Minister won’t say when he ordered audit of Indigenous languages office
By The Canadian Press Staff Canadian Heritage Minister Marc Miller won’t say when his department ordered a financial audit of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages after it received anonymous complaints. The Canadian Press reported earlier this week an audit is being conducted on the office tasked with helping to preserve at-risk Indigenous languages. Half a dozen sources, including former employees, told The Canadian Press that over the five years of its existence, the commissioner’s office has failed to move the needle on strengthening Indigenous languages and supporting research. Instead, they say, the office has focused on extensive travel and hosting one big conference in Ottawa that cost $10 million. They also allege a toxic work environment, bullying, uncompleted projects and staff quitting in frustration. The sources spoke...
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Mary Simon says serving as Governor General was the ‘honour of a lifetime’
By Canadian Press Staff Outgoing Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says it was the “honour of a lifetime” to serve in the post for the past five years. Simon made the comments at a send-off ceremony today in Ottawa, days before her term officially concludes. Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is grateful for her service and efforts to further Indigenous reconciliation. Carney says Canada is walking the “long road of reconciliation” and forging a renewed relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown thanks in part to Simon’s efforts. The prime minister announced in May that retired Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour would succeed Simon as Canada’s next governor general. Arbour will take her place in a formal ceremony on June 8. This report by The Canadian Press was first published...
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Conservative MP says First Nations votes will be critical in Alberta referendum
By Sarah Ritchie Conservative MP Billy Morin says he will spend the summer talking to Indigenous leaders about encouraging people to vote in the Alberta referendum. Albertans are set to vote in October on whether they want to stay in Canada or prefer to hold a future binding referendum on separating from the country. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he and his caucus will be campaigning across Alberta this summer and encouraging people to stay in “the Canadian family.” Morin, who was chief of Enoch Cree Nation before entering federal politics, says he understands many First Nations people are hesitant to vote — but this referendum is different. He says he sees chiefs in his home province fighting for treaties. First Nations in Alberta are fighting back against separatists in...
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Oldman Watershed Council expands its work
By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Shootin’ the Breeze The Oldman Watershed Council, a two-decade-old non-profit, says it is carrying out some of its most consequential work yet. From planting thousands of willows along eroding streambanks to restoring wetlands and fencing sensitive areas, dozens of annual OWC stewardship projects add up to millions of dollars in ecosystem benefits across southern Alberta, according to the organization. OWC says those efforts are part of its broader mission to improve water security across the Oldman River basin through collaboration and hands-on restoration. Founded in 2004 and based in Lethbridge, OWC describes itself as a neutral forum that brings together municipalities, Indigenous nations, industry, government and landowners to tackle water security across southwestern Alberta — roughly from High River south to Grassy Lake...
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Saskatchewan lifts fire ban; 1,200 evacuees from northern communities returning home
By Jeremy Simes Saskatchewan is lifting its fire ban while roughly 1,200 evacuees from the province’s northeastern region are heading home. Bryan Chartrand with the Saskatchewan Public Safety says rain this week improved conditions, allowing the province to rescind the ban and let residents start campfires or use all-terrain vehicles. The ban had been in effect in forested areas, stretching from northwest Saskatchewan to the east by the Manitoba boundary. Chartrand says rain and cooler temperatures had also helped the fight against a blaze that was threatening road access for two First Nations communities northeast of Saskatoon. He says about 1,200 residents from Red Earth Cree Nation and Shoal Lake Cree Nation are making their way back home. Chartrand says a new fire has started north of the two First...
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Six Nations Elected Council says it is “transitioning” out of cannabis just as new season begins
Six Nations Elected Council repeals its cannabis control law By Lynda Powless Editor Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) is “transitioning out” of the cannabis business. SNEC announced Friday (May 29) it was beginning “a process to consider phasing out and repealing” its Six Nations Cannabis Control Law.” The announcement comes five years after SNEC launched its regulations saying council now “has expressed interest in discontinuing this regulatory role.” SNEC cited “ongoing challenges” and the cost to maintain the current regulatory system” as reasons for discontinuing. SNEC did not cite what the costs associated with maintaining its system or the challenges were. While Six Nations has a large cannabis industry the band has only one licensed cannabis business at Six Nations. Six Nations Police (SNP) Chief Darren Montour says he is aware...
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And that’s a Wrap! Community Awareness ends with … barbecue!
