Six Nations Blackhawks register shutout at Little NHL opener
By Sam Laskaris Writer It’s not a huge surprise that Kayla Miller is hanging around hockey rinks at this time of year. “As far as I could remember, this is what I do on March break,” said the Six Nations member. To be more specific, Miller is participating in this year’s Little Native Hockey League tournament, often simply referred to as the Little NHL. Miller is serving as the head coach of the Six Nations Blackhawks, who are competing in the boys’ Under-13 recreational division. The Blackhawks’ roster includes her son Zayden. Miller’s brother Brody is the club’s trainer while his son Keidrick is also on the squad. The Blackhawks started off the Little NHL on a positive note. They blanked the Chippewas of Nawash Warriors 6-0 in their tournament...
Register
Six Nations Arrows sign affiliation agreement with Kahnawake Hunters Junior B team
By Sam Laskaris Writer The Six Nations Arrows have a new affiliate. It was announced this past week that the local Junior A lacrosse squad has joined forces with the Quebec-based Kahnawake Hunters, who compete in the Ontario Junior B Lacrosse League. “I think it’s a really good opportunity (for our players) to be able to play at a higher level and for another Haudenosaunee team,” said Hunters’ general manager Greg Horn. The Arrows participate in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League. Since they are from the same community, the Arrows are automatically affiliated with both the Six Nations Rebels, a Junior B team, and the Six Nations Stealth, a Junior C franchise. “We are allowed one more affiliation with a Junior B squad,” said Delby Powless, a director with the...
Register
New Report Shows Indigenous Entrepreneurs Are Key to Canada’s Economic Resilience – But the Digital Divide is Holding Them Back
OTTAWA, Ontario, March 12, 2025 — As Canada navigates economic uncertainty and rising trade tensions with the U.S., a groundbreaking new report from the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF) reveals an overlooked opportunity to strengthen Canada’s economy from within. The report, Bridging the Digital Divide: Enhancing Access for Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Canada, shows that Indigenous businesses are primed for growth, yet digital barriers—high costs, unreliable broadband, and limited access to training—are holding them back from contributing fully to the national economy. “Indigenous entrepreneurs are not just an untapped economic force—we are an essential part of Canada’s future prosperity,” said Michelle Okere, Executive Director of IPF. “In a time of global economic uncertainty, investing in Indigenous businesses is not charity—it is smart economic policy. When we create pathways for Indigenous-led innovation, digital...
Register
Judge reserves sentence in Prince George sexual assault case
By Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince George Citizen A judge in Prince George provincial court reserved decision Monday, March 10 in the sentencing of a man who pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a woman with which he had a relationship. The identities of both parties are protected by a publication ban. Crown prosecutor Gregory Furmaniuk asked Judge Judith Doulis to sentence the man to two years less a day in jail, plus three years probation. Conditions would include registration as a sex offender and a ban on firearms possession. Defence lawyer David Hopkins asked for 12-to-18 months to be served in the community on a conditional sentence order. The court heard that the victim and the accused were together on Oct. 2, 2021. He stayed over at...
Register
B.C. says U.S. has paused Columbia River Treaty talks as trade tensions grow
BC-British Columbia’s Energy Ministry says the United States has paused negotiations with Canada on the wide-reaching Columbia River Treaty that regulates everything from flood control and power generation to water supply and salmon restoration in the region. The ministry says in a news release that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration “is conducting a broad review of its international engagement.” The two countries reached an in-principle deal on a new version of the decades-old treaty last July, and while officials from both countries pushed for its finalization before Trump took office in January, the treaty’s fate remains unsettled. The Columbia River’s headwaters are in British Columbia before it flows down into the states of Washington and Oregon. The stoppage in talks comes amid trade tensions between Canada and the United States,...
Register
Inspiring Indigenous youth one stitch at a time: Indigenous fashion designer sows call to action
By Anasophie Vallee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Telegram Historically, women have more often than not found themselves working extra hard to prove their worth, capabilities and intelligence in their respective fields. Understanding the role that intersectionality plays in this issue means acknowledging the different barriers that women face depending on varying factors, including race and class. Innumerable inspiring stories could be told of strong women from differing backgrounds going after what they want and achieving their goals while simultaneously uplifting other women and raising awareness about critical social issues. April Allen is one of those stories. Allen is a contemporary Inuk artist from Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, on the North Coast of Labrador. Known for her fashion designs and brand, Stitched by April, she began beading and stitching with her mom...
