Chiefs and league rivals to participate in modified 2024 schedule
By Sam Laskaris Writer The defending national Mann Cup champion Six Nations Chiefs will have a couple more rivals they’ll be squaring off against in regular season action this year. Yet the Chiefs will end up playing fewer games than they did last season. Officials with the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) announced on Sunday that the Chiefs will commence their 2024 campaign on May 20. The Six Nations squad will battle the visiting Owen Sound North Stars in the community’s annual Bread and Cheese Day game. That contest will be held at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. MSL officials will release the remainder of the MSL schedule soon. While dates and locations for those contests are not yet known, MSL reps have revealed that its seven teams will only play 12 regular...
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California Gov. Newsom backs dam removal projects to boost salmon. Critics say that’s not enough
By Adam Beam THE ASSOCIATED PRESS EUREKA, Calif. (AP)-California Gov. Gavin Newsom is pledging to fast-track more than half a dozen projects by the end of his term to remove or bypass dams that have blocked salmon from returning to the state’s chilly mountain streams and acting as the keystone of a complex ecosystem that sustains both economies and spiritual beliefs for tribes. Newsom, now in his second term and seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate beyond 2024, has worked hard to stake a claim as the nation’s most environmentally-conscious governor. But his record has been dogged by criticism from environmental groups who say his water policies benefit big agriculture at the expense of salmon and other fish species in danger of becoming extinct. Millions of salmon once filled...
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Kashechewan taking new path for evacuations
By Amanda Rabski-McColl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Northern Ontario First Nation community is taking the lead in its emergency response with a new partner. Kashechewan First Nation and Missanabie Cree First Nation ISN Maskwa have agreed to collaborate and use each other’s services exclusively through the upcoming flood and fire seasons. The agreement is the first of its kind. The agreement includes community safety personnel, security, transportation including air and bus travel, flight co-ordination, catering services, and accommodations. “It’s not only about meeting their needs, but it’s also about creating capacity within their own community for emergency response,” said Joe Sayers, Missanabie Cree First Nation ISN Maskwa’s general manager. “So there’s commitments in training.” These supports also extend to the work that needs to be done in the community...
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Don’t miss it: Six Nations Fire Fighters take on Six Nations Police in a fun hockey fundraiser
By Lisa Iesse Writer SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND – A special hockey fundraiser will see Six Nations Finest square off Feb 1 with all proceeds going to the local food bank. “It’s on! Tell your mom, tell your grandma, tell your dog! February 1st 2024 8pm at the GPA (Six Nations Sports and Cultural Memorial Arena) in Ohsweken,” the Six Nations Firefighters Association (SNFFA) posted on their facebook page. The hockey match is organized by the SNFFA, a group of volunteer/career firefighters working to support local community initiatives. Calvin Thomas, president of the SNFFA, told the Turtle Island News the fundraising project is a “joint venture” sparked from family connections across the ranks of Six Nations Fire and Emergency Services and Six Nations Police. “One of our members from the (Six Nations...
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Manitoba’s ice road network opens for the season
By Dave Baxter Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Despite an unusually mild winter, the province said this week that most ice roads in Manitoba are now in use, opening up essential routes for isolated northern First Nations communities. On Monday, the province announced in a media release the opening of its winter road season for 2024. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said the winter road system provides “essential pathways for most northern communities that rely on the system for regional travel and delivery of essential goods.” The winter road season in Manitoba typically begins in mid-to-late January and lasts until mid-to-late March, allowing only a small window of time where vehicles can travel to several communities by land, or where those communities can receive some goods that can’t be brought...
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Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare raising alarm, Métis Nation of Ontario after Indigenous lands
By Lynda Powless Editor TORONTO, ONT- Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare is raising the alarm after the federal government allocated over $1 million from ‘New Indigenous-Led Natural Climate Solutions” funding to the Métis Nation of Ontario (“MNO”) that could see the MNO use the funding to buy and claim First Nation treaty lands in the province. In a statement Tuesday, (Jan. 26) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare said the federal government announced $12.8 million in funding allocations for New Indigenous-Led Natural Climate Solutions, but $1.3 million of it is going to the MNO. Chief Hare said he is concerned the MNO could use the $1.3 million “to undertake an internal project on this initiative – a project that involves the potential for the MNO to acquire lands for conservation and...
