Mohawk Council of Kahnawake oversees rematriation of wampum string
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) Chiefs Melanie Morrison and Ross Montour travelled to Ottawa for the formal return of a wampum string believed to have originated from the community. The handover ceremony was held at the Bank of Canada Museum’s collections offices last week and included Algonquin representatives Fred and Verna McGregor, since Ottawa sits on unceded Algonquin territory. “It was very moving,” Montour said. “It was right to be a part of a ceremony to return it, which was a First Nations ceremony.” The string, composed of 87 purple wampum beads strung on a natural fibre, had been part of the Bank of Canada Museum’s national currency collection for over 60 years. Aside from a brief loan to the McCord Stewart...
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NASA says meteor that lit up Vancouver sky was travelling 100 times speed of sound
By Chuck Chiang A meteor that NASA says soared across the night sky above Metro Vancouver at about 100 times the speed of sound set off a fireball, a sonic boom and an explosive response online. Social media was filled with videos and reactions on Tuesday night after the bright flash and house-rattling boom was seen and heard over southwestern B.C. at roughly 9:10 p.m., with footage showing the sky brightening from one horizon to the other. Michael Unger, director of programming at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver, said his email “started to blow up as people started making reports” about the event. “These events happen all the time,” Unger said. “What is rare about this event is that it created a sonic boom over a populated area....
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Sentencing in Prince George manslaughter scheduled
By Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince George Citizen After months of uncertainty, the sentencing in Prince George of manslaughter convict Dakota Rayn Keewatin is finally scheduled. Lawyers for the Crown and defence appeared Feb. 23 before BC Supreme Court Justice Ronald Tindale to set March 5-6 to make their submissions about the length of Keewatin’s jail term. Minimum sentence for manslaughter involving a firearm is four years. In December, the sentencing was delayed indefinitely because the court-ordered report on Keewatin’s personal history as an aboriginal offender, called a a Gladue Report, was outstanding and defence lawyer Jason LeBlond did not know when it would be completed. LeBlond said Feb. 23 that the Gladue Report was received on Feb. 9. Both LeBlond and prosecutor Blake Bouchard told Tindale that...
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Indigenous-led Sea to Sky project granted $1.5 million for clean fuel innovation
By Ina Pace, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Squamish Chief Over $1 million in government grants has been allocated to a new clean hydrogen project in Brandywine, coordinated primarily by the Lil’wat Nation. A healthy lifestyle isn’t just necessary for individuals; it’s also for the land around us, and in how we use it. Reducing carbon emissions The Sea to Sky is making a “ win-win” headway in reducing its carbon footprint via community; the plan being to use clean hydrogen primarily to displace carbon emissions, in alignment with the cultural values of First Nations. On March 3 at Sea to Sky Energy Solutions (SSES), Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country Patrick Weiler—on behalf of Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson—announced a federal investment...
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International Women’s Day: Susan Aglukark reflects on the strength and power of Inuit women
By Jill Westerman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Women can be the metaphorical thread that binds and strengthens a community through their work and actions, and Susan Aglukark, an Inuk woman who grew up in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, believes Inuit women have started returning to the strong ways of their ancestors. “There’s always been such an important and powerful role that Inuit women have played culturally, traditionally, and even in a transition period,” Aglukark said. “So when we think of traditional ways to contemporary Inuit communities, then and up to now, the role that they play is so important in the community.” March 8th is International Women’s Day, and this years’ theme Give to Gain – highlights generosity, mutual support and collaboration – virtues that Aglukark associates...
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Agnico Eagle donation welcomed as Baker Lake Abluqta Society struggle with need for food
By Jill Westerman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The hamlet of Baker Lake with its population of about 2,200 residents is internationally known for its impressive roster of Inuit artists. Distinctive stone carvings, wall hangings, and artwork have found their way to galleries and homes far from their humble beginnings in the western Arctic. Baker Lake is also known for the abundance of wildlife that lives on the surrounding tundra – the Qamanirjuaq and Beverly caribou herds, wolves, muskox, Arctic hares, wolverines, and foxes all live in the ecosystem nearby. What might be lesser-known outside of Canada’s North is the persistent food insecurity faced by so many of its residents – often leading to requests for food on local social media pages or from the food bank. For those...
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‘Mass Death on This Scale Is Incomprehensible’
By Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Tyee [Editor’s note: This article talks about overdose fatalities, including of youths, and the ongoing toxic drug crisis’s outsized impact on First Nations people.] There were fewer drug poisonings, overdoses and fatalities in 2025, compared with 2024. But British Columbia is still in the midst of a brutal unregulated toxic drug overdose crisis, according to recent updates from BC Emergency Health Services and the BC Coroners Service. So far more than 19,053 British Columbians have been killed since early 2014, when unregulated fentanyl started showing up in the illicit drug supply. The province declared a public health emergency in April 2016 to address an unprecedented increase in deaths. This April, that public health emergency will have been in place for a full...
