‘This is what you call genocide’: Hundreds rally for First Nations heath care
By Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com SIOUX LOOKOUT – “Health care for our people is not a health-care benefit, it is a treaty, an inherent right (…) It is a treaty obligation that must be fulfilled,” said the former chief of Neskantaga First Nation, Christopher Moonias. About 400 people gathered outside the Indigenous Services Canada office in Sioux Lookout on Monday afternoon to raise awareness about flaws within the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program intended to ensure access to health care for Indigenous people. In the first week of June, five members of Neskantaga have already missed appointments due to no travel accommodations being made. Last month, there were 21 appointments missed in the small community of just over 300 people, according to a spokesperson for the First...
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Nisga’a official says most hurdles for Ksi Lisims have been cleared
By Lauren Krugel The secretary-treasurer of the Nisga’a Nation in northern British Columbia says there remain few obstacles to a final go-ahead decision for the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas plant and export terminal. “I think we’ve basically cleared almost all hurdles for this project,” Charles Morven told reporters on the sidelines of the Global Energy Show in Calgary on Tuesday. The $10-billion Ksi Lisims project would be on Nisga’a land in the northwest corner of B.C. near the Alaska border. The lead developer is Houston-based Western LNG; Rockies LNG, a consortium of Canadian natural gas producers, is also part of the plan. Morven said he sees his community’s participation in LNG as a way to achieve more autonomy. “That’s what we’re working toward, to build our own financial capital...
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Yukon Energy fish hatchery uses helicopter to complete 2026 salmon release
By Noah Korver, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yukon News Staff from the Whitehorse Rapids Fish Hatchery together with partners at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), andKwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN), conducted their annual release of salmon fry into Yukon River tributaries Tuesday, slingingtens of thousands of fish by helicopter into remote spawning beds in Michie Creek. This work is funded by Yukon Energy which owns the hatchery facility and is operated at based on direction from the DFO. Travis Ritchie is the director of Risk and Compliance at Yukon Energy and says the project has been ongoing for over 40years with the goal of offsetting the number of fish killed when juvenile salmon transit through the dam on their way fromupstream spawning beds to the Pacific Ocean. “Roughly...
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Disappearance of Fort Nelson woman featured on true crime podcast
By Energeticcity.ca Local Journalism Initiative Reporter FORT NELSON, B.C. — The disappearance of a Fort Nelson Indigenous woman from two years ago is the focus of a true crime podcast this week. Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) resident Karen Tessier was 57 years old when she was last seen in the community in July 2024. Without a trace, she vanished. Her vehicle was found in the community days later, with no trace of her. The North District RCMP Major Crimes unit treated the disappearance as highly suspicious, and FNFN has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to what happened to Tessier. The disappearance was the subject of a recent episode of the True North True Crime podcast, a medium with 18,000 Facebook followers. A preview of the 43-minute episode...
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Tory MP says 4,000 letters sent urging Carney to amend Indian Act status rules
By Alessia Passafiume A Conservative MP says more than 4,000 letters have been sent to the House of Commons committee on Indigenous issues demanding that the federal government immediately change the way First Nations status works under the Indian Act. MP Billy Morin, the former chief of Enoch Cree Nation who serves as the Conservative party’s critic of Indigenous Services, echoed those calls in a letter he sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney this week. The committee, known as INAN, is studying legislation that would change the rules establishing who is entitled to First Nations status under the Indian Act. It was introduced in the Senate as S-2 and initially had support from the governing Liberals. The legislation was drafted to eliminate some gender inequities in the Indian Act and...
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Carney chairs virtual meeting with the premiers as CUSMA talks loom on horizon
By The Canadian Press Staff Prime Minister Mark Carney chaired a virtual meeting with the premiers Wednesday afternoon as his government prepared for major trade talks with the U.S. and Mexico. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said Carney updated the premiers on the status of engagement with the Trump administration on the future of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade, better known as CUSMA. Earlier Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he is “not looking to renew” CUSMA, indicating the United States will blow past a July 1 deadline for renewal. Speaking in Queen’s Park after the virtual meeting Wednesday afternoon — and after his return from meetings in Washington D.C. with industry groups earlier this week — Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the premiers were told Ottawa is...
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B.C. woman pleads guilty to attempting to euthanize cat with fentanyl: SPCA
British Columbia’s animal welfare society says a woman has been banned from owning or living with pets for five years and given 12 months’ probation after pleading guilty to attempting to euthanize a cat with fentanyl. A statement from the B.C. SPCA says Jayme-Jo Crystal Brooks’ conviction also sets a precedent against at-home euthanasia practices that inflict unnecessary harm. The society says investigators began looking into Brooks in December 2024 after a veterinarian called the animal helpline to report they had humanely euthanized a cat in critical distress and a necropsy later revealed fentanyl exposure. The SPCA says it seized two other cats in the woman’s care and both were found to have cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamine in their systems. The society says one of the cats was adopted but...
