Blood Tribe looking to identify children who went missing from residential schools
BY ALEXANDRA NOAD LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER The Blood Tribe is asking for assistance from residential school survivors as it embarks on an endeavour to identify children who may have gone missing or died while attending residential school on the reserve as well as at two off-reserve locations. The Blood Tribe says they are collecting information from tribe children who were taken to St. Mary’s Residential School, St. Paul’s Residential School, St. Joseph’s Industrial School and St. Dunstan’s Industrial School. They will record testimonials to not only identify the missing children, but also support ground search efforts for any unmarked burials. The IRS Missing Children and Burial Sites Projects has four components: Archival Research, Community Research, Site Work and Commemoration. The Blood Tribe will host community meetings to provide more...
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Newfoundland and Labrador fishers say commercial cod fishery should not reopen
Exactly 32 years after the federal government imposed a moratorium on Newfoundland and Labrador’s commercial cod fishery, harvesters in the province demanded on Tuesday that Ottawa reinstate it. Greg Pretty, president of the 14,000-member union representing inshore fishers, says the northern cod stocks have not recovered enough to be fished again by what he calls “offshore draggers.” “That’s a disaster, that’s an absolute disaster,” Pretty said during a news conference in St. John’s, N.L., adding: “There will be petitions and there will be demonstrations until we get this thing right.” The federal Fisheries Department announced last week that it would end the moratorium and reinstate a commercial cod fishery, calling the decision “a historic milestone for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.” The 2024 season would have a total allowable Canadian catch of...
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First cohort of community-based education students graduate
By Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Teaching the Teachers First cohort of community-based education students graduate by Patrick Quinn Cree graduates of the first full-time in-community teaching program in Eeyou Istchee recently celebrated their convocation at Montreal’s Bell Centre, the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Cree School Board (CSB) and McGill University. While this partnership with McGill’s Office of First Nations and Inuit Education (OFNIE) goes back over 40 years, the first full-time Bachelor of Education program for Kindergarten and Elementary Education was launched in 2020. It’s the same four-year program that is offered on campus except it is entirely community-based, primarily in Chisasibi, Waskaganish and Mistissini. Without having to uproot their families to adapt to the significant challenges of studying in the city, students benefit from...
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Vigil held for man slain in Anicinabe Park
By Mike Stimpson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter KENORA – The City of Kenora sent representation to Tuesday’s vigil for Bruce Frogg at Anicinabe Park, but the city’s Indigenous relations adviser cautioned that now’s not the time to stand on a soapbox. A vigil for the Wawakapewin First Nation man who police fatally shot in the park last week began at 2 p.m. “The reason why I’m attending is because Mr. Bruce Frogg was an individual from a First Nation and the man was seriously in distress,” said Ed Mandamin, the city’s Indigenous relations adviser since June 3. “We want to go and commemorate his passing as a tragedy that shouldn’t have happened,” Mandamin continued. “A lot of people that I’ve been talking to – and that’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous –...
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Four Fort Smith governments commit to collaboration under new deal
By Tom Taylor Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Four Fort Smith local governments have committed to working together to improve the lives of constituents. The governments in question — Salt River First Nation, Smith’s Landing First Nation, Fort Smith Métis Council and the Town of Fort Smith — made it official by signing a memorandum of agreement on June 21. Jay Macdonald, the MLA for Thebacha, also put pen to paper. The deal, called a Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI), was facilitated by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), an organization operating out of Winnipeg. Former Thebacha MLA, GNWT minister, and longtime Fort Smith resident J. Michael Miltenberger, who now works with CIER, served as the lead for the project. “We’ve been working on this for the last three years...
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Indigenous creators tell their stories on TikTok
By Jeremy Appel Local Journalism Initiative Reporter There aren’t many other Inuit people where Braden Kadlun resides. He moved to Calgary a couple years ago looking for a “fresh start” with his partner, whom he met after a stint in rehab on Eskasoni, a Mi’kmaq reserve near Cape Breton, N.S., to address an addiction to alcohol and stimulants. Now he’s able to embrace his Inuit culture and share his recovery journey with a large international audience on TikTok while he completes his undergraduate degree in philosophy at the University of Calgary, joining a growing number of young Indigenous TikTok creators. “I come from a small community of under 3,000 and I grew up in a community of 20,000, so reaching 200,000 [views] is mind boggling. And just having their support...
