Makivvik election sees sharp drop off in voter turnout
By Cedric Gallant Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Pita Aatami won the Makivvik Corp. presidential election in a landslide last week, but voting day drew the lowest voter turnout in recent memory. Aatami earned 71 per cent of the vote. A total of 1,900 Nunavimmiut, or 18 per cent of the total voter base, voted him in. Voter turnout in the Feb. 1 election was 26 per cent. By comparison, in 2021 voter turnout reached nearly 41 per cent and nearly 47 per cent in 2018. Aatami said he is “deeply honoured” by the trust his fellow Inuit placed in him, in a statement released by Makivvik Corp. He also spoke of a “journey towards self-determination,” adding he is “committed to ensuring that the voices of our people are heard in...
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White House renews calls on Congress to extend internet subsidy program
By Kavish Harjai THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The White House is pressing Congress to extend a subsidy program that helps one in six U.S. families afford internet and represents a key element of President Joe Biden’s promise to deliver reliable broadband service to every American household. “For President Biden, internet is like water,” said Tom Perez, senior adviser and assistant to the president, on a call Monday with reporters. “It’s an essential public necessity that should be affordable and accessible to everyone.” The Affordable Connectivity Program offers qualifying families discounts on their internet bills, $30 a month for most families and up to $75 a month for families on tribal lands. The one-time infusion of $14.2 billion for the program through the bipartisan infrastructure law is projected to run out of...
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Peace Gallery North presents double solo art exhibit in February
By Edward Hitchins Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Peace Gallery North is displaying the work of two Peace region Artists through a double solo art exhibit in February. Haley Bassett is presenting `Bead Soup,’ while Farouzan Afrouzi highlights her work with ‘Entanglement’. For Bassett, whose artwork centres on identity, this was a chance to get more in touch with her Metis roots. A former program coordinator at Dawson Creek Art Gallery, Bassett said that despite her extensive work as a painter, beadwork was a relatively new skill she first learned in 2019. She had assembled a beadwork workshop at the gallery, where she became interested and learned the art form. “It was taught by a Cree artist named Adrienne Greyeyes,” said Bassett. “I learned from her. Originally, it was just a...
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Who’s really to blame in the James Smith tragedy?
By Ryan Kiedrowski Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A nation once again turned it’s eyes toward east-central Saskatchewan as details about the largest mass-murder in recent history surfaced during a coroner’s inquest into the 11 deaths on the James Smith Cree Nation and nearby village of Weldon. A collective `tsk, what a tragedy’ could be heard as readers learned of accounts from community members and emergency crews who experienced the events firsthand. After listening to many hours of testimony_equal parts viewing the timeline of events through a microscope and emotional accounts of early September, 2022_some common themes emerged. One could easily draw the conclusion that Myles Sanderson’s rampage was fuelled by drugs and alcohol. Add to that a toxic mixture of anger and resentment, and it made for prime conditions for...
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Gwich’in Tribal Council hopes to bring language nests to other communities
By Tom Taylor Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tr’iinin Tsal Ginjik Ge’tr’oonahtan, the Gwich’in Tribal Council’s language nest, has been a success story through its first four years of existence, according to Michelle Wright, the organization’s manager of early learning and language. “The language nest has been very successful for children in that they are acquiring dinjii zhuh k’yuu, the Gwich’in language,” Wright said. “Parents of the program have observed a noticeable growth in their child’s ability to speak and understand. ”We have one program in Inuvik, with the hopes of expanding to other communities.” The language nest opened in Inuvik in early 2019. The program operates much like a full-day daycare, but is facilitated in Gwich’in, exposing children to the language at a young age. “Children ages zero to six...
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‘I’m so sick of this happening’: Advocate calls for national fire strategy
By Amanda Rabski-McColl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Peawanuck woman is calling for a national Indigenous fire strategy after another deadly house fire in her home community. After a Feb. 1 house fire in Peawanuck killed two people and injured three more, the need for a national Indigenous fire strategy has come into sharp focus once again for families in the community. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is investigating the cause of last week’s fire. “Why is it that members of our community have to die for (the government) to do something?” questioned Joyce Hunter, a Weenusk First Nation member who lost a family member in the recent fire. She is also related to the 10-year-old girl who died almost a year ago to the day in another house fire in...
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Indigenous language hub seeking new funding after feds renwal rejection
By Sidney Coles Local Journalism Initiative Reporter After losing its biggest funder Canadian Heritage last year, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) is hoping to reinvigorate its First Nations multi-language program. The federal government has provided historic investments totalling $840.1M for 2019 to 2026 to and ongoing funding of $117M in support for the community-based efforts of the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their languages. The VNFC language program has had multiple funders since 2018, including the First People’s Cultural Council and the National Association of Friendship Centres. The majority of its funding was coming from Canadian Heritage. The department confirmed that in 2021-2022, it approved a total of $516,600 over two years to support the activities of the VNFC’s Urban Indigenous Language Hub....
