Today in History
Nov 17 In 2023, the Canadian government announced the launch of a new $10-million program aimed at providing grants to small businesses involved in Indigenous tourism across Canada. The fund, to be administered by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, would supply qualifying small businesses with up to $25,000 each in non-repayable funding. Nov 18 n 2021, PJ Akeeagok became the new premier of Nunavut. Akeeagok, 37, is from Nunavut’s most northern community of Grise Fiord and represents an Iqaluit constituency in the legislative assembly. Akeeagok beat out incumbent premier Joe Savikataaq and former health minister Lorne Kusugak for the job. In 2013, former northern priest Eric Dejaeger pleaded guilty in a Nunavut courtroom to eight of 76 sex-related charges he faced involving Inuit children more than 30 years earlier....
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Six Nations hockey youngster to represent Canada at Austrian international hockey tournament
By Sam Laskaris Writer A young Six Nations hockey player will be getting a taste of international hockey in Austria next June. Rato’ratseriio Hill, a nine-year-old, has been named to a Canadian under-11 boys’ team that will participate in the United World Games in the Austrian city of Klagenfurt. Rato’ratseriio is a Grade 4 student at Skaronhyase’ko:wa Everlasting Tree School in Ohsweken. And he’s currently playing hockey with the Norfolk Knights, an under-10 A squad that competes in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA). He had spent last season with the Brantford 99ers, who also take part in the OMHA. Rato’ratseriio’s hockey career started when he joined a Brantford-based program when he was just three years old. “For an opportunity to come like this, we’re really excited,” said Hill’s father...
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AFN special chiefs assembly focusing on child welfare, policing, economics
OTTAWA-CP- Hundreds of First Nations chiefs are gathering in Ottawa for three days this week to discuss economic reconciliation, reforming the First Nations child welfare system, the policing system and the carbon price at an Assembly of First Nations’ special chiefs assembly. The gathering comes after a testy October assembly that saw chiefs vote down a $47.8-billion child welfare reform deal with Canada after decades of legal fights that found the federal government discriminated against First Nations children. It also comes as chiefs grow increasingly worried about a change in government, with a federal election looming and a gridlocked Parliament that means key pieces of legislation for First Nations people are not moving forward. The assembly’s gatherings are often attended by federal politicians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose address...
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RCMP investigating death after mixed martial arts fight
Canadian Press -Mounties in Alberta are investigating the death of a fighter following a mixed martial arts charity event. RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said the man was taken to hospital after he fought Saturday at a community centre in Enoch Cree First Nation west of Edmonton. Parkland RCMP received a report of the man’s death on Monday morning, he said. “This fighter did die in hospital. However, it was immediately after the fight, so you would attribute it to the fight,” Savinkoff said Wednesday. “This is a very traumatic incident, and I’m sure it’s traumatic for those that were watching the event.” The fighter was 33 and lived in Edmonton. The organizer of Saturday’s event, Ultra Events Canada, said in an email Wednesday it was devastated to hear about the...
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Teenage girl among two killed in Saskatchewan First Nation house fire
Canadian Press-Police say two people, including a teenage girl, are dead after a house fire on a northern Saskatchewan First Nation. They say the identity of the second person killed in the fire has yet to be confirmed. The fire occurred on Clearwater River Dene Nation about 600 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. RCMP spokesperson Keely Grasser says the girl was transported to hospital, where she died, while the other person was found dead inside the house. Grasser says the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is investigating the cause of the fire. Clearwater River Dene Nation Chief Teddy Clark posted on social media that the First Nation is putting together a crisis team to support the community and families involved. “Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy, and...
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Indigenous leaders agree ‘Our Land for the Future’ initiative will have widespread benefits
By Tom Taylor, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Nahanni Butte Chief Steve Vital believes the newly signed NWT: Our Land for the Future agreement could have major benefits for his community and Indigenous people across the NWT. The Nahanni Butte Dene Band was one of 22 Indigenous governments to sign the new agreement on Nov. 14 — along with the Government of Canada, the GNWT, and private donors. The initiative unlocked $375 million to fund Indigenous-led conservation, stewardship, and economic development across the territory. “The agreement is based on the collective vision of Indigenous Leadership on sustainability, protecting and preserving our land, water, wildlife and natural resources,” Vital told NNSL Media, adding that it will help establish “a perfect equilibrium of economic development with conservation,” as “directed by the vision of...
