BC Hydro names new president, the day after power ‘action plan’ unveiled
BC Hydro is promoting from within for a new president and CEO. Executive vice-president of operations Charlotte Mitha will take over the top job when outgoing president Chris O’Riley retires in August. BC Hydro board chair Glen Clark says the Crown corporation is heading into a “massive growth phase” as the province looks to drive sustainable economic development. The utility’s announcement comes the day after the Ministry of Energy unveiled its Clean Power Action Plan which includes a push for up to another 5,000 gigawatt-hours per year of energy from new renewable projects. Mitha calls the plan “very ambitious” and says it can only be done through partnerships with First Nations, companies and the community. She joined BC Hydro in 2004 and says plans for the future have her feeling...
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Students learn to lead on the land in ground-breaking university program
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Canada’s first Indigenous land stewardship degree puts Indigenous law, governance and connection to land at the heart of environmental education. Hayley Toderian, 29, waited two years to enrol. Now, she’s part of the inaugural class in a groundbreaking undergraduate program at the University of British Columbia, the first of its kind. The four-year degree was created in response to growing recognition of the need for Indigenous-led approaches to land management and environmental challenges, land reclamation and environmental policy. For Toderian, who is a member of Sts’ailes First Nation (also known as Chehalis First Nation in BC), the program offered something she had been searching for a long time. She began post-secondary studies in 2019 at Langara College in general studies,...
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Changing school’s name carries risk of erasing colonist’s racist history, MMF warns trustees
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press The Manitoba Métis Federation made a case Monday against trustees renaming a city school honouring a military leader who has gained infamy in recent years. Wolseley School is the latest subject of debate over educational sites named after historical figures whose actions do not align with 21st-century values. Col. Garnet Wolseley (1833-1913) played a key role in the colonial crusade against Louis Riel and the Métis people who lived under his provisional government in the Red River Settlement. “(He did) horrible things to our people, to our nation — murders, rapes, the reign of terror, burning homes down to the ground, chasing us away…. We need to make sure that the atrocities of people like Wolseley are never forgotten,” the...
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NDP plans to rebuild from ‘grief,’ Idlout says
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News A week after narrowly winning re-election as Nunavut’s MP, Lori Idlout says the New Democratic Party plans to rebuild from its election losses. Idlout was one of seven New Democrats to secure a seat in the April 28 federal election, earning a second term in the House of Commons with a 77-vote lead over Liberal challenger Kilikvak Kabloona. But party leader Jagmeet Singh failed to win his own seat in the Burnaby Central riding. He announced his resignation on election night. Before the election, there were 24 NDP MPs. “Our first conversations have been that of grief with the loss of our friends who were not re-elected, and discussions about how we’re going to rebuild as a party because we still...
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Spring Carving on the Edge Festival uplifts the next generation
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Tofino, BC – Hammering chisels with rubber mallets, children helped hollow out a traditional Nuu-chah-nulth log drum at the spring Carving on the Edge Festival, which took place May 1 to 4 at the Tofino Community Hall in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations territory. Tla-o-qui-aht artist Hjalmer Wenstob said the focus of the spring festival was all about coming together. “Our log drum is what we built the whole festival around. It was drop-in carving throughout the whole festival. Really, it’s just basically about learning about different tools,” said Wenstob. “It’s a nice, simple block of wood that people aren’t afraid of. We’re gonna hollow it out as a community,” he said. Three different school groups participated in the log drum project: the Grade...
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Planned burn could have killed trapped firefighters, says B.C. safety report
By Brenna Owen British Columbia’s worker protection agency says a planned burn by the province’s wildfire service during the devastating 2023 fire season could have killed or injured multiple firefighters who became “trapped by extreme fire behaviour” that cut off their escape. Inspection reports by WorkSafeBC say the BC Wildfire Service didn’t adequately ensure safety during the burn in the Shuswap region on Aug. 17 that year, and a group of trapped Brazilian firefighters had to retreat to a “safe zone.” WorkSafeBC says they had to burn off fuel around their truck and spend the night because of low visibility, smoke, fire activity and falling trees. They were picked up the next day by another crew that “cut their way into the site.” “Other crews reportedly had to navigate off-road...
