Former Manitoba star curler coaching Nunavut women’s squad
By Sam Laskaris, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com Colin Hodgson still gets to participate in elite curling competitions these days, but instead of playing, Hodgson, a Red River Métis, now concentrates on coaching. As a player, Hodgson, a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation, competed six times at the Brier, the national men’s curling championship. His last Brier appearance was in 2023. For the past two years, however, Hodgson has coached a Nunavut team that represents the Iqaluit Curling Club. The Nunavut rink, skipped by Julia Weagle, recently competed at its second consecutive Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the Canadian women’s tournament that concluded Feb. 1. The Hodgson-coached squad registered one victory in its eight round-robin matches at this year’s nationals, held at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ont....
Register
Graphic novel series Kaboom! lifts off with a blast for Jay Odjick and Scholastic
By Shari Narine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com Kid superhero Zack Commonda may have got his moniker “Kaboom” by accident, but a loud kaboom is the exact impact creator and writer Jay Odjick is aiming for with his new graphic novel. “If I’m going to do a book with a company as big as Scholastic, that’s why it’s called Kaboom! (because) we’re going to make some noise,” said Odjick, a member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation in Quebec. “We need our own people to do things that are big and splashy, that we think about, we care about, that we love… But we still need the platforms and the stages that these bigger non-Native companies can give us.” Odjick is no stranger to the big stage. In 2023,...
Register
Manitoba government eyes marine conservation area in western Hudson Bay
The Manitoba government announced $250,000 Tuesday toward a possible conservation area in the waters of western Hudson Bay — the same region that could be home to a future energy pipeline and terminal. The money is to help support federal consideration of western Hudson Bay as a national marine conservation area. There are already five such areas, including a big stretch of Lake Superior, and the federal government has promised 10 additional marine and four new freshwater conservation areas by 2030. “These ecosystems are changing rapidly and the need for action has never been more urgent,” Manitoba Environment Minister Mike Moyes said. Oceans North, an environmental charitable group, said the region is a special ecosystem, home to roughly one-quarter of the world’s beluga whale population. The announcement comes at a...
Register
Tiny’s ‘garden therapy’ initiative aims to give caregivers a break
By Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, MidlandToday.ca Staff ‘pretty much guaranteed’ one-time seed funding to support caregiver respite at the Perkinsfield Park community garden this spring. In alignment with the township’s 2025 age-friendly community plan, the proposed initiative would allow older adults living with frailty, including dementia, to participate in safe outdoor activities while their caregivers receive respite in terms of short-term relief from their regular duties. At the recent committee of the whole meeting, recreation and special events director Josh Pallas expanded upon a report which outlined the funding opportunity from an application to North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services. “There’s been a funding opportunity that’s come forward to us; it’s pretty much guaranteed,” said Pallas during the meeting. “We’ve been given a thumbs up, for the most...
Register
Territorial Ambitions – Cree Nation’s GIS mapping highlighted at industry conference
By Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Nation The Cree Nation Government’s GIS (Geographic Information System) team proudly presented its regional geospatial strategy at the Esri Canada User Conference in Toronto November 4. Selected from over 600 applicants to present at the country’s largest GIS event, the five team members shared the Cree Nation’s journey toward integrating traditional Cree knowledge with modern spatial technology. Building technical capacity and data sovereignty, GIS tools are supporting an ever-expanding range of applications across the Cree territory. “GIS technology allows you to create maps to visualize areas of interest but also transform spatial data into meaningful statistics to communicate complex information clearly,” said GIS program manager Jonathan Elkhoury. “The room was very full with a lot of good feedback. Other First Nations were...
Register
Newfoundland and Labrador pulls out of talks about national marine conservation area
Newfoundland and Labrador’s new government is ending talks with Ottawa about a proposed national marine conservation area. The Progressive Conservatives say a conservation area along Newfoundland’s south coast would threaten nearby mining, fishing and aquaculture operations, as well as the communities supported by those industries. The federal government signed a memorandum of understanding with Newfoundland and Labrador’s then-Liberal government in 2023 to assess whether a conservation area in the region was possible. The agreement also included the possibility of redesignating Sandbanks Provincial Park, near Burgeo, N.L., as a national park. The Miawpukek and Qalipu First Nations and the town of Burgeo also signed the memorandum. The union representing inshore fishers in the province, as well as the provincial aquaculture industry, opposed the idea, and the Progressive Conservatives promised ahead of...