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Neskantaga First Nation works to uplift community since suicide crisis 10 years ago
By Liam Casey THE CANADIAN PRESS NESKANTAGA FIRST NATION, ONT.- Small, white crosses dot a graveyard just outside Neskantaga First Nation in northern Ontario. Some graves are marked with white picket fences, flowers have been placed at others. Most have no names or ages, but some do. A 16-year-old girl rests in one plot, a 13-year-old in another. Suicide brought them there. Ten years ago, Neskantaga First Natio, a remote community with a population of about 450, declared a state of emergency after four suicides and several attempted suicides by teens. The state of emergency officially remains, but the community quietly spoke about a small milestone this past summer: no one had killed themselves in Neskantaga in three years. Several measures helped get to that point, there are mental-health counsellors...
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SCO program offers help for First Nations veterans
By Miranda Leybourne Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Southern Chiefs’ Organization was on hand for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation’s Winterfest on the weekend promoting its First Nations Veterans Program, which aims to help First Nations veterans seeking support. Transitioning from serving with the military to civilian life can be a struggle, said Justin Woodcock, the co-ordinator of the program. He served eight years with the Canadian Armed Forces, and when he left, many of his friends were finding life after service fraught with difficulty. “I was losing a lot of friends to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and I wanted to do something to give back, so I chose a career in social work. I finished my education and now I’m kind of bridging my First Nation background and my military...
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Brantford Police arrest local man seize $971,297 in illicit drugs
BRANTFORD, ONT- A drug investigation launched in January 2024 is paying off for the city with the arrest of a local man dealing in over $900,000 in illicit drugs. The Brantford Police Service (BPS) Tactical Intelligence Generated Enforcement and Response Unit (TIGER), and the BPS High Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), launched a drug investigation in January 2024 targetting drug trafficking in Brantford. As a result of the investigation, on Friday, January 26, 2024, with the assistance of the BPS Emergency Response Team, four Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrants were granted and executed at city locations on Grand River Avenue, Henry Street, Colborne Street West, and a vehicle. As a result BPS seized: Approximately 972.4 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $97,240 Approximately 516 grams of...
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NEWS ALERT : Jury in James Cree Smith First Nation has begun deliberations
JAMES SMITH CREE FIRST NATION- The jury into Canada’s worst mass murder has begun deliberations in the provincial coroner’s inquest. Myles Sanderson killed 11 people and injured 17 others in the stabbings on the James Smith Cree First Nation . He died in police custody a few days later. The jurors received instructions today (Tuesday, Jan. 30) from the presiding coroner at the inquest into the mass stabbing at James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby village of Weldon, northeast of Saskatoon, on Sept. 4, 2022. Blaine Beaven, the presiding coroner, told jurors “It is your duty to try and take this tragic event and make something positive from it,” They are expected to provide recommendations on how to help prevent similar deaths in the future. Some of the comments...
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Eyes turn to B.C. as U.S. pauses approval of LNG projects
By Matteo Cimellaro Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Calls from climate advocates to follow the lead of the United States and pause Canadian liquified natural gas projects face a serious challenge: a promise of economic reconciliation tied to capital and liquified natural gas (LNG) development. Biden’s move to pause LNG approvals until after the November elections was celebrated by the climate movement in the U.S. and at home. But coastal First Nations leading LNG projects say the facilities will boost their communities’ prosperity. With industry partners, Haisla Nation is developing Cedar LNG and Ksi Lisims is proposed by the Nisga’a. The two First Nations argue the projects will contribute enough revenue to ensure independence from Ottawa to deliver crucial social services and foster future investment for their people. It’s essentially about...
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Rare whale found dead off Massachusetts may have been entangled, authorities say
Federal authorities say a rare whale found dead off Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts Sunday Jan., 28, 2024 shows potential evidence of injury from entanglement in fishing gear, which is one of the most pressing threats to the species. (Michael Moore/©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution via AP)Michael Moore/AP By Patrick Whittle THE ASSOCIATED PRESS A rare whale found dead off Massachusetts shows potential evidence of injury from entanglement in fishing gear, which is one of the most pressing threats to the vanishing species, federal authorities said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it was notified about the dead female North Atlantic right whale on Sunday off Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The right whale numbers less than 360 in the world and it is vulnerable to entanglement in gear and collisions with large...
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OPP seek individual who shot at speed sign
HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Haldimand County OPP are investigating after receiving a mischief complaint, that occurred January 29, 2024, at approximately 11:25 p.m., on New Credit Road, at the Mississaugas of the Credit, First Nation. OPP said an unknown individual, in a passenger van, was in the area at about 11:05 p.m. discharged a firearm and caused damage to the speed sign at the location. The vehicle fled the scene and was last seen travelling west on Second Line. Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000....
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Brantford Police seeking public’s help in locating missing 15-year-old Jada
BRANTFORD, ONT- The Brantford Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person, 15-year-old, Jada. Jada is described as 5’5” tall with long black hair. She was last seen wearing a red coat, red sweater, and carrying a black backpack. Jada was last seen January 22, 2024, in the area of Shellard Lane and Blackburn Drive. The Brantford Police Service are concerned for Jada’s well-being and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information which may assist in locating the missing person. Anyone with knowledge of Jada’s whereabouts are asked to please contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/...
