Nova Scotia mum on why it won’t release findings from environmental racism panel
By Keith Doucette The Nova Scotia government is refusing to release recommendations from a panel tasked with examining environmental racism in the province, and the minister responsible isn’t saying why. Justice Minister Becky Druhan, who is also responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, avoided giving an explanation when pressed by reporters after a provincial cabinet meeting Thursday. Druhan did say the province’s Progressive Conservative government is committed to addressing issues of equity and racism and she said the panel’s work will “inform” those efforts. “One of the important insights that the panel provided to us … is that systemic and foundational change is needed to address racism around environmental issues,” the minister said. Druhan wouldn’t answer when asked whether she had seen the panel’s recommendations, saying its work...
Register
Ontario to give education minister power to more easily take over school boards
By Allison Jones Ontario is set to give the minister of education power to more easily put school boards under supervision and require more boards to put police officers in schools, moves decried by boards and teachers’ unions as masking the true crisis of underfunding. Education Minister Paul Calandra introduced broad legislation Thursday, following weeks of warnings to boards that he would implement tougher oversight. “We have some boards that are working very well…they’re focused on the main mission, and other boards where I have trustees who think that they’re supposed to be writing curriculum, trustees who think that it is their job to mediate global conflicts,” he said before tabling the legislation. “What I want trustees to do is to focus on putting the resources that we provide them...
Register
Bill 15 is poised to become law. B.C. First Nations leaders say that would be a step back for reconciliation
By Shannon Waters, The Narwhal Despite weeks of growing opposition from First Nations, municipal governments and environmental organizations, B.C.’s controversial Bill 15 is now law. A tie vote in the legislature on the evening of May 28 — all 46 NDP MLAs supported the bill while 46 Conservative, Green and Independent MLAs voted against it — resulted in Speaker Raj Chouhan casting the deciding vote to pass the bill. As debate on Bill 15 drew to a close, Premier David Eby’s office welcomed representatives from the Nisga’a Lisims Government to the legislature to witness the wind down. Nisga’a Lisims President Eva Clayton met with Eby to discuss Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, and Bill 14, the Renewable Energy Projects Streamlining Act, according to a letter from Clayton released by...
Register
Victoria Gubbels connects and bridges Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples
By Laura Mushumanski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News (ANNews) – The longest journey a person will take in their lifetime is 18-inches – the journey from their head to their heart. This journey is as unique as the individual that is walking on this path, and at the same time it is a journey about humility. Along the way, there will be teachers of many kinds, walking with their own wisdom from their heart. In this case, what our Métis sister Victoria Gubbelshas come to know about her own journey from her head to her heart – is the importance of connecting and bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to learn about one another in a good way. “When I moved to Regina, I got to meet with the...
Register
First Nations high school students explore career paths at event
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Indigenous secondary school students from around School District 60 had a chance to see potential future careers at an event hosted by Northern Lights College (NLC) on Tuesday. Pathways to Indigenous Futures, coordinated by NLC specifically for First Nations students, took place during the morning and early afternoon of May 27th. Designed to be “a career fair without calling it a career fair,” students had a few moments from their hectic educational schedules to take in what pathways are available, including ones in industry, skilled trades and entrepreneurship. Scott Lloyd, the organizer who spearheaded the event, coordinated with NLC and representatives from various Indigenous communities, including Doig River First Nation (DRFN), Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) and...
Register
Saskatchewan premier declares state of emergency as rampaging wildfires spread
Saskatchewan declared a provincewide state of emergency Thursday in its fight against rampaging wildfires that have forced thousands to flee. The declaration by Premier Scott Moe came one day after his Manitoba counterpart Wab Kinew did the same. “It’s a very serious situation that we’re faced with,” Moe told a news conference in Prince Albert. “We do need some rainfall. We need that sooner rather than later, and in light of that not being in the forecast, we most certainly are putting in place every measure possible to prepare the province.” The emergency declaration makes it easier for different levels of government to battle the fires, which have forced more than 4,000 residents from their homes, mainly in Saskatchewan’s remote northeast region. The declaration is set for 30 days but...
Register
Still no charges in Robert Pickton prison death, almost one year after fatal assault
By Morgan Lowrie Almost one year after serial killer Robert Pickton died following an assault by another inmate in a Quebec prison, there have been no charges against the alleged assailant and few answers about what happened. Pickton died in hospital on May 31, 2024, after being assaulted at the Port-Cartier maximum security prison 12 days prior. The 74-year-old was convicted in 2007 of six counts of second-degree murder but was suspected of killing dozens more women at his pig farm in Port Coquitlam, B.C. The Correctional Service of Canada first issued a release on May 20 last year about a “major assault” on an inmate, adding that “the assailant has been identified and the appropriate actions have been taken.” The agency later confirmed the injured inmate was Pickton, and...
