Cupido hoping to win Mann Cup as a player for the Six Nations Chiefs this season
By Sam Laskaris Writer Joey Cupido will be looking to help the Six Nations Chiefs win back-to-back Mann Cup championships. Cupido had served as an assistant coach for the Chiefs last year when they captured their national Senior A lacrosse title. Cupido, who is now 33, had gone behind the Six Nations bench, primarily to assist the club’s defensive players, as he himself was recovering from a surgery to repair his torn Achilles tendon. Cupido is now healthy again and he’s eager to suit up for the Six Nations squad for its Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season, which begins next month. “That’s the plan,” Cupido said moments after his professional squad, the Colorado Mammoth had been edged 12-11 by the host Las Vegas Desert Dogs in a National Lacrosse League...
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Whitecloud hopes experience of Stanley Cup success helps Golden Knights as playoffs begin
By Sam Laskaris Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Zach Whitecloud believes knowing what it takes to become a Stanley Cup champion could prove to be a key ingredient for the Vegas Golden Knights this season in their playoff run. Whitecloud, from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation in Manitoba, is a member of the Golden Knights and was with the team when it captured the National Hockey League title last June. The Golden Knights earned a berth into the 2024 playoffs this past Friday, April 12, thanks to a 7-2 triumph over the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Windspeaker.com spoke to the 27-year-old defenceman following the Vegas team practice April 13. “We’ve gone through (the playoffs) quite a few times and we know what is required from us at...
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Six Nations Police charge man with impaired driving after traffic complaints
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND-A 49-year-old Six Nations man is facing multiple charges after police received complaints of a truck being driven erratically on First Line Road. Police said after receiving complaints Monday (April 15th) from the public about a “potential impaired driver,” officers located and arrested a suspected driver on First Line Road at about 5:30 p.m.. Six Nations Police said they received public complaints of a Chevrolet Avalanche being driven erratically on First Line Road . Police said complainants described “specific damages to the vehicle, which were consistent with being involved in a recent collision.” Officers responded to the calls and located a vehicle matching the description with a man driving and a female passenger. Police activated their emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. Police approached the driver,...
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NENAS Elders Group seeking new members
By Edward Hitchins Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The North East Native Advancing Society (NENAS) is looking for new members to join its Elders Group. The initiative was founded in 2020 by NENAS to provide a social setting for First Nations members over 55. According to Val Apsassin, the Elders program coordinator for NENAS, people can join any time as it is a drop-in group. “When I heard about it, I thought it was a great initiative put together with NENAS,” said Apsassin. “We share a lot of laughs and one another’s company.” During their days together, Elders discuss current events, engage in arts and crafts and speak to youth aged three to five about Indigenous culture. They also participate in group trips, whether it’s to Dunvegan Gardens to learn about...
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US court rejects a request by tribes to block $10B energy transmission project in Arizona
By Susan Montoya Bryan THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) _ A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a request by Native American tribes and environmentalists to stop work on a $10 billion transmission line being built through a remote southeastern Arizona valley that will carry wind-generated electricity from New Mexico to customers as far away as California. The project, approved in 2015 following a lengthy review, has been touted as the biggest U.S. electricity infrastructure undertaking since the Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s. Two tribes joined with archaeologists and environmentalists in filing a lawsuit in January, accusing the U.S. Interior Department and Bureau of Land Management of refusing for nearly 15 years to recognize “overwhelming evidence of the cultural significance” of the remote San Pedro Valley to Native...
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Feds offer $5B in Indigenous loan guarantees, fall $420B short on infrastructure asks
The federal government is providing up to $5 billion in loan guarantees to help Indigenous communities invest in natural resource and energy products. But when it comes to a promise to close what advocates say is a sprawling Indigenous infrastructure gap, Ottawa is short more than $420 billion. Teased in last year’s fall economic statement, the Indigenous loan guarantee in the 2024 budget allows communities to decide which projects to invest in. The loans would be guaranteed by the federal government, ensuring Indigenous borrowers can get more favourable interest rates. First Nations business leaders have long called for an Indigenous loan program to allow for investments in oil and gas projects. The First Nations Major Projects Coalition anticipates Indigenous participation in the natural resource and energy sector could reach $525...
