Climate change is straining Alaska’s Arctic. A new mining road may push the region past the brink
By Annika Hammerschlag AMBLER, Alaska (AP) — Ice blocks drift past Tristen Pattee’s boat as he scans the banks of Northwest Alaska’s Kobuk River for caribou. His great uncle Ernest steadies a rifle on his lap. It’s the last day of September, and by every measure of history and memory, thousands should have crossed by now. But the tundra is empty, save for the mountains looming on the horizon — the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Days after Pattee’s unsuccessful hunt, the Trump administration approved construction of the Ambler Access Road— a 211-mile (340-kilometer) route designed to reach massive copper deposits that would cut through that wilderness, crossing 11 major rivers and thousands of streams where salmon spawn and caribou migrate. The approval, which is facing lawsuits though proponents...
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New book presents legal argument for Indigenous language education rights
By Shari Narine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com The new book Living Language Rights: Constitutional Pathways to Indigenous Language Education is more than the author’s vision to return to a time when Indigenous languages flourished in Canada. Lorena Sekwan Fontaine argues that customary laws, Canada’s Constitution, and international laws demand that Indigenous languages claim a prominent space in this country. “I make a legal argument in there that Indigenous people have language rights to education in Canada. Our languages are endangered because the government and the churches created these educational institutions that devalued Indigenous people’s culture and language,” said Fontaine, Cree and Anishinaabe and a member of Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. “Many kids were harmed in there for just speaking their language to the point of being afraid to...
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Why Mark Carney’s pipeline deal with Alberta puts the Canadian federation in jeopardy
By Stewart Prest The recently struck memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Canada and Alberta is a high-stakes strategy that risks deepening already deep divides in Canadian politics. While the MOU touches on a number of issues, at its heart is a shared vision for a new pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia’s protected northern coast. In effect, the deal offers a quid pro quo: Ottawa agrees to relax a range of federal environmental regulations — including a ban on tanker traffic in B.C.’s north — and to support a pipeline in exchange for a commitment from Alberta to eventually increase the price of carbon on industrial emissions in the province to $130 a tonne. It’s a vision negotiated without the involvement of either the B.C. government or the Indigenous Peoples...
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$18-million sale of HBC charter to Thomsons, Westons approved by court
By Tara Deschamps Two of Canada’s wealthiest families have cleared the final hurdle on the road to buying and donating the royal charter that created the Hudson’s Bay Co. Ontario Superior Court Judge Peter Osborne gave the shuttered retailer permission Thursday to sell the 355-year-old document to holding companies belonging to the Thomson and Weston families for $18 million. The families plan to donate the charter immediately and permanently to the Archives of Manitoba, the Manitoba Museum, the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., and the Royal Ontario Museum. Each of the organizations has already agreed to accept the charter, which was issued by King Charles II on May 2, 1670 and allowed for the creation of HBC, which was then a fur-trading business. The five-page vellum document was...
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$267 million in compensation payments made in federal settlement
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) announced last week that more than $267 million in compensation payments has been made as part of the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle settlement. AFB National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak called it an “historic milestone” in a joint statement with the court-appointed Claims Administrator Deloitte. “I thank our courageous representative plaintiffs, and all those who have dedicated time and resources to bring us thus far,” Woodhouse Nepinak said. As of 2025, more than 86,000 claims have been filed, including 57,000 from the Removed Child Class and 28,000 from the Removed Child Family Class. According to Louise Mayo, First Nations Child and Family Services Liaison Officer with Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services, hundreds of...
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Ottawa’s Indigenous advisers weren’t told of pipeline deal with Alberta: chief
By Alessia Passafiume A member of the major projects office’s Indigenous advisory council says he and his colleagues were not told in advance of the agreement the federal government signed with Alberta opening a path to a pipeline to B.C.’s coast. Trevor Mercredi, grand chief of Treaty 8 First Nations in Alberta, says the memorandum of understanding signed last month was “news” to him and his colleagues and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government didn’t tap the council for advice on how to move forward. He says he is “very concerned” about the deal being announced without the involvement of the First Nations he represents. The major projects office was the product of a bill passed in the summer that looks to speed up approvals for major projects in an effort...
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Porch pirates making off with packages
HALDIMAND COUNTY – Haldimand County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning the public to watch for porch pirates who are making off with packages being delivered to homes. OPP said thieves stole a package December 8, 2025, at about 1:00 p.m., from an Orkney Street, Caledonia address after the homeowner had it delivered to the residence and it was not there when they arrived home. OPP said porch pirates are taking advantage of home deliveries, especially at this time of year and are encouraging the public to utilize a work address if possible or request a neighbour who will be home to receive packages, in the event you are personally unable to be there upon arrival of any delivery. Investigators are requesting if anyone has...