Register
Heiltsuk Nation ratification feast brings written constitution into force
By Brieanna Charlebois First Nations leaders and delegates from around British Columbia are slated to attend a ratification feast on Friday that will officially bring the Heiltsuk Nation’s written constitution into effect. Marilyn Slett, the nation’s elected chief, called it a “monumental day” that comes after two decades of development and consultation. “It’s hard to put into words how big it is. It’s definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day,” Slett said of the feast, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia’s central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver....
Register
Chief Leroy Denny given four more years to lead Eskasoni
By Rosemary Godin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cape Breton Post A jubilant Chief Leroy Denny live-streamed a message to his community Tuesday night after learning he had won yet another election and will lead the Eskasoni First Nation for another four years. He already has 15 years of leadership under his belt with the largest Mi’kmaq community in the world. Speaking in Mi’kmaq and English, the first thing the chief did was express gratitude to those who helped him come through a contentious election in which he was up against six other candidates. And the second thing he did was express respect to all the candidates who put their names forward to run. “We heard your issues,” he said. “Let’s get on with the work. Let’s focus on healing.” During...
Register
Supreme Court of Canada dismisses Nunavut’s bid to toss out school language case
By The Canadian Press A lawsuit over the right to Inuit language instruction in the Nunavut public school system is a step closer to being heard following a Supreme Court of Canada decision. The top court has dismissed the Nunavut government’s latest bid to have the lawsuit thrown out before the parties make full arguments. Two Inuit mothers with school-aged children and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, a non-profit that represents Inuit interests in the territory, launched the case against the Nunavut government. Under Nunavut legislation, all schools were to provide fully bilingual instruction — Inuktut and either English or French — from kindergarten to Grade 12 by July 1, 2019. But the deadline passed with Inuit language instruction available only from kindergarten to grade 3. In 2019, the legislation was amended...
Register
Last-minute changes to Ontario mining bill are not good enough, First Nations say
By Liam Casey Ontario First Nations say the provincial government’s last-minute changes to a controversial mining bill are not good enough and have come too late. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, says the province should scrap Bill 5 and draft new legislation alongside Indigenous leadership. The proposed law seeks to speed up the development of large projects such as mines, and while First Nations are not necessarily opposed to such moves, they want a seat at the decision-making table. The legislation proposes to create so-called “special economic zones” that would suspend provincial and municipal laws for certain projects. The province intends to name the Ring of Fire as the first such zone, but ministers have promised that affected First...
Register
Winnipeg opens its doors as thousands flee crippling fires in northern Manitoba
By Steve Lambert Winnipeg has opened its doors to thousands of evacuees fleeing crippling wildfires that have prompted a provincewide state of emergency in Manitoba. The fires have forced 17,000 people from their homes in remote communities and First Nations, including 6,000 in and around the city of Flin Flon. Premier Wab Kinew says he believes it’s Manitoba’s largest such exodus in living memory. Kinew has said he spoke to Prime Minister Mark Carney, who agreed to deploy the military to help with evacuation flights to Winnipeg. There was little to no visible foot traffic at the main evacuation centre at the Billy Mosienko Arena in Winnipeg, but security kept media away. Other evacuees will be housed at larger facilities such as recreation centres and soccer fields. Driving along a...
Register
B.C. NDP ex-minister urges Eby to walk back ‘astounding and disheartening’ Bill 15
By Canadian Press Staff Former British Columbia minister Melanie Mark is accusing Premier David Eby and his cabinet of “turning their backs” on First Nations, local governments and environmentalists by passing controversial bills to fast-track infrastructure projects. Mark, the first First Nations woman elected to B.C.’s legislature and a former cabinet colleague of Eby, says it’s “astounding and disheartening” behaviour by the government. Both bills passed in the legislature Wednesday night, with Bill 15 that fast-tracks public and private infrastructure projects getting through thanks to a rare tiebreaking vote by Speaker Raj Chouhan. Bill 14, which would speed up renewable energy projects and transmission lines, also passed by a single vote. Critics say the bills undermine environmental standards and constitutional obligations to consult First Nations. Mark says the government should...
Register
SixNations police charge woman found sleeping in running vehicle
OHSWEKEN, SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND-A 26-year-old woman is facing impaired driving charges after police found a vehicle on Indian Line Road stationary with the engine running. Six Nations Police (SNP) responded to a complaint about a suspicious vehicle on Indian Line Road Friday, May 2, 2025, at about 4:10 a.m. and found a woman, who appeared to be sleeping, in a stationary vehicle with the engine running on Indian Line Road. SNP and Six Nations Emergency Medical Services attended the scene. Unable to wake the woman after multiple attempts to wake her were unsuccessful, police broke the passenger window to gain entry to the woman and determine her medical status. Police said once they gained access to the vehicle, signs of impairment were observed. As a result SNP have...
