Self-government comes for northwest B.C. First Nation in proposed treaty
The Canadian Press Published: 24/06/2024 17:12 A British Columbia First Nation has agreed to a draft treaty with the federal and provincial governments that would give it more than 38,000 hectares of land in the province’s northwest. The proposed deal with the Kitselas nation is the first treaty with a B.C. First Nation in more than a decade and would give the band self-governing powers, while removing it from under the federal Indian Act. If approved by nation members in a vote next year, the treaty could become law as early as 2028, constitutionally recognizing the nation’s rights to governance, harvesting, land ownership, resource management, and other benefits. The treaty also includes $108.9 million from the federal government. Both the federal and provincial governments would have to pass legislation after...
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Indigenous data sovereignty can help save British Columbia’s wild salmon
24/06/2024 12:04 Non-Indigenous scientists increasingly realize that Indigenous data are key to solving today’s environmental challenges. Indigenous Peoples have generated and cared for data for millennia, passing down knowledge through traditions like storytelling, art and language. This knowledge is crucial to Indigenous ways of life, including the sustainable stewardship of ecosystems. With partnerships between non-Indigenous scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders proliferating, incorporating Indigenous data sovereignty (IDS) — the right of Indigenous Peoples to govern the collection, ownership and application of their data — is vital for successful collaborations and conservation. Science and Indigenous data Non-Indigenous scientists have a troubling track record of unethical research practices. Examples of treating Indigenous knowledge holders as research subjects are common and often lead to exploitation, mistrust and ongoing power imbalances that persist today. For...
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Chiefs frustrated with AFN’s child welfare work, say they’re not being consulted
: The Canadian Press Published: 24/06/2024 12:10 Three regional chiefs representing nearly half of First Nations say a national association is overstepping its mandate by making decisions that will directly affect children and families without consent. The chiefs, representing First Nations in Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Quebec-Labrador, say the Assembly of First Nations is not being transparent in its negotiations for a final settlement agreement with Canada on First Nations child and family services. They also say the AFN’s legal counsel are attempting to exclude the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society from the process altogether. The final agreement is part of a $40-billion settlement with Canada that came after the AFN and the Caring Society jointly launched a human-rights complaint about Ottawa’s chronic underfunding of on-reserve child welfare...
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‘We need to find a way to work together in a better way’
By Roisin Cullen Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The new chair of the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee, MP Patrick Weiler, is ready to hit the ground running. The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs reviews, examines and reports on issues affecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and northerners. Elected chair on June 4, Weiler served as a member of the committee from 2021 to 2023. The local member of Parliament told Pique he has seen first-hand the injustice Indigenous people in Canada face on a daily basis. “Prior to politics, I used to practise in aboriginal and environmental law. It’s one of the things that made me want to get involved with politics,” he said. “I wanted to improve the relationship with Indigenous Peoples across Canada. I...
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Indigenous leader makes plea for unity among B.C. First Nations to save wild salmon
The Canadian Press 21/06/2024 17:04 Indigenous dancers have circled a fire inside Victoria’s Mungo Martin House in a celebration of wild salmon on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Members of the Namgis First Nation from the Alert Bay area of northern Vancouver Island gathered at the traditional long house to honour their deep connections to the fish. Eighty-two-year-old Hereditary Chief Chris Cook says he remembers years ago when local rivers and streams were so full of wild salmon he could almost walk across their backs. He says he and the Namgis hope the days of plentiful wild salmon will return after the federal government this week said it would ban open net-pen fish farms in B.C. waters by 2029. Cook is pleading for unity among B.C. First Nations to rebuild wild...
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People rally outside ‘Kamloops’ court as Curtis Sagmoen set to appear: ‘We’re there for all women’
By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 21/06/2024 14:36 Content warning: This story contains details about Canada’s epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people. Please be gentle with your spirit and read with care. More than a dozen people rallied outside of a courthouse in Secwepemcúl’ecw on Thursday as Curtis Sagmoen, a notorious Okanagan-based man with a history of violence against women, was set to make an appearance. Sagmoen was scheduled to appear in the Kamloops court on June 20 on two counts of possession of a firearm contrary to order. His lawyer was present online for the hearing, but just like his previous court date on June 6 for the same allegations, Sagmoen was nowhere to be seen. His next appearance is now booked for...