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Ontario’s ministerial zoning order process needs overhaul, auditor general say
Ontario’s ministerial zoning order process needs to be overhauled, even after the introduction of a new framework for the land use planning tool, the province’s auditor general said Tuesday. Minister’s zoning orders – also known as MZOs – allow the housing minister to make changes to land zoning rules, override municipal decisions, and in theory, fast-track housing projects. The auditor general says the province has used the tool 114 times from 2019 to 2023 under Premier Doug Ford’s government, which is a 17-fold increase in usage from the previous 20 years. Consequently, re-zoned agricultural land rose in value by 46 per cent on average, the auditor general concluded. “We found that none of the information packages that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing prepared for the minister during this...
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Man injured while defending wife from polar bear attack in northern Ontario: police
A man who jumped onto a polar bear that lunged at his wife has been seriously injured but is expected to recover, police in a northern Ontario First Nation said Tuesday. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service said a couple stepped out of their home in Fort Severn First Nation before 5 a.m. to check on their dogs only to come across a polar bear in their driveway. Police said the bear lunged at the woman, who slipped on the ground. Her husband jumped onto the animal to prevent it from mauling her, and the bear then attacked the man, leaving him with serious injuries to his arms and legs. A neighbour arrived and shot the bear several times, police said. The bear took off and died in a nearby wooded...
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AFN demands national inquiry into systemic racism in policing, police-related deaths
OTTAWA-(CP)The Assembly of First Nations is demanding the federal government launch a national inquiry into systemic racism in policing and the deaths of First Nations people. A resolution penned by Chief Allan Polchies of St. Mary’s First Nation says despite 20 individual inquiries and commissions into the police and justice system since 1989, the federal government has failed to make substantive changes to address systemic racism within the RCMP and other agencies. Polchies told those gathered at the AFN’s special chiefs assembly in Ottawa that First Nations people should feel safe on their own lands, and shouldn’t be afraid of police. His resolution comes after a string of incidents between Aug. 29 and Sept. 24 that left nine First Nations people dead during or after interactions with police. “The investigations...
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Former Edmonton Elks CEO to head athlete safety committee after fighter’s death
Canadian Press-Alberta’s sport minister says the former head of the Edmonton Elks football team will lead a committee tasked with improving athlete safety in combative sports. Joseph Schow says Victor Cui’s extensive experience working with governments to establish combative sport commissions and improve athlete safety will be a vital asset. Cui, who left Edmonton’s Canadian Football League team in 2023, is also co-founder of ONE Championship, a global martial arts media organization. Schow’s announcement comes a little more than a week after amateur mixed martial arts fighter Trokon Dousuah died of injuries sustained in a charity fight at a First Nation near Edmonton. Schow says his ministry takes athlete safety seriously and is working to ensure combative sport participants can safely compete. He says he plans to meet with sports...
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Fort William chief disappointed with NWMO decision
By Clint Fleury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter THUNDER BAY — Fort William First Nation Chief Michele Solomon said she is “disappointed” after hearing that a proposed nuclear waste disposal site will fall on Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation’s traditional territory. “The voices of opposition have not been considered in the selection process scenario. I think that they really need to go back and give the people who have opposition an opportunity to be heard and their views considered in the selection process,” Solomon told Newswatch. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) chose the Revell Lake site, between Ignace Township and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, as their preferred site for a deep geological repository (DGR) shortly after the First Nation expressed its willingness to proceed with the project two weeks ago. The...
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New study shows voting for Native Americans is harder than ever
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (AP) — A new study has found that systemic barriers to voting on tribal lands contribute to substantial disparities in Native American turnout, particularly for presidential elections. The study, released Tuesday by the Brennan Center for Justice, looked at 21 states with federally recognized tribal lands that have a population of at least 5,000 and where more than 20% of residents identify as American Indian or Alaska Native. Researchers found that between 2012 and 2022, voter participation in federal elections was 7 percentage points lower in midterms and 15 percentage points lower in presidential elections than among those living off tribal lands in the same states. Earlier studies show voter turnout for communities of color is higher in areas where their ethnic group is the majority, but...
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AFN women’s council ‘grateful’ Anaida Poilievre no longer addressing gathering
OTTAWA- Canadian Press-The Assembly of First Nations’ women’s council said it’s grateful Anaida Poilievre will no longer be addressing their gathering after the group raised concerns about her participation. Poilievre, spouse of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, was scheduled to speak on Wednesday about human trafficking on a panel with singer and advocate Paul Brandt. A Conservative Party spokesperson and the women’s council both confirmed Tuesday she would not be participating. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum told those gathered in Ottawa for the AFN’s special chiefs assembly that the AFN’s women’s council was not consulted on the agenda item. With about a dozen delegates gathered around her, Achneepineskum said there are First Nations peoples who are strong voices and advocates on the issue. “We’re grateful that Mrs. Anaida...
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What would Squamish look like if Indigenous Peoples had been at the table all along?