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A new unit aims to help B.C. First Nations navigate police accountability processes
The First Nations Justice Council in British Columbia has officially launched an effort meant to help Indigenous people navigate the police accountability process in the province. Judith Sayers, a director with the group, says the Police Accountability Unit aims to help Indigenous people by making sure that their complaints against police are heard. Sayers, who is also president of the Nuu-Chan-nulth Tribal Council on Vancouver Island, says many Indigenous people don’t feel comfortable approaching the institutions that handle complaints against police, like the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia. She says accountability organizations like the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner serve their purpose, but don’t serve Indigenous people in a way that is needed. Alexander Kirby, acting managing lawyer of the new unit, says it will help people file...
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‘We’ve become hyper-partisan,’ says Queen’s Park intern in Kiiwetinoong
By Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com SIOUX LOOKOUT – Eve Parry says the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s motto, “to hear the other side,” is “a really important message in today’s world.” The 23-year-old is one of ten people from across Canada selected this year for the highly competitive Ontario Legislature Internship Program, which allows interns to work for 10 months split between two political parties. “We’ve become hyper-partisan. So, just learning to be a bridge-builder and trying to see the best in different parties or ideologies, or just expose yourself to them, I think it’s really important in today’s world,” said Parry. Parry is now working with Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa of the NDP Party, after spending her first five months with Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman of the...
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Brantford: Police asking public for help in finding missing Kyleigh
By Alex Murray Writer BRANTFORD, ONT- The Brantford Police Service (BPS) are asking for the public’s help in locating Kyleigh, a missing 12-year-old girl. BPS says Kyleigh was last seen on June 2, 2026 at a residence on Iroquois Street in east-central Brantford. BPS did not respond to a request for comment on why there was an eight-day gap between when Kyleigh was last seen and when the public media release went out. Kyleigh, a female with curly hair and a nose ring, was wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts the last time she was seen, according to BPS. The police are seeking assistance from anyone who might have information about Kyleigh’s whereabouts so they can verify her well-being. BPS encourages anyone with information to please contact them at...
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Ginoogaming First Nation: Minister “Celebrating” Ring of Fire Progress While Nearby Community in State of Emergency
By Alex Murray Writer While Ontario Minister Greg Rickford was “celebrating” his progress on the Ring of Fire project last week, Chief and Council at Ginoogaming First Nation were “going door-to-door,” to evict drug dealers. Ginoogaming Chief Sheri Taylor and her Council declared a state of emergency on May 13, 2026. Announced alongside neighbouring Long Lake #58 First Nation, the state of emergency is due to the growing presence of drugs and crime in their territories. Rickford, who is the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, made an announcement about a Ring of Fire milestone on June 2. That prompted a fiery statement from Ginoogaming in response on June 4. “It was deeply insulting to see...
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Tory MP says 4,000 letters sent urging Carney to amend Indian Act status rules
By Alessia Passafiume A Conservative MP says more than 4,000 letters have been sent to the House of Commons committee on Indigenous issues demanding that the federal government immediately change the way First Nations status works under the Indian Act. MP Billy Morin, the former chief of Enoch Cree Nation who serves as the Conservative party’s critic of Indigenous Services, echoed those calls in a letter he sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney this week. The committee, known as INAN, is studying legislation that would change the rules establishing who is entitled to First Nations status under the Indian Act. It was introduced in the Senate as S-2 and initially had support from the governing Liberals. The legislation was drafted to eliminate some gender inequities in the Indian Act and...
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Awards shine light on teamwork, service and community at Wiikwemkoong Tribal Police Service
By Jacqueline St.Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Manitoulin Expositor WIKWEMKOONG—In policing, much of the work happens quietly. It unfolds in late-night calls, difficult conversations, moments of crisis and acts of compassion that rarely make headlines. Last month, however, some of that work stepped briefly into the spotlight as members of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) were recognized with prestigious provincial honours celebrating excellence in policing, victim services and community engagement. At the annual Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) conference, held before an audience of approximately 700 policing professionals, retirees and community safety leaders from across the province, WTPS’s own Jackie White received the Catherine Martin Award for Excellence in Media Relations and Corporate Communications. At the same time, crisis responder Amanda Gibbons was recognized with the...
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Supreme Court silence leaves questions lingering over Aboriginal title and private property
By Jacqueline St.Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Manitoulin Expositor CANADA—The Supreme Court of Canada has chosen not to speak. And in that silence, one of the most consequential legal questions facing the country remains unanswered: can Aboriginal title ultimately prevail over privately owned land? On May 28, Canada’s highest court declined to hear an appeal arising from a landmark New Brunswick case involving the Wolastoqey First Nations. The decision leaves standing a ruling from the New Brunswick Court of Appeal, but offers no guidance on an issue that is increasingly finding its way into courtrooms across the country. As is customary, the Supreme Court provided no reasons for refusing leave to appeal. The case traces back to 2021, when the Wolastoqey First Nations launched a legal action seeking a...