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“We’ve been at the table”: Hajdu on Ginoogaming’s state of emergency
By Austin Campbell Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 21/06/2024 13:54 Following a speech made by Chief Sheri Taylor of Ginoogaming First Nation and comments from Greg Rickford, minister of northern affairs and First Nations economic reconciliation, at Premier Doug Ford’s recent announcement in Greenstone, Minister Patty Hajdu has issued a response. Ginoogaming declared a state of emergency in May and, with the support of Matawa First Nations Management and the Chiefs Council, a letter written by Chief Taylor was hand-delivered to Premier Ford’s office. Dougall Media recently caught up with Hajdu at her office in Thunder Bay, where she responded to Rickford’s comments and offered some examples of what she and her staff have been doing not only for Ginoogaming but the province as a whole. “I think we’ve been at...
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Winnipeg street named after controversial bishop officially renamed in ceremony
The Canadian Press 21/06/2024 14:03 Winnipeg is holding a ceremony on National Indigenous Peoples Day to rename a major street originally named for a Catholic bishop who championed residential schools. City council voted to rename Bishop Grandin Boulevard in the city’s south end to Abinojii Mikanah last year. The new name translates to “children’s way” in Anishinaabemowin. Bishop Vital-Justin Grandin was identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as leading the campaign for residential schools. Mayor Scott Gillingham says renaming the street acknowledges the past injustices and honours the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. Frank Beaulieu, a knowledge keeper and member of the group who chose the new name, says it unites all Manitobans regardless of race or culture. “I believe our children and grandchildren unborn will walk in...
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Demo shows use of drones by RCMP in rural, Indigenous communities
By Jessica Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A five-year-old has taken off from a residence into a wooded area in Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation. This was the mock scenario Cochrane RCMP painted for a drone demonstration on Friday (June 14) during trials it was conducting in the First Nation earlier this month. From a meeting room at the Cochrane detachment, a remote drone pilot reached the site where the child was last seen in about two minutes and honed in on a bushy area where a white sedan and a person imitating the child could be seen on a big television screen. “In this scenario, we would have radioed a local RCMP member on the ground and advised that we have eyes on the individual and they would have...
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Trudeau announces two multimillion-dollar agreements with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia
The Canadian Press 21/06/2024 13:23 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a proposed $125-million agreement with a First Nation in Cape Breton to settle a dispute over reserve land sold in 1862. The prime minister made the announcement in Whycocomagh, N.S., where members of the We’koqma’q First Nation say an improper sale deprived them of the opportunity to benefit economically from the land. The 1,100 members of the band will be asked to vote on the proposed settlement, which has been many years in the making. As well, Trudeau announced $16 million in annual funding aimed at helping 12 of Nova Scotia’s 13 Mi’kmaq communities repair, replace and maintain education infrastructure. The money will be handed to the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, which brings together Indigenous chiefs, staff, parents and educators to...
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Statement by the Prime Minister on National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day: “Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the rich histories, heritage, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada. Celebrated on the first day of summer, this day is of great significance for Indigenous Peoples. It’s a day to celebrate the mosaic of traditions, languages, and cultures that have shaped and continue to shape Canada. Many Indigenous communities will hold ceremonies with cultural celebrations, vibrant displays of art, and traditional storytelling. “Despite past attempts by Canada to erase Indigenous cultures, traditions, and languages, Indigenous Peoples persevered. Today, we celebrate their achievements, their courage, and their unwavering resilience. “I spent the day in We’koqma’q, Nova Scotia, where we announced...
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How to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat
Did you know that when the outside air temperature is 23ºC, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach over 50ºC? Many places in Canada have a high number of extreme heat events or heat waves. Extreme heat can put your health at risk, causing illnesses like heat stroke and even death. It is important to take precautions to protect your health and the health of your family and loved ones. What are the signs and symptoms of heat illness? Heat exhaustion can cause skin rash, muscle cramps, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, heavy sweating, headaches, extreme thirst, dark urine and decreased urination. If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink water preferably. Heat Stroke is manifested by...
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Prison, restitution ordered for ex-tribal leader convicted of defrauding Oglala Sioux Tribe
The Associated Press 21/06/2024 11:23 RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday sentenced a former tribal leader in South Dakota to serve nearly two years in prison and pay tens of thousands in restitution after a jury convicted him earlier this year of defrauding his tribe. Former Oglala Sioux Tribal President Julian Bear Runner, 39, of Batesland, was convicted in April of six counts of wire fraud, and larceny and embezzlement offenses. In 2022, a federal indictment alleged Bear Runner submitted vouchers when he was president in 2019 and 2020 for official trips to other states he didn’t take, and received about $80,000 in checks, which authorities said he cashed for his personal use, including gambling and hotel stays. U.S. District Judge Linda Reade sentenced Bear Runner...