By Alex Murray Writer It was fun while it lasted, but the month of free events and food has come to an end at Six Nations of the Grand River. Community Awareness Month concluded in style on Friday (May 29) with the SNGR Finale BBQ at the Central Administration building in Ohsweken. Hundreds of happy and hungry community members strolled or drove over to the event, which ran from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees picked up a free food ticket from Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill or Councillor Greg Frazer as they entered and had a chance to indulge in a pulled pork sandwich on a bun, salads, fruits, and drinks. It was one of the heartiest free meals offered up during Community Awareness this year. Plate in hand, Taima Beaver...
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Six Nations has new Chief Operating officer
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill introduced Jill Hill as the new Chief Operating Officer during the General Finance Committee meeting on June 1. “Before we get started, I just want to introduce the new Chief Operating Officer, Jill Hill. Welcome, Jill, on your first day,” she said. Elected Chief Hill didn’t give any more details about the new staff member. Hill brings a background in law, governance and Indigenous policy to one of the most senior administrative positions within Six Nations of the Grand River. A member of Six Nations of the Grand River, Hill is Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan. She was raised on Six Nations Territory and continues to live in the community. Hill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University...
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Developer wants to build prefabricated housing factory at Six Nations
Six Nations Elected Council is considering a developer’s proposed mass timber modular housing manufacturing facility that proponents say could bring jobs, economic development and housing construction to the community. Chad Feeny-Glassford, a Six Nations band member, told Six Nations Elected Council’s (SNEC) May 26th meeting he is partnering with Windmill Development Group’s three non-band members to develop the plant. He said they plan to bring in a mass timber production facility for affordable housing on Six Nations to be constructed on Hwy 54 at the Middleport boundary. Feeny-Glassford introduced his business partner Jonathan Westeinde, a board member for Intelligent City and CEO of Windmill Development Group, to float the idea of locating the facility on the reserve. The proposal was accepted as information. Councillor Dayle Bomberry said SNEC has some...
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Crime Stoppers continues search for a board member from Six Nations
Crime Stoppers is still searching for a board member from Six Nations. Dean McIntosh, coordinator for the regional Crime Stoppers program appeared before Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) at the General Council meeting on May 26 seeking greater community representation on its civilian board while outlining the program’s role in anonymous crime reporting and public safety across Brantford, County of Brant and Six Nations. McIntosh said the organization is looking to expand its board membership and hopes to include representatives from all communities the program serves, including Six Nations. There is not a current Six Nations representative. McIntosh said he has been in the role for about a year and a half and has been working to increase awareness and participation in the program. “Our local program started in 1984,”...
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Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill building relationships
Six Nations Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill continues to attend meetings with municipalities throughout the Haldimand Tract, she says to educate mayors and councils about Six Nations history and the history of the tract. Elected Chief Hill updated the community on a series of municipal relationship-building meetings at the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) General Council meeting on May 26 alongside updates from Deb Jonahan, CEO, on reduced wait times for lost or stolen status cards, community events and a follow-up visit from local government representatives, as council also received operational updates on infrastructure, lands administration, and upcoming community programming. Hill’s report covered activities from May 7 to May 20, with a focus on continued engagement with municipalities along the Haldimand Tract. She noted that on May 14 and 15, she...
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SNEC updates From infrastructure to climate adaptaton
Six Nations committee chairs provided updates on infrastructure, climate adaptation, and community well-being initiatives. The works highlight ongoing capital projects, municipal relationship-building, and regional health system planning discussions. Councillor Dayle Bomberry, chair of the Built Environment, Climate Adaptation, Lands and Membership Committee, updated members at the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) General Council meeting on May 26 regarding the meeting held May 14 and said several administrative and infrastructure-related matters were going to General Finance. Bomberry said winter maintenance costs for sand and salt exceeded original budget projections due to a “pretty rough and long” winter season, requiring a return to council for budget reapproval. He also noted work underway on a water connection policy, which will be brought back once finalized. “With the brine and salt this year… they...
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Editorial: SNEC just walking away from cannabis?
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) has a lot of explaining to do. And a simple post to Facebook isn’t going to cut it. After five years of claiming to be regulating a local cannabis industry at Six Nations, or attempting to, the elected council has decided it no longer wants to regulate it and are simply closing the door and getting out of the business. They have claimed, as part of their reasoning, the “ongoing challenges and resources” needed to continue their regulatory system. And they want to focus instead on the long-term well- being of the Six Nations community, whatever they think that polite little statement means, it can only mean they need to put their big pants on and will now have to deal with the repercussions of...