Register
High-profile trucks riding into Brant County this weekend for a good cause
By Celeste Percy-Beauregard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator Where some might see transport trucks, others see art. Take for instance, Dickerson Custom Trucks’ “Canadian Truxedo,” with its two-toned blue paint scheme, colour-changing lights and custom denim interiors. “It’s beautiful,” said Jenn Gunter, one of the planners of this year’s Woodstock Truck Show and Concert. The truck is one of the high-profile designs expected to draw crowds out to the Burford Fairgrounds this weekend for the 11th year of the show (its first in Burford). The event brings together truck enthusiasts to showcase their work, network and swap tips, all while raising money for a good cause. In 10 years, they’ve raised more than $150,000 for Woodstock & District Developmental Services and Special Olympics Ontario. Brant County, Brantford and...
Register
Bill 5 sparks outrage among Treaty 9 leaders
By Marissa Lentz-McGrath, Local Journalism Initiative, TimminsToday.com Michel Koostachin is one of many who have made the trip to Queen’s Park in recent weeks. He and other northern leaders are raising red flags over Bill 5. The bill, Protecting Ontario by Enabling Economic Growth Act, would grant the Ontario government powers to exempt developers from environmental laws, municipal bylaws, and consultation requirements with First Nations to fast-track development projects. Koostachin is the founder of Friends of the Attawapiskat River, a nonprofit organization from Treaty No. 9 territory raising awareness about environmental threats tied to industrial development, including the Ring of Fire. “We just basically wanted to tell them, ‘You guys are corrupt,’” Koostachin told TimminsToday. “The rich are trying to get richer. We’ve seen this before. We’re not protesters, we’re...
Register
Four running for chief in Swan River election
By Pearl Lorentzen Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Four people are running for chief and 16 for council in the June 25 Swan River First Nation election. The election is for a chief and three councillors. The official list of candidates has the following information: In alphabetical order the candidates for chief are Gerald J. Giroux (former chief), Mark Giroux (Davis) (current councillor), Darryel Sowan (Mr. D), and Lee Twinn (incumbent). In alphabetical order, the councillor candidates are Dale Chalifoux, Leon Chalifoux, Patrick Chalifoux (incumbent), Ryan D. Davis (incumbent), Buddy Giroux, Carrie Lee Ann Florence Kachur (Sowan), Nicole McIvor (Twin), Ardell Sloat, Charmaine Sound, Fred (Bugsy) Sowan, Leroy Sowan, Kevin Twin, Tara Twin, Terry Twin, John Willier, and Richard Woodman. Each candidate had to be nominated and seconded by a band...
Register
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation installing street and traffic signage in own language
MISSISSAUGAS OF THE CREDIT FIRST NATION, May 28, 2025 — The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) is moving to reclaim its Anishinaabemowin language with the installation of new street and traffic signs in their traditional language. “This is more than just signage, it’s a reclamation of our language, our presence, and our story,” Councillor Ashley Sault Pillar 6 Lead: Infrastructure, Community and Membership Development said. “Every word placed in our community brings Anishinaabemowin back into the everyday lives of our people, and affirms that our language is alive, vital, and belongs in the spaces we walk every day.” Installation will begin near the end of June 2025 with the installation of new stop signs at the intersection of Mississauga and New Credit Roads, featuring the Anishinaabemowin word for...
Register
More than a canoe: Zoe George’s exhibit channels spirit and lineage
By Priscillia Mays Tait, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Until the end of September, táywilh | snəxʷəɬ, an exhibit by artist Mekwalya (Zoe George) will be on view at the Vancouver Maritime Museum at Kitsilano Point. táywilh | snəxʷəɬ — the words for canoe in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language) and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the language spoken by First Nations in the lower Fraser Valley, takes viewers on a journey of canoe racing, the art of canoe building, and the connections between land, sea and people. As I cycled along Chestnut Street to the exhibit’s Opening on April 3, I took in the refreshing ocean breeze and the crisp early evening view of the gorgeous mountains known as the Two Lions, or more traditionally, the Two Sisters. I took pause as I passed by...
Register
Bill 15 is poised to become law. B.C. First Nations leaders say that would be a step back for reconciliation
By Shannon Waters, The Narwhal A growing chorus of First Nations leaders is warning that B.C. Premier David Eby’s push to pass Bill 15 is deeply damaging the province’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. “The BC NDP are wrong. Premier Eby is wrong. We are united in our call that they must immediately withdraw the bill,” Don Tom, Chief of the Tsartlip First Nation and vice-president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said during a Monday press conference in Victoria. “They are willing to look past any sort of environmental assessment, they’re willing to walk all over First Nations Rights, all under the guise of efficiency.” Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, would grant the provincial government broad powers to expedite pretty much any major infrastructure project, whether publicly or...
Register