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Six Nations marks Red Dress Day
Red Dress Day at Ganohkwasra: where healing resides By Tara Lindemann Writer Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services staff observed the national Red Dress Day by hosting a gathering at its Pine Crescent location on May 5, which included lunch and holistic treatments for community members. Ganohkwasra counsellor, Samanth Cook, said there is no single path to healing. “It’s their journey,” she said. “We just walk alongside them, and seek to help them remember and cherish the moments they had with their loved ones, then find ways to nurture their memories while taking care of themselves.” Together with long-time advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), Linda John, counsellor Amber Silversmith unveiled a commemorative quilt made by family members to honour loved ones lost to...
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AFN Quebec/Labrador take message to Time Square
By Marc Lalonde, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador’s (AFNQL) First Nations took a very visual message to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues with a Time Square billboard.The billboard’s message “Indigenous Peoples Rights: A Call to Respect #UNDRIP in Quebec played for 24 hours on the Times Square billboard.Ghisland PicardThe video was “a direct and unambiguous appeal to the governments of Quebec and Canada to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP),” the AFNQL said.AFNQL Regional Chief Francois Verreault-Paul said the message was aimed squarely at a provincial government he says has yet to put its best foot forward on Indigenous self-determination.“We wanted to raise awareness and highlight to the international community the need...
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Six Nations Soldier Honoured in Dutch Second World War Exhibit
By Joshua Santos Writer A Six Nations war veteran will be honoured in an international art exhibit celebrating the valiant sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers in the Second World War. Corporal Welby Lloyd Patterson, a Tuscarora from Six Nations, stands as a symbol of courage in Indigenous Liberators, a new art exhibit at the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek, Netherlands. The show launched on May 2 and runs until Nov. 30. “He was so brave,” said Maidy Keir, Patterson’s niece. “He volunteered to go up front and defend this canal. He fought off the enemy for three hours on his own. If it was not for him, the guys would not have survived.” The exhibit marks the 80th anniversary of the Dutch liberation from Nazi occupation and highlights the vital role First...
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Six Nations First Responders Honoured for Emergency Efforts
By Joshua Santos Writer Hundreds of emergency personnel were recognized for their efforts at an annual First Responders Appreciation luncheon Wednesday at the Six Nations Community Hall. “It is nice to see the council thank us like this,” said Luke Byrne, a paramedic with Six Nations Paramedic Service. He has been a paramedic for 14 years, and spent the past two years with Six Nations. “I think everyone is honoured to be here. It is not something that happens everywhere you go.” The event, hosted by Six Nations Elected Council and Emergency Services, celebrated firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and dispatchers. A Haudenosaunee honour song opened the proceedings with community gratitude. “I just wanted to be able to help people and give back to the community,” said Byrne. “I was looking...
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Six Nations told take it or leave it quarry expansion going ahead
Six Nations can benefit monetarily from a quarry expansion, or not, but it will happen with or without the community’s involvement. “Unfortunately, the province does not recognize a duty to consult. What happens if we say no? If we say no, the ministry will still give them their permits,” Peter Graham Consultation Supervisor with Lands and Membership said. “The Ministry of Natural Resources has told us they will not withhold any permit for a lack of accommodation.” Six Nations Elected Council’s (SNEC) Consultation and Accommodation Team (CAP) Team held an online community consultation on April 30 to speak with the community regarding an tentative agreement SNEC reached on January 27, 2025 with Port Colborne Quarries, owned by Rankin Construction. Port Colborne Quarries has applied to expand its existing Pit 3...
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Indigenous representation on boards debated at Toronto conference
By Sam Laskaris Writer It’s no secret that there is not sufficient Indigenous representation on corporate boards across Canada. Though Indigenous people comprise about five per cent of the country’s population, statistics indicate they only hold about 0.4 per cent positions as corporate directors. Six Nations member Roberta Jamieson, who has held her share of director positions, was one of the speakers at a Toronto conference this past week and offered her thoughts on Indigenous representation on boards. Jamieson was on a panel titled Stronger Boards, Smarter Business: The Case for Indigenous Representation in Corporate Leadership at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference, which concluded on Apr. 29. The two-day event, which attracted about 1,800 delegates, was held at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Jamieson told conference attendees...
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Ontario First Nations Raise Alarm Over Legislation Threatening Rights Amid Mining Boom
By Joshua Santos Writer Ontario First Nations leaders are sounding the alarm over a proposed provincial law concerned that it could undermine their inherent and Treaty rights in the rush to fuel a mining and infrastructure boom. The Chiefs of Ontario are urging the provincial government to prioritize meaningful consultation and respect for Indigenous sovereignty as they push forward with ambitious economic development plans. Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, introduced by Premier Doug Ford’s government aims to accelerate development by creating “special economic zones” designed to boost Ontario’s economy and enhance provincial security through streamlined project approvals and reduced regulatory hurdles. “Any development or legislation that affects First Nations’ inherent or Treaty rights must have their free, prior and informed consent,” said Ontario Regional...