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OPP arrest man for impaired driving
HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Haldimand Ontario Provinal Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a 29-year-old man with impaired driving after spotting a truck been driven erratically in Hagersville. OPP said on June 19, 2024, at about 10:55 p.m., the Haldimand OPP was on general patrol and a pick-up truck came to the attention of the officer on Main Street in Hagersville. A traffic stop was conducted and upon speaking with the driver, OPP said it became obvious they had consumed alcohol. The driver was placed under arrest, but OPP said immediately became resistant. The accused was subdued by officers and transported to the OPP detachment for testing. As a result of the investigation, Taiotorake King, of Ohsweken was charged with the following Criminal Code offences: Operation While Impaired Assault with Intent...
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AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day
(June 21, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day today, which has been recognized annually since a 1996. In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) first suggested establishing National Aboriginal Solidarity Day as a day of recognition. In 1990, Quebec became the first province or territory to establish June 21 as a day to celebrate Indigenous culture. “National Indigenous Peoples Day is an important part of both National Indigenous History Month and the year as a whole,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “It serves as a reminder to uplift our rich First Nations cultures, traditions, languages, and ceremonies. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on...
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MPs reflect on an eventful spring
By Mike Stimpson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter KENORA – Local Conservative MP Eric Melillo believes his party has done a fine job standing up for Canadians squeezed by inflation. “I think overall I’ve been proud of our advocacy as the Official Opposition advocating for trying to make life more affordable for Canadians,” he told Newswatch as the House of Commons neared closing for the summer. “Of course, that’s been a concern that we’ve had for quite some time is as the cost of living continues to soar, whether it’s groceries, housing, home heating – many essential things that are becoming more expensive for people. “So I’ve been very, very proud of our advocacy holding the government to account on that and advocating for some common sense solutions – as well...
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Grassy Narrows holds protest at Dryden mill
By Mike Stimpson, Journalism Initiative Reporter 20/06/2024 21:15 DRYDEN – On Thursday, Grassy Narrows First Nation members took their fight to the source of the mercury contamination that has affected them for more than 50 years. Chief Rudy Turtle joined Grassy Narrows residents and supporters in a protest in front of Dryden’s paper mill, where tonnes of mercury was discharged into the Wabigoon River in the 1960s and ’70s. The mill stopped releasing mercury decades ago, but the mercury hasn’t entirely gone away. Recent research has found that sulfates and organic matter released by the mill have been elevating levels of methylmercury, an especially dangerous form of mercury. “Something needs to be done,” Turtle told Dougall Media. The province needs to step in for the well-being of people in Grassy...
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Federal Court approves first Claims Process for First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement
Globenewswire 21/06/2024 TORONTO, June 21, 2024– The Federal Court approved the first Claims Process for the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement (“the Settlement”), marking a significant milestone towards providing compensation to individuals included in the historic $23.34 billion Settlement Agreement. The first Claims Process focuses on two Classes—the Removed Child Class and Removed Child Family Class. These Classes include First Nations individuals who were removed from their homes as Children, on Reserve, or in the Yukon, and placed into care funded by Indigenous Services Canada between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022, as well as their eligible Caregiving Parents or Caregiving Grandparents. “The Court’s approval of the first Claims Process marks a pivotal step towards providing compensation for First Nations Children and their families,”...
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Salish Seas Regenerative Farm Society plans expansion
By Jordan Copp Coast Reporter’civic and Indigenous affairs reporter Salish Seas Regenerative Farm Society is expanding to a six-acre urban farm, with thanks to a grant secured earlier this year and a recent investment from Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET). In May, the farm society received a $845,361 Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) grant meant to help the society reach its goal of creating a six-acre “model urban farm utilizing organic compost and the principles of regenerative agriculture to restore local ecosystems and cultivate local healthy food on the Sunshine Coast.” Created by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI), the program supports projects that promote economic diversification, resilience, clean growth opportunities and infrastructure development. In June, it was announced the farm society also received a...
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‘We’re going to try:’ Manitoba outlines search plan for slain First Nations women
The Canadian Press 20/06/2024 18:10 About a dozen trained workers will begin searching this fall through mounds of material deposited at a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two slain First Nations women, the Manitoba government announced Thursday. The province released a timeline for its plan to search the Prairie Green landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran after announcing last week that environmental regulators had approved the search. “When somebody goes missing, we go looking,” Premier Wab Kinew told reporters during a briefing. “We hope that it is successful. We cannot guarantee success, but we can guarantee that we’re going to try.” Kinew said the province has come up with a “robust, comprehensive and thorough search plan.” The government will lead the search and work with...
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