Author encourages people to stand against residential school denialism
By Shari Narine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com Métis scholar Kristy McLeod is bracing for more hateful online comments when Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves hits the stores in mid-August. She wrote the book with Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad. “I’ve made as many (of my social media accounts) private as I can so that it’s not coming at me unexpectedly. But I do expect it will happen and…I don’t really do well in very strong confrontation. I mean, I can stand up for myself, but it’s not my preference…There’s a part of me that’s a little nervous and afraid of what that will be like,” she said. McLeod and Webstad have already had a taste of the vitriol, ignorance and defensiveness that has...
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First Nations to launch legal challenge against Ontario, federal bills 5 and C-5
By Allison Jones Lawyers representing nine Ontario First Nations say they are launching a constitutional challenge against provincial and federal laws meant to fast-track infrastructure projects that the Indigenous communities say infringes upon their rights. Details of the legal challenge have not yet been made public, but the lawyers say they will reveal more at a press conference on Wednesday. The federal Bill C-5 allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects such as mines, ports and pipelines by sidestepping existing laws, while Ontario’s bill allows its cabinet to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called “special economic zones.” Chief Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin of Attawapiskat First Nation, one of the communities involved in the legal challenge, says in a press release that governments are playing...
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Judicial review of Blueberry River First Nations council lies in hands of federal court
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The fate of a judicial review of a northeast B.C. First Nations council’s actions now lies in the hands of a federal court. A judicial review of the Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) council filed by Elders Clarence and Joe Apsassin went before a court in Vancouver last week. The filing sought a review of the entire council after a separate investigation into the former Chief Judy Desjarlais was concluded. The Apsassin’s allegations include that the removal of Desjarlais, who was fired due to accusations of a conflict of interest, was not in conjunction with BRFN’s by-laws, and sought the removal of their family-appointed councillor, Shelley Gauthier. The duo said they wanted to give the BRFN members...
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Halfway River First Nations’ Arbor Days to return for 2025
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca WONOWON, B.C. — A northeast B.C. First Nation’s event will return starting this week, as Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) presents its annual Arbor Days. The festival is described on an event poster as “a weekend of celebration, fun and community spirit,” and is free for all members of the public to attend. The idea to put together a cultural gathering was inspired by the story of Maizie Metecheah, who wanted an arbour where people in HRFN could gather, said executive assistant to HRFN council Joanne West. “A long time ago everybody used to gather,” explained West. “[So, council] approved to get an arbour [fundraising gathering] going. It was finished in 2024.” Arbor Days 2024 was named after Maizie Metecheah to honour...
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Premier offers condolences to Pond Inlet following 3 deaths
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok offered his condolences to the hamlet of Pond Inlet as Nunavut’s coroner investigates three deaths in the community. “I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the community of Pond Inlet during this incredibly difficult time,” Akeeagok said in a statement Saturday morning. “Like many Nunavummiut, I am heartbroken by the tragic events that have shaken your community.” Akeeagok’s statement did not elaborate about the events he referred to. But the territory’s coroner said his office is looking into them. “I can confirm that we are investigating three deaths in Pond Inlet as coroner’s cases,” Dr. Michael Foote, the territory’s chief coroner, said in an email. Foote also did not provide additional information about the deaths. He...
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NAPS says it faces ‘unique hurdle’ in recruitment challenges
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY — The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service says it is in a unique situation, as many police forces across Ontario say they’re struggling with recruitment. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner announced a province-wide hiring campaign along with representatives from a number of policing agencies in the province earlier in July. Kerzner called the current situation a “crisis.” Nishnawbe Aski police became a fully legislated police service in December 2024, meaning it makes NAPS accountable under the same laws as municipal police services in Ontario, and gives it access to regular funding from the province. However, this follows just over 30 years of what the police service calls historic underfunding. “Signing into this act effectively more than doubled our frontline compliment to...
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Out-of-control wildfire in Cold Lake Air Weapons Range prompts restricted access
By Chantel Downes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeland This Week Classified as LWF132, the wildfire is now burning out-of-control and has grown to an estimated 1,210 hectares, according to Alberta Wildfire. It was spotted roughly 2 km west of Primrose Lake, and fire crews have been refilling water buckets from Marie Lake as suppression efforts continue. “There are 40 wildland firefighters from Alberta Wildfire responding to wildfire LWF132. They are supported by four helicopters who are dropping water on the fire with their buckets. Airtankers are also dropping retardant and water to slow the spread of the fire,” said Josee St-Onge, provincial information officer with Alberta Wildfire. While there is currently no threat to nearby communities, the situation remains volatile. “Strong winds are creating challenging conditions for firefighters, but fire...
