Tla-o-qui-aht flag raised in front of Tofino’s municipal hall for Tla-o-qui-aht Days
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Tofino, BC – Tla-o-qui-aht Days festivities kicked off on Monday, Aug. 4 with a mid-morning parade through the streets of downtown Tofino and flag raising ceremony in front of the municipal building. Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks led the group to the Village Green while Tourism Tofino cruised at the back of the community parade with both their old-school 1966 VW van and their new electric VW ID. Buzz. After a traditional Welcome Song was performed, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation (TFN) Chief Councillor Elmer Frank thanked the crowd on behalf of the Ha’wiih (Hereditary Chiefs) for coming out to celebrate Tla-o-qui-aht Days. “It brings our people together and it brings our community together,” said Frank. Tofino sits on unceded traditional territory (Ha-Hoothlee) of the Tla-o-qui-aht....
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‘Like a homecoming’: 50 years and counting for Webequie’s annual summer festival
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com WEBEQUIE — Bringing multiple generations together continues to be at the heart of a longstanding annual summer celebration in Webequie. The remote First Nation, located about 540 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, holds its Neebin Odaminowin summer festival every year during the last week of July. This year, they celebrated its 50th anniversary. “It’s always good to have a summer festival, people come out and enjoy themselves,” said Coun. Eric Shewaybick, who is also one of the festival coordinators. “It’s almost like a homecoming event.” This year’s week-long celebrations were held from July 28 to August 2. Coun. Harry Wabasse has seen every one of them. He said the concept started with treaty annuity payments came in (the First Nation’s Treaty Day...
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Ontario makes program aimed at keeping seniors out of hospital permanent
By Allison Jones Ontario’s long-term care minister has announced that the province is making a paramedic program that helps keep patients out of hospital permanent. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta says the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program has served more than 81,000 people since launching as a pilot project in 2020 and expanding across the province in 2022. The program sees community paramedics treat seniors who are waiting for long-term care in their homes for non-emergency issues such as help with chronic disease management. The government says community paramedics typically provide care within hours or days, which helps prevent emergency incidents and eases pressures on hospitals. Ontario is putting $89 million toward the program, which includes expanding services offered in First Nations communities. The Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs says the pilot...
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Junos introduce Latin music category in effort to recognize more Canadian-made sounds
By David Friend The Juno Awards are adding a dash of Latin flavour to next year’s festivities. Organizers at Canada’s biggest music awards show say they plan to introduce Latin music recording of the year at the 2026 edition. The new category will recognize Canadian musicians across all Latin American languages and genres who’ve released music in the eligible year. It’s the latest move by the Junos to diversify how it recognizes Canadian creators and the evolving national music scene. Last year, the Junos added a South Asian music category, while in 2022 it split the Indigenous category in two to honour both contemporary and traditional Indigenous artists. The 2026 Junos are set to take place in Hamilton with the main show broadcast from Hamilton Arena, formerly FirstOntario Centre, which...
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Parts of northern Ontario remain under air quality statement amid wildfire smoke
A stretch of northern Ontario remains under a special air quality statement amid smoke from wildfires burning in parts of the country. The special statement for southern parts of the province, including the Toronto area, lifted this morning as conditions there improved. Environment Canada says smoke from forest fires can cause reduced air quality and visibility that can fluctuate throughout the day. It says northern parts of the province, including Pikangikum and Sandy Lake First Nations, are under air quality statements or warnings due to the smoke. The weather agency says reduced air quality can cause mild eye, nose and throat irritation. More serious but less common symptoms include chest pains and a severe cough. Environment Canada is advising people to limit their time outdoors and consider postponing sports or...
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‘You are enough and you’re worthy to belong in these spaces’
By Aastha Sethi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio A woman born and raised in Hay River believes she may be the first Inuk psychiatrist in Canada. Dr. Elycia Monaghan, who recently graduated from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University in Thunder Bay, said she isn’t certain of that title but could find no evidence of another Inuk psychiatrist in the country, despite extensive searching. “I feel so fortunate to be able to hopefully be a role model to other Inuit youth,” she told Cabin Radio. “I remember what it was like growing up as an Inuk kid in Hay River. Sometimes, I wished to see more Inuit and Indigenous people in positions of power and making differences – to have doctors that looked like me and who had...
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Krill fishery in Antarctica shut down after record catch triggers unprecedented early closure
By Joshua Goodman MIAMI (AP) — Officials have shut down early the remote krill fishery near Antarctica after trawling for the tiny crustacean — a vital food source for whales that also helps fight climate change — exceeded the seasonal catch limit for the first time. The unprecedented early closure of the fishery follows a report by The Associated Press last week detailing a record surge in the krill catch after a longstanding conservation framework was allowed to lapse with no plan in place to handle growing pressures in the world’s southernmost fishery. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, or CCAMLR, the international organization that manages the fishery, declined to comment but confirmed the closure earlier this month of the 2024-25 season, which should have extended...
