Family remembers teen as a loved son as police believe Samual Bird is victim of a homicide
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Samuel Bird’s mother says she wants people to remember her son for the way he lived, not how he is believed to have died. “I want people to remember Samuel not as a headline, not as a case file, but as a loved son, a brother, a cousin and a friend. His laughter, his spirit and his love are what define him, not the circumstances of his disappearance,” Alanna Bird said at an Oct. 1 news conference with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). Four months to the day the 14-year-old Indigenous Edmontonian went missing and a day after National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, police announced that Bird is suspected to have been a homicide victim. Bird’s Cree name is...
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Public gets a say on Ontario plan for Special Economic Zones
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative, Canada’s National Observer For the first time since passing its contentious Bill 5, the Ford government is proposing rules for how Special Economic Zones will work and asking for public comment. The move comes after months of pushback from municipalities, experts, First Nations and advocates who warned the law is one of the most sweeping environmental rollbacks in Ontario’s history, sidelining science, public input and Indigenous rights. Under Bill 5, which is widely seen as favouring developers and extractive industries, Special Economic Zones gave the government sweeping powers to override provincial laws, environmental assessments and consultations to fast-track major projects. In its draft framework posted Thursday, the government says the criteria are meant to ensure Special Economic Zones...
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Chief Osceola and Renegade have dazzled Florida State fans with tribe’s approval for nearly 50 years
By Mark Long TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — It’s minutes before kickoff at Doak Campbell Stadium, and all eyes are on Chief Osceola and Renegade. With Florida State’s famous war chant echoing from the bleachers and Seminoles players holding their helmets high, Chief Osceola directs Renegade toward midfield while carrying a flaming spear. Renegade, a speckled Appaloosa horse, pauses on the Seminoles logo and rears its front legs, positioning Osceola to thrust the 8-foot, garnet-and-gold-feathered spear into the ground. The crowd erupts into a frenzy as Osceola and Renegade gallop off the field and into a tunnel. The iconic scene has played out flawlessly — with approval from the Seminole Tribe of Florida — hundreds of times over nearly five decades. It’s must-see theater at FSU home games and one of...
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‘He was full of spirit, promise and love’: Police confirm Samuel Bird is presumed dead as search area narrows
By Cara McKenna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, IndigiNews Content warning: This story contains details about a missing teenager and a homicide investigation into his case. Please look after your spirit and read with care. The father of Achakapis (Samuel Bird) shed tears this week as he recalled the moments spent with his son before the teen went missing earlier this year. “Samuel and I used to hang out in my living room before he went to bed, snacking, watching movies or TV shows — and now his spot sits empty,” said Justin Bird, who spoke publicly about the case for the first time at a press conference at Edmonton Police Service (EPS) headquarters. “On car rides, certain songs break me down in tears because they remind me of my Sammy...
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More than $122M worth of illicit cannabis seized in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY-Provincial police say they’ve seized cannabis plants worth more than $122 million as part of an investigation into illicit cannabis production sites on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in eastern Ontario. Ontario Provincial Police and Tyendinaga police say the production sites were controlled by non-Indigenous organized criminal networks, aided by a “limited” number of community members. OPP say 10 people, six of whom are not members of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, are now facing charges under the Criminal Code and the Cannabis Act. Police say they seized more than 72,000 illicit cannabis plants, three firearms, ammunition and other items as they executed search warrants. They say an “unlawful diversion” of water from the Bay of Quinte to the cannabis production sites was also stopped. Chris Brinklow, the acting chief of Tyendinaga...
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Federal shutdown hurts services for Native Americans and they worry worse is coming
By Graham Lee Brewer OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Native Americans watched the shuttered government on Friday and braced for damage to health care, education, infrastructure and other services funded by Washington under treaties struck more than a century ago. Tribal nations with casinos, oil and gas leases and other independent revenue sources said they expect to sustain operations for several months. Tribes more dependent on government money were already furloughing workers. Many tribal leaders said they feared that the Trump administration would use the shutdown to lay off federal workers responsible for ensuring that trust and treaty responsibilities are honored. The U.S. agreed many decades ago to protect the security, health and education of tribal citizens in return for ceding their lands. Shuttered museums and children’s services The Pyramid Lake...
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Non-profit dog rescue society delivers relief for Eskasoni
By Rosemary Godin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cape Breton Post A non-profit company from Antigonish is stepping in to help out with the stray dog problem in Eskasoni First Nation. It’s not the only community with a dog problem these days. In a sad turn of events, the provincial SPCA is so overwhelmed with homeless dogs that it can no longer provide services for capturing and kenneling them. Coastal K-9 staff visited Eskasoni last week to collect stray or surrendered animals. They can’t take any dogs that have owners, but at least two dogs were handed over to them by people no longer able to give adequate care. The Nova Scotia SPCA recently cancelled half of its municipal contracts for bylaw enforcement or kennel services, saying it must focus resources...
