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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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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