Six Nations Community Awareness: Boy, We’re having fun!
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Casino Rama funding has time limit
For 37 years First Nations in Ontario have been receiving funding from Casino Rama. Opened in 1996 on Rama First Nation it not only became the biggest employer of First Nations people but its profits were split up among Ontario’s 133 First Nations. Those profits over the years have brought millions to Indigenous communities. Dollars that helped fill the gap between what the federal government actually provides in funding for various government programs and what is actually needed in communities. Communities used the money to build their communities, provide more services build hospice centres as Aamjiwnaang First Nation near Sarnia did this past week. Six Nations was one of if not the biggest receiver of Casino Rama funding, a funding that is based on population and Six Nations is home...
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Weekly Cartoon
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UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY: In The Spirit Of The Traditional Hunt
By Xavier Kataquapit Turtle Island News Columnist It looks like the swallows are back and that is a sure sign of spring and warmer weather to come. A couple of weeks ago I heard the honking of Niska (Canada geese) as they paused to take a break on the field behind our house here in Kirkland Lake. They seemed to have moved on now and have arrived at their summer destinations on the shore of James Bay. My family and friends have been heading out to their traditional camps for the past week or so and they are having success in harvesting Niska. This is a time where my people enjoy being on the land and practising our traditional pursuits in the way that our ancestors have since the dawn...
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Trial sees video showing admitted serial killer with 2 of 4 victims played at trial
WINNIPEG MAN-In what may be one of the last documented moments in Marcedes Myran’s life, a video shows her walking in a Winnipeg parking lot next to her killer. Hours later, police believe she was slain. When officers collected the May 4, 2022, surveillance video during their investigation of Jeremy Skibicki, they didn’t know Myran’s name — only that she had been killed and her remains put in a garbage bin. Sgt. Paul Barber testified Monday that officers were tasked with going over more than 2,000 hours of video evidence while trying to track the whereabouts of Skibicki and his four victims in the days before the killings. “We went back to try and seize as much video surveillance as possible,” said Barber. Skibicki, 37, has pleaded not guilty to...
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Chiefs make changes to roster in quest to win another Mann Cup championship
By Sam Laskaris Writer Here’s a scary thought for opponents of the Six Nations Chiefs, the defending national Mann Cup champions. “I would say it’s going to be a deeper team this year,” Duane (Dewey) Jacobs, the Chiefs’ president, general manager and assistant coach said of the club on Monday, exactly a week before the local squad commences its 2024 regular season. The Chiefs will kick off their Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) campaign this coming Monday with a home contest against the Owen Sound North Stars. The opening faceoff at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. After capturing the Ontario-based MSL title last summer, the Six Nations club travelled to British Columbia this past September to square off against the Western Lacrosse Association champion New Westminster Salmonbellies....
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Local hockey squad wins B championship at Brantford tourney
By Sam Laskaris Writer A Six Nations-based girls’ hockey squad had a slow start at a Brantford tournament. But the Grand River Spirit Under-11 club rebounded after losing its first three matches at the event and ended up winning the gold medal in its B championship. A total of eight teams were entered in the girls’ Under 11 category at the three-day Brantford Regional Spring Showdown, which concluded on Sunday. The Grand River side lost all of its round-robin matches at the tourney. The Spirit was downed by two different clubs from London, Ont., as well as a team from Cambridge. Following those setbacks, the Grand River club was relegated to the tournament’s B (consolation) playoff action. The Spirit beat a western New York team 3-1 in its semi-final round....
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Jamieson in running for National Lacrosse League’s best goalie award
By Sam Laskaris Writer Doug Jamieson would love to be declared a winner on Thursday. But what the Six Nations member would love even more than that is to have his professional lacrosse club, the Albany FireWolves, earn victories on both Friday and Saturday. Jamieson, who is in his seventh pro season, has been a key reason for the FireWolves’ success this National Lacrosse League (NLL) season. He registered a career high 11 wins this year while sporting a 10.12 goals-against average in regular season action. As a result, Jamieson is one of three finalists for the NLL’s goaltender of the year award. The winner will be announced on Thursday. The two other finalists are Nick Rose of the Toronto Rock and Chris Oliglieri of the San Diego Seals. “It’s...