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One month left to submit a claim under the First Nations Drinking Water Settlement
TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2024— Eligible First Nations communities and individuals have until March 7, 2024, to submit a claim under the First Nations Drinking Water Settlement. “There’s only one month left to submit a claim for compensation,” says Darian Baskatawang, Associate, Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP and Class Counsel for the First Nations Drinking Water Class Action Settlement. “We encourage those eligible to submit their claim right away so they can be compensated for their harms from living under a long-term drinking water advisory. For those who need help filling out their Claim Form, there are free resources available, including a Claims Assessment Tool and interactive guides, which can be found on the First Nations Drinking Water website. The Administrator is also available by phone to help Class Members through the...
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New AFN chief looks to turn page with Pierre Poilievre from Harper era tensions
By Alessia Passafiume and Stephanie Taylor THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA- The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is trying to make inroads with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, hoping to forestall the tensions and angst that marked the party’s last time in power. The legacy of the Idle No More movement has shaped how young Indigenous activists and leaders view the Conservatives, an image that still hangs over the party nearly a decade later. “I want to be optimistic that he will work with First Nations,” Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said of Poilievre in a wide-ranging interview with The Canadian Press. “Young people were so frustrated (with the previous Conservative government), and out of that was born Idle No More. That’s certainly not the treaty relationship that I want to see.”...
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Boom in southern Quebec mining claims, including under people’s homes, causes anxiety
By Jacob Serebrin THE CANADIAN PRESS MONTREAL- When Ellen Rice-Hogan discovered that someone had bought a mining claim under her farm, she was shocked. There’s no mining around the Township of Low, Que., about 40 kilometres northwest of Ottawa, where she raises sheep and cattle. “It was shocking, surprising, all of the above,” she said in a recent interview. “We’re a small community, the potential of this is huge and it’s going to have a huge negative impact, I feel, on our territory.” A boom in mining claims is on in Quebec as prospectors anticipate explosive demand for minerals used in electric batteries. The rush has people laying claim all over, even under people’s homes. In response, residents and municipalities are calling for the rules to be tightened. While most...
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Pledge made to reduce underwater noise levels
By Kira Wronska Dorward Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Inuit Circumpolar Council vice-chair Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk is applauding the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples and committing to reduce underwater noise levels. Following a meeting in London, England, in late January, the IMO affirmed articles 29, 41, 42 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. These passages emphasize the importance of environmental protection, fishing and harvesting use. They were included in the action plan created to reduce underwater noise caused by shipping. The global maritime community also re-affirmed the Inuit Nunaat Guidelines. “We are encouraged by the progress made last week our goal of seeing Indigenous knowledge utilized throughout the action plan and ultimately in the planning, operations and end goal of...
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South Dakota tribe bans governor from reservation over US Mexico border remarks
By Trisha Ahmed THE ASSOCIATED PRESS A South Dakota tribe has banned Republican Gov. Kristi Noem from the Pine Ridge Reservation after she spoke this week about wanting to send razor wire and security personnel to Texas to help deter immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border and also said cartels are infiltrating the state’s reservations. “Due to the safety of the Oyate, effective immediately, you are hereby Banished from the homelands of the Oglala Sioux Tribe!” Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out said in a Friday statement addressed to Noem. “Oyate” is a word for people or nation. Star Comes Out accused Noem of trying to use the border issue to help get former U.S. President Donald Trump re-elected and boost her chances of becoming his running mate. Many of those...
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CAP passionate to help Indigenous inmates
By Julia Archelene Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Kim Beaudin, national vice-chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP), is passionate when he speaks about Indigenous prisoners in Saskatchewan and the current system of Canada’s jails. The parole board and Correctional Service Canada started a public inquest on Myles Sanderson, an Indigenous prisoner who died. “He fell through the system,” Beaudin told the Pioneer. On the morning of Sept. 4, 2022, Sanderson killed 11 people and injured 17 others at James Smith Cree Nation. For more information on this story, read Sanderson died in police custody three days later on Sept. 7. His inquest will run from February 26 to March 1, 2024. “I believe, beyond a reasonable doubt, that there needs to be more communication and input and other...
