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...
Register
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...
Register
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...
Register
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...
Register
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...
Register
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...
Register
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....
Register
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/...
Register
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...
Register
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...
Register
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...
Register
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.,...
Register
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...
Register
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...
Register
A famed NYC museum is closing two Native American halls. Harvard and others have taken similar steps
By Philip Marcelo THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK (AP)- New York’s American Museum of Natural History is closing two halls featuring Native American objects starting Saturday, acknowledging the exhibits are “severely outdated” and contain culturally sensitive items. The mammoth complex across from Central Park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is the latest U.S. institution to cover up or remove Native American exhibits to comply with recently revamped federal regulations dealing with the display of Indigenous human remains and cultural items. The museum said in October that it would pull all human remains from public display, with the aim of eventually repatriating as much as it could to Native American tribes and other rightful owners. Sean Decatur, the museum’s president, said in a letter to staff Friday that the latest move...
Register
Good health within reach
By Maggie Macintosh Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Manitoba First Nations School System is celebrating the end of a historic week after hosting its inaugural diabetes camp and an indoor rock-climbing championship, both of which promoted the importance of regular exercise among youth. About 20 campers, each of whom has Type 1 or 2 diabetes, has a family member with a diagnosis, or is at-risk of developing the chronic disease. went to a winter retreat in Headingley where they learned to snowshoe and read nutritional labels. Also this week, more than 100 visitors arrived in Bloodvein First Nation to compete in the Indigenous-run school board’s first annual climbing contest Thursday. Miskooseepi School is home to “the ultimate jungle gym,” said Mike Thomas, a phys-ed and health program facilitator. “When kids...
Register
Wetaskiwin Council approves $400K funding for organic program supply purchases
By Qiam Noori Local Journalism Initiative Reporter To fund expanded services, Wetaskiwin Council has approved one-time funding for supplies to be purchased for the city’s organics program. The city would use the money saved in 2023 by contracting out the waste services to purchase the required supplies. The costs include manufacturing 4,400 curbside carts, 4,300 kitchen catchers (7L), freight, assembly, and delivery to all account holders, according to the city’s report presented at the Jan. 22 regular council meeting. Kathy Lewin, the General Manager of Municipal Services – who presented the report, said that the service is only for residential buildings. She added that the organic waste would be picked up the same day the other waste bins were being collected, but likely via a different truck. Lewin further said...
Register
ColdAcre Food Systems becomes First Nation owned company
By Amy Kenny Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ColdAcre Food Systems Inc. is now majority-owned by the Na-Cho Ny?k Dun Development Corporation (NNDDC). The NNDDC announced on Jan. 23 that it has a 51-per-cent controlling ownership in the company, which develops and manufactures food system technologies, including hydroponic grow units. The corporation has owned one of those units since 2020. One of the big reasons for the majority acquisition has to do with food sovereignty, said Jani Djokic, CEO of NNDDC. Djokic said the corporation has gained an understanding of the ways the food sector has changed through its ownership of Mayo Foods Ltd., the Mayo grocery store owned by NNDDC, and its work as a camp services provider to local industrial and mining projects. “We’re uniquely positioned through Mayo Foods,...
Register
B.C. odour incidents spark questions around corporate ethics and communication
By Brieanna Charlebois THE CANADIAN PRESS Vancouver resident Robert Ford was heading to a yoga class Sunday morning when he smelled an odour he likened to “semi-burnt fuel.” As a member of council at his Kitsilano apartment building, he said he decided to check the boiler room, but it smelled fine. “I was expecting something in there, so that was strange. I scratched my head and I went to the front door, which is right across from the beach, and it was 10 times more powerful outside,” he said. He immediately began searching online for an explanation but didn’t find any answers until almost four hours later. “I’m just kind of perplexed at how we can have such a nasty event with no public information hardly,” he said. It was one...
Register
“This was the worst thing I’ve seen in my career,” former Melfort staff sergeant says
By Ryan Kiedrowski Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An inquest into the deaths of 11 people on the James Smith Cree Nation over the Sept. 2022 long weekend heard from the detachment commander in charge during the mass stabbing event. When asked by Coroner Counsel Timothy Hawryluk how he was feeling this morning, former S/Sgt. Darren Lee Simons replied “anxious.” Simons, who came to the Melfort Detachment six weeks before the tragedy happened, detailed his extensive experience working near **>First Nations<** communities in each detachment he was posted, including the community of Gleichen, AB and the nearby Siksika First Nation, who temporarily had their own police service. The retired RCMP member also recounted his involvement responding to the unfolding tragedy on JSCN. Simons was at his home that morning when the...
Register
