GNWT moves to amend proposed Indigenous employment policy
By Claire McFarlane, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Northwest Territories finance minister Caroline Wawzonek says the territory will look to implement a “two-tiered approach” to its proposed new Indigenous Employment Policy after criticism of an earlier version. A first attempt at a proposal rolled out in late 2024 received criticism from MLAs and some residents because it prioritized Indigenous Canadians as a whole, without any preference for Indigenous northerners. The new approach would prioritize the hiring of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who are “Indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories” over other Indigenous Canadians, according to Wawzonek. Once finalized, the Indigenous Employment Policy will replace the existing Affirmative Action Policy. Affirmative action at the GNWT has existed in some shape or form for decades and grants priority...
Register
RCMP treat deaths of two men, two women on Saskatchewan First Nation as homicides
By Jeremy Simes -CP-Four deaths on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in southern Saskatchewan are being treated as homicides, RCMP said Wednesday. RCMP Inspector Ashley St. Germaine told a Regina news conference the initial investigation suggests the home east of Regina where the people were found Tuesday was targeted. The dead are two men and two women, but they haven’t been formally identified, she said. Police are providing updates to the families of the victims and connecting them with support, she said. “We know that when these unimaginable tragedies happen, it can be easy to speculate and spread rumors, particularly in this age of social media,” St. Germaine told reporters. “I’d like to remind the public that the families of the victims have suffered an incredible loss, and I ask...
Register
AFNQL reminds First Nations concerns need to be addressed
By Marc Lalonde, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador would like to remind the provincial government they exist and that their concerns around any provincial response to U.S. tariffs should be respected. The 25-percent tariff on goods made in Canada that U.S. President Donald Trump paused temporarily Tuesday afternoon had caused quite a bit of concern in the province earlier this week. Quebec Premier Francois Legault publicly proclaimed that he had met with business leaders in an effort to formulate a response strategy. The AFNQL said that is unacceptable to them. “A recent communication from the Quebec government indicated that the Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy has already met with a number of Quebec business leaders,” it said. “However, these meetings...
Register
Two Arrested in Simcoe Home Invasion Investigation
INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE IN SIMCOE NORFOLK COUNTY, ON – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged two people in connection with an ongoing home invasion investigation in Simcoe. At about 3:47 a.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Norfolk County OPP Detachment officers with the West Region OPP Emergency Response Team and the West Region OPP Canine Unit, responded to a home invasion on Nixon Road in Simcoe, Norfolk County. Investigators found that a group of four to five individuals forcibly entered a residence and once inside, ” interacted with three occupants, during which one occupant was physically assaulted and sustained minor injuries” The suspects then fled the area, with some observed departing in a white van. The suspects, described as black and Caucasian males, were wearing face coverings and dressed...
Register
First Nation chief feels good about collaboration with B.C. government
By Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Williams Lake Tribune Chief Roger William of Xeni Gwet’in First Nation feels positive about the opportunities to collaborate with the provincial government following the B.C. cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering. Chief William was among the more than 1,000 First Nation representatives who attended the Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 gathering in Vancouver. Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, located 200 kilometres west of Williams Lake, is one of six communities which make up the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG). “I like what I heard,” said Chief William about the discussion which took place. He contrasted this to the concerning language he heard from certain members of the Conservative party during the last provincial election, language he described as “backward” and threatening the strides made...
Register
Six Nations people hitting border problems
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND– Six Nations Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill knew a week ago that Six Nations people attempting to cross into the United States could find themselves facing border problems. Elected Chief Hill, in a press statement today ( Feb., 5, 2025) community members could be facing problems crossing the border. She said she received notice from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) January 25th, 2025 that border patrols were being increased on both land and air. Elected Chief Hill’s statement said a Black Hawk helicopter with the RCMP logo will be used for air patrols. In the statement she told community members “If you see this helicopter, it does NOT mean a specific threat or danger exists in the area.” The statement says the additional measures “are...
Register
USAID is going away. Here’s what it’s been doing in South America
By Fabiano Maisonnave BRASILANDIA, Brazil (AP) — The dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development will deliver a major blow to efforts including humanitarian assistance in Colombia, conservation efforts in Brazil and coca eradication in Peru — South American countries that have been a priority for the support. Even if some foreign aid resumes after the 90-day suspension ordered by President Donald Trump, many USAID-backed projects focus on areas he has derided as ideological: climate change, biodiversity and minority and women’s rights, so several recipients fear their projects are now dead. Colombia has long been the largest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance in South America. Recent USAID money has supported emergency humanitarian aid to more than 2.8 million Venezuelans who fled economic crisis. In 2024 alone, the agency transferred...
