Six Nations members to square off in National Lacrosse League championship series
By Sam Laskaris Writer John Tavares will have an opportunity to win yet another championship. Tavares is the head coach for the defending national Mann Cup champion Six Nations Chiefs AND the head coach of the Buffalo Bandits, the reigning champs of the professional National Lacrosse League (NLL). The Chiefs will kick off their 2024 campaign with their regular season opener at home on May 20, versus the visiting Owen Sound North Stars, at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. While Tavares is expected to be at that contest, his focus right now is clearly with the Bandits, who are hoping to win back-to-back NLL championships. Buffalo qualified for the league’s championship series on Sunday thanks to a 10-8 home victory against the visiting Toronto Rock. The Bandits also downed the host...
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Six Nations Fire win season opener versus Allegany Arrows
By Sam Laskaris Writer The Six Nations Fire managed to win its first ever regular season contest. The Fire, an expansion team in the First Nations Junior B Lacrosse League, downed the host Allegany Arrows 10-7 this past Saturday. The match was held at the Arrows’ home rink, the Allegany Community Center, in Salamanca, N.Y. The Fire travelled to its road contest with 13 runners and two goalies. Squads are allowed to dress a maximum of 18 runners and a pair of netminders. “I think they had the same amount of players,” said Johnny Powless, the former National Lacrosse League (NLL) star, who is serving as the head coach of the Fire in its inaugural season. “We both had short benches.” Powless was pleased his charges were able to emerge...
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Shelley Niro’s award-winning film Café Daughter to stream
After a limited theatrical release throughout Canada, award-winning Mohawk writer-director Shelley Niro’s latest film Café Daughter will be released to a wider audience through streaming and video-on-demand platforms May 7. The film is an adaptation of Kenneth T Williams’ one woman play Café Daughter. While reading the play, Niro said she instantly felt connected with the main character, Yvette Wong, and wanted to protect her. The play and film are based on the life of Chinese/Cree neuroscientist, scholar, feminist and retired Canadian senator, Lillian Eva Quan Dyck. Growing up in Saskatchewan in the 1960s, Dyck struggled against racism. She aspired to become a doctor and healer but was held back in school despite her aptitude. She struggled too with her own identity, told by her mother, a residential school survivor...
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Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The Canadian Press 08/05/2024 04:00 The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness. Skibicki, 37, faces four counts of first-degree murder. His lawyers told court this week they will argue that he committed the killings but is not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder. Brandon Trask, an assistant professor of law at the University of Manitoba, said proving Skibicki had a mental disorder at the time of the killings is only the first step for the defence. Once a mental illness has been established, Trask said, it comes down to whether the diagnosis made Skibicki incapable of knowing that...
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Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre First intake all set to go
Local Journalism Initiative The Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre is at full speed gearing-up for its first intake of a 28-day addiction program on the land near Rankin Inlet. The first intake will be aimed at male participants from Rankin Inlet and will run from June 2 until June 30. The friendship centre’s addiction program manager, Linda Haulli, said the centre will, eventually, host a women’s intake, followed by future intakes aimed at participants from the entire Kivalliq region. She said this being the centre’s first intake, it is only geared to Rankin Inlet residents as part of a trial run because of it being so new to the program’s delivery. “We did hire facilitators from outside of Rankin Inlet who are coming in to do the 28-day, on-the-land-treatment program with...
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Civil suit settled in shooting of Native American activist at protest of Spanish conquistador statue
The Associated Press ESPANOLA, N.M. (AP) — A settlement has been reached in a civil lawsuit seeking damages from three relatives in the shooting of a Native American activist in northern New Mexico amid confrontations about a statue of a Spanish conquistador and aborted plans to reinstall it in public, according to court documents published Tuesday. The shooting, in September 2023, severely wounded Jacob Johns, of Spokane, Washington, a well-traveled activist for environmental causes and an advocate for Native American rights who is of Hopi and Akimel O’odham tribal descent. His attorney, John Day, confirmed the settlement and said the terms were confidential. A single gunshot set off chaos at an outdoor gathering in Española over canceled plans to install a bronze likeness of conquistador Juan de Oñate, who is...
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Orca pod spotted in vicinity of orphan B.C. killer whale, but no evidence of family
The Canadian Press A pod of killer whales has been spotted far offshore from the remote Vancouver Island inlet where an orphaned orca has been spending time since escaping a lagoon last month, but a member of her rescue team is downplaying the prospect of an imminent family reunion. The sighting of a pod of nine orcas occurred Monday in waters off Kyuquot Sound, about 80 kilometres southeast of the inlet where the two-year-old female calf has been seen. It’s the closest confirmed report of orcas since the death of the calf’s mother, who became stranded in the lagoon, about 450 kilometres northwest of Victoria, on March 23. The next week, a pod of their relatives was seen south of Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. But marine...
