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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Doig River Chief emphasizes cooperation with industry at BC Natural Resources Forum
By Edward Hitchins Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Doig River First Nation Chief Trevor Makadahay spoke of cooperation with industry as a keynote speaker during the BC Natural Resources Forum, which took place in Prince George from January 17th to 19th. Presenting on the conference’s final day, Makadahay pointed out Doig River’s rich energy history. Oil and gas exploration on the territory started over 70 years ago, with the first wells drilled at Boundary Lake. Makdahay also discussed the initial challenges he experienced when becoming a Doig River First Nation administrator. “As the land manager in 1996, I was told, `Here’s a job, a pile of letters, find your budget as we have no money.”’ Makadahay said. “That is when my vision of revenue sharing began.” Makadahay continued by stating that...
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Art exhibit explores what it meant to Tom Wilson to be removed, then reconnected to his Mohawk heritage
By Sam Laskaris Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com Tom Wilson has had his share of highlights throughout a multi-faceted artistic career. As a musician, Wilson attainted fame with a number of bands, including as the frontman for Junkhouse, a rock group formed in 1989 that still occasionally performs. But it is Wilson’s writing and skill as a painter that has him back in the spotlight. His art exhibit titled Mohawk Warriors, Hunters & Chiefs opened to the public Feb. 2 at the Cultural Goods Gallery located in Toronto. On Feb. 3, Wilson will provide an artist’s talk at the gallery and be available to sign copies of a new book he co-authored, also titled Mohawk Warriors, Hunters & Chiefs. Wilson, who is 64, grew up in Hamilton. In his best-selling...
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‘It’s sickening’: Protesters outside Confederation Building in St. John’s call for Marlborough Hotel in Manitoba to be shut down
By Sanuda Ranawake Local Journalism Initiative Reporter St. JOHN’S, N.L.- Nathan Catcheway knows a lot about violence toward Indigenous women in Manitoba, he is from there, and his sister was murdered there. Catcheway is a member of the Ojibwe First Nation in Manitoba, but has lived in St. John’s since 2008. A big reason for moving to Newfoundland was safety, he says. “My late sister, she was murdered back in 2012. I really try to do everything I can to spread the word about missing and murdered Indigenous women,” Catcheway said as he attended a demonstration on Jan. 27 at the Confederation Building in St. John’s that called for the shutdown and investigation of the Marlborough Hotel in Winnipeg. The hotel was recently the centre of a controversy over video...
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Could a YMCA be coming to Curve Lake First Nation?
By Brendan Burke Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Thanks to interest from community members, Curve Lake First Nation could be the future home of a YMCA ,a move that would see the community become the second First Nation in all of Canada to host a YMCA facility. Curve Lake First Nation, YMCA Canada and YMCA Central East Ontario are exploring the idea of building a sustainable YMCA centre for the community as part of a “transformational” project that reflects the YMCA’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, states a letter sent jointly from YMCA Canada and Curve Lake First Nation. Interest for the proposal is currently being gauged through a survey that encourages Curve Lake First Nation members to voice their views on what a potential project could and should look like...
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Breaking down barriers to get Indigenous businesses online
By Isaac Nay Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From starting his own business to founding an Indigenous business accelerator with one of the largest e-commerce platforms on the planet, Kyle Brennan Shawinipines? has become the “go-to guy” for Indigenous entrepreneurs looking to grow their companies. Meeting him, it’s clear to see why. He’s quick to speak about systemic barriers in business, the political environment in Ottawa and intricacies of government in his First Nation. “Algonquin,” is embroidered on his hat, a nod to his Anishinaabe heritage, and his jacket boldly sports the logo of SECTION 35, a streetwear brand founded by an entrepreneur from the Samson Cree Nation. He’s the senior lead of Build Native with Shopify, the e-commerce platform’s initiative to work with Indigenous entrepreneurs across North America. Shopify is...
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Tseshaht and Alberni Valley advocate for fully funded detox centre with new strategy
By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC – On Jan. 31, Maht Mah’s filled with Alberni Valley organizations and community members for the unveiling of a four-pillar strategy to combat the toxic drug crisis in the region. At the gathering the Tseshaht First Nation, in partnership with Port Alberni’s Community Action Team and Kuu-us Crisis Line Society, proposed their plan, which includes advocating for a fully funded, inclusive detox and recovery facility. “This isn’t just an Indigenous issue, this isn’t just a Port Alberni issue, or a B.C. issue, or a Canadian issue; this is a human issue and it deserves all of our thoughts, our minds coming together,” said Ken Watts, Tseshaht’s elected chief councillor. He added that this document provides a clear way forward among...
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City of Thunder Bay Indigenous ‘spend’ to be analyzed
By Sandi Krasowski Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An analysis of the City of Thunder Bay is underway to explore how Indigenous spending supports the growth and development of the city as a regional service hub. A joint effort between the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), Fort William First Nation, Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA) and the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) will work in collaboration with Indigenous and Community Engagement (ICE) Inc. and Big River Analytics (BRA) who will serve as the vendor for the analysis. Jamie Taylor, the CEDC chief executive officer, said the collaboration is a significant step forward in shaping a sustainable future for Thunder Bay.“When we talk about building a sustainable future for Thunder Bay, if you look at our strategic plan, we have...
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