Inuit iglu true symbol of the North, says Rankin Inlet resident
By Darrell Greer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Kivalliq News It was a pleasant day for Mike Shouldice recently, when he and his wife, Monica, visited the large iglu (qaggiq) in Rankin Inlet, sponsored by the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre. Shouldice said the qaggiq was at least 20-feet wide and fun to visit. He said it was large enough to hold a family group and hosted various activities for people to enjoy. “They had drum dancers, people throat-singing and all sorts of things going on in there,” said Shouldice. “They also had lots of food, such as stew, tea and bannock. It was great. We sat there and yakked with everybody. “As you know, they’ve built those here before but, these days, you do see them less and less.” Shouldice said...
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Nunavut candidates prepare for spring federal election
By Kira Wronska Dorward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News With the federal election set for April 28, who’s running in Nunavut? Right now, there are only two confirmed candidates as of Wednesday.Current Nunavut MP Lori Idlout announced on March 24 that she had officially launched her re-election campaign “with a clear commitment to keep standing up and advocating for Nunavummiut,” she wrote in a release. Idlout is pledging to keep working on her goals of long-term sustainable funding for Inuit families, reforming Nutrition North to lower food costs, and getting more homes built. Earlier this month, both Idlout and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh were in Iqaluit where they announced the party’s plan for Arctic sovereignty and building up Nunavut’s infrastructure.”Our plan includes better schools, more reliable power, and improved...
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Powwow celebrates Stone Pipe Days at Lethbridge Polytechnic
By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald Lethbridge Polytechnic is hosting their annual Stone Pipe Days, which commemorates the day the institution received its Blackfoot name. In 2017 Peter Moccasin, Kainai Kaahsinnooik (Grandparent) gifted the then-Lethbridge College with the Blackfoot name Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan, which translates to “stone pipe,” along with a stone pipe which is used in Blackfoot culture in sacred ceremonies and offerings. Jordan Head, Indigenous cultural advisor for Lethbridge Polytechnic, says the collaboration between the Nisitapi (Blackfoot) people and the polytechnic is important because their culture was not recognized until the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was released in 2015. “In the past the culture of Nisitapi was not really recognized until the last 10 years because of the TRC,” said...
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New animal shelter design will be ‘basic’
By Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Uxbridge Cosmos Council was provided an update Monday on the progress being made to construct the long-awaited new animal shelter for Uxbridge and Scugog. Mike McCullough, who was hired as the project manager for the new shelter, told council that drawings for the building have been completed and an architect hired to develop the project. McCullough said it had been decided “to keep it as basic as we could.” To that end, the new building will be constructed with insulate concrete forms to provide efficient insulation. McCullough said a brick-and-mortar building would cost as much as $10 million. In a separate report, clerk Debbie Leroux said ICF building materials will generate cost savings related to heating and cooling. McCullough went into detail...
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Pediatric care in Alberta underfunded and putting kids at risk: medical association
By Matthew Scace -CP-Alberta doctors are warning of “catastrophic” consequences for children’s physical and mental health if the province doesn’t boost funding for pediatric care. The Alberta Medical Association says nearly half of pediatricians are considering retirement and that a quarter of them are thinking of leaving Alberta or reducing patient care responsibilities. It blames the situation on several factors, including low pay and intense workloads for doctors caring for children. Dr. Sam Wong, president of the pediatrics section for the association, says recent flu seasons have become more distressing for children and patients because of wait times verging on 12 hours. “There is always the risk that a child will decompensate in the emergency waiting room and actually have an outcome that is catastrophic because they were not able...
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Study finds mismatch between job seekers and jobs
By Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader Part of a series of articles on regional studies done by an advocacy group representing municipalities and First Nations in the Lesser Slave Lake region. A workforce study of the Lesser Slave Lake region found that there are many people looking for work and many people looking for employees, but the job skills don’t line up with the jobs being offered. “We have a significant mismatch …,” says Jennifer Churchill, Alberta North Central Alliance (ANCA) executive director. “We do have a labour shortage,” but also a lot of people looking for work. The study was done by Ballad Group for ANCA, which is an advocacy group representing five municipalities and five First Nations in Northern Alberta. These are the Town of...
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B.C. introduces new mining claims framework to ensure First Nations consultation
By Brenna Owen -CP-British Columbia has introduced a new framework for consultation on mining claims, but the B.C. Assembly of First Nations regional chief says it “does not come close” to the collaborative approach outlined in the province’s Indigenous rights law. In an op-ed published by the Vancouver Sun, Terry Teegee says B.C.’s law adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples reflects a “duty to consent,” going beyond the duty to consult First Nations on issues affecting their lands, and the new mineral framework represents “a step backward.” A statement from B.C.’s Mining Ministry says the changes to the mineral tenure system were required to align with a 2023 B.C. Supreme Court ruling, which established that First Nations must be consulted at the time of claim...