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‘We are not who we are because of cheques from Ottawa and Victoria’: Former President of Haida Nation talks conservation in Tofino
By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tofino, B.C. – Miles Richardson, former president of the Council of the Haida Nation and champion of Aboriginal title and rights, was in unceded Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations territory on June 4 and 5 for a speaker series at Clayoquot Campus. Coincidentally, Richardson’s visit paralleled Premier David Eby’s visit with Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, a modern treaty nation located across the harbour from Ucluelet in the community of Hitacu. Richardson served as president of the Council of Haida Nation from 1984 to 1996. During his 12-year tenure, he led the drafting of the Constitution of the Haida Nation and the development of the first comprehensive Haida Nation land and marine use plan, enacted under Haida law. Richardson also helped establish the Haida Watchmen program. “At that...
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First Degree Murder charge laid after OPP officer killed in the line of duty
HEARST, ON – Charges have been laid in connection with the death of an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer killed in the line of duty near Hearst. On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., members of the James Bay OPP were attempting to stop a vehicle as part of an ongoing investigation. During the attempted apprehension, an officer was struck by the vehicle. The officer, OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, was seriously injured and was later pronounced deceased. OPP members and a Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service member took the individual into custody. As a result of the investigation, Justin Veronneau, 18 years old of Hearst, was charged with the following Criminal Code offences: First degree murder, section 235(2) Assault police, section 270(1)(a) Flight from police, section 320.17 – two counts...
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Indigenous Police Are “Part of the Solution” Against Organized Crime: Former Senior RCMP Investigator
By Alex Murray Writer When Garry Clement spoke at the 17th Annual First Nations Chiefs of Police Association Conference in Victoria, B.C. in May, he was confronted by two important truths. The first, is that Indigenous police services are an “increasingly” crucial component of Canada’s defense against transnational and organized crime. “Public safety in Canada depends on our ability to evolve faster than the threats we face,” Clement wrote in a recent op-ed piece. “Indigenous policing is not the weakest link in that effort. Increasingly, it is one of our greatest opportunities for building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.” The conference, which ran May 19-21, transported Clement a quarter century into the past, as he’d spoken to the FNCPA 25 years previously in 2001. The former National Director for...
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It’s hot out there, OMSK holds Beach Day to beat the heat
By Alex Murray Writer The first official day of summer may not be until June 21. But Oliver M. Smith-Kawenni:io got the summer season going early on Monday, June 8 as dozens of excited youngsters zoomed around the campus during their annual Beach Day celebration. It’s a tradition that’s been going for at least 10 years according to Vice Principal Wanda Davis and teacher Ms. Vokes, who organized the event this year. OMSK teachers and volunteers manned the various activity stations combining fun in the sun with literacy and outdoor activities. Students alternated periods of 20 minutes of play with reading sessions in the cool shade. Davis said Beach Day is a big hit with the students. “If you ask the students, it’s their favourite day of the year,” Davis...
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Six Nations Youth Embrace the Creator’s Game at annual school lacrosse tournament
By Alex Murray Writer “It’s the Creator’s game, one of the few traditional games we still get to play.” That’s why Dave Sowden, Grade 5 teacher at Oliver M. Smith-Kawenni:io, believes it’s important to pass on a love of lacrosse. That love was on full display at the annual Six Nations School Lacrosse Tournament on June 2. The co-ed event has been going on since Sowden himself was in elementary school, which was “not a couple, but a few decades ago,” he said with a chuckle. The tournament featured two competitions: one for primary kids from kindergarten to Grade 3, and one for intermediates in Grades 4 to 6. Teams played 20-minute games during the double-elimination tournament held at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena this year. The Primaries took the field...
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Elementary schools on Six Nations will have new septic systems
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) approved a recommendation authorizing Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill to sign documentation required to replace federal schools’ infrastructure during the General Finance Committee meeting on June 1. The decision came following a recommendation from the Built Environment, Climate Adaptation, Lands and Membership Committee. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is responsible for five federal schools within Six Nation, including Jamieson Elementary, JC Hill Elementary, Emily C. General, I.L. Thomas Elementary, and Oliver M. Smith Elementary. The motion said that three of the schools, Emily C. General, I.L. Thomas Elementary, and Oliver M. Smith Elementary, rely on peatland systems for onsite wastewater treatment. The project is valued at approximately $2.8 million and will support upgrades to the peatland wastewater treatment systems at the affected schools. An assessment completed in...
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