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Liberal government not immune from auto thefts: 48 vehicles stolen in recent years
The Canadian Press The federal Liberals are trying to crack down on a scourge of auto thefts across the country, even as the government is struggling to keep its own vehicles away from thieves, new data show. Documents tabled in the House of Commons on Monday show 48 government vehicles from 14 departments and agencies were stolen between January 2016 and February of this year. Ministers are not immune, either. The official vehicle of the minister of justice was stolen three times in as many years between 2021 and 2023. Ontario is the province where the largest proportion of vehicles were nabbed, including 10 in Ottawa, where most of the federal government is based, and two in the Toronto area. Vehicles were also reported stolen in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan,...
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Alberta announces committee to help speed up oilsands tailings reclamatio
The Canadian Press The Alberta government has appointed a new committee to look into ways to speed up the reclamation of the large and growing tailings ponds in the province’s oilsands. The oilsands mine water steering committee will examine potential policies and options that would allow reclamation to occur as quickly and safely as possible. “Managing oilsands mine water and reclaiming tailings ponds is a complex issue that requires collaboration,” Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz said Tuesday in a statement. “This committee will look at all the feasible options for addressing oilsands mine water and tailings ponds and suggest ways to safely reclaim the land and ensure our waterways remain clean for future generations.” The six-member committee includes a United Conservative legislature member, a retired oilsands executive, an engineering professor, a...
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Ontario First Nations denied equal access to justice, lawsuit alleges, band bylaws not effective
The Canadian Press An organization representing Ontario First Nations launched a constitutional challenge against the province and the government of Canada on Tuesday, alleging First Nations are being denied equal access to justice. A statement of claim filed by the Chiefs of Ontario says that many provincial and federal laws — including those related to tenancy, land management and environmental protection — don’t apply on reserves. While First Nations can make their own laws and bylaws to fill in those gaps, they aren’t effective without enforcement and prosecution, the document says. The lawsuit alleges the governments do not provide enforcement or prosecution services in relation to First Nations laws, nor do they provide enough funding for First Nations to hire their own enforcement officers or prosecutors. The lawsuit argues the...
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$234M settlement is ‘bittersweet,’ Lac Seul chief says
By Mike Stimpson Local Journalism Initiative 06/05/2024 15:02 LAC SEUL – Nearly a century after more than 11,000 acres of reserve land was flooded in a hydroelectric project, Lac Seul First Nation has an agreement for $234 million in compensation. “It’s something that’s been a long time in coming,” Chief Clifford Bull said, describing the settlement agreement as “closure after many years of battling over this issue.” “And I guess the term I want to use is bittersweet,” he added. “It’s sad that the people that endured it are not here to see (the matter settled), but it was gratifying to know that this issue has been resolved in a good way for both parties.” The saga began around 1930 when a hydroelectric dam built under an agreement between Canada,...
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Timeline of slayings of 4 women in Winnipeg, demands to search a landfill for remains
The Canadian Press A Winnipeg man has admitted to killing four women but claims he’s not criminally responsible because of mental illness. Jeremy Skibicki, 37, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree murder. His trial is to begin Wednesday. Here is a timeline of the case: March 15, 2022 — Police say an unidentified woman is killed on or around this date. May 1, 2022 — Morgan Harris, a member of Long Plain First Nation living in Winnipeg, is last seen in the area of Main Street and Henry Avenue north of the city’s downtown. Police say the 39-year-old is killed on or around this date. May 4, 2022 — Police say Marcedes Myran, 26, also of Long Plain First Nation and living in Winnipeg, is...
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Nanaimo’s Indigenous Justice Centre opens, specializing in supporting First Nations clients
By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Nanaimo, BC – Since January, Nanaimo’s Indigenous Justice Centre has been taking on First Nation, Métis, and Inuit clients to provide free legal services and support in child protection and criminal justice matters. The centre, now fully operational, also provides wrap-around services, inter-agency coordination, and cultural support with an elder-in-residence. “[We’re] trying to make this a warm, welcoming space for the community that offers culturally appropriate justice services to support our people,” said Judith Sayers, a director with the B.C. First Nations Justice Council. “We’re trying to make this kind of a wraparound hub.” Nanaimo’s IJC, located in the Great National Landing Building in the core of the city’s downtown, is one of nine fully operational centres across B.C. With five regional centres operating...
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Taking Stock: Climate forum highlights Cree solutions for a warming planet
By Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative The Cree Regional Climate Forum brought together a diversity of voices April 9-11 in Ouje-Bougoumou to understand and plan for the repercussions of a rapidly warming planet. The forum recognized the urgency of action in the wake of unprecedented forest fires and the warmest year on record. The Cree Nation Government’s Climate Change unit hopes to make this an annual event to develop Cree-led climate strategies. “There’s no boundaries to climate change,” said CNG climate change manager Olivier Kölmel. “It goes beyond the region so broader collaboration is needed for the future of the communities. The big work is yet to come, but it’s exciting work.” About 150 participants came from most Cree communities, along with some First Nations in Ontario and selected representatives...