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Black ash trees the focus of new project to combat emerald ash borer
By Ethan Braund, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Woolwich Observer A new initiative aims to protect black ash trees, now considered endangered, from the invasive emerald ash borer that has wrought havoc on ash tree populations. “It’s an insect that’s been around for a while, and it’s probably one of the more well-known invasive species present here in Canada,” said Vincent La Tassa, project lead at the Invasive Species Centre, of the insect threatening the trees. Black ash has a cultural significance that adds to the urgency of protecting the species, he noted. “With this specific project, we’re trying to highlight the impacts it’s had on one species of ash tree, called black ash. And it’s because of this invasive insect that the black ash tree has been added to the...
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Billboard campaign to bring Juanita Migwans home gains momentum
By Jacqueline St. Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Manitoulin Expositor M’CHIGEENG—In the quiet heart of Manitoulin Island, a mother, daughter and beloved friend has vanished, leaving behind only questions, aching hearts and a community unwilling to let her story fade. Juanita “Winnie” Migwans, 31, was last seen on October 4, 2024, walking along Riverside Drive in M’Chigeeng. She had no phone, no identification, and no belongings with her. Since then, the silence surrounding her disappearance has grown heavier by the day. But in that silence, voices have risen. From kitchen tables to council chambers, from online fundraisers to a roadside where a billboard now stand tall, the people of M’Chigeeng and beyond have rallied behind her name. Two separate fundraising efforts—one rooted in M’Chigeeng First Nation and another driven...
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Canada says it will fund Jordan’s Principle for First Nations kids through 2026
By Joe Bongiorno -CP-Ottawa says it will continue to fund Jordan’s Principle to support First Nations children through 2026 as some First Nations chiefs decry what they call cutbacks in services. Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu announced the extension in a press release Saturday, about 24 hours before a federal election campaign is expected to kick off. The principle is intended to assure that Indigenous children can access government-funded health, social or educational services regardless of where they live and without seeing their cases bogged down in jurisdictional disputes. No specific spending amounts were provided in the latest announcement, but Hajdu said the government has poured $8.8 billion into the principle since it was established in 2016. “More than 8.9 million products, services, and supports have been approved since 2016...
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As federal election campaign kicks off Sunday, Carney to seek seat in Nepean
By Nick Murray -CP-When the federal election campaign kicks off Sunday, Mark Carney will be seeking a seat as a Liberal MP in the House of Commons to represent the Ottawa riding of Nepean. The Liberal party confirmed the move on social media late Saturday. Carney is expected to visit Rideau Hall on Sunday to ask Gov. Gen Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament and hold a spring federal election. Voters will cast their ballots on April 28, according to a Liberal source with knowledge of the plan. The Nepean riding has been held by Liberal MP Chandra Arya for the last decade, but the party recently revoked his nomination. Carney will be running in a riding adjacent to his main rival, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, who is seeking re-election...
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Ontario court to hear Charter challenge on supervised consumption site law
By Liam Casey -CP-An Ontario court will hear arguments Monday from a Toronto supervised consumption site challenging the legality of a new provincial law that will soon shut down 10 such sites and prevent new ones from opening. The province passed legislation last year that banned consumption sites deemed too close to schools or daycares. The Neighbourhood Group, which runs the Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site in downtown Toronto, launched a lawsuit in December along with two people who use the space. “Safe consumption sites are not a perfect solution, but they are part of the solution,” the group’s lawyer, Carlo Di Carlo, said in an interview. “It’s something that will minimize deaths and the spread of infectious disease and that will allow people to continue their fight to recover....
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Tapping the untapped: Pangnirtung Fisheries a possible model for other communities
By Kira Wronska Dorward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News This is the second in a series of stories looking at Pangnirtung Fisheries and how it’s helping the community by providing jobs and developing the economy. Jackie Maniapik oversees the youth employment program at Pangnirtung Fisheries in his role as production manager. He said the goal is to start new employees young and eventually move them into a full-time role. “We’ve been receiving more applicants – the parents have been calling to see if their children can apply for a job here,” said Maniapik. “At the moment, we have approximately eight, but we want to double or triple that by the end of the season.” He was encouraged by the management to apply for his position in the past year....