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Native American led nonprofit says it bought 40 acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota
A Native American-led nonprofit has announced that it purchased nearly 40 acres (16.2 hectares) of land in the Black Hills of South Dakota amid a growing movement that seeks to return land to Indigenous people. The Cheyenne River Youth Project announced in an April 11 statement that it purchased the tract of land adjacent to Bear Butte State Park in western South Dakota. “One of the most sacred places for the Lakota Nation is Mato Paha, now part of Bear Butte State Park,” the statement said. “Access to Bear Butte was severed in the late 19th century, when the U.S. government seized the Black Hills and broke up the Great Sioux Reservation into several smaller reservations.” Julie Garreau, executive director of the project, said in the statement that the U.S....
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Decades in the making, B.C. signs agreement handing over title to Haida Gwaii
By Darryl Greer THE CANADIAN PRESS HAIDA GWAII- The B.C. government and the Council of Haida Nation have signed an agreement officially recognizing Haida Gwaii’s Aboriginal title, more than two decades after the nation launched a legal action seeking formal recognition. The province announced last month that it had reached a proposed deal with the Haida, which Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Murray Rankin called a “foundational step in the reconciliation pathway of Haida Nation and B.C.” At the signing ceremony Sunday, Rankin said the agreement is “really, really important,” pledging to do whatever he can to “breath life into this historic agreement.” “We could have been facing each other in a courtroom. We could have been fighting for years and years, but we chose a different path,” Rankin told...
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$4.9 million announced for Nunavut construction training from Makigiaqta and NCC Development
By Kira Wronska Dorward Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation and NCC Development (NCCD) have announced a joint venture of $4.9 million to deliver a trades training and career building program for Nunavut Inuit. Announced on April 9, the agreement provides training funding from Makigiaqta, to be released over the next six years, with NCCD training up to 90 Inuit in various construction industry trades on site in Nunavut. “This apprenticeship program will give Nunavut Inuit the chance to pursue rewarding careers building the homes and infrastructure we urgently need,” said Aluki Kotierk, president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and chair of Makigiaqta. “Ultimately, this will allow Nunavut Inuit to participate in implementing Angirratsaliulauqta Initiative, the Nunavut Inuit Housing Action Plan and closing the infrastructure gap.” Participants in this...
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MMF looking at options to combat `cultural theft’ of Indigenous identities
By Dave Baxter Local Journalism Initiative Reporter WINNIPEG, MAN.,- The Manitoba Metis Federation says Indigenous identity theft in Canada has become rampant and needs to be combated, as “cultural thieves” look to use fake Indigenous identities for personal gain. “We can no longer stand by and allow these cultural thieves and identity colonizers to get away with the damage they are doing to our peoples,” MMF President David Chartrand said in a Thursday media release. MMF announced Thursday they will join the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) to co-host an `Identity Summit,’ next month in Winnipeg aimed at “tackling the rampant identity theft faced by many Indigenous Nations in Canada today.” The summit will include expert panellists discussing the “true national scale” of collective Indigenous identity fraud and options for combating...
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Jordan’s Principle of helping
By Darrell Greer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The hamlet of Baker Lake has been approved for more than $5 million in funding ($500 per month support each for kids 18 and younger, with an extra $250 for kids aged one day to three years) from the Inuit Child First Initiative/Jordan’s Principle programs through partnership with the Indigenous Kids Network of Canada . Jordan River Anderson (from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba) passed away in hospital at the age of five in 2005 due to government incompetence at the provincial and federal levels. Jordan’s Principle works to ensure First Nations youth (Inuit are also eligible) aged up to 18 (19 in some provinces) have access to the services they need. The program covers health, education and social services, including specialized...
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Native Women’s Association of Canada without CEO
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is without a CEO after being hit with $48 million in federal government cuts. NWAC announced the departure of CEO Lynn Groulx who had been with the organization for 6.5 years in an email to staff. “As of today (April 12) Lynne Groulx is no longer employed as NWAC Chief Executive Officer,” the board announced in an email to staff. In the email the board said it wishes Groulx “well in her future endeavours.” Groulx, is a lawyer and former Canadian Human Rights Commission adviser and a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario In a statement posted by NWAC Groulx said “Leaving the role, you love is always difficult.It has been an honour and incredible journey leading NWAC and contributing to its...
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Man found deceased on Second Line
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-Six Nations Police are continuing an investigation after a deceased person was found near the side of the road on Second Line Road near Chiefswood Road Friday April 12th. Police, Fire and ambulance services responded to the scene. Police closed Second Line at about 5:15 p.m. and motorists were asked to avoid the area. The road has reopened. ...