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Fires force Manitoba to prep for evacuees, bring alert to jewel Saskatchewan park
By Steve Lambert Manitoba prepared Monday to find shelter for thousands more potential wildfire evacuees while in neighbouring Saskatchewan, out-of-control blazes shut down close to half of Prince Albert National Park, the province’s crown jewel summer destination. Manitoba officials said Monday about 1,300 fire refugees are staying at two congregate shelters in Winnipeg. Other shelters were set to open to provide space if necessary for 7,000 more. That includes 4,000 cot spaces at the city’s cavernous downtown RBC Convention Centre. “We do have additional sites that have been stood up and are on standby should they be required,” Christine Stevens, with the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization, told reporters Monday. “Because hotel space is very limited in Manitoba, we are asking people to stay with family and friends first if they...
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Federal Court says Canada acted ‘unreasonably’ in denying request to repair home
By Alessia Passafiume The Federal Court says Indigenous Services Canada acted unreasonably to deny funding for mould removal in a house for two First Nations children with asthma under its Jordan’s Principle program. The principle stipulates that when a First Nations child needs health, social or educational services they are to receive them from the government first approached, with questions about final jurisdiction worked out afterward. It’s named after Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba who died at five years old without ever leaving the hospital because federal and provincial governments couldn’t decide who should pay for his at-home care. Joanne Powless, the children’s grandmother, has been trying to get the department to fund mould remediation in their on-reserve home since 2022 under that principle, but...
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Federal Court says Canada acted ‘unreasonably’ in denying request to repair home
By Alessia Passafiume The Federal Court says Indigenous Services Canada acted unreasonably to deny funding for mould removal in a house for two First Nations children with asthma under its Jordan’s Principle program. The principle stipulates that when a First Nations child needs health, social or educational services they are to receive them from the government first approached, with questions about final jurisdiction worked out afterward. It’s named after Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba who died at five years old without ever leaving the hospital because federal and provincial governments couldn’t decide who should pay for his at-home care. Joanne Powless, the children’s grandmother, has been trying to get the department to fund mould remediation in their on-reserve home since 2022 under that principle, but...
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Feds approve more wildfire support
By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Brandon Sun Canada’s emergency management minister has approved more support to Manitoba as the province deals with spreading wildfires. Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Eleanor Olszewski released a statement on Sunday announcing that she gave the go-ahead to provide humanitarian workforce support to Manitoba. The support will focus on emergency evacuation and sheltering activities, she said. Details were not provided as of Sunday afternoon, however the workforce program generally exists to help increase staff during emergencies. Funding goes to non-governmental organizations, which then can carry out assistance work, such as deploying nurses when needed. The humanitarian workforce program has recently funded the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, the Salvation Army, and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada. “The...
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Canada’s proposed east-west energy corridors should prioritize clean energy
By Andy Hira Professor of Political Science, Simon Fraser University and Andrew Simon Wright, Adjunct Professor, Department of Political Science, Simon Fraser University Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made establishing east-west energy corridors a priority for Canada. He suggested that such corridors would include new oil and natural gas pipelines, designed to reduce dependence on the United States. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson has gone even further in pushing for subsidization of carbon capture and storage projects that would effectively underwrite the long-term continuation of the fossil fuel industry at taxpayer expense. While there might be short-term political reasons for backing fossil fuels, such an approach goes against Canada’s long-term interests. Prioritizing fossil fuels undermines the country’s commitments to reduce emissions and takes away the investment needed...
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Grand Erie Public Health issues heat warning for region
The acting medical officer of health for Grand Erie Public Health is issuing an extended heat alert for the Grand Erie Public Health region (Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk), effective July 14, 2025. An extended heat warning is issued when the daytime temperatures are expected to reach at least 31 degrees Celsius with overnight temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for three or more days, or when the humidex is expected to reach 40 for three or more days. The warning will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued. While everyone is at risk from extreme heat, older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, those working outdoors, and those without adequate housing or air conditioning are at greater risk of heat related illnesses. Symptoms of heat stroke and other heat related illnesses include: Dizziness or fainting Nausea or...
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Manitoba cabinet minister apologizes again for sign-language interpreter comments
The Manitoba government is promising new financial penalties to enforce rules aimed at removing barriers for people with disabilities. Nahanni Fontaine, the minister responsible for services for people with disabilities, says the NDP government will introduce changes to the Accessibility for Manitobans Act next spring. In a video posted to social media, she also says the government will work to ensure every public event is fully accessible with participation from sign language interpreters. Fontaine has apologized repeatedly for remarks she made last month while hosting a celebration for Indigenous women graduates in Winnipeg. While preparing to speak to reporters after, Fontaine told one of her staff that she was thrown off by a sign-language interpreter’s presence and that the woman should not have been on stage. Premier Wab Kinew has...