Register
Building a French women’s network in Nunavut
By Kira Wronska Dorward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The Association Francophone du Nunavut (AFN) has a new department for women and gender equality and the co-ordinator of the new initiative spoke with NNSL Media about just what the plans are. Samia Solomon began her role last month and right before International Women’s Day on March 8, as well as before the start of Francophonie Month. She said the job is profoundly meaningful to her because it reinforces her values of engaging in the promotion of women’s equity. “The promotion of their rights, the struggle against gender-based violence, as well as developing female leadership,” she said. “I am really willing to integrate myself and get involved in the territory because this is a dear hope of mine. I hope...
Register
Treaty 8 and Fort St. John documentary to honour 125th anniversary of agreement’s signing
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John has announced a new documentary project with the Treaty 8 Tribal Association to commemorate a special milestone. According to a press release on March 11th, “The Spirit of Treaty 8” will honour the 125th anniversary of the agreement’s signing. Treaty 8 covers 840,000 square kilometres stretching from Saskatchewan to the Northwest Territories. It was first signed in June 1899 by representatives of the Crown and members of the Lesser Slave Lake area in Alberta. The statement said the film will be a “documentary explor[ing] Treaty 8’s history, significance and lasting impacts” with interviews from the First Nations community and leaders from around the region. “We are excited to share the story...
Register
School boards prepare for cuts to Jordan’s Principle funding
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press MANITOBA-Manitoba school boards are bracing for cuts to their Jordan’s Principle funding as trustees assess staffing needs and budget pressures for next year. The Hanover School Division laid off 93 educational assistants in the fall, citing the “unexpected loss” of federal dollars to support First Nations students. The announcement out of Steinbach and recent changes to eligibility under the child-first principle have sent a chill across the kindergarten-to-Grade 12 sector. Since its inception in 2016, the fund has sought to ensure First Nations kids do not face gaps, delays or denials in accessing government services available to their peers. It was named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a five-year-old boy from Norway House Cree Nation. Jordan, who lived with...
Register
Grand Erie Public Health warns three new measles exposure areas
Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is advising community members of three new measles exposure locations in their region. Exposure to the measles virus may have occurred at the following locations, dates, times as indicated: Delhi Community Health Centre Walk-In Clinic, 105 Main St. Delhi, March 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Glen Meyer Old Colony School, 1436 1st Concession Rd., Langton, March 3-5, 2025, from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Valley Heights Secondary School – Safety Night, 2561 Highway 59 South, Langton, February 25, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. If you were present at any of the above locations at the identified time(s) or you have been exposed to measles elsewhere in the community, please complete our measles exposure form at www.geph.ca/measlesform. The form will collect information...
Register
Brantford Police continue attempted jewelry store robbery
BRANTFORD-The Brantford Police Service are continuing to investigate an attempted robbery that occurred on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at about 3:30 p.m.at a Lynden Road jewelry store. Polcie said five black male suspects, wearing masks and dressed all in black, attempted to enter the store by smashing the front window. The suspects were unsuccessful in gaining entry and fled the scene. Suspect descriptions are as follows: Suspect #1: Male, black, approx. 17-22 years old, wearing a black hoodie and face covering Suspect #2: Male, black, approx. 17-22 years old, between 5’11”- 6’2” tall, wearing a black jacket, balaclava and sunglasses Suspect #3: Male, black, approx. 17-22 years old, between 5’8”- 5’11” tall, wearing...
Register
No pollution or injuries reported after fish farm vessel hits a rock in Tahsis Inlet
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Salmon farmer Grieg Seafood on the west coast of Vancouver Island is reporting no injuries or pollution after the Ronja Islander, a live fish transport and treatment vessel owned by aquaculture industry service partner Sølvtrans, hit a rock in Tahsis Inlet on March 8. Tahsis Inlet is located in Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN) territory and Nootka Sound. Recently, in mid-December 2024, Grieg Seafood was responsible for spilling between 7,000 to 8,000 litres of diesel fuel by Lutes Creek in Esperanza Inlet, which is in Ehattesaht/Chinehkint First Nation territory and neighbours MMFN. The Lutes Creek diesel spill spread throughout Nootka Sound, resulting in temporary shellfish harvesting closures. According to Grieg Seafood, the Ronja Islander sustained some damage from the March 8 crash, but was...
Register
Manitoba premier says landfill search for two women’s remains under budget
MANITOBA-CP-Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says the search of a landfill for two murdered First Nations women is under budget, as work continues on identifying a set of remains found last month. The province and the federal government each committed $20 million to search the Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran. The search began in early December and two sets of remains were recently found at the site. RCMP have said one set belongs to 39-year-old Harris. Kinew declined to say what percentage of the allocated funds has been spent so far. He says the project is “way under budget” because the government is still in the early stage of its search at the Prairie Green landfill. The premier says the province will consult with the...