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As climate, industry warm Okanagan waterways, expert warns of ‘extinction event’ for fish by 2040
By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, IndigiNews A smǝlqmíx (Similkameen) expert is warning that climate change and over-logging could lead to “an extinction event” for fish throughout the Okanagan Basin by 2040. Lauren Terbasket, a Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) member who works for the band’s Parks Working Group, shared that these issues have led to warmer water trends across the Similkameen Watershed system in recent years. That’s why climate resilience must become a priority, said Terbasket. “The water warming trends indicate that we will be looking at an extinction event — in terms of fisheries — by 2040,” she said. “That really tells us how important any work that we can do on the system is, in terms of water cooling factor.” Terbasket shared these findings with regional...
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B.C. teachers ratify new four-year agreement for 3% annual wage boost
By Marissa Birnie British Columbia’s teachers’ union says its members have ratified a new four-year collective agreement, covering 52,000 educators in the province. The B.C. Teachers’ Federation said in a statement released Thursday that its members voted 91 per cent in favour of the agreement that gives them a three per cent wage increase in each of the four years. The union said the contract follows a year of negotiations where it raised priorities such as improved classroom conditions, stronger mental health supports for children and plans to recruit and retain teachers. BCTF president Carole Gordon said the agreement includes commitments to add counsellors, learning-assistance teachers and special education resource teachers in schools across the province. “This is a modest step forward, and our students deserve so much more. Our...
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More than 20 states sue over new global tariffs Trump imposed after his stinging Supreme Court loss
By Lindsay Whitehurst And Paul Wiseman WASHINGTON (AP) — Some two dozen states challenged President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs on Thursday, filing a lawsuit over import taxes he imposed after a stinging loss at the Supreme Court. The Democratic attorneys general and governors in the lawsuit argue that Trump is overstepping his power with planned 15% tariffs on much of the world. Trump has said the tariffs are essential to reduce America’s longstanding trade deficits. He imposed duties under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs he imposed last year under an emergency powers law. Section 122, which has never been invoked, allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15%. They are limited to five months unless extended by...
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Moving at lightning speed on major projects OK if Nations are equipped
By Sam Laskaris, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com While a prominent Indigenous business leader believes major project development in Canada is progressing at lightning-quick speed, he is doing his best to ease concern that it’s too quick and occurring at the expense of treaty rights. JP Gladu was a featured speaker at the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Central Business Forum held Feb. 26 in Toronto. He was on a panel titled “Major Projects in Practice: The Future of Indigenous Participation in Major Projects in Canada.” Once the president and CEO of the CCIB, in 2020 Gladu founded Mokwateh, an Indigenous-led consultancy that provides economic development, sustainability and strategic partnership advice. This past fall Gladu was also one of 11 individuals named to the Indigenous Advisory Council that will...
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‘We can set the agenda’: Carney continues middle power pitch in Australia
By Anja Karadeglija Prime Minister Mark Carney took his middle-powers speech from the World Economic Forum earlier this year to an audience in Australia on Wednesday, where he also discussed the difficulties of negotiating with U.S. President Donald Trump. Hitting many of the same points he did in his headline-making speech in Davos, Switzerland in January, Carney told the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney that Canada and Australia share the advantages of legitimacy and trust. “Australia and Canada can’t compel like the great powers, but we can convene, we can set the agenda, shape the rules and organize and build capacity through coalitions that deliver results at speed and global scale,” Carney said in a speech at the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney. Carney pointed out that Europe,...
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Accused in Deborah Anishinabie killing to stand trial
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com Caution: This story contains details that may be distressing to readers. THUNDER BAY — About 35 of Deborah Anishinabie’s family, friends and supporters gathered in vigil, before filling a courtroom to learn the man accused of killing her will stand trial. Levi Michael Lawson was first charged with indignity to a human body on Dec. 17, 2024 then second-degree murder on Jan. 31, 2025. Anishinabie, a member of Sandy Lake First Nation, was reported missing in early December 2024 after an extensive search was launched by police, members of her family and the community. Her death was confirmed later that month. “It was very important for us to gather this morning, considering the severity of this homicide,” Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand...
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First Nations ‘deeply disappointed’ with exploration company
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com SACHIGO LAKE — A First Nation in Northwestern Ontario says Signature Resources is conducting mineral exploration in its traditional territory without the First Nation’s consent. Sachigo Lake Anisininew Nation and another First Nation, Red Sucker Lake in northeastern Manitoba, issued a statement Tuesday saying Signature was exploring under Ontario permits. “These permits were issued and have been renewed despite formal objections from both Nations and in the absence of any written agreement, consent protocol or meaningful accommodation of our Nations’ concerns,” the joint statement said. Furthermore, the First Nations said they are “deeply disappointed” that the Toronto-headquartered company “has refused to negotiate a standard exploration agreement.” In response, Signature’s CEO told Newswatch the company has been trying to reach an agreement with...
