Wildfire growth prompts another evacuation order in northeastern B.C.
The Canadian Press A wildfire just outside the community of Fort Nelson has grown as residents in British Columbia’s northeast receive more evacuation orders. An updated estimate from the BC Wildfire Service says the blaze spans 84 square kilometres, a significant increase since Monday, when it was mapped at about 53 square kilometres in size. Forecasts are calling for wind that may blow the fire closer to Fort Nelson, where the community of about 4,700 and the neighbouring Fort Nelson First Nation have been under an evacuation order since Friday. Fort Nelson resident Bud Streeper posted a video update on Tuesday showing some rain falling in the area. “Definitely not a downpour, but a steady little sprinkle right now,” he said in the video. Areas subject to mandatory evacuation across...
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Trial of Winnipeg serial killer expected to hear testimony from DNA expert
The Canadian Press 14/05/2024 The Winnipeg trial of admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki is expected to continue today with testimony from a DNA expert. Court has heard DNA from three of the four victims was found in Skibicki’s home after police searched it in May 2022. Skibicki has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder for the slayings of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran and an unidentified women 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. Video evidence of Skibicki with Harris at one of the city’s shelters was shown in court on Monday. This...
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Residents around Doig River 206, B.C. under evacuation order due to wildfire
The Canadian Press 14/05/2024 More and more evacuation orders are being issued in northeastern British Columbia due to wildfires. The latest came late Monday night, when the Peace River Regional District issued an evacuation order affecting residents around Doig River 206. It’s a small community about 60 kilometres northeast of Fort St. John. The regional district says people should be grabbing what they needing and going to an evacuation centre in Fort St. John, where help is waiting. This comes as pressure to get residents affecting by wildfires in the area increases, so much so that in Fort Nelson, the mayor of the area says they’ve been calling holdouts directly. Forecasts called for winds late Monday into Tuesday to blow the Parker Lake wildfire toward Fort Nelson — a risk...
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Two-day Indigenous identity fraud summit to kick off in Winnipeg
WINNIPEG MAN.,-A two-day summit beginning 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 will also include 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 validity of the organization altogether....
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Proposed settlement is first step in securing Colorado River water for 3 Native American tribes
The Associated Press EUPP, Ariz. (AP) — A proposed water rights settlement for three Native American tribes that carries a price tag larger than any such agreement enacted by Congress took a significant step forward late Monday with introduction in the Navajo Nation Council. The Navajo Nation has one of the largest single outstanding claims in the Colorado River basin and will vote soon on the measure in a special session. It’s the first of many approvals — ending with Congress — that’s needed to finalize the deal. Climate change, the coronavirus pandemic and demands on the river like those that have allowed Phoenix, Las Vegas and other desert cities to thrive pushed the tribes into settlement talks. The Navajo, Hopi and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes are hoping to...
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Historic Haida Nation agreement shows the world how to uphold Indigenous rights
By Sheryl Lightfoot Writer The recent agreement reached between the Haida Nation and the government of British Columbia — called the Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement — marks the first negotiated settlement in Canada to recognize an Indigenous nation’s jurisdiction over its traditional territory. The agreement has been welcomed by First Nations leaders in B.C. as a significant breakthrough in the recognition and protection of the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples. The agreement also serves as an inspiration to Indigenous Peoples across Canada and around the world who share the common struggle to restore a viable and sustainable land base. Historic. Inspiring. But also long overdue, particularly in light of the clear direction provided by decades of rulings and recommendations by international human rights bodies. ‘Defining element of...
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Rural economic funding supports additional projects in second year
The B.C. government has provided nearly $13 million to rural economic projects in the second round of its Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). Forty-one projects within coastal communities and on Vancouver Island received funding, including several projects in the Regional District of Nanaimo boundary and First Nations in the area. REDIP grants are provided to projects that promote economic diversification, resilience, clean growth opportunities and infrastructure development. In the first intake of REDIP (2022-23), the Gabriola Island Chamber received $100,000 for its Island MBA program, short for Islanders Managing their Business Acumen, and is aimed at helping businesses with skills development and business engagement. After a request for proposals for project management, the program’s first phase of two recently kicked off. A survey is open and focus groups...