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Investigation: Are the Oil Sands killing First Nations?
By Jacob Cardinal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News This is Part 2 of an investigative series on the Impact of Oil Sands on First Nations People On December 3, 2024, representatives for the First Nations of Mikisew Cree, Fort Chipewyan Metis Nation, and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) provided testimony to the House of Commons. They alleged that the Governments and Departments of Canada were engaging in environmental racism against their Nations. Most notably, they claimed that the Government of Canada had attempted to offload ownership of a “dock” — and therefore fiscal responsibility and liability — onto the Nations without notifying them of the potential/confirmed environmental risks associated with the surrounding waters. COVER UP ALLEGATIONS They would cite a 2017 report, in which representative Taylor Bachrach stated:...
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Six Nations man killed in motorcycle crash outside Hagersville
By J.P. Antonacci, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator Police in Norfolk County are probing why a motorcycle driven by a Six Nations man left the road and crashed Thursday, leaving the driver dead. Norfolk OPP says the crash happened around 6:40 p.m. on Indian Line, a roadway northwest of Hagersville that marks the border between Norfolk County and the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve. Police say the 43-year-old victim died at the scene. Indian Line was closed for several hours between County Line and Cemetery Road for the investigation, which remains ongoing. Anyone who saw the fatal crash or has information about what happened can call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. They can also submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at helpsolvecrime.com or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS...
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Norfolk pulls plug on ambitious water plan after funding runs dry
By J.P. Antonacci, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator Four years ago, councillors and staff in Norfolk County were brimming with optimism about an ambitious plan to pipe clean water from a giant treatment plant in Nanticoke to communities throughout Norfolk and Haldimand counties, along with nearby Six Nations. Norfolk’s public works department said the interurban water system would have replaced treatment plants on the brink of failure and allowed for stalled housing development to proceed. But senior levels of government were unwilling to turn on the taps to fund the costly scheme, so the dream went down the drain. “We’re still adamant that interurban water is a viable solution for us,” Andrew Grice, Norfolk’s director of public works, told councillors at Tuesday’s meeting in Simcoe. “But in the...
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Grand Erie Public Health Issues Closure Order for Jepson’s Fresh Meats in Hagersville
Friday, July 11, 2025-On Friday, July 11, 2025, Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) issued a closure order for Jepson’s Fresh Meats, located at 35 Main Street N, Hagersville, Ontario, under the authority of the Acting Medical Officer of Health. The order has been issued as a precautionary public health measure due to concerns about the safety of food products on site. Public Health has reason to believe that the premises have been without electrical power for a prolonged period. As a result, refrigeration systems are likely non-functional, and perishable food items may have spoiled. Spoiled food can pose a significant health risk if consumed. Efforts have been made to contact the business operator, a closure notice has been posted on the premises, and a formal closure order has been...
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Drug trafficking-related arrest made at Wunnumin Lake airport
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com WUNNUMIN LAKE — Nishnawbe Aski police say they’ve made another drug trafficking-related arrest at Wunnumin Lake’s airport. In a news release issued Friday afternoon, police said a 32-year-old woman from Wunnumin Lake was charged with possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking two days prior. Police said, on July 9, they received a call for service at the airport in the remote community, which is located about 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. Officers were told a suspect entered the First Nation with a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, NAPS said, adding that the drugs were seized and the accused was arrested “without incident.” A similar situation unfolded in June, when a 22-year-old was arrested at the Wunnumin Lake airport and charged...
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Return of the Arctic ambassador: Here’s who might be up for the job
By Arty Sarkisian, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News More than six months after the federal government revived the position of Canada’s Arctic ambassador, the job remains vacant. The ambassador works with Canada’s Arctic allies, Indigenous Peoples and provincial and territorial governments to promote the country’s domestic and foreign policy agendas, advance Canada’s Arctic interests and raise awareness of Indigenous rights in the Arctic, according to Global Affairs Canada. “Canada’s Arctic ambassador will be announced in due course,” Charlotte MacLeod, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, said in a June 25 email, when asked about the vacancy. The ambassador — to be named by the federal cabinet — was one of the key pillars of the federal government’s $34.7-million Arctic foreign policy announced in December. The role of an ambassador...
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