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Today in History
June 4 In 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador moved ahead with plans to drop references to Indigenous people as “savages” from its 400-year-old coat of arms. Premier Andrew Furey said a formal notice was submitted to the legislature. It had been almost three years since the province’s governing Liberals said they would drop the archaic description and redesign the coat of arms. In 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on the Catholic Church to take responsibility for its role in Canada’s residential school system. Trudeau said as a Catholic, he was deeply disappointed by the position that the church had taken. The government-sponsored, church-run schools for Indigenous children operated in Canada for more than 120 years. June 5 In 2024, a British museum declared it would be returning a ceremonial headdress...
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Six Nations Rivermen Split Two, Go To 5-1 On the Season
By Alex Murray Writer The Six Nations Rivermen had their undefeated run to start the 2026 season come to a dramatic end on Sunday night in Owen Sound. The Rivermen, who were without leading scorer Thunder Hill, burst out of the blocks against the Owen Sound NorthStars, with Anahalihs Doxtator netting his second goal of the campaign off an assist from Will Rowe less than two minutes into the match. In what would become a theme in this back-and-forth game, the NorthStars responded quickly through Cam Sanderson. But Rowe scored his first of the season a few minutes later and Six Nations ended the first period up 2-1. That’s when things got ugly for the Rivermen. In a span of 10 minutes in the second period, Owen Sound stunned the...
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Six Nations member still involved in Halifax hockey scene
By Sam Laskaris Writer It was supposed to be a temporary move. But several years after she accepted a job in Halifax, Six Nations member Serene Porter is still living in the Nova Scotia capital. Porter is currently working as a multidisciplinary artist, consultant and facilitator. And this past Friday she was at St. Mary’s University leading an art session at the Indigenous Girls’ and Women’s Hockey Gathering. Porter led conference attendees in a program which explored what the future of Indigenous girls’ hockey could look like. Participants created artwork and also discussed what that future might look like. Porter had come to Halifax as she accepted a position to be the director of culture and engagement for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). “It was only supposed to be...
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Just A Girl And A Dream: Six Nations’ Ivy Miller Heading to WKC World Championships in Spain With Team Canada
By Alex Murray Writer Six Nations youngster Ivy Miller had a simple yet ambitious dream about a year ago: make Team Canada. An up-and-coming 13-year-old martial artist, Miller began putting “Make Team Canada” at the top of a list of goals she wrote for herself every couple of months. Less than 12 months later, and she’s already made it come true. “She writes out goals about every couple months and on top of that list, every single time she wrote it, was ‘Make Team Canada,’” Ivy’s mother Darci Miller told Turtle Island News. “And it’s been less than a year since she’s been doing that, and she’s already accomplished her goal.” Miller nabbed her spot on Team Canada after winning gold in her sparring girls age 12-13 – 55 kg...
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Australian judges weigh Indigenous activist’s bid to prosecute King Charles for genocide
By Rod Mcguirk MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Three Australian appeals court judges reserved their decision Wednesday on whether an activist can prosecute Britain’s King Charles III for alleged genocide of Australia’s Indigenous people. Uncle Robbie Thorpe, 68, turned to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Victoria state after two lower courts rejected his bid to launch a private prosecution against the king in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Indigenous Australians use the titles uncle and aunt as marks of respect for community elders. His case alleges the monarch, who is also Australia’s head of state, the Australian government and its institutions were perpetuating a genocide of Indigenous people by maintaining systemic disadvantages on multiple socioeconomic levels, making them the most underprivileged minority in the country. Indigenous Australians account for 4% of...
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AFN chief rebukes Alberta separation talks in meeting with King Charles
By Alessia Passafiume The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations rebuked the Alberta separation movement during a meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. “The King was there with us in unison, that First Nations are foundational partners in the creation of Canada, and our relationship cannot be changed or moved just from politics,” Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told The Canadian Press in an interview. “As long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows, we’re all treaty people in Canada.” The Alberta government is putting forward a referendum in October asking voters if they want to remain part of Canada or to pursue a second binding referendum on separating from Canada. Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations,...
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Clash reignites between B.C. First Nations and province over Joffre Lakes Park closure
By Michelle Cyca Once again, one of B.C.’s most popular parks is implementing temporary closures this summer — and no one is happy about it. Since 2023, Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park has closed for brief reconnection periods, when entry is restricted to members of Líl̓wat and N’Quatqua First Nations, whose unceded territories encompass the park. During these periods, members can harvest traditional medicines, participate in cultural events and ceremonies and enjoy a part of their territory that is often too crowded with visitors for them to access at all, trampled and strewn with trash by the end of peak season. Since 2018, the two nations have worked with BC Parks on a joint strategy for managing visitors. Last year, things went off the rails. Backlash over the temporary closures spiked as...
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