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Six Nations Police officer facing assault charge
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-A 30-year-old Six Nations Police Officer is facing an assault charge. The Six Nations Police Service said Monday, May 13, 2024, the service was made aware of an on-duty incident that occurred on April 10, 2024. As a result, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were contacted and launched an independent investigation into the conduct of the officer. On May 10, 2024, members of the OPP, Professional Standards Bureau, arrested and charged, 30-year-old Constable Michael Johnson, with Assault Cause Bodily Harm. Johnson has been a member of the Six Nations Police Service for six-years. He has been suspended with pay since April 15, 2024. Johnson is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford at a later date. Six Nations Police said there...
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Seeking public’s help OPP release 3-D facial approxiation of child found in Grand River at Dunnville
May 10, 2024 DUNNVILLE, ON – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are hoping the release of a three-dimensional (3-D) facial approximation and new Unsolved video (link)will help identifying a child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville almost two years ago. The unidentified remains of the child were found on May 17, 2022, by two people fishing on a boat. “We need the community’s help in this disturbing and tragic case involving a young child. We hope that the 3-D facial approximation will spark someone’s memory and that they come forward. Together, we can give this child her name back,” said Detective Inspector Shawn Glassford, OPP Criminal Investigation Branch OPP said the facial approximation was completed by the OPP Forensic Artist/Reconstruction Analyst and is of a female child...
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Trial of Winnipeg serial killer expected to hear more testimony from police
By The Canadian Press The Winnipeg trial of admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki is expected to hear testimony today from a police officer who examined video surveillance. Court has heard police collected video evidence showing someone placing several bags in various garbage bins in Skibicki’s neighbourhood shortly before the remains of one of his victims was found. Skibicki has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder for the 2022 slayings of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran and an unidentified women Indigenous leaders have named Buffalo Woman. His lawyers have said he killed the women, but they argue he’s not criminally responsible due to mental illness. Crown prosecutors say the killings were racially motivated, with Skibicki a self-proclaimed white supremacist who preyed on the vulnerable women at homeless shelters. Court has...
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Historians, First Nations leader question Quebec history museum concept
The Quebec government’s framing of a new museum to be dedicated to the history of the Québécois nation is raising questions about how history is told and who it includes, two historians and the leader of a prominent First Nations group say. Premier François Legault was forced last week to defend comments he made in April about the opening of a new history museum, in which he suggested the province’s history began with the arrival of French explorers Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain in the 16th and 17th centuries. While he did highlight the presence of Indigenous people on Quebec’s territory in his speech, he was accused by the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador of trying to erase their history. Steven High, a history professor at Concordia University, said...
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Evacuation alert still active for Fort McMurray as out of control fire burns nearby
The Canadian Press 12/05/2024 Wildfires raging in northern Alberta prompted the mayor of one the province’s largest municipalities to give his community a pep talk Saturday. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Mayor Sandy Bowman said on social media while everyone is stressed right now, past experience also means the community is prepared to handle this situation. This is in reference to the 2016 wildfire which tore through the area, destroying 2,400 homes. At last update around 7:30 Saturday evening, an out-of-control blaze continued to burn 16 kilometres southwest of Fort McMurray, with an evacuation alert still in place for the city, as well as the nearby community of Saprae Creek. The alert was initially issued Friday and was expanded yesterday to include several areas, including the Gregoire Lake Estates neighbourhood...
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Six Nations Police investigating single vehicle accident that took life of driver
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER- Six Nations Police are investigating a fatal collision involving a single motor vehicle. after a 40-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the scene Sunday. May 12, 2024, at about 3:55 a.m. Six Nations Police Service along with the Six Nations Fire and Emergency Medical Services all responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Third Line Road. Six Nations Police said the lone driver, a 40-year-old from Six Nations was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police will not be releasing the name of the deceased. The roadway on Third Line Road between Chiefswood Road and Tuscarora Road has been reopened. Any witnesses or anyone who may have been in the area at the time are asked to contact the Six Nations Police at (519)...
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Fort McMurray among communities on evacuation alert after wildfires erupt
The Canadian Press 11/05/2024 21:45 Fort McMurray’s mayor took to social media to deliver a pep talk Saturday as the northern Alberta city once again faces the threat of an out-of-control wildfire that’s spurring memories of a massive blaze that destroyed homes and buildings eight years ago. “I know everyone’s feeling unsettled and stressed right now. Our community knows all too well how this feels, but our past experience also means we are very well prepared to handle whatever comes our way,” Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Mayor Sandy Bowman said in a video message posted to Facebook on Saturday. Thousands of residents of Fort McMurray and the nearby community of Saprae Creek remained on an evacuation alert as a wildfire burned approximately 16 kilometres southwest of the city, meaning...