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Sqomish Forestry looks to engage Squamish school kids in land stewardship, through cedar and log donations
By Ina Pace, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Squamish Chief Sqomish Forestry has donated around 1,000 cedar seedlings and a canoe log to Squamish school students, to broaden their learning opportunities. “This is the forestry town; that’s how Squamish is built. [We want to] get kids more interested in forestry, and the type of work we do.” Sqomish Forestry’s special projects superintendent Roger Lewisexplained the motives behind the Indigenous company’s latest education initiative in Squamish; that is, to encourage school kids to plant cedar seedlings, and to carve a race canoe. Since 2019, Sqomish Forestry has operated under the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) business arm Nch’ḵay̓. “Sqomish Forestry shared about 1,000 western red cedar and yellow cedar seedlings with our friends and community members at the Squamish Nation‘s Nexwsp’áyaḵen ta...
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Blueberry River First Nations members’ pipeline protest shunned by chief and council
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The chief and council of Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) does not support band members’ protests and blockades north of Fort St. John at a worksite relating to the NEBC Connector project. Media reports suggest both contractors and band members of BRFN had set up a blockade on 260 Road off Highway 97 at NorthRiver Access 33a related to construction of the project on Monday, March 2nd. The project is slated to connect NorthRiver Midstream’s highway LNG hub near Wonowon to the Gordondale area of Alberta. In a statement to Energeticcity.ca, BRFN chief and council acknowledged “members are unhappy” with current contract agreements the First Nation has with industry partners, but do not support the actions of...
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Open house outlines Pete’s Dam turbine project
By Joe O’Grady, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Temiskaming Speaker TEMISKAMING SHORES – Although the proposed location initially raised a few eyebrows, a proposed hydroelectric demonstration turbine at Pete’s Dam Park seems to be picking up steam. During a public open house at Riverside Place, proponents outlined their plans for the project and offered reassurances that it won’t have any impact on the view and use of the scenic site. Proponent Sandy Thomson of Thordon Energy said Pete’s Dam was actually ninth on the list of potential sites, and the only one that measured up for the project’s needs. “It has the right flow and (the location) makes sense,” he said. “And you won’t even see it from the park.” Thomson said the initiative, being pursued jointly with Temiskaming First Nation,...
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Portage la Prairie School Division holds firm to religious exemption refusal
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press The Portage la Prairie School Division is upholding a decision to reject a family’s request for a religious exemption from activities related to Indigenous spirituality. Sharon Sanders Zettler and Vince Zettler have spent the better part of the academic year seeking accommodations for their children at Yellowquill School. “I have raised my kids in the Catholic faith from Day 1 and I am just looking for respect for that,” said Sanders Zettler, a mother of students enrolled in Grades 5 and 7 in Portage la Prairie. Her husband echoed those comments while noting they are not interested in policing what other children learn. The couple expressed frustration that few details were provided to families before the school division rolled out...
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Fireball and sonic boom over Vancouver was likely meteor
British Columbians took to social media Tuesday evening to share reports of a bright fireball in the night sky over Vancouver, and a house-rattling sonic boom. A seismologist from Natural Resources Canada’s earthquake early warning operation has confirmed a few local seismometers in B.C. picked up the event well, and the agency can confirm the shock recorded was “not an earthquake.” Alison L. Bird adds, however, that Earthquakes Canada cannot specify the location of the event, as its system is designed to detect movements within the Earth and not atmospheric occurrences. The incident happened shortly after 9 p.m. Pacific time, with bright flashes followed minutes later by a sonic boom strong enough to register on multiple area seismographs, which measure and record ground motion, vibrations and seismic waves. People have...
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Chief in N.S. says Mi’kmaq have a treaty right to sell cannabis amid new RCMP raids
By Lyndsay Armstrong A First Nation chief in Nova Scotia is asserting that Mi’kmaq people have a treaty right to grow and sell cannabis amid fresh police raids on multiple Indigenous-owned cannabis operations. The comments by Chief Terry Paul of Membertou First Nation are in conflict with the position of the provincial government, which considers all cannabis sold outside Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. outlets to be illegal. “Let us be clear that the Mi’kmaq have a collective treaty right to the sale of cannabis. We have the right to self-determination in our communities. We govern our people, lands, and priorities — not the province,” Paul said in a statement Tuesday night. He was reacting to RCMP raids earlier in the day during which police seized cannabis from five dispensaries in...
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