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Brfantford encouraging residents to use caution due to coyote sightings
BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford is urging caution after reports of coyote sightings throughout daylight and evening hours. Coyotes are not uncommon to various parts of Brantford due to the City’s abundance of natural settings. However, the proximity of residential properties to these natural settings can sometimes results in wildlife venturing into residential areas and raising safety concerns among residents. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has specific guidelines related to safety tips and preventative measures that residents should adhere to if and when coyotes are sighted in urban areas. As per the Ministry guidelines, if you encounter a coyote, keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you. If you encounter an aggressive coyote, there are several things you should know and do: Never approach...
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From deluges to drought: Climate change speeds up water cycle, triggers more extreme weather
By Tammy Webber And Donavon Brutus -AP-Prolonged droughts, wildfires and water shortages. Torrential downpours that overwhelm dams and cause catastrophic flooding. Around the globe, rising temperatures stoked by climate change are increasing the odds of both severe drought and heavier precipitation that wreak havoc on people and the environment. Rainfall can disappear for years only to return with a vengeance, as it did in California in 2023, with record-setting rain and snowfall. That led to heavy vegetation growth that provided fuel for the devastating January wildfires in Los Angeles after drought returned. But how can global warming cause both drier and wetter extremes? Here’s what experts say. It’s all about the water cycle Water constantly moves between the Earth and its atmosphere. But that system — called the hydrological cycle...
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Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre eyes Iqaluit bayside site
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter With a recent $50 million contribution from the federal government, planning is moving ahead on the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre but with a different location from the one the designers originally had in mind. The idea of building a heritage centre to house Inuit artifacts that have been in southern museums and galleries is one of the Nunavut Agreement provisions, dating back to 1993. Last year, when architects presented plans for the centre, the site they had in mind was near Iqaluit’s plateau areas, tucked behind the Aqsarniit hotel. But that area is expected to be heavily developed over the next few years with Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s plan for a subdivision and a proposed trio of eight-storey residential and commercial buildings nearby. With...
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Fort Nelson filmmaker’s Tea Creek nominated for festival awards
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT NELSON, B.C. — Ryan Dickie’s documentary about an Indigenous B.C. farm focusing on food sovereignty continues to gain accolades. Dickie’s film Tea Creek has been nominated for three awards at the Sundar Prize Film Festival in Surrey from April 10th to April 13th. A member of Fort Nelson First Nation, Dickie’s documentary focuses on the efforts of Indigenous farmer Jacob Beaton in mentoring Indigenous food producers at his family’s farm in Kitwanga. While the idea for the film came in 2021, the actual production didn’t start until a year later. The film had its worldwide debut at the Doxa Documentary Film festival in Vancouver last April. The film was made available through the CBC Gem mobile app last October. Dickie told...
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The Latest: Trump officials texted war plans to a group chat that included a journalist
-AP-Top national security officials for President Donald Trumptexted war plans for upcoming military strikes in Yemen to a group chat in a secure messaging app that included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief for The Atlantic, the magazine reported in a story published Monday. The National Security Council said the text chain “appears to be authentic.” The material in the text chain “contained operational details of forthcoming strikes on Iran-backed Houthi-rebels in Yemen, including information about targets, weapons the U.S. would be deploying, and attack sequencing,” Goldberg reported. It was not immediately clear if the specifics of the military operation were classified, but they often are and at the least are kept secure to protect service members and operational security. Trump told reporters he was not aware of the apparent breach in protocol....
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Book explores the Inuit knowledge that helped find Franklin expedition ships
By Shari Narine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Inuit interaction with the Franklin expedition is the thread that runs through The Land Was Always Used: An Inuit Oral History of the Franklin Expedition, but it’s the life of the Inuit in Qikiqtaq (King William Island) that is the heartbeat of the story. “(The Inuit) used everything: the ocean, the air, the land. Our life was so interconnected with our environment, and we didn’t come along just because we heard that there were strange men stumbling across (King William) island,” said Edna Ekhivalak Elias. She conducted interviews for the book with Inuit in Gjoa Haven on King William Island, now part of Nunavut. Gjoa Haven is the community closest to the Franklin shipwrecks. “It was just populated by sparse groups of Inuit...
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Ottawa provides $20M for B.C.’s forest sector amid softwood duties, trade war
OTTAWA-CP-The federal government is providing about $20 million in funding to support British Columbia’s forestry sector, part of Ottawa’s effort to bolster the economy amid the Canada-U. S. trade war. Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says it’s more important than ever to support the sector, which is subject to American duties on softwood lumber and now faces the additional threat of steep tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump. A statement from Natural Resources Canada says the funding will support 67 projects to help boost the competitiveness and resilience of the sector. About $11.3 million will flow through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program for six projects that are adopting new technologies and focusing on product innovation to diversify revenue. More than $7 million will go through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative...
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