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Wildfire that triggered evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C. caused by downed tree: mayor
The Canadian Press 11/05/2024 20:21 The northeastern British Columbia municipality where thousands have evacuated due to a fast-growing wildfire nearby urged all remaining residents to leave immediately Saturday despite improving weather conditions. In a joint statement, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nation said that people staying behind despite the evacuation orders should be aware that “emergency medical services are not available, nor are groceries or other amenities.” “Utilities may become impacted to support fire response efforts,” the statement said. “Communication networks are precarious, which could impact the ability to reach residents to advise of changing conditions.” The statement came as the Parker Lake blaze reached almost 17 square kilometres in size on Saturday, more than doubling the eight square kilometres reported just hours earlier, with BC...
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Controversy follows Gov. Kristi Noem as she is banned by two more South Dakota tribes
The Associated Press 11/05/2024 18:20 South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is now banned from entering nearly 20% of her state after two more tribes banished her this week over comments she made earlier this year about tribal leaders benefitting from drug cartels. The latest developments in the ongoing tribal dispute come on the heels of the backlash Noem faced for writing about killing a hunting dog that misbehaved in her latest book. It is not clear how these controversies will affect her chances to become Donald Trump’s running mate because it is hard to predict what the former president will do. The Yankton Sioux Tribe voted Friday to ban Noem from their land in southeastern South Dakota just a few days after the Sisseton-Wahpeton Ovate tribe took the same action....
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Police crackdown on Gaza protest encampments on campus sparks outcry
The Canadian Press Edmonton police dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment on the University of Alberta’s campus on Saturday, prompting outrage from students and academics who described the operation as violent and contested allegations that demonstrators were breaking the law. Organizers said police fired tear gas and pepper-spray balls and wielded batons against students at the university’s north campus quad shortly after arriving at 4:30 a.m., resulting in one hospitalization and several attendees placed in zip-tie handcuffs. Videos posted to social media show a line of police members clashing with protesters in the dawn light, as young people shout “Free, free Palestine” before officers advance chanting “Move” and shoving and striking some students with billy clubs. The footage aligns with descriptions from political science professor David Kahane, a member of the Edmonton...
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Waste site-selection process flawed: petition
By Carl Clutchey Local Journalism Initiative reporter If spent nuclear-reactor fuel rods are ever transported to a proposed underground storage site near Ignace, communities along the transportation route will be just as much at risk as those who live closest to the disposal site, opponents to the plan contend. That’s the gist of a petition bearing more than 3,300 signatures that was tabled in the House of Commons on Thursday by a North Bay-area Liberal MP on behalf of environmentalists. They claim the site-selection process conducted by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization is flawed because it has “shut out” communities “living downstream and along the (proposed) transportation route.” “The federal government needs to course-correct the (Nuclear Waste Management Organization),” says North Bay-based Northwatch, the group that created the petition. Conmee...
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Flood compensation advances reconciliation: Naicatchewenin chief
Local Journalism Initiative NAICATCHEWENIN – Settling an old flood claim “is a positive step towards addressing historical wrongs and advancing reconciliation,” Chief Wayne Smith said. Along with provincial and federal representatives, the Naicatchewenin chief announced a settlement that sees his First Nation receive $21.8 million in total compensation. Just over $11.8 million of that sum is from the federal government, the remainder from Ontario. The agreement between Naicatchewenin and the other two governments settles flood claims first filed by the First Nation nearly 30 years ago relating to flooding that took place following the 1905-10 construction of a hydroelectric dam to provide power for a pulp and paper mill in Fort Frances. The flooding continues to impact Naicatchewenin, located northwest of Fort Frances on Rainy Lake. Compensating Naicatchewenin is important...
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Seven people charged in kidnapping and assault in New Brunswick First Nation
The Canadian Press New Brunswick RCMP say seven people have been arrested and face a total of 62 charges related to a kidnapping and assault in Tobique First Nation last month. The Mounties issued a news release saying the arrests had occurred since May 6 and all seven people remain in custody after making court appearances in Woodstock, N.B., between May 6 and May 8. RCMP say members of the Tobique detachment responded to a report in the community on April 29 and determined a 54-year-old woman from Florenceville, N.B., had been kidnapped at gunpoint, held against her will and assaulted. The woman was treated in hospital for what police say were “significant” but non-life threatening injuries and has since been released. Police say the arrests were made following the...
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