The Latest: Trump deflects questions about Epstein files and revives old grievances instead
President Donald Trump on Tuesday deflected questions over the Justice Department’s decision to interview Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of helping the financier sexually abuse underage girls and is now serving a lengthy prison sentence. Trump instead lashed out at old grievances following a new report from his intelligence director aimed at casting doubt on long-established findings about Moscow’s interference in the 2016 election. Trump is under pressure from conspiracy-minded segments of his political base to release more about the Epstein case. He’s tried to move on, which Democrats say is because of his association with Epstein. Trump has denied knowledge or involvement of Epstein’s crimes and said he ended their friendship years ago. Meanwhile, Trump said after meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at...
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As Canada’s economy faces serious challenges, the Indigenous economy offers solutions
By Mylon Ollila Hugo Asselin Canada faces economic headwinds due to geopolitical change, including a trade war with its closest economic partner, the United States. Canada’s policymakers are searching for new, sustainable sources of economic strength. One such source is already here and is being overlooked: the emerging Indigenous economy. It has the potential to boost Canada’s economy by more than $60 billion a year. But Indigenous Peoples are still largely seen as an economic liability to manage instead of an opportunity for growth. It is time for a mindset shift. For it to happen, the federal government should remove unfair economic barriers and invest in closing the employment and income gap. Canada’s future depends on Indigenous Peoples Economic growth is projected to decline over the coming years for developed...
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First Nations take Mark Carney, Doug Ford to court over ‘dishonourable and unconstitutional’ Bills C-5 & 5
By Anushka Yadav, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Pointer “Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” lawyer Kate Kempton repeated as she declared nine First Nations are taking the Ontario and federal governments to court over recent legislation promoted as critical for the country’s economic growth. The plaintiffs argue the new laws “severely threaten their rights to self-determine their ways of life on their homeland territories, the environment and fundamental human freedoms”. On July 16, chiefs from four of the nine First Nations and senior counsel Kate Kempton of Woodward and Company LLP announced a fast-tracked constitutional challenge against Ontario’s Bill 5, which passed on June 5, and key sections of the federal government’s Bill C-5, which received royal assent on Jun 26, arguing these laws grant provincial and federal cabinets sweeping, unchecked...
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Scattered rain helping wildfire situation in Manitoba, but more needed: officials
Parts of northern Manitoba have seen a scattering of rainfall with more expected, but flames driven by hot, dry conditions over the weekend are encroaching on several communities. Officials say less than one millimetre of rain has recently fallen in fire areas, and if more doesn’t come fire activity will remain active in those areas over the coming days. The government is keeping an eye on the communities of Leaf Rapids, Snow Lake and Garden Hill First Nation where blazes are in close proximity to those areas. Officials say Leaf Rapids is surrounded by fires, but that a fire guard was built up around the town and crews are ready to go should any of the fires reach the community. Smoky conditions over the weekend hampered firefighting abilities in some...
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Inmate charged with first-degree murder in death of serial killer Robert Pickton
A federal inmate has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of serial killer Robert Pickton last year. Martin Charest, 52, was charged on July 3 for allegedly attacking Pickton at Quebec’s Port-Cartier maximum security prison. Pickton died in hospital on May 31, 2024, 12 days after he was assaulted, but no charges were laid at the time. An investigation report released earlier this month revealed Pickton was assaulted by a fellow inmate who broke a broom handle and thrust it into his face, and a separate report by an independent observer named Charest as the suspect. Pickton was convicted in 2007 on six counts of second-degree murder but was suspected of killing dozens more women at his pig farm in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Charest will appear in court...
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Indigenous organization condemns Trump’s call to bring back Washington NFL team name
By Kelly Geraldine Malone The Association on American Indian Affairs is condemning U.S President Donald Trump’s call for Washington’s football team to revert to its old name, saying any claim that Indigenous nations support the use of Indigenous-themed mascots is false. “These mascots and names do not honour Native Peoples — they reduce us to caricatures,” the Association on American Indian Affairs said in a statement. “Our diverse Peoples and cultures are not relics of the past or mascots for entertainment. Native Nations are sovereign, contemporary cultures who deserve respect and self-determination, not misrepresentation.” On Sunday, in a social media post, Trump threatened to hold up a new stadium deal if the NFL’s Washington Commanders team doesn’t return to its old name, which was considered offensive by Indigenous Americans. In...
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Mixed reaction from First Nations after premiers’ meeting about major projects
By Liam Casey and Allison Jones Canada’s premiers pledged economic reconciliation with Indigenous people through major infrastructure and resource projects at their semi-annual meeting that began Monday, though several First Nation leaders said afterward they were disappointed with the discussion. The premiers gathered at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ont., to talk trade and tariffs, particularly when they meet Tuesday with Prime Minister Mark Carney. But first they held a meeting with leaders from First Nations that included the Assembly of First Nations, Anishinabek Nation and the Native Women’s Association of Canada, among other Indigenous groups. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak struck a positive tone after the meeting, where the premiers agreed to meet with Indigenous leadership and the prime minister, though First Nations were not invited...