Register
CP NewsAlert: RCMP treat four deaths on Saskatchewan First Nation as homicides
By Jeremy Simes -CP-RCMP say four deaths on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in southern Saskatchewan are being treated as homicides and the initial investigation suggests the home was targeted. Mounties say the dead are two men and two women. More coming....
Register
Ontario Provincial Police want you to have a safe and fun Super Bowl weekend, but Don’t Drink and Drive
LONDON, ON – Ontario Provincial Police are urging people to be safe and responsible this Super Bowl weekend a time when businesses and private residences are hosting Super Bowl parties. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in West Region would like to remind party hosts and participants to be responsible while watching the big game. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest and most entertaining national sporting events for friends and families gathering to socialize and watch the big game. Yet, it can also become one of the most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired and drug driving. Impaired and drug driving collisions and fatalities can be prevented. Designating a sober driver should be at the top of everyone’s Super Bowl party list, but there are other...
Register
High density housing proposed in Ucluelet, using first-of-its-kind methods
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Ucluelet, BC – Cradled in Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ – Ucluelet First Nation (UFN) traditional territory on Vancouver Island, Olsen Bay, or C’iiłukᵂis meaning “soft beach”, is the site of a 24.8-acre high-density residential development proposed by Australian businessman Josh Hunt, CEO of ERIF Sustainable Solutions. Traditionally described as the “shallow soft bottomed bay reaching close to the road”, the site at 221 Minato Road in Ucluelet was partially cleared about five years ago by its former owners for a seasonal RV and campground. At full buildout, ERIF’s housing proposal labelled ‘Serenity Landing’ would encompass one quarter of the small town’s current population of 2,066. To achieve this density, ERIF has asked permission to “clear most of the remaining trees on the site (excluding dedicated...
Register
Gun suspect arrested in Regina after four found dead on Saskatchewan First Nation
-CP-REGINA,SASK-Police have arrested a man accused of pointing a gun at people on a First Nation in southern Saskatchewan a few hours after four people were found dead in a home on another reserve. RCMP say Keagan Panipekeesick was arrested early this morning in Regina. Officers were searching for the 29-year-old after they received reports Tuesday about a man pointing a gun at people on Zagime Anishinabek, formerly known as the Sakimay First Nation. Earlier in the day, police found the bodies of the four people in a home on the Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, about 95 kilometres away. RCMP had said the deaths were suspicious but provided few other details. They said it wasn’t known if the gun pointing at Zagime was connected to the deaths at Carry...
Register
Poilievre would impose life sentences for trafficking more than 40 mg of fentanyl
By David Baxter and Sarah Ritchie -CP-A Conservative government would bring in mandatory life sentences for those convicted of trafficking, producing or exporting more than 40 mg of fentanyl, Pierre Poilievre said Wednesday. “Let’s call fentanyl trafficking what it is: mass murder,” the Conservative leader told a news conference in Vancouver. He compared selling the drug to “spraying bullets into a crowd.” The Conservatives also want traffickers caught with between 20 mg and 40 mg of the drug to be sentenced to a mandatory 15 years in prison. To do that, Poilievre said he would repeal changes made to the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in 2022 that ended some mandatory minimum sentences and allowed for conditional sentences or diversion programs for simple possession convictions. The...
Register
Calling Lake study recommends local RCMP detachment
By Pearl Lorentzen Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Calling Lake RCMP study found that the community wants a full-time detachment, but researchers believe it will be an uphill battle in the current Alberta political environment. “Residents were overwhelmingly in favour of establishing an RCMP detachment in Calling Lake,” said an Alberta Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grant completed on behalf of the M.D. of Opportunity. “Most folks are really set on an RCMP detachment,” Ailene Burke, from Alberta Council, told the M.D. of Opportunity council on January 22 in Calling Lake. Council passed a motion to accept the report and forward it to the Government of Alberta. “Should we not have a letter with our position?” asked Councillor Cheri Courtorielle (Calling Lake). The M.D. wants to pursue an RCMP...
Register
‘Turned my stomach’: Sign targets Indigenous Peoples in Glenwood, NL, ignites outrage
By Anasophie Vallee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A sign in Glenwood, NL, that targets Indigenous people is drawing outrage. The sign declares, “Attention: This is not Qalipu land or MicMac land. This land belongs to the public the people to use and enjoy public land.” Randi Whelan said they felt physically nauseous after seeing the sign. Whelan is settler-Mi’kmaq — their father is Irish, and their mother is French Mi’kmaq. They are a direct descendant of Benoit First Nation. Seeing the image reminded them immediately of the signs posted when the Indian Act was passed. They added that the initial shock expressed by residents on social media surrounding the sign was also angering. “To be shocked by it is to deny the fact that it still exists and that this...
