Pikangikum water woes decades-old, chief says
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source PIKANGIKUM — Water issues in Pikangikum First Nation are the same now as 39 years ago, Chief Paddy Peters said Monday. “I was elected into office (for) my first term as chief when I was 30 years old,” he said in an interview via Zoom. “And what we’re going through right now … those (issues) were on the table when I began as chief, when I was 30 years old. “Today I’m 69 years old. I was re-elected into office in January of this new year, and the same issues are still on the table. “And, you know, I thought everything would be all worked out (by now). “I was out of office for over 10 years. I was re-elected...
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Gun control group urges PM Carney to ensure ‘timely delivery’ on firearm commitments
By Jim Bronskill A prominent gun control group is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to swiftly implement Liberal election promises on firearms and avoid the foot-dragging that left many pledges under the previous government unfulfilled. In a letter to Carney, PolySeSouvient says the mandate for the next public safety minister should include a commitment to “timely delivery” of planned reforms, especially the buyback of banned firearms. PolySeSouvient includes students and graduates of Montreal’s École Polytechnique, where a gunman killed 14 women in 1989. Since May 2020, the Liberal government has banned more than 2,500 varieties of what it calls assault-style firearms — semi-automatics with sustained rapid-fire capability. During the recent election campaign, PolySeSouvient said Carney’s Liberals were the ones most likely to bring in additional measures to prevent firearm-related violence....
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AFN chief calls for review of natural resource deals amid talk of Alberta separation
By Lisa Johnson The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling for a federal review of nearly century-old natural resource transfer agreements in response to Alberta’s government opening the door to a separation referendum. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has introduced a bill that, if passed, would make it far easier for Albertans to launch referendums on various topics — including splitting from Canada. Smith has pointed to growing alienation in her province and frustration with Ottawa, saying those wanting to separate “are not fringe voices.” National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak reiterated her previous condemnation of the move Monday, saying First Nations are standing firm against any discussion about separation. “Any smart province or premier would speak to First Nations directly and work with First Nations directly before...
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Indigenous entrepreneurs explore 231-year old treaty as a way around US tariffs
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer A First Nations trapper and entrepreneur is using his rights under a 231-year-old treaty to run his business across the US-Canada border without a visa, and other Indigenous business owners are also now using this legal pathway to bypass rising US tariffs and trade restrictions. George Bahm, a member of the Teslin Tlingit Council, and his wife expanded their business, Wild Yukon Furs, into the US in 2022. They sell fur jewellery and handmade goods sourced and created in their Yukon facility to tourists in Skagway, Alaska — a popular stop for international and domestic visitors during the busy cruise season. “Most of the time, they just ask for my Canadian status card, and then, away I go. It’s super...
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Brantford Police investigating overnight shooting
BRANTFORD, ONT-Brantford City police seeking the public help after receiving reports of a shooting near the intersection of Murray Street and Chatham Street Tuesday May 13, 2025, shortly after 2:00 a.m.. Brantford Police Service (BPS) said a significant police response was deployed and upon arrival, officers found evidence of gunfire in the area. This investigation is still in its early stages, and further updates will follow. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 and reference Incident #: BR25018039. Anonymous information can be provided by contacting 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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Brantford man in serious condition after being stabbed in early morning altercation
BRANTFORD, ONT- Brantford City Police are seeking information on an assault that saw a man show up at hospital suffering several stab wounds Tuesday, May 13, 2025, shortly after 3:00 a.m.. Brantford Police Service (BPS) said the victim was determined to be in serious condition. Police launched an investigation and officers located multiple blood droplets and spatter along various portions of sidewalk along Terrace Hill Street. This investigation is still in its early stages, and further updates will follow. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 and reference Incident #: BR25018042. Anonymous information can be provided by contacting 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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Nova Scotia Indigenous leader calls on Ottawa to move ahead with review of arrests
An Indigenous leader is calling on Ottawa to begin an external review into why fisheries officers allegedly arrested two Mi’kmaq fishers in March 2024 and left them at a Nova Scotia gas station without shoes or phones. Chief Gerald Toney of the Annapolis Valley First Nation told a news conference in Ottawa today there has been no movement on the file since then-fisheries minister Diane Lebouthillier called for the review on July 8. Toney says the way the two men were treated was “inhumane,” and he urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to take action within his first 100 days in office. Lebouthillier said after the arrests that the review would examine Fisheries Department policies, adding that a panel with Indigenous leadership would be announced within a month. A veteran fisheries...