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Thousands to flee First Nation in northern Manitoba over wildfire threat
Thousands of people have fled from a First Nation in northern Manitoba Monday as wildfires burned closer and closer to the community. The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, also called Nelson House, issued a full evacuation order Sunday in response to the blazes, as flames threatened to cut off road access and muddied air quality. It was upgraded one day later to a mandatory evacuation. The community’s roughly 4,000 residents were to register with the Cree Nation before busing to the Thompson Airport, about 75 kilometres away, to fly to Winnipeg. On social media, Nisichawayasihk Chief Angela Levasseur said crews are working around the clock to make sure everyone gets out safely. “We are also doing everything in our power to make sure every possible measure is taken to suppress the wildfires...
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Brantford man charged with assault by Brantford police and OPP
Alveen Ahmed By Celeste Percy-Beauregard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator A Brantford man has been charged with violent crimes by two police services. Provincial police arrested Alveen Ahmed, 28, last week, charging him with sexual assault, assault and forcible confinement. It was related to an ongoing investigation into a sexual assault that took place in Brant County in January, according to a news release last Thursday. Earlier in July, Brantford police charged Ahmed with attempted murder, assault with a weapon, kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault, related to an incident on July 13. An officer had found someone with “serious injuries” from a “physical and sexual assault” near Golf Road and Highway 403, a Brantford police release said. Brantford police released Ahmed’s photo and a picture of his...
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TV host and chef Art Napoleon to showcase skills at cooking event
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca MOBERLY LAKE, B.C. — An Indigenous cooking superstar with ties to northeast B.C. will be showcasing his skills later this month. Art Napoleon is slated to showcase an afternoon of Indigenous cooking techniques and cultural knowledge sharing in an event called Savour the Flavour at the Dunne-Za Lodge on the territory of West Moberly First Nations (WMFN) on August 14th. Napoleon is a former Chief of Saulteau First Nations who teamed up with Chef Dan Hayes for the television program Moosemeat and Marmalade on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). Manager of Dunne-Za Lodge Tamara Dokkie is a cousin of Napoleon and said the idea for the event “just came about” during a conversation. “I was just telling him that I think...
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Nomination Meeting Held For Attawapiskat FN Chief And Council
Attawapiskat First Nation Nomination Meeting was held on July 31, 2025 in the community in preparation for local elections set for August 29, 2025. From L-R: Chief Electoral Officer Louis Noah, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Pauline Wheesk and community member Gilbert Spence.screenshot of Zoom Meeting by Xavier Kataquapit By Xavier Kataquapit ATTAWAPISKAT FIRST NATION- Attawapiskat First Nation is preparing for an upcoming local election for leadership set to take place on August 29, 2025. The community recently held a nomination meeting at the Reg Louttit Sportsplex Gym on Thursday July 31, 2025 to allow community members to nominate candidates for the election. The community will be electing leaders for the position of Chief, Deputy Chief and 11 Council members. The meeting included members of Attawapiskat FN as well as First...
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Portage Friendship Centre Marks 55 Years of Community Support
By Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Portage Graphic Leader The Portage Friendship Centre is celebrating 55 years of dedicated service to the community, continuing a legacy that began long before its formal incorporation in 1970. Founded in 1966 under the name Indian & Métis Friendship Centre, the organization officially became the Portage la Prairie Friendship Centre Inc. on July 9, 1970. Governed by a constitution, by-laws and a board of directors, the non-profit has since grown into a vital hub for Indigenous and urban community members alike. The Friendship Centre has always been a place of connection, support and cultural pride. Over the years, PFC has remained committed to its mission of promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of urban Indigenous people through cultural, spiritual and educational...
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Saskatchewan Ranks Highest on National Crime Severity Index
By Carol Baldwin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Wakaw Recorder Each year, Statistics Canada publishes data on the number and types of criminal incidents occurring across the country. They also calculate and release a Crime Severity Index, which is a summary measure of the volume and severity of crimes reported to police in various areas, provinces, and at the national level. In this index, all crimes are assigned a weight based on their seriousness, determined by the actual sentences given by courts. Statistics have previously shown that Saskatchewan leads all provinces in intimate partner violence. This new annual report on overall crime statistics shows the province also ranks highest on the national crime severity index. Despite this, data indicates some progress, as the crime rate in Saskatchewan decreased in 2024. The...
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Doctors, lawyers, artists and First Nations leaders named to the Order of B.C.
