Lack of rain will provide little relief as wildfires continue to rage
By Clint Fleury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY – Environment Canada says the district should see little rain as dry conditions continue. For most of July, the Thunder Bay district’s precipitation has been 25 to 50 per cent below normal, according to Peter Kimbell, warning preparedness meteorologist. “That’s probably going to continue for the next little while because the forecast is for warm conditions, borderline heat warning. We do have a heat warning right now in effect, but for areas west of Atikokan, not including Atikokan. But that doesn’t matter because everybody in Thunder Bay, Armstrong, Atikokan — everybody’s going to be warm, above-average temperatures for the next few days,” he said. Kimbell said there will be a 30 to 40 per cent chance of showers or thundershowers...
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Treaty No. 6 First Nations Raise Concerns Over Canada’s Proposed Fast-Tracking of Major Projects
By Chevi Rabbit, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations is raising serious concerns about Canada’s proposed reforms to accelerate the approval of major projects across the country, warning that increased speed cannot come at the expense of Treaty rights, environmental protections, and Indigenous decision-making authority. The proposed reforms, outlined in Canada’s May 8, 2026 discussion paper, Getting Major Projects Built in Canada, would reshape how major projects are assessed, consulted on, and approved throughout Canada, including within Treaty No. 6 territory. While Treaty No. 6 Nations say they are not opposed to responsible development, they emphasize that they must be recognized as governments, Treaty partners, and rights holders in decisions affecting their lands, waters, and future generations. “Treaty No. 6 Nations...
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Grand Council Chief calls on senior MNR officials to resign following wildfires that left citizens scrambling and communities in ashes
By Jacqueline St.Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Manitoulin Expositor MANITOULIN—As First Nations across Northwestern Ontario continue to grapple with the aftermath of one of the province’s most devastating wildfire seasons on record, calls for a public inquiry are growing louder. But for Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, the crisis did not begin when communities were forced to flee. It began long before the first evacuation order was issued. “This community has been failed in epic proportions by both Canada and Ontario,” Grand Council Chief Debassige told The Expositor, referring to Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) First Nation, where wildfire destroyed homes and forced residents to flee with little warning. “This was the full responsibility of the province to monitor what was happening on the ground, as delegated by Canada, and...
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Nevada program waives college costs for Native American students. It’s facing a murky future
By Rocío Hernández/the Nevada Independent Ronica Spute always wanted to go back to college to get her bachelor’s degree, but life kept getting in the way. Two years ago, her path was finally cleared thanks to a Nevada program that allows certain Native American students to attend college virtually for free. As a member of the Moapa Band of Paiutes, the waiver along with a scholarship from her tribe allowed Spute, 57, to pursue a criminal justice degree at UNLV and graduate in two years. It was one year less than it took her to get an associate’s degree from the College of Southern Nevada when she could only afford to take a few classes at a time. “I don’t think I could have done it if I wasn’t able...
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Police say autopsy on Manitoba animal rescue worker indicates death by dog attack
SANDY BAY OJIBWAY FIRST NATION-Police in Manitoba say an autopsy on a 37-year-old animal rescue worker shows injuries consistent with a dog attack. The Manitoba First Nations Police Service says Amanda Nobiss was killed in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation earlier this month while trying to pick up puppies from a residence. They say in a news release that she went alone. The resident wasn’t home, and the owner’s dogs attacked her. Police say arrangements were made to destroy two male dogs, while K9 Advocacy rescued a female dog and several puppies. K9 Advocacy, the Winnipeg Humane Society and more than a dozen other groups are calling for all levels of government to increase support for groups trying to rescue stray animals. This report by The Canadian Press was first...
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Report urges Winnipeg to set up fourth emergency service for mental health calls
By Brittany Hobson Thousands of calls could be diverted from Winnipeg’s emergency services with the development of a fourth response model dedicated to handling mental health crises, says a report. Police, fire and paramedic services are the current response options when someone dials 911. The report, initiated last year by Mayor Scott Gillingham and released Tuesday, proposes that the city work with Indigenous organizations, community agencies, health-care providers and emergency services to determine who’s best to respond to a call. “If we keep responding the same way we have been responding, we’re going to keep getting the same results. This is a different model. It disrupts the system in a very positive way,” said Gillingham. “This is really about the people at the end of the call … let’s get...