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Mamakwa ‘felt something’ viewing historic Treaty 9
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source KIIWETINOONG — Viewing the James Bay Treaty was an “emotional” experience for Sol Mamakwa, MPP for Kiiwetinoong. The New Democrat’s riding is mostly within the territory of the treaty, also known as Treaty 9, and the land includes his home First Nation. He recently visited the Archives of Ontario in North York and saw the 1905 treaty up-close there. “It was a very interesting visit,” Mamakwa said in an interview Friday. “When I saw the signatures from KI (Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, or Big Trout Lake), North Caribou and Fort Severn … I felt something, it just felt emotional.” Mamakwa shared the experience this week with photos on social media. “As a rights-holder, it was a powerful experience to physically hold this...
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Fort St. John to receive millions of dollars in provincial funding for climate emergencies
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A local First Nation and the City of Fort St. John will both be receiving a combined over $4.4 million toward reducing the risk of climate emergencies. The city will receive $4.2 million toward a remediation project of the Bouffioux Coulee area, to reduce watershed flood risk and outfall pipeline protection for local and neighbouring communities; and rainfall distribution analysis and bylaw amendment for better stormwater planning. Meanwhile, Saulteau First Nations in Moberly Lake will be getting $245,987 toward a water-related hazard management plan designed to improve resilience through increased and more accessible planning and mapping resources, which in turn will assist the Nation in “working with external partners toward regional resiliency.” In a press release on...
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Northern premiers look to expand horizons and opportunities during Northern Premiers’ Forum
By Screenshot: Northern Premiers’ Forum, Nunavut News Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says within Canada’s three Northern territories exists an “incredible opportunity”. “We’re seeing so much uncertainty around the world, right across this country, and I think one thing as Northern territories that we provide all Canadians is certainty. We have so much opportunity,” Akeeagok said. The premier recently attended the annual Northern Premiers’ Forum held in Haines Junction, Yukon, joined by this years’ chair Yukon premier Ranj Pillai, and NWT premier R.J. Simpson. Akeeagok said as a team of three, the premiers are pushing and demonstrating that the territories are emerging as a key region for prosperity and possibilities for growth with “nation building projects”. “I too, very much look forward to working very closely with the Prime Minister on...
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Promoting good health in Rankin Inlet creates a rewarding career
By Photo courtesy of Angnaluaaq (Tia) Friesen, Nunavut News As a public health nurse in Rankin Inlet, Angnaluaaq (Tia) Friesen’s work is focused on preventative health and being proactive to ensure people in her community stay healthy. “What I really like is working upstream, like preventing things before they happen, “ Friesen said. A good part of that work for Friesen is public outreach and health promotion throughout the community. “It would be going to the schools to educate kids on how to wash your hands, or talking to the middle school or high school about smoking cessation, smoking reduction or vaping, and really trying to prevent people getting seriously sick down the road, or preventing illnesses from going around. “It’s really fun to go out to the community and...
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Sioux Valley chief stands ground
By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Brandon Sun SIOUX VALLEY DAKOTA NATION — Chief Vince Tacan appeared before a crowd of protesters Friday afternoon and told them that he would not comply with their demand that he resign. “I’m going to say right now that I’m not stepping down,” Tacan told the crowd of about two dozen people. “We had a meeting yesterday the council decided they are not stepping down — they said they are not going to be bullied into stepping down.” Prior to the chief’s appearance, an RCMP vehicle and a First Nation Safety Officer vehicle patrolled outside the Oyate’ Omnic’iya Tipi building for about an hour as a group that calls itself the Concerned Members of Sioux Valley waited for the chief. The group had...
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Eby’s bill to speed up B.C. projects risks alienating NDP supporters, expert says
By Wolfgang Depner A political scientist says B.C. Premier David Eby is “marching the province toward a confrontation” in which Speaker Raj Chouhan will have to cast a deciding vote to push through a bill to speed up certain infrastructure projects. Bill 15 proposes to accelerate some projects to counter U.S. tariffs, but has drawn opposition from First Nations, environmentalists and opposition parties, including the B.C. Greens, who said last week they won’t support it. UBC political science lecturer Stewart Prest says it likely means Chouhan will have to break a tied vote on the bill, which doesn’t fall under an agreement the New Democrats signed with the Greens in March to protect the government’s slim government. While Eby faces an “outside chance” his government will fall, Prest says he...
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Indigenous fashion week in Santa Fe, New Mexico, explores heritage in silk and hides
By Morgan Lee SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Fashion designers from across North America are bringing inspiration from their Indigenous heritage, culture and everyday lives to three days of runway modeling starting Friday in a leading creative hub and marketplace for Indigenous art. A fashion show affiliated with the century-old Santa Fe Indian Market is collaborating this year with a counterpart from Vancouver, Canada, in a spirit of Indigenous solidarity and artistic freedom. A second, independent runway show at a rail yard district in the city has nearly doubled the bustle of models, makeup and final fittings. Three days of runway shows set to music will have models that include professionals and family, dancers and Indigenous celebrities from TV and the political sphere. Clothing and accessories rely on materials ranging...