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Red Fever : Final chapter of film trilogy shows how Indigenous peoples influenced world culture
By Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Red Fever, the newest documentary from Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond and co-director Catherine Bainbridge, explores the roots of cultural appropriation to reveal the profound influence of Indigenous cultures on the world’s fashion, sports, arts and even politics. Following the award-winning Reel Injun’s analysis of Hollywood stereotypes and Rumble’s look at Indigenous voices in music, this final act of the trilogy opened in theatres June 14 after a triumphant premiere at Toronto’s Hot Docs festival in May. “The film evolved over a long time,” Diamond told the Nation. “It was going to be about cultural appropriation, then the Covid pandemic hit, and it evolved into the influence of Native Americans on world culture. People have a very distorted view of Native people.”With the Black...
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Manitoba murder conviction deemed likely a miscarriage of justice by federal minister
The Canadian Press 02/07/2024 A Manitoba man convicted of murder 50 years ago is getting another court date and a chance to clear his name. Clarence Woodhouse was found guilty in 1974 of fatally beating and stabbing a restaurant worker in downtown Winnipeg. Woodhouse was granted parole in 1983 and filed last year for a ministerial review of his conviction. His lawyers have said a confession Woodhouse supposedly made was in fluent English, although he primarily spoke Saulteaux. Federal Justice Minister Arif Virani says there are reasonable grounds to conclude that a miscarriage of justice likely occurred. Two other men convicted in the killing, Brian Anderson and Allan Woodhouse, had their convictions quashed last year after a new trial was ordered and the Crown asked for an acquittal. “The minister’s...
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Charles Weaselhead named to Order of Canada
Former University of Lethbridge chancellor Charles Weaselhead has been appointed to the Order of Canada. Weaselhead served as chancellor for fouryears from 2019-2023. He says he was honoured to be appointed to the Order of Canada. “It’s quite an honour to be a recipient and chosen for the membership of the Order of Canada and the work that I do, I really enjoy doing the work,” said Weaselhead. Weaselhead has dedicated his life to help his people heal from the trauma of residential schools, which he is a survivor of himself. “My long standing has been very dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for not only the Indigenous communities that I worked with directly, but throughout the country,” said Weaselhead. Weaselhead has also served as the Blood Tribe...
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Seneca Nation files notice of claim against city of Olean over untreated sewage in Allegany River
ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – After more than five years of frustration the Seneca Nation has filed a Notice of Suit against the city of Olean saying it was “frustrated by continued dangerous overflows from the City of Olean Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Allegheny River.” The Seneca Nation filed the Notice Monday. “The river, which we call Ohi:yo’, has been under decades of attack in the form of the continued, dangerous, and unlawful discharges from the Olean Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. “The health and safety of Ohi:yo’ and the many people who utilize and depend upon its waters, including the Seneca people and many of our neighbors, must be prioritized and protected.” The Notice of Claim preserves the Nation’s right to initiate a...
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Senator wants Washington Commanders to pay tribute to an old logo that offends many Indigenous
The Associated Press 02/07/2024 After a half century of activism, many Native Americans thought a bitter debate over the capital’s football mascot was over two years ago when the team became the Washington Commanders. The organization left behind the racist slur “redskins” as its name and retired the logo that was closely tied to that name: the profile of a Native man with long hair and two feathers. Now, a white Republican U.S. senator from Montana is reviving the debate by blocking a bill funding the revitalization of the decrepit RFK Stadium for the Commanders, who have been playing miles away in Maryland. Sen. Steve Daines says he will block the legislation until the NFL and the Commanders honor the former logo in some form. Daines declined Associated Press requests...
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Missing 15-year-old Isaac
BRANTFORD ONT-The Brantford Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 15-year-old, Isaac. Isaac is described as 5’10”, 204 lbs., with black hair, and blue eyes. Isaac was last seen wearing red and grey shoes, grey shorts, and a grey shirt. Isaac was last seen in the area of Diana Street, June 23, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Isaac is known to frequent the downtown. The Brantford Police Service are concerned for Isaac’s well-being and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information which may assist in locating the missing person. Anyone with knowledge of Isaac’s whereabouts are asked to please contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477....
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NEWS ALERT: Parole denied for Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, who has spent most of his life in prison
The Associated Press 02/07/2024 11:25 Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, who has spent most of his life in prison since his conviction in the 1975 killings of two FBI agents in South Dakota, has been denied parole. The U.S. Parole Commission said in a statement Tuesday announcing the decision that he won’t be eligible for another parole hearing until June 2026. His attorney, Kevin Sharp, a former federal judge, argued that Peltier was wrongly convicted and said that the health of the 79-year-old was failing. Peltier’s attorney didn’t immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment, but after his client was last denied parole, in June, Sharp, said that he argued that the commission was obligated legally to “look forward,” focusing on issues such as whether he is...