Register
Newfoundland and Labrador pulls out of talks about national marine conservation area
Newfoundland and Labrador’s new government is ending talks with Ottawa about a proposed national marine conservation area. The Progressive Conservatives say a conservation area along Newfoundland’s south coast would threaten nearby mining, fishing and aquaculture operations, as well as the communities supported by those industries. The federal government signed a memorandum of understanding with Newfoundland and Labrador’s then-Liberal government in 2023 to assess whether a conservation area in the region was possible. The agreement also included the possibility of redesignating Sandbanks Provincial Park, near Burgeo, N.L., as a national park. The Miawpukek and Qalipu First Nations and the town of Burgeo also signed the memorandum. The union representing inshore fishers in the province, as well as the provincial aquaculture industry, opposed the idea, and the Progressive Conservatives promised ahead of...
Register
Inquest hears from police officers on scene of fatal police shooting of teen
By Brittany Hobson Two Winnipeg police officers described the minutes leading up to a high-speed car chase that saw a stolen vehicle jump a boulevard and ended with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old First Nations girl, on the second day of the inquest into her death. Eishia Hudson was shot on April 8, 2020, after police responded to reports of the robbery and chased a stolen Jeep. Court heard that the vehicle had “rammed” a police cruiser, as well as hit other cars during the pursuit before shots were fired. An agreed statement of facts read aloud in court on Tuesday stated Eishia was driving the Jeep when three of the four people who were in the vehicle with her robbed a liquor store and one threatened to stab...
Register
Harper calls for national unity, independence at portrait unveiling
By Catherine Morrison Former prime minister Stephen Harper’s official portrait was unveiled in Ottawa Tuesday, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the election of his first Conservative government. Speaking to a crowd of ministers, premiers, current and former MPs and other dignitaries, Harper stressed that parties must work together to preserve Canada’s national unity and independence. “I sincerely hope that mine is just one of many portraits of prime ministers from both parties that will continue to be hung here for decades and centuries to come,” said Harper. “But that will require that in these perilous times, both parties, whatever their other differences, come together against external forces that threaten our independence and against domestic policies that threaten our unity.” Harper added that “we must preserve Canada.” “We must make...
Register
Hudson Bay to host third annual community unity gathering
By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca HUDSON BAY — The Town of Hudson Bay will host its third annual community unity gathering this year, continuing a growing tradition focused on inclusion, youth involvement and cultural celebration. The free event, open to all, is supported by a youth-specific grant and places strong emphasis on Métis participation, said Marilyn Ekert, interim Eastern Region II (ERII) representative for Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. “This is an admittance-free event open to everyone,” Ekert told SaskToday. “The grant I apply for is youth-specified, so involvement of our youth is important.” The opening ceremony will feature Métis youth and Elders, along with invited representatives including the mayor, RM officials, MLA, MP, RCMP if available, and local organizations such as the legion, Elks, Lions, scouts and 4-H. Food...
Register
BC’s Drug Response Isn’t Following the Evidence: Former Coroner
By Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Tyee Former chief coroner Lisa Lapointe recently criticized B.C.’s drug policies, saying the province’s approach to the ongoing toxic drug crisis is not evidence based. Lapointe, who was B.C.’s longest-standing chief coroner and held the position for 13 years before retiring in 2024, was speaking as part of a new, ongoing webinar series, “Perspectives on 10 Years in Crisis,” hosted by the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition. Lapointe was interviewed by Jody Paterson. (Paterson is the partner of Tyee senior editor Paul Willcocks, who was not involved with the editing of this article.) In April B.C. will have been under a public health emergency for a decade. During that time more than 18,800 British Columbians have lost their lives after being poisoned by...
Register
Two men face trafficking charges
HALDIMAND COUNTY – Two men are facing trafficking charges after Haldimand County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop in Haldimand County . Haldimand OPP said they were on patrol on King Street in Hagersville Friday January 30, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m. when they conducted a traffic stop. OPP said the investigation found a quantity of suspected illicit drugs within the vehicle. Both men were taken into custody. William Thomas, 48, of Ohsweken has been charged with: Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (two counts) Driving Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor Robert Sears, 39, of Hagersville has been charged with : Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 Possession of a Schedule I Substance...
Register
Ottawa’s plan for GST relief set to cost $12.4 billion over 5 years, PBO says
By Nick Murray The government’s budget watchdog said Monday it expects the federal government’s plan to increase the GST credit and offer a one-time payment to Canadians will cost Ottawa an estimated $12.4 billion over five years. The number, released by the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer — is slightly higher than Ottawa’s initial projection. Prime Minister Mark Carney promised last week new measures to help lower-income consumers deal with the high cost of groceries, including a 25 per cent hike to the GST credit over the next five years and a one-time payment in the spring worth 50 per cent of the credit. The PBO report estimates the one-time payment will cost more than $3.1 billion this year, while the annual increases will cost between $1.7 billion and...