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‘A spirit-led life journey’: Huntsville’s Hope Arises founder featured in Hot Docs documentary ‘Red Girl Rising’
By Megan Hederson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, muskokaregion.com Joyce Jonathan Crone nearly wept as she stood centre stage in front of the packed audience at Toronto’s Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. This was her “Oscar moment,” she said – proud of the powerful film she helped shape, one that shines a light on Indigenous strength, culture, and community in Huntsville. Crone is the subject of “Red Girl Rising,” a 12-minute documentary that had its world premiere April 30 at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto. What is the documentary about? The documentary unveils the everyday life of Crone, an Indigenous woman and founder of Hope Arises Project Inc., which she said works to dismantle “cultural misconceptions, barriers, racism, and stereotypes.” Hope Arises has led walks through downtown...
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Quebec sovereigntists watch Alberta referendum talk with optimism, disdain
By Maura Forrest As Alberta flirts with the possibility of a referendum on separation, Quebec sovereigntists are watching with interest — and a healthy dose of skepticism. Some are hoping a wave of separatist sentiment in Alberta will put wind in the sails of Quebec’s own independence movement, which took a blow in the recent federal election when the Liberals made big gains in the province at the expense of the sovereigntist Bloc Québécois. But others see Alberta’s brand of separatism, grown out of frustration with federal Liberal policies, as so fundamentally different from Quebec sovereignty that it’s hard not to be dismissive. “In Quebec, we have a nation, a language, a culture, a distinct history,” said Marie-Anne Alepin, president of the Société St-Jean-Baptiste de Montréal, a prominent Quebec nationalist...
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Indigenous talent to be celebrated at Stars of Tomorrow
By Kimberly De Jong, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Brant Beacon Indigenous talent will be on full display during the 50th annual Stars of Tomorrow Showcase, which will be held at the Sanderson Centre for Performing Arts, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The free event is being held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Michelle Farmer’s Studio of Dance and Modelling, the longest running Indigenous-owned talent studio in North America. For five decades now, Farmer has empowered over 5000 Indigenous youth through the art of dance, modeling and performing. The showcase will be hosted by Gary Farmer, an Indigenous actor and musician, and will feature a line-up of performances from comedian, Janelle Niles; Derek Miller, a two-time JUNO Award winning singer-songwriter and guitarist; and Six Nations musicians Lacey Hill and James...
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Eskasoni lawyer wins big in QEII Home Lottery
By Rosemary Godin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cape Breton Post A familiar Cape Breton name scrolled across Nova Scotian televisions this week when the winners of the latest QEII Home Lottery were announced. Tuma Young, a philanthropist, lawyer, social justice activist and recent recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, won the 50/50 jackpot of $889,725. It’s the second time in the last four years that a Cape Breton resident has won the major 50/50 cash prize that usually hovers around $1 million. Dozens of congratulatory messages filled Young’s Facebook page with all saying the Mi’kmaq lawyer was “well-deserving” of the windfall. “This is amazing,” said one, while another friend commented that her friend has been encouraging others to buy the tickets for a very long time. And this...
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B.C., federal government support dredging Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet, others opposed
By Wolfgang Depner British Columbia’s energy minister is backing plans to dredge and deepen Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet to accommodate fully loaded oil tankers, despite concerns from environmentalists, experts and First Nations. The plan, floated recently by Prime Minister Mark Carney, could result in fewer tankers carrying more oil from the Trans Mountain pipeline to markets abroad. The expanded TMX pipeline has been operating since May 2024 and there have been calls to expand it again to help diversify energy exports away from the United States. “We certainly have said we are supportive, given that it would meet the environmental requirements and consultation requirements (with First Nations) that you have,” Energy Minister Adrian Dix said in a recent interview. Dix added that it would be a federal project that “would allow...
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Amidst a First Nations suicide crisis, political leaders only see gold
By Jon Thompson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ricochet The ice is breaking up slowly on the lakes that surround Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, 110 kilometres south of Kenora, Ontario. The snow’s receding, and mining prospectors are eager to get back into the field. Meanwhile, a trade war with the U.S. is threatening to ramp up critical minerals at volumes and speeds that would transform the entire national economy. But if a gold rush is coming like the one that took place in the 1880s and 1890s on Treaty #3 lands here in northwestern Ontario, the vote-rich cities where Canada’s political titans vie for power won’t bear a fraction of its impact compared to the First Nations people and fishing camp outfitters who live along this remote, secondary highway. Onigaming...
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