Register
Invictus Games 2025 medals designed by Indigenous artists unveiled in Vancouver
Organizers of the 2025 Invictus Games, kicking off in Vancouver, unveiled the medals that will be awarded to athletes over the nine days of competition. The charity says in a news release that the 462 medals were designed by four First Nations artists and will be presented at 167 ceremonies throughout the event. The Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, presented by ATCO and Boeing, the Games medals celebrate achievement, resilience, determination and the unconquered Invictus Spirit through the healing power of sport. The medals, supported by Teck, will be awarded throughout the nine days of life-changing sport events to wounded, injured and sick service members and Veterans from 23 Nations. The medals The medals draw upon the unique elements of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025’s...
Register
Councillor raises alarm over impacts of Trumps border issues
Six Nations councillors are voicing concerns over the impact heightened U.S. border security and Donald Trump’s changing policies could have on Indigenous people. Councillor Helen Miller raised the alarm suggesting Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) host an in-depth information session about the Jay Treaty Border Alliance and discuss the future of cross-border relations for First Nations. Miller told SNEC at its Jan. 28 General Council meet she wasn’t certain new councillors were aware of the Jay Treaty and border issues. “I think it’s time we do that just to fill everybody in,” she said. “I know some councillors are not that familiar with it. I think everybody needs to know.” She suggested inviting former Elected Chief Ava Hill, who has been involved in the treaty alliance for several years, to...
Register
Parents want funding for daycare centre
A group of Six Nations parents want a local for-profit daycare to receive public funding to continue its services. Bailey Anderson and three other parents who send their children to Little Treasures Daycare on Fourth Line, told Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) at its Jan. 28th general council meeting the daycare is entitled to funding through the Canada-wide Early Learning and Childcare Agreement (CWELCA). “This agreement concludes that depriving Indigenous for-profit childcare providers of the opportunity to participate in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Childcare Agreement not only undermines the goals of equity and accessibility, but also perpetuates existing challenges faced by Indigenous families,” Anderson said. Elected Chief Sherri Lyn Hill said the presentation was brought to council because the parents didn’t want to speak to administrative staff. She also...
Register
Six Nations Elected Council approves Jordan’s Principle funding
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) approved a funding amendment from Indigenous Services Canada for Jordan’s Principle. SNEC approved three additional funding amendments for the 2024-2025 fiscal year from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) for SNEC’s Jordan’s Principle Department at the General Finance meeting on February 3 for more than $10 million. ISC provides SNEC with annual funding for Six Nations based on a formula that uses nominal roll (number of people enrolled in school on reserve) and adjusts the population by about 60 per cent. SNEC agreed to a five-year comprehensive funding agreement with and funding this funding amendment for Jordan’s Principle Service Coordination for $10,818,400. SIX NATIONS HOUSING Six Nations Housing HAS tapped into funding to renovate homes in critical need. Dale Sault, property manager with Six Nations Housing brought...
Register
Structure integrity hindering fire investigation
By Joshua Santos, Writer Investigators face a significant challenge as they examine what sparked a mammoth fire at a popular First Nations restaurant recently. Professionals with the Office of the Fire Marshal say they can’t enter the Burger Barn on Fourth Line after a fire ravaged the building compromising the roof. “It was determined that the fire caused significant structural damage to the building,” said Sean Driscoll, spokesperson for the Office of the Fire Marshal to Turtle Island News. “For the safety’s sake of the investigators, no one will be entering the building while we wait for heavy equipment to arrive to provide the structural integrity necessary to safely enter the building in order to continue with the fire investigation.” The building, reminiscent of a large red farm barn, appeared...
Register
Residency eviction notice creating controversy
By Lynda Powless Editor A storm of controversy has erupted over the legitimacy of a letter claiming to be evicting a man from the Six Nations of Grand River territory. The letter, being circulated, is signed by Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill, but is not on Six Nations Elected Council letter head raising questions of its legitimacy. At the same time a similar letter, sent to Six Nations Police, does appear on Six Nations letter head. The letter itself is addressed to John Michael Blackburn claiming the man does not appear on Six Nations band membership lists yet is residing at Six Nations. The letter came as a result of a complaint from a Six Nations community member. However, the online controversy also includes support comments from neighbours saying the man...
Register