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Red Dress Day marks 15 years
Red Dress Day is marking an anniversary no one really ever wanted to come to see. A day no one ever thought they would mark but one that brought with it a message not of celebration but of being safe! Six Nations joined other First Nation communities’ towns and cities to mark Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ People on Monday, May 5. A day that saw events from walks to workshops take place across the country and all with one aim…safety! It’s a day Indigenous women mark with trepidation knowing the message behind it is about their life. Red Dress Day started in 2010 when Métis artist Jamie Black hung hundreds of red dresses to...
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Hudson’s Bay facing more pressure to keep Indigenous items off auction block
By Tara Deschamps The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is joining Indigenous organizations in calling for Hudson’s Bay to keep artifacts and sacred items off the auction block. The group said Friday that any effort from the faltering department store chain to resolve its financial situation through creditor protection must not come at “the expense of Indigenous heritage and dignity.” “The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples believes that any effort to liquidate or commodify Indigenous cultural property without the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous communities is a violation of both Indigenous rights and ethical responsibility,” said the group’s national chief Brendan Moore. “We join the call for immediate transparency, dialogue, and a respectful process of repatriation.” Moore’s push for an immediate halt to the sale of any Indigenous items echo...
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Seven people facing drug charges
Six Nations Police have charged seven people in connection with a cocaine trafficking operation at Six Nations. Six Nations Police’ Drug Enforcement Unit raided two residences and a motor vehicle on Chiefswood Road and Fifth Line Road April 9, 2025. Police executed the Section 11 Controlled Drugs & Substances Act Search Warrants seizing suspected cocaine, fentanyl, currency, scales, drug packaging along with a handgun with ammunition. Diamond Butler, 20 and Keara Lickers, 19, both of Ohsweken, ON have been charged with – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl – Unauthorized Possession- Possession Over $5,000 – Weapon: Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession Daniel Butler, 27, of Ohsweken has been charged with – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking: Cocaine – Possession...
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Montour to represent Canada at world championship
By Sam Laskaris Writer Six Nations member Brandon Montour will have an opportunity to win another prestigious hockey title this spring. A year ago Montour was a key performer for the Florida Panthers, who captured the Stanley Cup, the ultimate prize in professional hockey. As for this season, Montour was a star defenceman with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. He signed a seven-year, $50 million (U.S.) contract with the Kraken last July, mere days after winning the Cup with the Panthers. Though the Seattle squad did not qualify for this year’s NHL playoffs, Montour will still be playing some hockey this month. That’s because he was one of the first 15 players named to the Canadian roster this past Thursday for the club that will compete at this year’s world championship....
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Rivermen beat Cruise in home opener
By Sam Laskaris Writer Thanks to a seven-goal performance from rookie Thunder Hill, the Six Nations Rivermen were able to register a convincing victory in their home opener. The Rivermen, the local Senior B squad, thumped the Collingwood Cruise 15-7 in their Ontario Series Lacrosse (OSL) match held on Saturday at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena (ILA). Hill now has 10 points in his first two outings this season. He had scored once and added a pair of assists in Six Nations’ 11-9 road victory against the Owen Sound North Stars in their 2025 season opener one week earlier. Rivermen veteran forward Tyler Brown, who had a five-point (three goals and two assists) game himself versus Collingwood, praised Hill’s efforts. “The kid is a stud,” Brown said of his 21-year-old teammate....
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SPORTS BRIEFS: Powless nabs award for final collegiate season
By Sam Laskaris Writer Six Nations member Dougie Powless finished off his lacrosse collegiate eligibility with another conference award. Last year Powless, a member of the Clarke University Pride men’s field lacrosse team, had captured the Newcomer of the Year award in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. As for this year, Powless capped off his final university season with the Iowa-based Pride by being named to the conference’s All-Heart Second Team. Powless led the Clarke squad this season in caused turnovers (39) and was as in the number of ground balls scooped up (51). Powless also established a school record of eight caused turnovers in one game, during Clarke’s 12-5 victory against Nebraska’s Midland University on Mar. 22. Powless and his Pride teammates finished with an over-all record of...
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