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RCMP may need to review training involving Indigenous people, B.C. watchdog says
Rojun Alphonse was a “great family man,” who was proud of his Indigenous roots, and the circumstances around his death remain an open wound for his family and the community, said Chief Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation in B.C.’s Cariboo region. B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office released a report this month detailing what led up to Alphonse taking his own life, suggesting RCMP policy or training may need to change to better respond to calls involving Indigenous people after complaints that police actions were more forceful than necessary. Alphonse died in Williams Lake after an hours-long standoff with Mounties in July 2022. “We would like to see meaningful change happen within the RCMP when you’re dealing with Indigenous peoples, when you’re dealing with individuals suffering from mental health...
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Carney showed ‘real dedication’ at Bill C-5 summit, but Onigaming chief remains concerned
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com WARNING: this story contains references to suicide. ONIGAMING — “We just don’t want to be left behind.” Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation Chief Jeffrey Copenace said he feels he was able to bring to federal leaders his concerns about what the government’s Building Canada Act and stated focus on economic and infrastructure development could mean for his community. Copenace was one of hundreds of First Nations leaders in Gatineau for the July 17 summit, sparked by widespread opposition to parts of Bill C-5. Copenace said he met Prime Minister Mark Carney for as much time as a quick handshake, but spoke to senior ministerial staff and Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin. “I was able to express all of those different...
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Kipling, Grenfell receive traffic safety money
By Ryan Kiedrowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The World-Spectator There will be new signage popping up across Saskatchewan over the summer as the provincial Traffic Safety Fund announced $1.54 million in funding to 62 new projects. The fund awards grants of up to $100,000 twice per year with a goal of reducing collisions and traffic fatalities across the province. “The Government of Saskatchewan and SGI are committed to delivering safer roads for everyone in Saskatchewan,” said the Minister Responsible for SGI, Jeremy Harrison. “This $1.5 million in provincial grants will enable 61 municipalities and First Nations throughout our province to deliver enhancements to traffic safety in their communities.” Locally, the communities of Kipling and Grenfell were recipients of funding for their safety initiatives. Kipling received $5,622 for their project Stop...
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Federal money provided to return unproductive farmland back to forest in Alberta
By Bill Graveland The federal government is providing over $100 million to help return unproductive Alberta farmland to its original forested state. Corey Hogan, parliamentary secretary to Canada’s natural resources minister, says the cash is part of the $3.2 billion “2 Billion Trees program” and the reforestation will help capture carbon and reduce greenhouse gases. The goal is to support provinces, territories and third-party organizations in planting two billion trees across Canada by 2031. Hogan says cleared farmland will be turned back into thriving forests, providing employment to Indigenous women and youth, and providing economic benefits. Mike Toffan from Project Forest says through four different projects, 12 million trees will be planted in Alberta, including on the Siksika Nation and in the Peace Country. He says some of the land...
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Premiers meet with Indigenous groups on first day of three-day Ontario gathering
By Liam Casey and Allison Jones Canada’s premiers are pledging economic reconciliation with Indigenous people as they head into discussions with First Nations, Métis and Inuit groups at a three-day meeting in cottage country north of Toronto. The premiers have gathered at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ont., to talk trade and tariffs, particularly when they meet Tuesday with Prime Minister Mark Carney. But first they are set to have discussions with leaders from the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council and the Native Women’s Association of Canada, among other Indigenous groups. That meeting comes as Indigenous communities have expressed concerns with federal and provincial laws meant to fast-track major infrastructure projects as a way to stimulate the economy facing tariff impacts. “We think this is a great opportunity...
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‘Indigenous helpers’ are essential to culturally responsive mental health care
By Louis Busch For nearly two decades, I worked as a therapist in a large psychiatric hospital in Toronto, supporting people living with severe mental health challenges. Many of those I encountered were navigating complex intersections of psychiatric diagnoses, chronic physical illness, poverty, and the breakdown of family and social support. Stories of fear, isolation, abuse and abandonment were pervasive. Occasionally, I witnessed transformative outcomes; patients reconnecting with loved ones, reclaiming aspects of their identity and building meaningful lives beyond their diagnoses. Unfortunately, such outcomes were typically the exception. More commonly, individuals cycled through repeated hospitalizations, and were placed in institutional or custodial settings. Some lost their lives before they got any better. While our mental health system certainly fails people of all backgrounds, I observed a unique disservice done...