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Manitoba premier polling high after nine months, but experts say challenges lie ahead
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew gives a thumbs-up after he leaves a press conference before the provincial budget is read at the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Wood Canadian Press Nine months after being elected, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew continues to enjoy a honeymoon with voters. His NDP government has enacted many promises the party made during last year’s election campaign, and opposition parties are working to rebuild after losing leaders and legislature seats. But challenges lie ahead, experts say, as the government tries to enact other pledges — such as keeping grocery prices affordable — and follow through on a fiscal plan that could require tight restraint. “The government has been working to fulfil commitments it made during the election, (but) I would say...
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West Vancouver student wins competition with touching Indigenous art piece
By Mina Kerr-Lazenby Published: 01/07/2024 16:04 It took two months of painstaking beading work to create, but the hard work of Sentinel Secondary student and artist Rebecca Collier has not gone unnoticed. The Grade 11 student, from the Métis Nation, is one of four winners to have bagged one of the much coveted cash prizes for the FORED BC’s annual artwork contest. Part of FORED’s Aboriginal Heritage, Education & Dialogue (AHEAD) program, the contest celebrates the rich cultural and heritage traditions of Indigenous communities. Crafted from beads, deer hide and jingles, the vivid piece of fine craftsmanship depicts a blossoming lotus flower in vibrant reds and pinks. Designed to be worn at powwows, as a burette with an eagle feather on the back of the head, the piece is a...
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Museum of Anthropology at UBC reopens as a place for lively learning
By Mina Kerr-Lazenby Journalism Initiative Published: 01/07/2024 16:02 It might not look too different upon first glance, but the freshly reopened Museum of Anthropology at UBC has undergone more than a few noteworthy changes in recent months. Last week, the UBC museum opened its doors to the public after an 18-month hiatus. The closure had been for seismic upgrades, a $40-million retrofit ensuring the facility can now withstand a once-in-2,500-year earthquake, but it’s the subtle upgrades within that might be the most notable of all. Where there had once been information plaques written by museum staff beneath the artifacts and objects, now lies information written by the First Nations communities themselves. “They’re now coming from Indigenous people, there are a lot of first person quotes,” said MoA’s curator of Indigenous...
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What does National Indigenous Peoples Day mean to the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations?
By Mina Kerr-Lazenby Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 01/07/2024 15:59 As National Indigenous Peoples Day enters its 18th year, First Nations communities are taking a moment on June 21 to learn of and celebrate their unique culture and heritage – and are encouraging others to do the same. “When we look at the Indigenous Peoples Day, I look at it as a day of celebration of who we are, and where we come from as Indigenous peoples, and embracing it,” said Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) elected council member Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams). For the general public, added Williams, it should be a day of education.”It’s a day of ‘Hey, can I be a part of this? How do I become a part of this, and really celebrate with you and honour you,...
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Brantford police continue to investigate sexual assault, seek information from public
July 1, 2024 BRANTFORD ONT-The Brantford Police Service (BPS) are asking the public for help in identifying two people of interest as they continuing to investgate a sexual assault. BPS said the a female was sexually assaulted in the downtown core by two different individuals at two separates times on Tuesday, June, 25, 2024 , between 10:30 p.m., and 1:30 a.m. The suspects have been described to police as follows: Suspect #1: Brown male, approximately 26-years-old, stocky build, with spiked dark hair, wearing blue shorts, black sandals, a floral shirt, and hoop earrings in each ear. Suspect #2: Black male, approximately 30-years-old, narrow v-shaped face, stubble on chin, short, buzzed hair, wearing dark coloured pants, black shoes, blue “Crooks & Castle” t-shirt....
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Canada Day festivities attract hundreds at ceremonies, parties across the country
The Maple Leaf flew on lampposts, flagpoles and patios across the country on Monday as cities from coast to coast welcome thousands of revellers for Canada Day. Under a cloudless July sky, thousands of people dressed in red and white made their way to Ottawa’s LeBreton Park Flats for the annual Canada Day celebrations in the national capital. People were in high spirits as they strolled down Wellington Street to the festival site, taking the airport-style security checks and porta-potties in stride. The sun was blazing by the time things got underway at noon, and many ducked under the umbrellas they brought for shade. Algonquin elder Claudette Commanda opened the events with an Indigenous reflection. With a small wooden canoe on stage beside her, Commanda spoke about its importance to...
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Blackfoot logo translates reconciliation in LPS values
By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Lethbridge Police Service has unveiled a logo commissioned to visually represent the organization’s values in the Blackfoot language. The project was initiated by Trissly Blackwater, a summer student for the police service. She saw the values of the LPS every day and was reminded of her own Blackfoot values-Niisitapi. “They teach us how to treat others and our surroundings within the community,” Blackwater said Friday during the unveiling at the police station. “And so basically what our Blackfoot values teach us is how to be a real person.” The commission took two years to make and to be approved. Blackwater wanted to make sure things were done in the correct manner. “We wanted to make sure that we were going in the...
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