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Cowichan case blamed for sinking B.C. property deals, including luxury hotel purchase
By Nono Shen and Darryl Greer An Ontario company that put down a deposit to buy a luxury hotel in Richmond, B.C., pulled out of the deal worth tens of millions of dollars weeks later because of “uncertainty” caused by the landmark Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title ruling, according to the marketers of the property. Court documents show that the 14-storey Versante Hotel, close to Vancouver International Airport, was instead bought by a Hong Kong purchaser in October for the lower price of $51.5 million. The exact value of the withdrawn offer isn’t disclosed in documents related to the court-ordered sale, which was compelled by lenders to the project who said they were owed $113 million as of August. Commercial real estate firm Colliers says in a letter to the hotel’s...
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M.D. LSR council writes letter of support for recovery centre
By Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader M.D. of Lesser Slave River council directed administration to write a letter of support for the Rising Above Slave Lake at its Dec. 3 council meeting. This was after Chris Noftall, Rising Above executive director, and Bruce Clark, senior chaplan, spoke to council about their plans. “What we are trying to do is build an addictions recovery centre in Slave Lake,” said Noftall. This will be the fourth Rising Above centre, with the first one started in Grande Prairie 18 years ago. “This program has been around a long time,” said Noftall, adding that almost everyone knows someone with addictions. The centre will have a six-month program with two facilities: a multi-bed residence and an office and teaching space. This is...
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Indigenous artifacts from the Vatican collection return to Canada
By Sidhartha Banerjee First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders welcomed back dozens of Indigenous artifacts released from the Vatican collection at Montreal’s airport Saturday. The 62 items will ultimately be returned to their communities of origin as an act of furthering reconciliation. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said it was an important and emotional moment for all First Nations, and she hoped it would be important for all Canadians. “We’ve come a long way, and we have a long way to go,” she said at the airport. The leaders were present on the tarmac while snowflakes fell as the artifacts, still in large crates, were lowered from the belly of an Air Canada jet. Woodhouse Nepinak, head bowed, placed her hand onto some of the packed...
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Prime Minister Mark Carney’s move to build trust implodes at AFN
By Carly McHugh Writer Prime Minister Mark Carney faced tough questions in his effort to rebuild First Nations’ trust during the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) annual assembly in Ottawa last week, but the effort wasn’t enough. Instead, Chiefs from across the country called for the immediate withdrawal of the Alberta-Ottawa energy deal. The vote came in spite of PM Carney telling the AFN improving First Nations housing and drinking water were at the top of his mind ahead of his address and question period Carney told the gathering the new Liberal government is committed to collaborating closely with First Nations communities to ensure their prosperity and resilience and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships. “In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada is choosing to build,” he said. “From major national projects...
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National Chief criticizes Carney, Canada in AFN assembly opening address
By Carly McHugh Writer National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak did not hold back in highlighting the missteps of Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Canadian government towards First Nations people, in her opening at the Special Chiefs Assembly on Dec. 2. “I can’t think of a better place to discuss the future of this country,” she said. From the Rogers Convention Centre in Ottawa, Woodhouse Nepinak used her platform to address a variety of issues the federal government has continuously ignored, despite requests from First Nations leaders across the country—especially with regards to the incoming federal budget. She also criticized Canada for missing their chance to make good on their expedition and lack of consultation on the major projects Bill C-5 earlier this year. “Last month’s budget was an opportunity...
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Ministers panel faces Assembly of First Nations Chiefs
By Carly McHugh Writer The final morning of the Assembly of First Nations’ (AFN’s) Special Chiefs Assembly began with an impassioned ministers’ panel that encompassed both reconciliation and the incoming, much-debated Budget 2025. Throughout the session, Chiefs and community representatives had the opportunity to engage Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Rebecca Alty; Minister of Indigenous Services, Mandy Gull-Masty; and Minister of Finance, Francois-Philippe Champagne, on a variety of issues pertaining to both their respective regions and Canada’s First Nations as a whole. The panel first heard from Cold Lake First Nation Chief Kelsey Jacko, who inquired about outstanding agriculture benefits, reducing and limiting public access to First Nations funding, and failure to engage with the National Coalition of Chiefs (NCC) on the future of the nation’s children. While Minister Alty assured...