Doctors, athletes, artists and First Nations and business leaders are all among the 15 people named to be invested in the Order of British Columbia. B.C. Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia, who is chancellor of the order, says she welcomes the group of people whose dedication, compassion and vision have left a lasting mark on communities across the province. Dr. Ruth Grunau is on the list for changing the understanding of care of infant pain, while Dr. Sandy Dhami is recognized for transforming the lives of neurodiverse children. Also named are First Nations cultural leader and master carver Stan Bevan, and Chief Robert Louie for his leadership in Indigenous self-governance and economic development. Olympian Charmaine Crooks has been appointed for her sporting legacy, and Dr. John Yee for his life-saving leadership in...
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SIU investigating death of 24-year-old man in Wapekeka First Nation courtroom
Ontario’s police watchdog says it has launched an investigation after a 24-year-old man was shot dead by provincial police in a courtroom in the province’s northwest. The Special Investigations Unit says an Ontario Provincial Police officer was inside a temporary courtroom at the Youth Centre on the Wapekeka First Nation on Thursday at around noon when he was approached by a man with a knife. The SIU says the officer and the man had an interaction, leading to the officer shooting his gun at the man. Investigators say the man, whose name has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The SIU says investigators have been assigned to the case and a post-mortem is scheduled for Sunday. The unit urges anyone with information to contact the lead...
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Celtics minority owner reaches deal to buy Connecticut Sun for record $325 million, AP source says
By Doug Feinberg UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — A group led by Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca has reached a deal to buy the Connecticut Sun for a record $325 million and move the team to Boston, according to a person familiar with the sale. The franchise wouldn’t play in Boston until the 2027 season. Pagliuca also would contribute $100 million for a new practice facility in Boston for the team, the person said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday because the deal hasn’t been publicly announced. The sale is pending approval of the league and its Board of Governors. “Relocation decisions are made by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams,” the league said in a statement. The Sun have...
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Protest held at a Nova Scotia RCMP detachment over Indigenous-owned cannabis stores
By Lyndsay Armstrong Organizers behind a protest held at a Nova Scotia RCMP detachment say police action against Indigenous-owned cannabis dispensaries represents a continued attack on Mi’kmaq sovereignty. Thomas Durfee said a crowd of more than 100 people gathered at the RCMP detachment in Millbrook First Nation to protest Thursday after Mounties executed a search warrant at a cannabis store in the community and arrested one man. Durfee said in an interview Sunday the peaceful protest involved free lobster, music and speeches from matriarchs in the community. “We’re just here to assert our rights… It was very emotional to see a lot of the women in our community come and speak out. We had all the clan mothers there, the water protectors… many prominent voices in our community,” Durfee said....
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Protest held at a Nova Scotia RCMP detachment over Indigenous-owned cannabis stores
By Lyndsay Armstrong Organizers behind a protest held at a Nova Scotia RCMP detachment say police action against Indigenous-owned cannabis dispensaries represents a continued attack on Mi’kmaq sovereignty. Thomas Durfee said a crowd of more than 100 people gathered at the RCMP detachment in Millbrook First Nation to protest Thursday after Mounties executed a search warrant at a cannabis store in the community and arrested one man. Durfee said in an interview Sunday the peaceful protest involved free lobster, music and speeches from matriarchs in the community. “We’re just here to assert our rights… It was very emotional to see a lot of the women in our community come and speak out. We had all the clan mothers there, the water protectors… many prominent voices in our community,” Durfee said....
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Wildfire forces evacuation of 500 from First Nation in northern Saskatchewan
About 500 more people in Saskatchewan have been forced to flee due to threatening wildfires. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says those at Clearwater River Dene Nation, about 600 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, have been told to leave. The latest evacuation puts the number of wildfire evacuees in various communities in the province to about 3,500. On Wednesday, the 1,000 residents of Pinehouse, a village southeast of Clearwater River, were told to leave their homes. Saskatchewan is reporting 63 active wildfires, including 17 that are not contained. The province has called in 300 soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forced to help fight the blazes. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 31, 2025. ...
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SIU investigating report that police fatally shot man in northern Ontario court
By Sonja Puzic Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating a report that an officer fatally shot a man inside a courtroom in a remote part of northern Ontario on Thursday. The Special Investigations Unit said a team of investigators is heading to the scene in Wapekeka First Nation. “Preliminary information indicates an OPP officer fatally shot a man,” SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said in an emailed statement, adding that more details won’t be available until Friday. Ontario Provincial Police didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Lawyer Karen Seeley said she heard about the shooting from colleagues who were present at what she described as a makeshift courtroom inside a community centre. Seeley, a partner at a Dryden, Ont.- based law firm, said witnesses described an individual who walked into...
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