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Rivermen leading Ontario Series Lacrosse standings after two latest victories
By Sam Laskaris Writer Hearing Six Nations Rivermen head coach Derek Graham talk one might think his charges have struggled early on in their 2024 season. The Rivermen, however, are sitting atop the standings in the six-team Ontario Series Lacrosse with a 4-1 record. Six Nations is on a three-game winning streak following a pair of victories this past week. For starters, the Rivermen beat the visiting Hamilton Bengals 11-9 in overtime on Friday in a contest held at the Six Nations Sports and Cultural Memorial Centre. Six Nations then thumped the visiting Ennismore James Gang 14-3 on Saturday. So, Graham must be pleased with the way things have been going for his team, right? “Not at all,” he said. “I think we have work on our situational play.” Graham,...
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Winnipeg murder trial expected to hear from neighbours of admitted serial killer
By The Canadian Press Three people who lived in the same apartment building where Jeremy Skibicki killed four women are expected to testify in a Winnipeg courtroom today. Skibicki told police he strangled or drowned the women in his home and then disposed of their bodies in garbage bins. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder for the slayings of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran and an unidentified woman Indigenous leaders have named Buffalo Woman. His lawyers have said he killed the four Indigenous women but is not criminally responsible due to mental illness. Crown prosecutors say the killings were racially motivated and Skibicki preyed on the vulnerable women at homeless shelters. A worker from one of the homeless shelters is also expected to speak later today during...
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Rankin hamlet council accepts Jordan’s Principle
By Darrell Greer Local Journalism Initiative 15/05/2024 Rankin Inlet Hamlet Council voted to approve the introduction of the Jordan’s Principle program into the community on Monday. Senior administrative officer Darren Flynn said once the hamlet gets its contract in place with Indigenous Services Canada, it will be rolling out the program as soon as possible. He said he is already working on recruiting the two positions of food security co-ordinators the program creates, as well as securing them a space to work from. “The total amount approved is $6.224 million, but on that, there’s overhead costs and wages, so the amount for food distribution will be somewhere in the neighbourhood of $5.8 million for the balance of 2024-25,” said Flynn. Jordan’s Principle allows for $500 per month support each for...
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UPDATED: Evacuation order issued in Doig River FirstNation
UPDATE (as of 9:30 p.m. May 13th) – Story has been updated to include new information about the fire. The Peace River Regional District has also issued an evacuation order and two alerts due to this fire. You can see the order and alerts by clicking here. ROSE PRAIRIE, B.C. — Doig River First Nation (DRFN) has issued an evacuation order for its reserve effective immediately due to the 50-hectare wildfire west of the area. A statement from the DRFN band manager Shona Nelson reads that the wildfire, first reported on May 12th, causes an “imminent threat to people and property,” and residents should evacuate immediately. The statement says residents should do the following before leaving: Shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers. Close off...
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Federal ministers talk Arctic sovereignty in Iqaluit
By Kira Wronska Dorward The world has changed over the last two years. In the Arctic, it’s changing four times faster. Words to these effect were echoed by all three federal ministers at the media roundtable discussion for Arctic and northern security in Iqaluit on the morning of May 6. The federal trifecta, Defence Minister Bill Blair, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, and Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal had met with the three territorial premiers the previous day in Nunavut’s capital to discuss the new policies outlined in the federal government’s latest northern security document, Our North Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence. Partnership to create infrastructure in support Canada’s northern peoples “We gave [the premiers] an update,” began Blair, “in a secure environment on Arctic security...
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Casino Dene expansion supported by City of Cold Lake
By Chantel Downes Local Journalism Initiative 13/05/2024 The decision came after the City received a request from Cold Lake First Nations Chief Kelsey Jacko, detailing plans for an expansion of the casino. “Cold Lake First Nations is an important partner in economic development and a valued neighbour,” said City of Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland. “Council was happy to support their project to expand Casino Dene.” According to the City of Cold Lake, the expansion project is poised to add 6,000 square feet to the casino’s existing 20,000 square feet, opening the door to more gaming options and potentially attracting a larger clientele. This expansion is expected to generate dozens of construction jobs in 2024 and 2025, with an additional five permanent positions resulting from the project’s completion. Casino Dene...
