Fire bans issued across La Ronge, northern communities
By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca LA RONGE — Fire bans have been implemented across the La Ronge region and several Lac La Ronge Indian Band communities as officials respond to extreme heat, elevated fire index ratings and dry conditions. The La Ronge Regional Fire Department (LLRFD) announced the ban Wednesday for the Town of La Ronge, the Northern Village of Air Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian Band reserves 156 and 156B, referred to as the tri-communities. A separate local fire ban was also issued by La Ronge Emergency Management and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band for the communities of Sucker River, Stanley Mission, Grandmother’s Bay, Hall Lake, Kitsaki Reserve 156-156B and Little Red. According to the notices, all open fires are prohibited effective May 27...
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Gloria Uluqsi elected Nunavut Inuit organization president
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Gloria Uluqsi has been elected the new Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) president, receiving 3,541 votes, or 19.7 per cent, on May 27. The results were listed as “unofficial” on NTI’s election website after polls closed at 7 p.m. Uluqsi, an Iqaluit resident who hails from Whale Cove, told Nunavut News on the campaign trail that she was committed to helping her fellow Inuit thrive and improve their lives, focused on listening and understanding the people she serves, and she wanted to strengthen communication between NTI and Inuit. Coming in second place was Paul Irngaut with 2,663 votes. He had been acting as NTI president prior to the election. Samuel Alagalak placed third with 2,270 votes, and Cathy Towtongie came in...
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Six years after Indigenous killings, New Brunswick will hold public inquiry
By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner Six years after police shot and killed two Indigenous people in New Brunswick in separate tragedies, the provincial government has agreed to hold a First Nations-led public inquiry into systemic racism in the justice system. Chief Allan Polchies told reporters at the legislature on Wednesday that several of the 15 First Nations chiefs met with Premier Susan Holt and Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson last week and agreed to hold the inquiry. It was a long-standing demand of the chiefs, who were furious the previous Progressive Conservative government wouldn’t listen to them. The killings caused deep anguish in their communities. Details haven’t been ironed out – such as how costs will be split – but both sides expect the inquiry...
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Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation voters will have two choices for chief
By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yellowknifer It will be a two-way race as the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation holds an election for a new chief on Wednesday, June 3. Incumbent James Marlowe and challenger Stephanie Poole are on the ballot. Marlowe said many community members encouraged him to seek re-election. “I have unfinished business, and I was asked to submit my name for chief again,” he said. “My record for the last three years has been positive.” Under his leadership, Marlowe said Lutsel K’e has realized significant achievements. “I believe that [after] being in office for 3.5 years, I’ve done more than any other leadership has previously done,” he said, noting accomplishments such as 10 new homes, progress on outstanding treaty annuity negotiations, and ongoing work related...
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Ottawa invests $250K in Dechinta project on northern co-operative economy
By Aastha Sethi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio The federal government is providing the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning $250,000 for a two-year project to “research the viability of developing a northern co-operative economy.” Kelsey Wrightson, a researcher with the centre, said the project will examine both historic and modern examples of Dene and Inuit solidarity economies and create opportunities for northerners to learn how co-operative businesses can support things such as tourism, food security, and arts and cultural programming. A solidarity economy refers to economic activities that aim to prioritize environmental and social profits. “We know that the North is in the midst of rapid change, with new investments and considerable challenges in the current economic model that relies heavily on mining,” Wrightson told Cabin Radio in...
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Mother’s Death Inspires Fundraiser for Postpartum Mental Health Care
By Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Tyee [Editor’s note: This story discusses postpartum depression, self-harm, suicide and systemic gaps in mental health supports.] Friends and family members of Jenna Dorman are raising the alarm about the systemic failures of mental health supports for parents during the pregnancy and postpartum periods in B.C. Dorman died by suicide in late 2024 while suffering from severe postpartum depression after having her second child. Dorman’s partner, Jay Hoggard, says she was brilliant and driven and helped everyone around her to be the best version of themselves. She worked as chief revenue officer for a large technology firm and excelled on every project she put her mind to, he says. Dorman died when her second child was 10 months old. The development of...
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First Nations power up transmission line ownership
By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice In a historic milestone, five First Nations have teamed up with Hydro One as co-owners of the Chatham-to-Lakeshore Transmission Line. Partners in the project include the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Caldwell First Nation, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation. The initiative marks another historic first as the transmission line becomes the inaugural project completed through the utility’s industry-leading First Nation Equity Partnership Model. It means that area First Nation bands could invest in up to a 50-per-cent equity stake to own a critical piece of Ontario’s electricity system. Walpole Island First Nation Bkejwanong Territory Chief Leela Thomas said the partnership agreement “reflects a level of trust” that hasn’t always...