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Teenager facing weapon charge after altercation in Hagersville
HALDIMAND COUNTY – A 17 year-old-youth is facing a series of charges after Haldimand Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a weapons complaint on Railway street in Hagersville September 25, 2025, at about 4:20 p.m.. OPP said the investigation determined that two people under the age of 18 years of age, were involved in an altercation earlier that day. As a result, a 17-year-old youth has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences: Pointing a Firearm Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm Carrying Concealed Weapon Uttering Threats – Cause Death of Bodily Harm Assault Failure to Comply with Release Order – Other than to Attend Court The youth’s identity...
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Kate Dickson’s Orange Shirt Day Talk in Burlington Calls for Action, Not Apologies
By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca On September 30, the Burlington Public Library (BPL) hosted an event led by Indigenous educator Kate Dickson, titled “Understanding Orange Shirt Day.” The name of the event refers to the custom of wearing orange shirts on September 30, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, in remembrance of the children who died at residential schools throughout Canada’s history. The talk was held at the Central Branch of the BPL, in its Centennial Hall. Before the talk, Parampreet Khanuja, BPL’s events coordinator, introduced Dickson to the room and gave her a traditional tobacco offering. “Tobacco is called sacred currency by the way,” Dickson said. “So when an elder, particularly, is asked to do something, you give a tobacco pouch. And when you give that...
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Saskatchewan Signs Agreement in Principle for residential school compensation
By Carol Baldwin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Wakaw Recorder Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchwan-On Monday, September 29, 2025, a historic event took place in Île-à-la-Crosse, in northern Saskatchewan. Premier Moe, together with survivors of the Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School that operated in the community from the 1860s until the 1970s, signed an Agreement in Principle for compensation relating to the wrongs committed by the residential school system. The Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding School Steering Committee Inc. is composed of 12 board members representing 20 communities in Northwest Saskatchewan, including but not limited to Île-à-la-Crosse, La Loche, Beauval, Patuanak, Pinehouse, Buffalo Narrows, Turner Lake, Jans Bay, Cole Bay, Green Lake, Dore Lake, Sled Lake, Michel Village, Dillon, and Garson. The committee has been actively advocating for Survivors of the Île-à-la-Crosse School for over two decades. Founding members...
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Brantford man facing 15 more charges of human trafficking, child pornography and more
BRANTFORD, ONT- Brantford Police have laid an additional 15 charges of human trafficking, making child pornography and luring a child under 16 years of age against a 32-year-old city man. After receiving more information that the man was in possession of child pornography the Brantford Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) raided a Brantford residence August 19, 2025 and seized multiple computers, cellphones, and electronic devices during the course of the search. ICE unit detectives found evidence of child pornography on the various devices. As a result of the investigation, a 32-year-old man from Brantford was arrested Aug., 19, and held for a bail hearing. The accused was then charged with the following: one charge of Accessing Child Pornography, and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography contrary to the Criminal Code....
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Enbridge CEO urges tanker ban end, says no company will build ‘pipeline to nowhere’
By Lauren Krugel The top executive of Canada’s biggest crude shipper says his company won’t consider devoting anything beyond time and expertise to Alberta’s plan for a West Coast bitumen pipeline unless Ottawa overhauls some major environmental policies. Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel said in a speech to the Empire Club of Canada on Thursday that industry is keen to build and Canada must act urgently if it is to live up to its potential as a global energy player. “The last 10 years have been a competitiveness disaster for Canada. But the next 10 can be a renaissance. If we choose to lead, this is our second chance. One doesn’t often get second chances,” he said. Ebel made his remarks a day after Premier Danielle Smith announced $14 million in...
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Yukoners going to the polls Nov. 3, territory’s premier says
Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton says he will call a territorial election on Friday, setting the vote for the last possible day allowed under the territory’s fixed election legislation. He told supporters in Carcross, Yukon, the election will be held Nov. 3. “We’re kicking things off in Carcross with heart, humility and hope,” he said on Thursday. Pemberton told the crowd that housing is his party’s top priority, while they will also focus on health care, affordability, the economy and First Nations’ partnerships. “We’re heading into this election at a time when things can feel heavy. People are feeling frustrated, they’re divided and they’re tired. But I say don’t lose hope. Our democracy is strong, our territory is strong, and together, we can be stronger still,” he said. The Liberals have...