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“They’re not here, they haven’t been here”: Chief of Netmizaaggamig on the MNR
By Clint Fleury Local Journalism Initiative The Chief of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation is standing firm on his stance about over-fishing and netting in White Lake. Dougall Media spoke with Chief Louis Kwissiwa on May 6 at a checkpoint erected at White Lake by Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation in an effort to curb poaching during the walleye spawning season. The checkpoint, which has been operating for just over a week, is monitored 24/7 by members of the community. “We received information that fish were being netted during their spawning season. It’s very important for us to conduct these checkpoints so we don’t have any illegal activity from people of the Lake Huron region. That’s why we’re here: to protect our spawn, protect our fish, protect our waters, and to protect...
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Evacuation Alert issued by Fort Nelson FirstNation
Fort Nelson First Nation has issued an evacuation alert for the area at the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). A statement issued by Fort Nelson’s Chief Sharleen Gale says visitors to #IR-5, or the Snake River Reserve should be prepared to evacuate if ordered by emergency officials. The alert from Fort Nelson is to the following areas: within 30 kilometres of Snake River. within 57 kilometres to Deer River. within 107 kilometres to Nelson Forks. within 10 kilometres to Old Fort. within 19 kilometres of Sierra Yoyo Desan Road. On Thursday evening, an evacuation alert was issued by the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality due to a pair of holdover wildfires in the area. The Nogah Creek wildfire has spread to 2,000 hectares, while the Patry Creek wildfire is...
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Manitoba Métis Federation president blasts Ontario group during identity summit
The Canadian Press 14/05/2024 15:26 The president of the Manitoba Métis Federation is blasting the Métis Nation of Ontario at a summit on how leaders are reacting to — and can come together to fix — what they call Indigenous identity fraud. Co-hosted by the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Chiefs of Ontario, the summit in Winnipeg also includes Inuit and Innu leaders who have raised concerns about the topic in their respective jurisdictions. One of the topics up for discussion is Bill C-53, a federal piece of legislation that seeks to formally recognize Métis governments in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. The bill is hotly contested by the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Chiefs of Ontario, who say the inclusion of the Métis Nation of Ontario threatens their rights —...
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Two-day Indigenous identity fraud summit kicks off in Winnipeg
The Canadian Press 14/05/2024 13:00 A two-day summit that kicked off in Winnipeg today will hear from Indigenous leaders across the country on how they’re reacting to — and can come together to fix — what they call Indigenous identity fraud. Co-hosted by the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Chiefs of Ontario, the summit also includes Inuit and Innu leaders who have raised concerns about the topic in their respective jurisdictions. One of the topics up for discussion is Bill C-53, a federal piece of legislation that seeks to formally recognize Métis governments in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. The bill is hotly contested by the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Chiefs of Ontario, who say the inclusion of Métis Nation of Ontario threatens their rights — and who question the...
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Judge refuses to scrap eel fisher’s lawsuit against chiefs
By Andrew Bates Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Despite a second lawsuit swimming upstream in Fredericton, a Rothesay eel fisher’s claim against Indigenous chiefs and fishers will stay alive, a Saint John judge ruled last Tuesday. Mary Ann Holland and her companies Brunswick Aquaculture Limited and Alder Seafood Limited first filed lawsuits in 2022 against four Wolastoqey First Nations, their chiefs, and unidentified fishers from their communities who they say were involved in unauthorized fishing in Charlotte County. The lawsuit names Chief Allan ‘Chicky’ Polchies and Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation), Chief Shelley Sabattis and Welamukotuk (Oromocto First Nation), Chief Ross Perley and Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) and Chief Tim Paul and Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation). In a statement to Brunswick News Wednesday, Perley said: “Lawsuits such as these detract from...
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College and First Nations enter training partnership
By Mike Stimpson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter THUNDER BAY – Chi Mino Ozhitoowin (CMO) and Confederation College have forged a partnership for the training of workers for the Waasigan Transmission Line project. CMO chief executive officer Peter Collins and college president Kathleen Lynch signed a partnership agreement Monday at the college. There are about 200 positions “that we’re trying to create and train for,” Collins said after the signing ceremony. Asked what types of jobs will be included in the training, he said the First Nations company is “looking at every aspect from heavy equipment training to skills, anything that fits the project.” The benefits go beyond training and employment for First Nations members to include “growth and economic spinoffs” for the region, he said. “It’s an exciting day for...
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