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Eby defends minister’s criticism on LNG expansion citing ‘big tent’
Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay and her senior staff directed some MLAs to stop using term “First Nations,” use terms like “Indian” instead By Ashley Joannou British Columbia Premier David Eby says he helped a cabinet minister write her statement denouncing plans for the expansion of a liquefied natural gas plant neighbouring her riding, despite his government advocating for the project. It’s a break from the long-standing tradition of “cabinet solidarity” — the understanding that elected ministers can disagree behind closed doors but fall in line in public — which one political watcher says could be an attempt by the premier to provide relief for those who disagree with him amid falling poll numbers. Kelly Greene, the minister of emergency management and climate readiness, posted a statement on Friday saying she...
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New York school pauses plan to deploy humanlike AI robot teacher after backlash
By Philip Marcelo NEW YORK (AP) — A school district in a rural corner of upstate New York is hitting pause on plans to deploy an AI-powered, humanoid robot in the classroom after state education officials, teachers and local residents raised concerns, including the maker’s ties to a company that produces hyper realistic sex bots. The Salamanca City Central School District’s board approved the nearly $60,000 purchase from Realbotix with visions that “Sally,” as the stationary robot with long dark hair has already been nicknamed, would enhance the education of high school students studying robotics and technology fields. “Having a difficult time programming an Arduino board? Don’t even know what an Arduino board is? Ask Sally and she can explain it,” Superintendent Mark Beehler, said Tuesday. “The robot also provides...
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‘Refrain from going there,’ police ask residents of restricted wildfire areas
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com ARMSTRONG — Provincial police are asking the public to stay out of restricted areas while firefighters continue to address Thunder Bay 36, the 314,000-hectare wildfire that prompted the evacuation of Whitesand First Nation, Armstrong and other communities. In a short video message posted this week on social media, OPP Staff Sgt. Kyle Arnold says police are “actively investigating” recent break-ins and thefts in Armstrong and Whitesand “and continue to do active patrols.” “So I want to remind everyone not to return to the restricted areas,” Sgt. Theresa Wabason continues in the video. “I know you want to check on your property to make sure everything’s OK, but we ask that you refrain from going there.” The message came soon after police released...
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Tofino’s tourism board, council and business leaders join Tla-o-qui-aht in fight against mineral exploration
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Tofino, BC – Letters of support are stacking up for Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and their fight to protect Clayoquot Sound from mineral exploration. Tourism Tofino’s board of directors, the District of Tofino Mayor and Council and the Tofino Chamber of Commerce have all filed written concerns to the B.C. Government calling for an immediate rescission of the mineral exploration permits granted in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht First Nations. “We are particularly troubled that these permits were used despite the clear and consistent opposition expressed by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation throughout a two-year engagement process,” read the letter on behalf of the Tourism Tofino board of directors. “The Nation repeatedly stated mining is not a permissible activity within their territory....
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Toronto island airport expansion killed by ‘fringe group,’ Ontario minister says
By Liam Casey Ottawa gave in to the demands of a “fringe group” when it rejected a pitch to expand Toronto’s island airport, Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said Tuesday. He said the province was disappointed by the federal government’s decision to nix Premier Doug Ford’s proposed expansion of the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to allow jets to land and take off from it. The runway is currently too short for jets. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon rejected the plan last week after 87 per cent of the 87,000 respondents to a public consultation opposed the idea. Sarkaria said the province was “disappointed” by MacKinnon’s decision. “We’ve seen the federal government here listen to a small fringe group in Toronto, but we as the province will continue to push...
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Quebec bill helps Indigenous families track disappeared loved ones, but some remain wary
By Ghazal Azizi Kashi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Investigative Journalism Foundation Norman Wapachee was born around a decade after his sister Hattie, but he never got to meet her. Instead, he grew up hearing their mom tell stories about her brief time on Earth. In 1955, Wapachee’s parents took their seven-month old daughter to a hospital in Roberval, QC to treat her pneumonia. Soon after, the Wapachee elders received a call informing them that Hattie had died. “The hospital didn’t actually show [my parents] the body. But my mom recalled something was wrapped up. And they also told my parents to wait at the graveyard where they were going to bury my sister. ‘We were at the grave site for that whole afternoon, and nobody showed up.’ I heard this...
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Manitoba’s first supervised consumption site to fully open Aug. 11
The Manitoba government says the province’s first supervised drug consumption site is set to fully open on Aug. 11. It says its partners at Aboriginal Health and Wellness are training staff as part of a gradual opening. The government says the site will be open between Tuesday and Saturday from late morning to early evening to reduce potential harms and connect people to support services. The site in central Winnipeg has been criticized by some business owners and residents concerned about security and access by minors. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives have also been against the site, saying the government should focus on treatment. The government has said a supervised consumption site is needed to address the growing number of overdose deaths in Winnipeg and reduce the number of people openly...
