Defamation lawsuit filed by Quesnel mayor’s wife dismissed
By Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince George Citizen A defamation lawsuit filed by the wife of Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull against the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) has been dismissed by BC Supreme Court. “I find that this is a case in which the public interest in preserving free debate and the UBCIC’s right to express its views as it did outweighs the harm, if any, that Ms. (Pat) Morton may have incurred,” Justice Jasmin Ahmad ruled on April 30. Morton sued the UBCIC last May, citing an April 2, 2024 complaint letter and the events that followed. The UBCIC had objected to former Mount Royal University professor Frances Widdowson speaking at a Quesnel city council meeting. Widdowson is a contributor to Grave Error: How the Media...
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Mohawk Council of Kahnawake Grand Chief Diablo returns from Iroquois Caucus meetings
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) Grand Chief Cody Diabo returned from Ottawa following his participation in the Iroquois Caucus meetings held last week. Diabo told Iorì:wase that the main agenda items for this session included the Jay Treaty, the protocol agreement with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the formalization of a partnership with the Atikamekw Nation. “Collectively we strategize to figure out what’s our common issues, and then how do we push for that,” Diabo said. Alongside the Caucus, Diabo met with Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Rebecca Alty, Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull Masty, and Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree. According to Diabo, this was the first time a federal minister attended a Caucus session....
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Entewawennano:ronhste comes to Kahnawake schools
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The Iakwahwatsiratátie Language Nest is distributing the new children’s book Entewawennano:ronhste to local schools, giving parents a chance to read to their kids in Kanien’kéha. According to Iakwahwatsiratátie’s coordinator, Karihwakatste Deer, the book is designed to promote language revitalization by empowering families to pass Kanien’kéha on to their children. “I thought it was a simple way to provide parents with a resource that they could use at home with their children,” Deer said. Deer first encountered the book during a visit to the Mohawk Institute Residential School in the Six Nations last August. The book was originally written in the Western Dialect, so Deer reached out to the Six Nations Language Commission to request permission to reprint it in the Eastern Dialect....
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PM says best place for Alberta is in Canada, after judge tosses separation petition
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the best place for Alberta to be is in Canada. His comment comes a day after a judge threw out an Alberta petition calling for a referendum on separation. The judge ruled the petition shouldn’t have been issued under provincial law and that Premier Danielle Smith’s government neglected its duty to consult First Nations. Smith called the ruling “anti-democratic” and said the government would appeal. Carney says referendums are part of any democracy but that rules also need to be followed. He says that means also following a federal law that gives Ottawa a say on whether any separation question is clearly understood and what should be considered a sufficient majority vote. “Ultimately, Parliament has a role in making the judgment about the question,” Carney...
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‘A remarkable herd of cattle’: Opitsaht wild cow study underway
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Opitsaht, B.C. – A cow research project is underway in the ancient village of Opitsaht within Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation (TFN) traditional territory on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The multi-year study looks at why the wild cows, or muus muus as they’re called in TFN language, are so healthy. Tla-o-qui-aht has partnered with researchers at the University of Lethbridge and Tsolum Mobile Vet for the project. “There are some really interesting research questions surrounding the muus muus. They are a remarkable herd of cattle and I think they are a unique resource in Canada and around the world,” said Dr. Wade Abbott, a senior research scientist from Agriculture and Agri Food Canada involved with the study. The cows have been roaming...
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syilx leader calls drought forecast ‘worrisome for the months to come’
By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, IndigiNews A syilx leader says he is praying for the salmon and hoping for rain as the Okanagan Valley braces for another consecutive summer of drought. Local governments are being forced to adapt to longer and more frequent droughts, fuelled by climate change. But as water becomes less and less available, Westbank First Nation (WFN) councillor c̓ris Jordan Coble says more regional collaboration is urgently needed, and any water-conservation strategy needs every stakeholder at the table. “It’s not looking good. I asked for prayers for the salmon, prayers for the rains, because that’s all we have now,” he said. “There’s not enough snow to melt to fill up our creeks and rivers.” During an Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) regional water report webinar...
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Manitoba’s nursing regulator apologizes for discrimination against Indigenous Peoples
By Brittany Hobson Manitoba’s nursing regulator publicly apologized on Wednesday for its role in discriminating against First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the health-care system. The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba hosted a ceremony including Indigenous advocacy groups, health-care organizations and other regulatory partners on the same day it says the province has proclaimed Indigenous Nurses Day. “To all First Nations, Inuit and Métis, we affirm our deep sorrow for the harms that you and your ancestors have experienced, and the intergenerational effects that our actions and inactions have caused or contributed to. We realize we have much work to do, and that an apology alone is not enough to affect change,” said Deb Elias, the regulator’s registrar. Elias went on to say that the apology is “long...