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Karen MacKenzie shares her understandings of ‘Wise Practices’
By Laura Mushumanski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News (ANNews) – Since hearing her mother’s advice, “be a good mixer,” Karen MacKenzie, Co-Founder and President of MacKintosh Consulting, an Indigenous owned, international company, has walked with these words of wisdom of how to be in the world. “I was taught the importance of walking into any space and being able to connect with someone or something is part of being [in good relations],” said MacKenzie. For Karen, her strength comes from knowing how to be self-sufficient and a good mixer – that eventually led her to finding magic in the field of science when studying chemistry. These teachings have shaped how she walks in her current role as a leader, consultant, mentor, and neighbour. MacKenzie’s approach to engaging with...
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‘Empty promises’ on big national projects won’t work: regional chief
By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner Joanna Bernard is driving a hard bargain when it comes to the prime minister’s new law to fast-track national projects. New Brunswick’s regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations, along with hundreds of other Indigenous leaders from across the country, listened to Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney give a speech on Thursday morning in Gatineau, Que., at the Great Hall of the Canadian Museum of History, on the same floor dedicated to Indigenous peoples. The event was closed to the media, but Bernard said the chiefs gave the prime minister an earful. “After hearing the chiefs on the floor speak to him, I think he’s understanding you can’t just come and make empty promises, as was done in the...
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Evacuees return home after weeks in Kapuskasing area
By Marissa Lentz-McGrath, Local Journalism Initiative, TimminsToday.com KAPUSKASING – After four weeks of displacement, the last group of Sandy Lake First Nation evacuees boarded their flight home Friday. It marked the end of an emergency evacuation that brought over 400 people to Kapuskasing amid northwestern Ontario’s wildfire season. The evacuation was managed by Creemergency, whose CEO Tyson Wesley, said the final departures were emotional for everyone involved. “It was really great to bring those final people back home,” said Wesley. “We know how it feels to be away that long, not knowing when you’ll return. Our team was really excited to see them go back.” The evacuation began in early June, when out-of-control wildfires forced Sandy Lake residents to leave their homes. Kapuskasing, along with neighbouring Smooth Rock Falls, stepped...
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Area chiefs declare Ring of Fire a protected homeland
By Marissa Lentz-McGrath, Local Journalism Initiative, TimminsToday.com ATTAWAPISKAT – A youth-led movement is gaining momentum as Mushkegowuk Council chiefs formally declared the Ring of Fire a protected homeland. Meeting in Ottawa on July 15, the Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs passed a resolution asserting that no development can take place in the Ring of Fire without the free, prior, and informed consent of any affected Mushkegowuk First Nation. The resolution also called for the withdrawal and repeal of Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C-5, legislation many say undermines Indigenous rights by streamlining development approvals on traditional lands. The motion was sparked by a presentation from 21-year-old Jeronimo Kataquapit, an Attawapiskat resident who recently launched the movement Here We Stand. For nearly a month, Kataquapit and his family have camped along...
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Premiers to meet with Indigenous groups on first day of three-day Ontario gathering
A three-day meeting of the country’s premiers gets underway today, and the first item on the agenda is discussions with Indigenous groups. The premiers are gathering at Deerhurst Resort in Ontario’s cottage country and trade and tariffs are expected to be the main topics, particularly when they meet Tuesday with Prime Minister Mark Carney. But first they are set to have discussions with leaders from the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council and the Native Women’s Association of Canada, among other Indigenous groups. That meeting comes as Indigenous communities have expressed concerns with federal and provincial laws meant to fast-track major infrastructure projects as a way to stimulate the economy facing tariff impacts. The federal law known as Bill C-5 allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for...
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Quebec police watchdog investigating fatal shooting by Nunavik Police Service
Quebec’s police watchdog is investigating after Nunavik police shot and killed a person in Inukjuak, Que. late Thursday. The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes says its early investigation shows that officers from the Nunavik Police Service responded to a call about a possible kidnapping at about 8:20 p.m. The BEI says a person at the home allegedly approached the officers with a sharp weapon. The watchdog says officers then shot and injured the person, who was taken to hospital where they were declared dead. The death marks the third fatal shooting involving the Nunavik Police Service since November 2024. The previous shootings prompted Inuit organizations to call for change in the way policing is delivered across Quebec’s Far North. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2025....
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Public will have ‘opportunities throughout the process’ to weigh in on nuclear waste storage site: NWMO
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com IGNACE — Before a high-level nuclear waste site can be built in the region the project’s proponent has a long regulatory process to navigate. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization held a media briefing Wednesday afternoon to explain what is scheduled to happen over the next nearly 20 years. That’s how long the NWMO says it will take to go through the process the government-mandated and industry-funded organization is counting on to approve the construction of a deep geological repository at Revell Lake, between Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. Now that a preferred site has been chosen, the impact assessment process will soon begin, said Carolyn Fell, the NWMO’s manager of impact assessment communications. “This is coordinated by the Impact Assessment Agency...
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