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Six Nations Police call in Air Orange after single vehicle collision
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-Six Nations emergency services were called in after a single vehicle roll over trapped a man inside his vehicle and the Jaws of Life had to be brought in to rescue him. Six Nations Police, Six Nations Fire and Six Nations Emergency Medical Services all responded to the single vehicle collision on Cayuga Road south of 5th Line Road Sunday May 5th at about 2:35 p.m. Witnesses had reported a single vehicle roll over with a party trapped inside the vehicle. Using the Jaws of Life firefighters were able to extract the man, the only occupant of the vehicle. Police requested Air Orange be dispatched due to the extent of the injuries . The man was taken to a local area hospital where he was...
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Community Divided: Escalating crisis in Kitcisakik leads to blockades, appeals to government
By Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative A conflict among current and former leaders of the Algonquin First Nation of Kitcisakik continues to escalate after the current director general and five former chiefs went public with their concerns on March 26 in Ottawa. “We are asking for an urgent intervention from the federal minister of Indigenous Services to put an end to this dictatorship,” said councillor Catherine Anichinapeo at a press conference. “I’ve been a witness to this for seven years. I have been subjected to workplace intimidation and misogyny.” The group said they tried unsuccessfully to resolve the dispute internally over the past three years and there had been a public demonstration in March 2023. It’s a delicate situation for the Anishinaabe community of 300 located about 130 km south...
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Alberta men involved in fatal shooting of Métis hunters lose conviction appeals
By The Canadian Press Two Alberta men found guilty in the fatal shooting of two Métis hunters have lost appeals of their convictions. Roger Bilodeau was convicted of two counts of manslaughter for the 2020 shooting of Jacob Sansom and Maurice Cardinal. His son Anthony Bilodeau, who fired the gun, was convicted of manslaughter and second-degree murder. Samson and Cardinal had been out moose hunting, when they were shot on a road near Glendon, northeast of Edmonton. Court heard the Bilodeaus had been concerned about a truck parked at the end of their rural property, so they chased down the vehicle and there was a confrontation. After the shooting, the father and son fled the scene and did not call for help. Lawyers for both men argued the trial judge...
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Manitoba’s Treaty One Development Corporation names new CEO
By Dave Baxter Local Journalism Initiative The development corporation currently working to bring Canada’s largest urban reserve to Winnipeg has a new Chief Executive Officer. On Monday, the Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC) Board of Directors announced Kathleen BlueSky has assumed the role of CEO, following an “extensive” selection process that included both national and international applicants. “Kathleen BlueSky, a Cree and Anishinaabe Ikwe from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Minegoziibe Anishinaabe First Nation, is a visionary entrepreneur and devoted mother of three who brings with her a remarkable blend of experience, expertise, and dedication to Indigenous economic development,” T1DC said in a Monday media release. T1DC represents the seven Treaty One First Nations in Manitoba, with the goal of advancing the economic and social well being of Treaty One citizens...
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Canada’s biggest urban reserve project could see shovels in ground in Winnipeg before end of month
By Dave Baxter Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Plans to build Canada’s largest urban reserve in Winnipeg continue to move forward, and officials say shovels could be in the ground on the massive development before the end of this month. “Things are looking great for the first phase of Naawi-Oodena,” Treaty One Development Corporation’s newly-named executive director Kathleen BlueSky said on Monday. Last fall, First Nations leaders broke ground on a project that will see the site of the former Kapyong Barracks along Kenaston Boulevard transformed into the country’s largest urban reserve. The site is slated to become Naawi-Oodena, a development that will be a joint venture between the Treaty One Development Corporation and Canada Lands Company, a self-financing Crown corporation. Urban reserves operate by allowing First Nations to develop land...
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Bylaw amendment to allow for Indigenous ceremonial practices approved by Cold Lake council
By Chantel Downes Local Journalism Initiative Reporter This amendment, identified as Bylaw No. 835-PL-24, came after requests from Indigenous groups to allow ceremonial practices that involve smoke in public facilities, which were previously prohibited under the existing Smoking Bylaw. During the April 23 regular council meeting, Kristi Isert, General Manager of Corporate Services for the City of Cold Lake, explained the journey of this amendment from its inception to final approval. “The amendment to the Smoking Bylaw was previously discussed at length at the Corporate Priorities Committee meeting on March 19, as well as the regular council meeting on April 9. The proposed amendment would create an exception under the bylaw which would permit smoking for Indigenous cultural practices including smudging and pipe ceremonies,” said Isert. The bylaw initially aimed to...
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