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Energy minister Dix says four new wind farms will power B.C.’s energy sovereignty
By Wolfgang Depner The minister responsible for energy and climate change solutions in British Columbia says four new wind farms will strengthen the province’s energy sovereignty at a time of rising costs and uncertainty. Adrian Dix said three projects in the province’s northern region and one near West Kelowna, B.C., will not only generate enough electricity to power 350,000 homes but also keep energy affordable, while also drawing $4.3 billion in private investment. “These are all dramatic major projects,” he said at a news conference, where he was also joined by Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of BC Hydro, and legislator George Anderson. The minister said conflicts including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the war between Iran and the United States have profoundly impacted energy markets. “Just to put it...
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Judge quashes Alberta separation petition, Smith calls ruling ‘anti-democratic’
By Jack Farrell A judge threw out an Alberta separatist petition Wednesday, ruling the province had a duty to consult with First Nations — a decision quickly declared “anti-democratic” by Premier Danielle Smith. Justice Shaina Leonard also said Alberta’s chief electoral officer should never have issued the referendum petition. The premier promised an appeal. “This is a decision by one judge,” said Smith. “We think that this decision is incorrect in law and anti-democratic, and we will be appealing it as a result.” Lawyers for several First Nations argued last month that Alberta’s referendum process and its use by separatists is unconstitutional, as there’s no requirement for Indigenous consultation. They also said separation would violate treaty rights. Government lawyers defended the process and pushed for the separatist petition to play...
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NEWS ALERT: Judge quashes Alberta separation petition in favour of FirstNations
By Jack Farrell An Alberta judge has quashed a separatist petition, saying the provincial government had a duty to consult with First Nations. Justice Shaina Leonard says the petition should never have been issued. Lawyers for several Alberta First Nations had argued the province’s referendum process and its use by separatists are unconstitutional, as there’s no requirement for Indigenous consultation. They also said separation would violate treaty rights. Lawyers for the province defended the process and pushed for the separatist petition to play out. The separatist group Stay Free Alberta handed in its petition last week and boasted that it had nearly 302,000 names — well above its 178,000 requirement. Premier Danielle Smith has said if the petition had enough signatures, the group’s question would be put on a ballot...
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Manitoba’s nursing regulator apologizes for discrimination against Indigenous Peoples
By Brittany Hobson Manitoba’s nursing regulator has made a public apology for its role in discriminating against First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the health-care system. The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba hosted a ceremony including Indigenous advocacy groups, health-care organizations and other regulatory partners. It says it should have acted sooner to acknowledge harm to Indigenous patients as well as Indigenous nurses. Deb Elias, the college’s registrar, says registered nurses have significant power and influence in the health system, and they should be providing inclusive and culturally safe care. The college is working on developing a reconciliation action plan to look at including more Indigenous staff. Elias says systemic racism has led to barriers in care and some patients choosing not to seek medical help. This report...
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Temagami First Nation reclaims traditional name
By Sue Nielsen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Temiskaming Speaker BEAR ISLAND – What’s in a name? A great deal if you believe in First Nation language and identity reclamation. The Temagami First Nation has formally acknowledged the restoration of its traditional name to Teme Augama Anishinabek. This name change was completed in a recent community ceremony during the spring equinox held at the Minowaabandan-gamiing Mawanjihidiwining Gathering Hall on Bear Island. The event brought elders, who are the language carriers, leadership, youth and community members all reflecting on the meaning of the new name, its teachings and the responsibilities that come with carrying it forward. Dozens of First Nations in Canada are formally changing their names to reflect indigenous names, helping to restore traditional words and revitalize their languages. This name...
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Atlantic chiefs call for Indigenous collaboration on offshore wind farm development
By Michael MacDonald A new report says offshore wind developers in Atlantic Canada should commit to early collaboration with Indigenous businesses to ensure the industry contributes to “economic reconciliation.” The report, released Wednesday by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs, says Indigenous communities have an important role to play in the new industry, noting they are already involved in onshore energy projects across the region. “Early engagement and consultation … is key to identifying partners and building long-term commercial relationships based on mutual trust and respect for Indigenous treaty rights,” the congress said in a statement. Drafted by the independent Atlantic Economic Council, the report comes as Nova Scotia leads the country in developing offshore wind farms. Premier Tim Houston has proposed a $60-billion project called Wind West,...