Register
Three B.C. Conservative rebels will sit as Independents as they ‘explore’ new party
By Ashley Joannou On the front steps of the B.C. legislature on Monday, three rebel former members of the B.C. Conservatives laid out their case — Opposition leader John Rustad was beholden to “woke liberals,” the party had been infiltrated and it had turned its back on “the truth” about residential schools. The trio — Dallas Brodie, Jordan Kealy and Tara Armstrong — said they would sit together as Independents, later clarifying in a joint statement that they would “explore the launch of a new political party.” Inside, it was a different story. NDP legislator Joan Phillip rose to give a statement decrying “misinformation being spread by members of this house” and thanking those who spoke out against it. “Speaking out requires courage, and I lift my hands up to...
Register
Trudeau pushes for RCMP reform during final days in office
By Catherine Morrison OTTAWA-CP-During his final days in office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is pushing for long-promised reform to the RCMP. A government report released Monday, which highlights concerns about Canada’s capacity to meet “the new threat environment,” says it’s time to modernize the police service to focus on “the most serious forms of criminality.” It says the government’s vision should be to establish the RCMP as a “world class, intelligence-led, federal policing organization.” In an interview, Trudeau told CBC News that the RCMP is “strained” and that he has been “trying to do this since the very beginning.” The report, published on the Public Safety Canada website, made four key recommendations including asking the RCMP to focus on the most serious crimes affecting Canada, like those that transcend a...
Register
Inuit Child First Initiative extension a ‘relief,’ advocate says
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News The extension of the Inuit Child First Initiative came as a “relief” to Taya Tootoo, the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation executive director, who 10 days ago warned of a “humanitarian crisis” if the program’s funding expired. “It was just so good to hear that the communities will have some interim support while we figure out long-term proactive plans,” Tootoo said in an interview Monday. “Hearing from the front lines, the fear from the community of what was going to happen with their ability to support their children was quite traumatic” if the funding wasn’t extended, Tootoo said. The program’s funding had been set to expire on March 31, the end of the government’s current fiscal year. The federal government previously...
Register
Polls open in Greenland for parliamentary elections as Trump seeks control of the strategic island
By Danica Kirka NUUK, Greenland (AP) — Polls opened in Greenland for early parliamentary elections Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks control of the strategic Arctic island. The self-governing region of Denmark is home to 56,000 people, most from Indigenous Inuit backgrounds, and occupies a strategic North Atlantic location. It also contains rare earth minerals key to driving the global economy. Unofficial election results should be available soon after polls close at 2200 GMT Tuesday, but they won’t be certified for weeks as ballot papers make their way to the capital from remote settlements by boat, plane and helicopter. While the island has been on a path toward independence since at least 2009, a break from Denmark isn’t on the ballot even though it’s on everyone’s mind. Voters on...
Register
No Child Left Behind – Customary adoptions now possible in Cree communities
By Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Nation Long before European contact, customary adoption was common among the Cree and other Indigenous people. It traditionally involved placing a child with another family for survival purposes when the parents were for some reason unable to properly care for them. After lobbying by Cree authorities since the early 1980s to legally recognize this practice, Quebec began consulting with Indigenous groups in the early 2000s when it was reviewing its own adoption laws. With Bill 113 passed in 2017, the province’s Indigenous Nations now have the ability to create their own unique systems that oversee and document this process. As the provincially designated “competent authority” in Eeyou Istchee, the Cree Nation Government is working with communities to establish local committees and reaching...
Register
Ontario ditches Starlink deal, leaving remote communities with few alternatives
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Ontario government killed its $100-million deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink, leaving rural and remote communities in northern Ontario in the dark about their future internet access. The decision, part of a broader political strategy by Ontario Premier Doug Ford in response to American tariffs, alarms those who rely on Starlink for critical services like healthcare, business operations and emergency services. The now-cancelled Ontario Satellite Internet program, launched in November, was supposed to bring high-speed internet to 15,000 eligible homes and businesses in northern Ontario using Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite technology starting in June 2025. The provincial government offered to cover equipment and installation costs for eligible customers, with residential plans for $140 per month and business plans for $185. It was part...
Register
Dow drops 950, and Wall Street flirts with its worst day in years on worries about the economy
By Stan Choe NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market’s sell-offis cutting deeper Monday, and it’s flirting with its worst day in years as Wall Street questions how much pain President Donald Trump will let the economy endure through tariffs and other policies in order to get what he wants. The S&P 500 was down 3% in late trading, which would be its sharpest drop since the highest inflation in generations was shredding budgets in 2022. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 956 points, or 2.2%, with a little more than a half-hour remaining in trading, and the Nasdaq composite was 4.3% lower. The main measure of the U.S. stock market is on track for a seventh swing of more than 1%, up or down, in the last...
Register