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Liberal MP says it’s time to stop the clock on daylight time
By Catherine Morrison Liberal member of Parliament Marie-France Lalonde wants to call a halt to the annual ritual of springing forward and falling back. The Ottawa-area MP plans to table a private member’s bill next week to end what she calls the “outdated practice” of daylight time. “It is time to change the time change,” Lalonde told reporters Thursday. “This unnecessary barrier impacts the lives of Canadians in more ways than simply adjusting their clocks.” The bill will call on the federal government to hold a pan-Canadian conference with provincial and territorial officials and Indigenous officials to formalize an agreement to end daylight time. Lalonde cited the negative impacts of the twice annual time change, such as health issues and a spike in the number of vehicle accidents. She also...
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ROPE Squad searching for federal offender on Canada Wide Warrant
KINGSTON, ONT. – The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant, as a result of their statutory release. Malik Mohamed is described as a Black male, 27 years old, six-foot-four (193 cm), 176 lbs (80 kg), with black hair and brown eyes. He is known to frequent the Kingston, Toronto and Durham areas. Mohamed is serving a four-year, six-month and 11-day sentence for aggravated assault, discharging a restricted/prohibited firearm with intent, possession of a restricted/prohibited firearm with ammunition (x2) and failure to comply with conditions of and undertaking/recognizance. Anyone who has been in contact with Mohamed, or has any information regarding his whereabouts, is asked to call 911 or the Provincial ROPE Squad at...
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How is there no office for Indigenous rights complaints?
By Jon Thompson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ricochet Paul Dubé’s historic visit to Neskantaga First Nation in September inspired the Ontario ombudsman to call on the federal and provincial governments to take “immediate action” to address “unacceptable and unsafe conditions” in the fly-in community. But while Dubé’s office seeks to better respond to the human rights complaints of Indigenous people and communities, Canada is responsible for most programs and that puts a response to those concerns out of reach. “There is an ombudsman for every province in Canada and two of the territories,” Dubé said. “There’s a national ombudsman for Ireland, for England, for Japan, for the Netherlands, just about every country has a national ombudsman. In Canada, there should be someone to go to for those federal matters –...
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Four area drivers facing charges
HALDIMAND COUNTY – Haldimand Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged three area drivers with impaired driving over the weekend. OPP said on September 27, 2025, at about 2:10 a.m.,Haldimand OPP on patrol on Highway 6 near Hagersville attempted to conduct a traffic stop after spotting a vehicle “that brought attention to police.” An OPP officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but OPP said, “the vehicle failed to acknowledge the efforts of police. Once the vehicle was stopped, the individual was taken into custody.” Thomas Maracle, 42, of Hagersville has been charged with the following offences: Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) Drive Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor Fail to Stop for Police Class G1 Licence Holder – Unaccompanied by Qualified Driver He is...
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Ontario communities mobilize against Ford’s fast-track bill
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz Local Journalism Initiative, Canada’s National Observer Ramon Kataquapit travelled hundreds of kilometres from North Bay to Kingston this weekend to join events opposing Bill 5 because he has seen what mining has done to his community. The youth leader from Attawapiskat First Nation says Ontario’s Bill 5, which lets the Ford government fast-track development in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire, could bring the same kind of damage already felt in the James Bay lowlands. “We know the impacts of mining firsthand,” Kataquapit said. “When Doug Ford says First Nations will be well-compensated, we hear rhetoric not reality. We’ve lived through broken agreements, polluted waters and compromised health. That’s why I worry about what Bill 5 will mean for the next generations.” Kataquapit is the founder of...
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Local businesses map out support for Palestine
By J.P. Antonacci, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator Catherine Wiebe said she reacted “viscerally” to the poems in “A Million Kites,” which are adapted from interviews with Palestinian children during the war in Gaza. Within the slender paperback volume are heartbreaking cries of confusion and grief from the war’s youngest victims. “I have four children of my own between two and 13,” Wiebe said in an interview. “To think about the cares of my children and to compare them to the cares of these kids … it’s just so much.” Wiebe runs Firefly and Fox Books in downtown Simcoe, an independent bookstore with a sizeable selection of books written by or about Palestinians. Over the past six months, Wiebe has raised nearly $900 for the Gaza Medical Support...
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Vigil to be held for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A vigil honouring Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls and two-spirit persons (MMIWG2S) will take place ths weekend in Fort St. John. The gathering is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, recognized as the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S, the second day bringing the issue to the forefront following May’s Red Dress Day. The National Day of Action for MMIWG2S was first recognized in 2006 by the Sisters in Spirit initiative. The event will coincide on the day following the “Understanding Human Rights: In Fort St. John and Beyond” lecture scheduled for the Lido Theatre. According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous women are among the highest rates of preventable deaths. Between 2009 and 2021, 490 women were...
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