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Jury to be given instructions as stabbing rampage coroner’s inquest nears end
By Kelly Geraldine Malone THE CANADIAN PRESS MELFORT, Sask.-Jurors are set to receive instructions from a coroner this morning as an inquest into a mass stabbing on a Saskatchewan First Nation reaches its final stages. Myles Sanderson killed 11 people and injured 17 others on the James Smith Cree Nation and nearby village of Weldon, northeast of Saskatoon, on Sept. 4, 2022. He died in police custody a few days later. The six jurors heard the final evidence of the inquest Monday and will begin deliberations today on recommendations to help prevent similar deaths in the future. Over the last 11 days, the inquest heard how the rampage unfolded from RCMP officers at the scene and health-care officials organizing the response from paramedics and hospitals. It has also heard about...
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Bringing beadwork to the National Gallery of Canada
By Isaac Nay Local Journalism Initiative Reporter This spring, colourful beaded high-top sneakers and a swirling celestial scene will join the work of artists from across the continent at the National Gallery in Ottawa. The travelling exhibit Radical Stitch originated at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina, Sask. One of the largest beadwork exhibits in Canada, it features the work of more than 100 North American beadwork artists. It highlights pieces like colourful moccasins and multicoloured sculptures _ all made of beads. Now, the exhibit is set to come to the National Gallery of Canada. “You have all these amazing, talented artists 1/8who 3/8 are bringing these ideas and concepts and wonderful time-consuming creations all to one space,” artist Nico Williams said. “It’s such an honour to have it come...
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Scott Momaday, Pulitzer Prize winner and giant of Native American literature, dead at 89
By Hillel Italie THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK (AP)- N. Scott Momaday, a Pulitzer Prize-winning storyteller, poet, educator and folklorist whose debut novel “House Made of Dawn” is widely credited as the starting point for contemporary Native American literature, has died. He was 89. Momaday died Wednesday at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, publisher HarperCollins announced. He had been in failing health. “Scott was an extraordinary person and an extraordinary poet and writer. He was a singular voice in American literature, and it was an honor and a privilege to work with him,” Momaday’s editor, Jennifer Civiletto, said in a statement. “His Kiowa heritage was deeply meaningful to him and he devoted much of his life to celebrating and preserving Native American culture, especially the oral tradition.” “House...
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Prince George MP thrilled BC United MLA running for Conservatives in next federal election
By Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer met with Conservative leader Pierre Poillevere this past week in Prince Rupert as part of rallies held there and in Terrace. They met with residents, local First Nations, and welcomed BC United Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, who will not run in this fall’s provincial election but will be the federal Conservative candidate for the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding. Ross is a friend of many years, and a down-to-earth personality that he’s excited to welcome to party, Zimmer said, noting at least 300 people attended the Prince Rupert rally. “It’s just hard to believe that a Native from a small community has been given this type of opportunity to represent his village, to represent the region, to represent B.C.,...
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Judge doesn’t give federal government a pass on further Jericho diamond mine cleanup
By Kira Wronska Dorward Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Nunavut judge has made a key ruling in a case where the Kitikmeot Inuit Association has been seeking for many years to have Dyno Nunavut Incorporated remove the explosives plant and restore the property at the former Jericho diamond mine. The site, 250 km southeast of Kugluktuk, is partially owned by the Government of Canada and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA). The mine was in production from 2006 to 2008. Dyno Nunavut Incorporated (Dyno) contends that the Government of Canada holds all the financial securities and is responsible for restoration of the entire Jericho site. Dyno further alleges that restoration and compensation requirements were addressed in a lease between the KIA and Tahera 1/8Diamond Corporation 3/8, the original and now defunct...
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RCMP collecting race based data is a `double edged sword,’ says Indigenous leader
By Shari Narine Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Fort McKay Metis Nation President Ron Quintal is surprised to learn that the RCMP detachment that services his northern Alberta community is collecting race-based data. Since Jan. 8, the Wood Buffalo RCMP detachment, along with detachments in Thompson, Man. and Whitehorse, Yukon, has been collecting data based solely on the officer’s perception of the race of the person he is investigating. “We actually have three (RCMP) constables that we pay extra dollars for in Fort McKay to have extra constables in the community because we want a strong police presence,” said Quintal, yet he was unaware that the detachment was a pilot project site. Dr. Mai Phan, acting director of the RCMP anti-racism unit, says public consultations to roll out the pilot project...
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