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Exhibition showcases remarkable life of George Clutesi, who safeguarded Nuu chah nulth culture
By Amy Romer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter During the Potlatch Ban, c?i?aa?at? (Tseshaht) artist George Clutesi would give his paintings to relatives as a way to ensure they stayed in community. Many of his paintings remained with family on “Vancouver Island,” but for the first time, a collection is premiering on the mainland in downtown “Vancouver.” As you enter the Bill Reid Gallery, a jumble of frames of every size and colour contour the walls, each guarding a sacred story told in bold Nuu-chah-nulth style. Combined, a bigger story is revealed, that of protection, will, and generosity. “?a?a??ap / ?aap?ii / ?c?ik / ?aa?aksuq? / ?ii?mis?ap” is a retrospective exhibition of 45 works of the prolific artist, writer and trailblazer. Walking through the exhibition, paintings, drawings, books, and new works...
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Two dead, three injured after house fire on Weenusk First Nation in northern Ontario
PEAWANUCK, Ont.- The leader of an organization representing 49 First Nations says he is mourning after two people died in a house fire in a remote northern Ontario Cree community. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says in a statement three other people managed to escape the blaze that erupted Thursday evening on Weenusk First Nation, in Peawanuck, Ont., and are being treated for their injuries. Nishnawbe Aski Police Service says the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and no details have been released on the identities of the victims. Fiddler says the latest tragedy happened almost a year after a 10-year-old girl perished in a house fire in the same fly-in First Nation, located 30 kilometres from the southern coast of Hudson Bay. At the...
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Tribal sovereignty among the top issues facing Oklahoma governor and Legislature
By Sean Murphy THE ASSOCIATED PRESS OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)-Tribal sovereignty is expected to again be a top issue facing lawmakers and Gov. Kevin Stitt as they return on Monday to begin the 2024 legislative session. Stitt, a Republican and himself a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has had a contentious relationship with tribal leaders that began with a dispute during his first year in office over casino revenue and has worsened with conflict over agreements on tobacco sales, motor vehicle tags, taxes and criminal jurisdiction. The governor, now in his second term, has been a frequent critic of expanded tribal sovereignty and of the landmark 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision that determined state prosecutors lack criminal jurisdiction over certain crimes committed in Indian Country. In an interview with The Associated...
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$12 million in Inuit post secondary education funds approved
By Kira Wronska Dorward Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An increase of $12 million in funding support for training and post-secondary education has been approved in a joint initiative between Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) and the three regional Inuit associations: Kivalliq Inuit Association, Kitikmeot Inuit Association and Qikiqtani Inuit Association. Nunavut Inuit Makigiaqta approved a policy on Large-Scale Initiatives Supporting Inuit in Post-Secondary Education, which will provide funding of $5 million in both 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. This new policy and approved funds is intended to empower Inuit students with the essential resources for academic success. “It is inspiring to see so many Inuit students advancing their knowledge and skills in post-secondary institutions, and I am so pleased that we are able to support them in reaching their goals,” said NTI President...
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Hay River wants input on the future of the former NFTI farmland
By Simona Rosenfield Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A survey is asking northerners what they want to see next for Hay River’s 260 acres of vacant farmland that was once the site of the Northern Farm Training Institute, or NFTI. The Town of Hay River commissioned the survey from the Territorial Agri-Food Association, or TAA, as part of plans to re-establish agricultural practices on the land. “This is the first step toward figuring out what needs to be done,” said Janet Dean, executive director of TAA. “It’s a good step because it means from the get-go that people’s opinions are being considered.” The former NFTI land, located 10 km south of Hay River, has been a point of contention since the non-profit dissolved in 2019. At its prime, NFTI was an...
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Summit to bring `pro development’ chiefs together to pursue clean energy initiatives
By Shari Narine Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will headline a summit on clean energy hosted by the National Coalition of Chiefs (NCC) this month in Calgary. The invitation was issued despite Smith’s government imposing a temporary moratorium on new renewable electricity this past August in order to conduct a regulatory review. According to a fact sheet produced by the Pembina Institute, at least six projects with Indigenous involvement were impacted by the moratorium. Indigenous Clean Energy, a national organization, says there are at least 40 green energy projects in Alberta that have some degree of Indigenous ownership. The regulatory review report is to be submitted to Nathan Neudorf, minister of Affordability and Utilities, by March 29. However, there is no timeframe as to when Neudorf is...
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Friends of Roxanne Louie seek reversal of decision to grant her murderer day parole
By Aaron Hemens Local Journalism Initiative Reporter CONTENT WARNING: This story includes content regarding “Canada’s” ongoing genocidal epidemic of MMIWG+ including graphic details. Please look after your spirit and read with care. More than 300 people have signed a petition demanding that the Parole Board of Canada reverse a decision to grant six-month day parole to a woman serving life in prison for murdering syilx mother Roxanne Louie. Laurie Wilson, a syilx community member and friend of Louie, created the petition which says the Parole Board’s process has been “patently unfair and discriminatory against the family of Roxanne Louie and the Okanagan Nation at large.” She writes that Louie’s family and community were not notified or given an opportunity to provide input when killer Grace Robotti was in the process...
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