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Wildfire evacuation order lifted for northern Manitoba community
Manitoba has lifted a wildfire evacuation order for residents of a northern community who had been out of their homes for a month. The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization says the fire situation has improved, and residents of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation can return. The First Nation, based in the settlement of South Indian Lake, said 600 members left beginning in late June. Wildfires also cut power to the community, but Manitoba Hydro said Monday it had restored services. The province says a nearby 17,000-hectare fire is being held. It says there are 144 wildfires burning in the province, including one out of control. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2026. ...
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Campers hit with fire fines as B.C. battles blazes and Village of Clinton counts cost
Conservation officers in British Columbia say they have discovered numerous illegal campfires during spot checks, as wildfire crews battle out-of-control blazes that are threatening communities in the south of the province. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says in a statement on social media that it issued 19 violation tickets and almost $22,000 in fines over the weekend, and ignorance of bans across much of the province is no excuse. Bans on even small campfires are in place in the Cariboo, Kamloops and Southeast fire centres, and parts of coastal B.C., while less-strict fire bans and restrictions cover all other areas. The crackdown comes as authorities in the Village of Clinton, B.C., assess damage after residents were forced to flee their homes last week in the face of a fire complex...
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Former judge recommends Hydro-Québec waive unpaid bills in Indigenous communities
By Marieke Glorieux-Stryckman Hydro-Québec is being urged to waive unpaid electricity bills of members of Indigenous communities in Quebec. This is one of the recommendations in a report the utility received on July 24. In 2024, Hydro-Québec mandated former Quebec Superior Court justice François Rolland to study bill collection practices in certain Indigenous communities. Rolland made eight recommendations, including that Hydro-Québec transfer unpaid bills to the communities and let them decide whether or not to collect the money. He also recommended improving communication with communities, increasing funding to energy efficiency programs and providing more training for Hydro-Québec staff on Indigenous realities. Hydro-Québec says that it is reviewing the recommendations. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2026. ...
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First Nations Chief says government MPP is lying about meeting with him
By Jon Thompson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ricochet Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government insists it is improving communications with First Nations fleeing forest fires in the northwest, following heavy criticism last week. Chiefs, however, say little has changed. Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland claimed “there has been improved communication” in an interview published on Friday by TBnewswatch.com. Holland mentioned Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) Chief Wilfred King by name, among those communities who are experiencing improved communication. “Holland said he has spoken to Chief Wilfred King from Gull Bay First Nation,” read the story “and that Premier Doug Ford expressed to King his willingness to sit down and talk.” King said Holland is misleading Ontarians. “Never, I have never spoken To Mr. Kevin Holland,” the chief said on Monday...
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Anger over police shootings leads to hiring of Indigenous investigator
By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner The independent team that investigates police violence in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is going to hire an Indigenous person, a longstanding demand of First Nations leaders who are upset about the fatal shootings of four of their members in recent years. Six years after Chantel Moore, a young Indigenous mother from British Columbia, was shot to death by a police officer in Edmundston in northwestern New Brunswick, the Serious Incident Response Team has posted an ad to hire for a new position, an Indigenous liaison officer, for New Brunswick. The chiefs who represent the six Wolastoqey communities that call the St. John River Valley home told Brunswick News it was a positive first step. “We were encouraged to see...
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Hope from above: study finds satellites could help Ontario conservation authorities protect wetlands
By Anushka Yadav, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Pointer “Conservation authorities face a practical question: do we need to pay for expensive high-resolution satellite imagery, or can free imagery do the job?,” Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Senior Manager of Ecosystem & Climate Science, Jonathan Ruppert, wondered. Nearly two years ago, Ruppert along with four other researchers set out to one of Brampton’s most ecologically important nature preserves to get an answer to that question at a time when conservationists across Ontario are increasingly being asked to do more with less. Nature’s sponges—wetlands—sit at the edge of subdivisions and highways, connecting land and aquatic ecosystems while filtering water, storing carbon and protecting communities from flooding. Yet, they are among the first ecosystems threatened as Ontario’s relentless urban growth consumes more...
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Aluki Kotierk acclaimed as Inuit Circumpolar Council chair
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Former Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Aluki Kotierk was acclaimed as chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) on July 25 after no other candidates were nominated. Kotierk, from Iglulik, is also chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. “I am hopeful that Greenlanders, Canadians, Alaskans and all Inuit can collaborate,” Kotierk said through a translator in her acceptance speech. Her term will run from 2026 to 2030, replacing outgoing chair Sara Olsvig, who’s from Greenland. Ahead of Kotierk’s acclamation, the ICC adopted a declaration on the last day of the organization’s assembly in Iqaluit calling on all governments to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Resisting attempts to seize Inuit land, maintaining...
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