Register
West Point chief fights for more funding
By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North During the 2026 Dene National Assembly, held from Jan. 20-22 in Fort Good Hope, West Point First Nation Chief Devon Felker voiced his concerns regarding inadequate funding for his community of less than 100 people. “It was amazing. Everybody had smiles on their faces when they noticed that it was me who had a resolution on the table,” said Felker, 26. “I heard nothing but great things from all the chiefs around the table, and the delegates. They said that they agree that West Point has been far behind in the past, and this resolution could possibly help our nation further itself.” Despite the positive reception during the assembly, Felker feels that his community is being forgotten by the nearby much...
Register
Transportable nuclear power plants pitched for the Arctic by early-2030s
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Build nuclear power plants in the south and ship them by boat to the Arctic. That’s the idea Prodigy Clean Energy has studied over the past two years, thanks to a $2.75-million research grant from the federal government. “If there is a willing community in Nunavut today, Prodigy could deliver the power plant by early 2030s,” said Lori-Anne Ramsay, chief business development officer at Prodigy Clean Energy. Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) said it’s curious about the technology as a way to reduce carbon emissions. But the Nunavut utility isn’t ready to invest just yet. “QEC has been following transportable nuclear technology closely as a potential long-term option,” said Mariana Barney Guardado, communications manager for QEC. “While it remains years away...
Register
Fatality inquest begins into Winnipeg police shooting of 16-year-old Eishia Hudson
By Brittany Hobson A fatality inquest is underway into the police shooting of a 16-year-old girl following a vehicle chase in Winnipeg. Eishia Hudson was killed in 2020 after police responded to a liquor store robbery by a group of teens. Police have said they spotted a stolen Jeep that then rammed a police cruiser and other cars and led to the pursuit on a busy road. They said the girl was driving the Jeep that later crashed into a truck and, as police surrounded it, tried to move again. An officer fired two shots at the girl, and Manitoba’s police watchdog recommended not charging the officer. The Independent Investigation Unit said video taken by a driver at a nearby traffic light showed officers were in danger of being hit...
Register
Teens face 1st degree murder charges in First Nations double homicide
Prosecutors say two teens apprehended last week in connection with a double homicide in a First Nations community in northern Quebec are facing first-degree murder charges. A spokeswoman for the Crown says the 17-year-old boys, who can’t be named because they are minors, were charged each with two counts of premeditated murder over the weekend and are due back in court today. The two male victims, 30-year-old Bedabin Neeposh and 29-year-old Daniel Benac, died after being found in a bullet-riddled car last Wednesday night in the First Nations community about 600 kilometres northwest of Quebec City. The teens were arrested by a tactical unit Friday in the community of Mistissini, a Cree community in northern Quebec. Provincial police have said the fatal shooting was likely linked to organized crime and...
Register
Haldimand OPP recover stolen property
HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – The Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are notifying the public that a quantity of stolen property has been recovered after a series of theft investigations in Haldimand County. The Haldimand OPP is asking anyone who has been a victim of a theft or has any information regarding any theft from the Dunnville area between December 2025 and January 2026, to please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you have information and wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS),or submit an online tip at www.helpsolvecrime.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000....
Register
Sash projects weave together school spirit, Métis culture
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press A Métis artist is taking her loom-weaving kit on the road to teach students about an iconic staple in her ancestors’ wardrobe and promote school spirit. Casandra Woolever, the full-time creative behind Métis Branded, an apparel company in Winnipeg, has started working with schools this year to help them create custom sashes. “I’m a little overwhelmed, but in a good way,” she said, reflecting on how many teachers have contacted her in recent weeks. Woolever has shown more than 1,000 students her collection of sashes and how to use her floor loom since the start of the school year. She has 17 school visits scheduled in February. Prior to each trip, she asks teachers to have their students reflect on...
Register
Social smarts help BC humpbacks adapt as oceans change
By Rochelle Baker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Whale researcher Janie Wray vividly remembers the first time she saw humpbacks bubble-net feeding on the northern BC coast more than 20 years ago. First, the mournful calls begin at depth, followed by a perfect ring of bubbles rising through the water. Moments later, herring scatter and flash as they leap from the ocean as up to a dozen humpbacks surge upwards in unison, breaking the surface with their maws agape. “We were a little blown away at first,” said Wray, CEO of BC Whales. “It’s just such a stunning observation.” What the scientists on the Fin Island research station, which is located at the entrance to the Kitimat Fjord System, didn’t realize at the time was that what they...
Register