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CP NewsAlert: Aboriginal title can’t apply to private land, High Court rules
The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a ruling that Aboriginal title cannot be declared over private land, in a decision the federal government says will have an impact on the Cowichan Tribes case in British Columbia. The refusal by Canada’s High Court to hear a First Nation’s appeal against the decision in New Brunswick is in contrast to the landmark Cowichan ruling by B.C.’s Supreme Court that has cast doubt on the primacy of private property rights. The Crown-Indigenous Relations Department says the ruling will inform arguments in other cases, including Cowichan, adding that “private property rights are fundamental.” More coming. ...
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First Peoples Gaming Association holds inaugural meeting
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The First Peoples Gaming Association (FPGA) held its first meeting in Toronto last week, allowing First Nations across the country to share their perspectives on economic sovereignty in the gaming sector. Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) Chief Paul Rice attended the meeting to ensure Kahnawake’s perspectives were included in the discussions. “We think it’s a really good avenue to share information, best practices, and learn from each other’s experiences,” Rice said. More than 40 representatives from First Nations across Canada attended the inaugural meeting. According to Rice, the event served as an important forum for participants to share their perspectives on how best to develop a unified approach among First Nations to the gaming industry. “I think it was a very valuable...
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New study sheds light on gynecological violence against Indigenous women
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) released the second report in its ongoing research into obstetric and gynecological violence (OGV) against First Nations and Inuit women in Quebec, spanning the past seven decades. Derek Montour, President of the FNQLHSSC Board of Directors, called the report a “decisive step” in addressing the OGV epidemic facing First Nations and Inuit women across the province. “Behind each testimony are stories told with courage and resilience—those of mothers, sisters, daughters, and grandmothers,” Montour said. “By speaking out, they are paving the way for more dignified and safe healthcare and social services for themselves and for all future generations.” The first report, Free and informed consent and imposed sterilizations among...
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Indigenous leaders back Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s stance on Treaty Rights
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is earning plaudits from First Nations leaders for publicly disputing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s characterization of Treaty rights and the duty to consult. The Blackfoot Confederacy, which encompasses the Kainai, Piikani and Siksika bands in Treaty 7, issued a statement on Wednesday May 27 to applaud Kinew for “his clear affirmation that potential impacts to Treaty rights must trigger proper consultation with First Nations.” On Monday and Tuesday, Premier Smith hosted a closed-door western premiers’ meeting in Kananaskis, which was attended by Kinew, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, B.C. Premier David Eby, N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson, Yukon Premier Currie Dixon and Nunavut Premier John Main. The premiers held a media availability after the meeting wrapped up, in...
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Binoojiinhshak Jiimaan, the ‘children’s canoe’ expands traditional knowledge in Georgian Bay
By Shania Tabobondung, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Parry Sound North Star In early May, Wasauksing Kinomaugewamik began a three-week birchbark canoe build and gave their students the opportunity to learn on the land while connecting with culture and creating something meaningful for themselves and future generations. Wasauksing Kinomaugewamik, located on Wasauksing First Nation, teaches students from kindergarten to Grade 8. Students visited the build site during Anishinaabemowin classes and any other available free time to participate. Great Lakes Lifeway, a group based in Wisconsin, travelled to Wasauksing to help lead the build. The institute partners with communities to foster and promote land-based learning and activities. The project, called Wiigwaas Jiimaanke: Revitalizing Culture, was funded by the Diocese of Peterborough through its Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. According to the Diocese’s website, the...
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Talks underway for Indigenous-led public inquiry into systemic racism: N.B. minister
By Eli Ridder Early talks on an Indigenous-led public inquiry into systemic racism are underway between the New Brunswick government and First Nations, after widespread calls for justice system reforms stretching back more than half a decade. Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson says the Liberal government and Indigenous leaders met last week on the topic and agreed to continue deliberations in the coming months to get the inquiry off the ground. “We are fully supportive of an Indigenous-led inquiry on systemic racism and obviously this is just the first step,” Chiasson told reporters on Wednesday. “There’s a lot of work to be done to kind of clarify that and kind of really put more framework on what it’s going to look like moving forward.” Two Indigenous people — Chantel Moore...
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Family resumes search for rest of Mekhi Pelly’s remains
By Pam Fedack, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Kenora Miner & News Long after police search efforts slowed and the winter forced families out of the bush, the people who loved Mekhi Pelly are searching for his remains yet again. Nearly six months after some of the 21-year-old’s remains were first discovered near Washagamis Bay First Nation, family members, friends and volunteers have returned to the area hoping to bring the rest of him home. “The renewed search effort began May 15 and is being led not by police, but by the people still carrying the weight of Mekhi’s loss every day.” Family friend Lori Copenace says some family members feel the original search efforts did not go far enough. “The police found 70 per cent of Mekhi, and we’re looking...
