASA Mohawk woman knows what life on Mars could be like By Austin Evans Writer NASA completed their first simulation of life on Mars with a Six Nations Mohawk woman leading the mission. Dr. Kelly Haston and her crew stepped out from the mock Mars base in Houston, Texas on July 6th, a full 378 days after they began their mission in June 2023. Dr. Haston is a registered Six Nations Mohawk, a status she inherited through her grandmother. She’s never been to Six Nations but said she hopes to next time she visits her family in Ontario. This was the first mission in NASA’s Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) series which simulates year-long stays on the surface of Mars at the Johnson Space Center. “Analog missions are...
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MCFN announces four candidates for upcoming by-election
By Ethan Brand Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation has announced the four candidates that will appear on the ballot for a council by-election to be held this month. The election will be held to fill a councillor position left vacant when Bill LaForme resigned in April due to personal reasons. MCFN council consists of the chief and seven council members. The four candidates on the ballot are Ellen Lorriane Coady, Ken Hughes, Ashley Sault, and Luanne Vandecamp, said a MCFN press release. Patrick Laforme was also nominated during the process but declined to be on the ballot. The election will take place on August 17, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Community Centre, said the release. MCFN...
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Six Nations Paramedic Services ambulance out of service after passenger vehicle collides with ambulance
By Austin Evans Writer Though one of Six Nations Paramedic Services’ ambulances was out of service after an accident, they said their service will not be impacted. Haldimand Ontario Provincial Police officers responded to a reported collision at the intersection of King St. and Main St. in Hagersville on August 5 at approximately 1:15 am. The officers confirmed that a passenger vehicle collided with a Six Nations Paramedic Services ambulance. Occupants of both vehicles sustained minor injuries. Paramedic Services supervisors Ryan Courtney and Mary Heather Cochren were unable to disclose exact details of the accident but confirmed no other people were in the ambulance. Additionally, they confirmed the ambulance was not responding to a call when the crash happened. The ambulance itself is currently not in service. Courtney said they...
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OPP continue to investigate assault of pedestrian found on Sixth Line Road
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are seeking the public’s assistance after an individual with serious injuries was found on Sixth Line Road. OPP said at about 5:45 a.m., on Sunday, August 11, 2024, the Haldimand OPP, responded to a report of an injured person on 6th Line, Caledonia between Argyle Street South and Oneida Road. OPP said the victim was taken to a trauma centre for treatment. “Officers have determined that an assault occurred, and the circumstances are still under investigation,” The Haldimand OPP Major Crime Unit is assisting with the criminal investigation. Investigators are asking home and business owners on 6th Line, between Argyle Street and Oneida Road, to review any video doorbell or security camera footage for any vehicular or pedestrian activity captured between 4:30 a.m. and 5:45 a.m....
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Six Nations Police investigate vandalism at local school
Six Nations Police are investigating after several windows were broken at I.L. Thomas Elementary School. SNP said they were were contacted about the break and enter to the Cayuga Road school “after the fact. Six Nations schools have not yet opened after the summer break. Six Nations Police (SNP) responded to a report of vandalism at about 7 am on August 2. SNP said the building suffered significant property damage. No one was located within the building and no property was reported to be taken. Damage estimates were not available. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Six Nations Police at (519) 445-2811, or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477....
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Brant County halts river access after archeological finds
By Austin Evans Writer Brant County has cancelled the construction of a river access point in the face of high archaeological assessment fees. The County of Brant purchased the lot at 25 Newport Road in July 2021 with the plan to create 37 parking spots for people who wanted access to the Grand River. In response to an inquiry about the property’s potential archaeological significance, Brant brought Archaeological Consultants Canada (ACC) to assess the site. ACC assessed a 20 by 80 metre area on the site and were monitored by both the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River. Before the project’s cancellation, ACC completed three stages of assessments and located 1311 artifacts, 1174 of which were Indigenous. Of the 1174 Indigenous artifacts, 1146...
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