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New Ontario water and sanitation law could pave the way for the financialization of public water
By Meera Karunananthan, Assistant Professor, Human Geography, Carleton University In November 2025, the Ontario government rushed through new legislation to dramatically restructure public drinking water and wastewater services without any public consultation. The Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act (WCA) authorizes the province’s minister of municipal affairs and housing to remove water and wastewater services from local governments and assign them to arms-length governance structures by classifying them as “water and wastewater public corporations (WCCs).” Despite being buried among other controversial measures in the omnibus Bill 60, the WCA drew considerable public backlash. A broad-based coalition was formed, bringing together water workers, environmental organizations, physicians and anti-poverty activists to push back against what seemed like the stealth privatization of provincial water infrastructure. In response, Premier Doug Ford’s government tabled amendments...
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Grey skies couldn’t stop I.L. Thomas Track and Field Day
By Alex Murray Writer Despite a worrying weather forecast predicting a thunderstorm during I.L. Thomas Elementary School’s annual track and field day on May 5, the sun came out in full force and so did the event. Students from kindergarten to Grade 8 competed in a range of track and field disciplines, including races from 50- to 1,500-metres, long jump, and triple jump. There was also a ball throwing competition for Grades 1 through 6 and shotput for Grades 7 and 8 students. It was the first track and field held at the school since COVID. “We’re happy to be back here at our school because it is a nice community event for parents to come see their kids participate”, Acting Vice Principal Sara Keyowash said. Parents are a big...
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Six Nations Elected Council preparing for billion dollar land claim court decision
Six Nations is taking steps to prepare for a long-anticipated court decision tied to its multi-billion-to trillion-dollar land claims litigation. Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) is creating an ad hoc committee to plan for the result of the nation’s land claim and debated how best to ensure both leadership and community members are ready ahead of expected litigation. Councillor Dayle Bomberry told the April 28 General Council meeting, the litigation is expected to start in five months in October 2026. “And I guess it’s been around this council, not this council, but previous councils, for us to start making a plan and be ready for the pending decision in relation to council or having a plan… for when that time comes,” he said. The litigation stems from the 1784 Haldimand...
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Weaving a red march through Ohsweken
By Alex Murray Writer Over 100 Six Nations community members put on their red clothes and came out to commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and their families at Ganohkwasra’s Red Dress Day march on Tuesday (May 5). Flanked by Six Nations Police, the community walked about 600 metres up Chiefswood Road from Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services to Veterans’ Park. As the group marched, holding up signs with slogans and pictures of Murdered and Missing loved ones, they sang and chanted things like “Stop the Violence, No More Silence.” Six Nations Public Works and Flowers By Leenie were among the buildings along the route that showed their support with red dresses displayed outside their doors. Red Dress Day began in 2015 when Metis artist Jamie Black displayed an installation...
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USW Local 1998 BIPOC Committee Learns About Impact of Residential Schools At Woodland Cultural Centre Event
By Alex Murray Writer After a long bus ride through Toronto rush hour traffic over two dozen members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1998 from the University of Toronto arrived at the Woodland Cultural Centre on Six Nations land in Brantford for a tour and workshop. The event, which was organized by USW 1998’s BIPOC Committee, was named, “Experience Truth, History, and Dialogue at the Woodland Cultural Centre.” The trip included a tour of the Mohawk Institute Residential School followed by lunch and a workshop on stereotypes and racism in the afternoon. Amanda Andrews, co-chair of the Local 1998 BIPOC Committee founded in 2020, said the event has been in the works for about two years. Andrews said it’s important to educate people on what really happened at residential schools...
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Six Nations Celebrating Community Awareness Month
By Alex Murray Writer The month of May has finally arrived, and at Six Nations of the Grand River, that means Community Awareness Month. Events are hosted nearly every day in May by businesses and organizations throughout Six Nations. Community members were treated to a pair of events last Friday (May 8). In the parking lot of Six Nations Housing, a prize draw and afternoon barbecue event was hosted by Six Nations Housing and Lands & Resources. Lonny Bomberry, a fixture of the community and long-time Lands & Resources Director, came out to show his support and enjoy some of the food being cooked up by Housing and Lands & Resources staff in purple shirts. “I’m trying to support all the community events, go to the free barbecues and associate...
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Gov. Gen. Mary Simon reflects on five years of reconciliation, Indigenous diplomacy
By Alessia Passafiume Nunavik, where Gov. Gen. Mary Simon grew up, is a long way from Ottawa and farther still from Buckingham Palace. That never stopped her mother Nancy May, a unilingual Inuk, from keeping a photo of Queen Elizabeth on prominent display in their family home, or from filling young Mary Simon’s mind with stories about the Queen’s activities and travels. In 2021, at the age of 73, Simon’s relationship with the Queen became something more personal when she was named her official representative in Canada — making her the first Indigenous person to be appointed to the role. “I really always loved the Queen,” Simon told The Canadian Press in the drawing room of Rideau Hall. “The Queen was always there.” Simon, who has for years championed Canada’s...
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