By Bhagyashree Chatterjee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter What would our towns and cities look like if Indigenous peoples had been at the table all along? For urban designer Sierra Tasi Baker, also known as K̓esugwilakw (pronounced Kay-soo-gwii-laow-kwoo), this question shapes their work. A member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and principal of North Vancouver’s Sky Spirit Studio Inc., Baker focuses on integrating Indigenous knowledge and values into urban planning and design. “Squamish is part of our territory—it’s our family’s land,” Baker said, recalling their first visit to the district for a ceremony with their father. “Ch’ḵw’elhp and Stá7mes are two of our ancestral villages. These places are so important to our history—they’re where our people rebuilt after the last Ice Age.” Stá7mes is Stawamus Indian Reserve No. 24, where...
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Festival of Lights kicks off on reserve
By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Kainaiwa Children’s Services hosted their fourth annual Ka Mo Taan Festival of Lights grand opening on Monday evening on the Blood reserve. Lucynda Russell-Rabbit, community program coordinator for Kainaiwa Children’s Services, says they were happy with the turnout, even without the use of the arbor. “We ran out of our 250 lunches and I think we only have 60 candy bags left of 500 so it was a pretty big event,” said Russel-Rabbit. Youth mentors came at 2 p.m. Monday afternoon and helped set up the event. Russell-Rabbit says it’s always a pleasure to see the youth mentors enjoy making a difference in the community. “We have 10 youth mentors here and they always enjoy themselves. Its stressful, but it’s always worth it...
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Trump’s picks for key positions in his second administration
WASHINGTON-(AP)-President-elect Donald Trump has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty to him after he felt bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term. Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and one candidate has already withdrawn from consideration. Chad Chronister, sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, pulled his name from consideration to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration just days after being tapped for the post, following backlash from some conservative figures. Here’s a look at Trump’s choices: CABINET: Secretary of state: Marco Rubio Trump would turn a former critic into an ally as the nation’s top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to...
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Results of Alberta town’s crosswalk vote reflects democratic process: mayor
BARRHEAD,ALTA-(CP)An Alberta mayor says his town’s vote to ban decorative flags and crosswalks from public property reflects democracy in action, while others say it’s a step in the wrong direction. More than 1,100 residents of Barrhead, Alta., voted Monday for a bylaw that would bar such adornments, like those recognizing the LGBTQ+ community, from municipal land. Roughly 57 per cent of those who went to polls in the town northwest of Edmonton voted yes to council passing the “neutral space bylaw.” The bylaw was drafted after a petition signed by more than 700 people called for neutrality. “Council responded to the valid petition in accordance with the (Municipal Government Act) and gave the community the opportunity to voice their opinions,” Dave McKenzie, mayor of Barrhead, said in a statement Tuesday....
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Assembly of First Nations chiefs turn attention to child welfare
OTTAWA-(CP)-The Assembly of First Nations special chiefs assembly continues today, with child welfare expected to be one of the main agenda items. Nine resolutions are dedicated to reforming the First Nations child and family services program after chiefs in October voted against a $47.8-billion deal with Canada that was intended to do just that. They passed resolutions at that assembly calling for a new negotiation and legal team in hopes it would bring more transparency to the deal. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is also expected to speak with media about First Nations policing. Chiefs passed a resolution Tuesday demanding the federal government launch a national inquiry into systemic racism in policing and the deaths of First Nations people. The resolution came after a string of incidents between Aug....
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In the news today: Services affected by Canada Post strike
Strike disrupts mail-in cancer screening kits, drivers’ licence renewals, book loans Canadians waiting on government documents, such as passports and health cards, can expect delays. The federal government says those who didn’t pay extra to pick up their passports will be affected. Those who need the document urgently are advised to call Service Canada or visit in person to request the passport be made available for pickup instead. Provinces that send residents at-home cancer screening kits are warning people not to send them back by mail during the strike. Some charities are also reporting a drop in donations that they attribute to the strike. In some cases, Canada Post delivers library materials directly to patrons but that is now on hold. So too, are interlibrary loan services facilitated by the...
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Is nuclear next for Nanticoke as Ontario looks to meet energy needs?
The former site of North America’s largest coal-fired power plant could one day host a nuclear station. Nanticoke in Haldimand County is one of three properties owned by Ontario Power Generation currently under consideration by the Ford government as locations for future power plants to meet Ontario’s rising need for energy. At its height, the Nanticoke Generating Station generated 4,000 megawatts of electricity. The coal-fired plant was decommissioned in 2013 after a four-decade run as one of Canada’s most important power producers — and one of the country’s largest single sources of pollution. Last week, Energy Minister Stephen Lecce named the property on the shores of Lake Erie as a possible future home for a new power plant. Along with Nanticoke, the province is looking at Lambton in St. Clair...
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