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How to tackle crime in Indian Country? Empower tribal justice, ex Justice Department official says
By Lindsay Whitehurst THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP)- A quarter-century ago, the Justice Department had few meaningful relationships with Native American tribes. While the federal government worked with state and local police and courts, tribal justice systems did not have the same level of recognition, said Tracy Toulou, who oversaw the department’s Office of Tribal Justice from 2000 until his recent retirement. “They were essentially invisible,” he said. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Toulou built the office from an idea into an “institution within the Justice Department.” Its relationships with the nation’s 574 federally recognized tribes are important, in part because federal authorities investigate and prosecute a set of major crimes on most reservations. Public safety statistics reflect the serious challenges. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are more than twice...
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TBM receives $50,000 youth climate action grant
By Chris Fell Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Town of The Blue Mountains has announced that it is one of 100 municipalities world-wide to receive a special youth climate action grant. The town made the announcement this week that it has received $50,000 to distribute as microgrants to fund youth-led climate initiatives. The grant comes from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund. “We are super excited about this, because we are one out of 100 municipalities in the world that have received this,” Mayor Andrea Matrosovs said in an interview with CollingwoodToday. “There are only six municipalities in Canada and only 29 in all of North America who are going to be using this fund.” The funding is a result of the mayor’s recent attendance of the COP28 climate summit...
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A dozen Indigenous led podcasts receive funding boost from new program
By Odette Auger Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Kori Czuy is the Metis host of the podcast Ancestral Science, which emphasizes the importance of Indigenous culture, spirituality and worldview in scientific inquiry. On the show, Elders and Indigenous scientists talk about how science is defined, embraced and understood through spirit and relationality or connectedness. Ancestral Science is just one of 12 podcasts to share $300,000 from the new Podcasting Program launched by the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), an advocacy and funding organization serving Indigenous creators. The ISO money will support the podcasts to grow their audiences by partnering with Acast, a Swedish podcasting platform that makes 100,000 podcasts available to 400 million monthly listeners. The Ancestral Science podcast delves into diverse topics, including the relational nature of numbers and the interconnectedness of...
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Nearing 50 Supreme Court arguments in, lawyer Lisa Blatt keeps winning
By Mark Sherman THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP)- No woman has appeared more often before the Supreme Court than Lisa Blatt, who will make her 50th argument this month. No lawyer, male or female, has done it with quite the same mix of humor, passion and style. And her win-loss record isn’t bad, either: 40-6, with two cases yet to be decided. She elicits laughs and the occasional sharp response from the justices, who seem to enjoy Blatt’s presentations as much as they respect her legal acumen. When Blatt joked that Justice Samuel Alito was being her “enforcer” with a friendly question in a case about a claimed retaliatory arrest that was argued last month, the justice said, “I’m not trying to be your enforcer by any means. … You...
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Supreme Court of Canada says treaty entitled Alberta First Nation to larger reserve
An Alberta First Nation ended up with less land than it should have received under a treaty made with the Crown well over a century ago, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled. In a 7-0 decision Friday, the top court declared that the Blood Tribe was entitled to more than 420 square kilometres of additional territory, saying the Crown “dishonourably breached” the treaty provisions. Members of the Blood Tribe near Lethbridge, Alta., had long argued that Canada did not fulfil a promise made in 1877 to set aside a reserve with an area of one square mile for each family of five people. In its decision, the Supreme Court noted the Crown recently acknowledged its breach of the land entitlement commitment. However, the court characterized the admission as...
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Overdoses prompts B.C. First Nation to declare state of emergency
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C.- A spike in overdose deaths in the six British Columbia nations that make up the Tsilhqot’in National Government has prompted the chiefs to declare a local state of emergency. The Cariboo area nation says in a statement that toxic drugs combined with the historical and present-day harms of colonialism are contributing to higher rates of overdose deaths among Indigenous people. Tribal Chair and Chief Joe Alphonse says in the statement that drugs are a major problem in the community, and while they feel like their hands are tied, they need to act to save lives. The statement says the RCMP know who the dealers are, and that is something that needs to be addressed. The Tsilhqot’in says the emergency declaration provides the nation with access to additional...
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‘Very smart’ B.C. orca calf evades rescuers, forcing switch in tactics
The team trying to rescue an orphaned killer whale trapped in a British Columbia lagoon says they will have to change tactics after being “truly humbled at the intelligence, adaptability and resilience” of the calf that managed to evade capture Friday. A statement issued by the Ehattesaht First Nation chief and council and the rescue team said they made the decision to stand down after the young orca “simply decided she was not ready to be moved.” It said experts and veterinary staff from the Vancouver Aquarium were able to get a good look at the young female during the capture attempt and say she still appears to be in good health, that her breathing is solid and she is swimming well. The statement said the team would regroup after...
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