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‘Ratification does not remove the conflict’: Wei Wai Kum outlines treaty concerns
By Aaron Walker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com For Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts, whose First Nation is among those raising concerns surrounding Bill 20, the K’ómoks Treaty Act, the dispute over British Columbia’s proposed K’ómoks treaty is not simply about lines on a map. It’s about First Nations’ law, territorial responsibility, constitutional rights, and whether neighbouring First Nations should be expected to resolve historic land overlap concerns after a treaty has already become legally entrenched. Bill-20 seeks to ratify into provincial law the K’ómoks First Nation treaty in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. It moves the K’ómoks First Nation out from beneath the Indian Act to recognize its inherent right to self-government and law-making on a wide range of treaty chapters, including culture and heritage, harvesting, stewardship...
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Alberta premier wins standoff with party over position on provincial separation vote
By Jack Farrell and Lisa Johnson A standoff between Premier Danielle Smith and her own United Conservative Party on the issue of separation is over — and the premier has won. Premier Smith and party president Rob Smith had been at odds over where they stand on Alberta staying in Canada ahead of a fall referendum on the matter. The premier said Wednesday she wants Alberta to stay in Confederation, while the party president, who is not related to premier, said earlier this week the party would not pick a side leading up to the vote. Premier Smith told QR Calgary and 880 CHED that when it comes to the United Conservatives, her word is the last word, and the party’s official position is that it wants Alberta to stay...
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Squamish skincare brand ‘first’ to launch Indigenous-made SPF
By Ina Pace, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Squamish Chief Sḵwálwen Botanicals, a skincare brand that harvests ingredients from the Squamish Estuary, claims to be the first to launch an Indigenous-made SPF cream in Canada. A new mineral-based sunscreen is on the shelves, and the company behind it says it is the first of its kind to honour cultural relationships in Canada. Sḵwálwen Botanicals , an Indigenous-owned skin care brand, which incorporates cultural teachings of plants with its products, has launched the Kalkáy Tinted SPF 30 Face Cream.The cream infuses broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sun protection with botanical oils, such as cranberry and jojoba, in a “lightweight formula” for daily use, according to the Sḵwálwen website . This means that not only does this SPF protect skin from harmful UV...
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Fact File: No evidence Vancouver sending homeless residents to other B.C. cities ahead of World Cup
By Marissa Birnie Rumours have spread on social media that homeless people from Vancouver were being bused out of town in an attempt to “clean up” ahead of the FIFA World Cup that begins next month. But Vancouver denies the claims, and several British Columbia cities that were supposedly on the receiving end say there is no evidence to support the rumours. In Prince George, B.C., which is frequently cited as a destination for homeless people from Vancouver, a service provider says they haven’t seen an unusual influx of people. THE CLAIM “I heard rumours today that Vancouver is sending their homeless to Williams Lake/Quesnel/Prince George. They are given $100.00 and a Bus Ticket. Vancouver wants to clean up before the FIFA Games this Summer in Vancouver,” reads a March...
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Nunavik students bring film to international stage
By Dominique Gené, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News When Madison York speaks about being on the land, she describes it as “happy, free, refreshing” — as well as a “feeling that I can’t explain.” This year, York, who graduated from Kuujjuaq’s Jaanimmarik School in 2025, will help present a short film based on the land at the UArctic Congress, an international gathering focused on Arctic communities, research and culture. The forum takes place in Tórshavn, Denmark, and runs from May 26 to 29. “The land means a lot to us. Back in the day, our ancestors used the stars to make sure they didn’t get lost and the trees for heat,” York said in an interview ahead of the conference. “We respect the land like it’s a person.” Nunaapivut...
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Newfoundland and Labrador declares gender-based violence an epidemic
By Sarah Smellie Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest province to declare gender-based violence an epidemic. The provincial government announced the move today, following in the footsteps of other jurisdictions including Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Lela Evans, Newfoundland and Labrador’s minister of women and gender equality, says the declaration acknowledges the urgency of the problem and the need for collective action to prevent it. The province is also establishing a 12-person task force whose members represent government, survivors and Indigenous women. The move comes days after a jury found a Newfoundland man guilty of first-degree murder in the 2016 disappearance of his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney. The report into the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia concluded that gender-based, intimate partner and family violence are an epidemic in Canada...
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