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Six Nations Elected Council research ethics committee
Six Nations’ Research Ethics Committee team is growing and using new technology to keep research projects on track. Zachary Miller, Executive Director of Data Analytics and Insights and his team highlighted changes to the Research Ethics Committee at the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) General Council meeting on November 25. He said the committee is now overseeing dozens of studies, strengthening protection of community knowledge, and building new expectations for universities seeking to conduct research in the territory. The update, presented by Miller and Rachel VanEvery, Community Research Coordinator, outlined how the committee has evolved since being established by a SNEC resolution in March 2023. VanEvery said the expanded system is designed to ensure that “all research involving the community is ethical, respectful and culturally safe,” while maintaining control over...
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When bankers and social issues don’t mix…
Canada’s banker Prime Minister appears to be ruffling feathers, well, everywhere. But in particular at home. The Prime Minister didn’t get a warm welcome while appearing at the recent Assembly of First Nations (AFN) meeting where he found out it isn’t easy to go from a board room to politics. That kind of massive career shift means taking a step back from the corporate board room mentality and turning to a mentality of service versus profit. He didn’t help his cause any when he suddenly announced a pipeline being built across the country without consulting the rights holders sitting in front of him. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, in her opening speech at the AFN’s annual general assembly Dec. 2 made it clear to both Carney and Canadian government officials,...
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Today in History
Dec. 10 In 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s fledgling minority government survived its first test of confidence in the House of Commons. The Liberals — with the support of opposition MPs other than the Conservatives — passed “supplementary estimates” to ensure previously planned government programs got the funding they needed. Any vote involving money is traditionally considered a matter of confidence. The Conservatives, who had signaled their intention to bring down the government as soon as possible, voted against the estimates but Bloc Quebecois and New Democrat MPs voted in favour, as did lone Independent MP Jody Wilson-Raybould. Trudeau’s Liberals won 157 seats in the Oct. 21 election, 13 short of a majority in the 338-seat House. In 2024, University of Toronto’s Geoffrey Hinton and Princeton University’s John Hopfield received...
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UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY: We Need To Stand With First Nation Leaders
By Xavier Kataquapit On December 2, 2025 during a Special Chiefs Assembly hosted by the Assembly of First Nations, the chiefs from across Canada voted unanimously to adopt an emergency resolution tabled by British Columbia First Nations leaders to support upholding the current oil tanker ban on the pacific coast as well demanding the withdrawal of the agreement clearing way for a new oil pipeline to the coast of British Columbia. Both federal and provincial governments have been doing their best to divide and conquer in rapid fire meetings with First Nations across the country in negotiating agreements and handing out money. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding on November 27 to co-operate on energy, opening up the prospect of an exemption...
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Anderson registers first NPHL hat trick
By Sam Laskaris Writer Despite scoring his first hat trick in the Northern Premier Hockey League (NPHL) on Sunday, Brenden Anderson was not entirely happy. That’s because Anderson and his Six Nations Ironmen teammates were downed 6-4 by the visiting Strathroy Jets. The match was held at the Six Nations Sports & Cultural Memorial Centre. Anderson, a 22-year-old Six Nations member who is a forward with the Ironmen, was pleased with his three-goal performance. “It was pretty good,” he said. “I just wish we had won.” The Ironmen are now sporting a 5-7 record in their inaugural season in the NPHL. With the victory the Jets have now won eight of their first 11 matches. Strathroy’s roster this season includes forwards Brandon Prust and Rob Schremp, a pair of former...
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McGill cuts women’s lacrosse team
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase Women’s lacrosse is one of the 15 sport clubs and varsity teams that McGill University has decided to discontinue before the 2026–2027 season to reduce its yearly deficit. For Rachel Anderson, co-captain of McGill’s women’s lacrosse team, the decision to cancel the women’s lacrosse team was personal. As a Haudenosaunee woman from Six Nations, the lacrosse team was the closest she felt to home since moving to Montreal. “To me, it wasn’t just about losing a season,” Anderson said. “I think it was honestly about losing one of the few places on campus where I feel really grounded in my culture.” Anderson learned of the decision last week, when McGill Recreation announced it would be reducing its sports programs after a 2024...
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Bears down Snipers in Arena Lacrosse League opener
By Sam Laskaris Writer The Ohsweken Bears managed to prevail in a battle of local squads during the Arena Lacrosse League (ALL) season-opening game. The Bears downed the Six Nations Snipers 19-11 this past Thursday in a match staged at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena (ILA). Both the Bears and Snipers play their home contests at the ILA. Meanwhile, a third squad in the eight-team, Ontario-based ALL which also plays out of the ILA, prevailed in its season opener on Saturday. The Paris RiverWolves defeated the host Oshawa Outlaws 18-16. That game was held at the Outlaws’ home venue, Children’s Arena in Oshawa. The Bears only managed to win two of their 14 regular season outings last season and finished in the cellar of the ALL standings. But the Ohsweken club...
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