First Nations call on Carney to deliver on clean water and housing in first 100 days
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government faces its first major test on Indigenous infrastructure when Parliament resumes — First Nations leaders are demanding reintroduction of stalled water legislation and new investments in community-led housing within the first 100 days. Senator Paul Prosper, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, and other First Nations leaders unveiled seven “Canada Strong” priorities in Ottawa this week. They identified clean water and housing as urgent areas for immediate federal action, among other priorities for economic development and fisheries management. Clean water legislation Indigenous Services Canada has issued 32 long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities. Neskantaga First Nation has been under a boil water advisory for almost 30 years. In 2024, the...
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Kahnawake casino owners sue Mohawk council, grand chief for $220 million
KAHNAWAKE,QUE-Two owners of a casino in a First Nations community southwest of Montreal are suing the territory’s council for more than $200 million. They say the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake ignored their right to due process when it abruptly shut down the Magic Palace casino in March 2024. The closure followed a 2023 news report that alleged the RCMP were investigating an Albanian investor they suspected of using the casino to launder money for a Mexican cartel. The lawsuit also targets Grand Chief Cody Diabo, who was the Kahnawake chief responsible for gaming at the time. It claims the Mohawk council’s actions will lead to the permanent closure of the casino unless the court intervenes. The owners are seeking $220 million in damages, including $155 million for an expansion project...
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New Indigenous Services minister says she’s been handed the ‘toughest task’
By Alessia Passafiume As the first Indigenous person ever to lead the federal department responsible for delivering services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Mandy Gull-Masty knows she has a daunting task ahead. But the newly-appointed Indigenous services minister also knows what it’s like to sit at both sides of the table — as a cabinet minister now and, until recently, as the grand chief of the political body representing 20,000 Cree people in northern Quebec. “I know the importance of — what the value is — when people come here to ask,” the rookie MP told The Canadian Press Thursday from behind a desk still free of paperwork in her new downtown Ottawa office. “And I think that’s really important, especially for a lot of the big files that...
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Canadian campers going ‘elbows up’ this summer amid U.S. trade war
By Fakiha Baig Some outdoorsy Canadians are planning to build their tents with elbows up this summer as the season unofficially kicks off this long weekend. Sally Turner says she and her husband plan to do their camping, canoeing and biking this year in Canadian national parks, including at Jasper National Park this weekend, because of the U.S. trade war and U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls to make Canada a 51st state. “I have, in the past, camped in the United States, but that’s not going to happen in the near future,” Turner said while shopping for camping gear in Edmonton. “Most of the people I know are very much choosing to camp in Canada. Elbows up.” Albertan Travis Pegg, however, said he’s indifferent to the trade war. “The price...
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First Nations unity displayed at rally against separatism at Legislature
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Hundreds of people attended a rally that First Nations leaders from across Alberta organized at the Legislature in Edmonton to protest the premier’s ongoing separatist threats, which every speaker agreed would run roughshod over Treaty rights. The May 15 event opened with drumming and a grand entry while Elders burned sacred herbs for smudging, followed by remarks from leaders representing Treaty 6, 7 and 8. The protest was a way for Treaty First Nations in Alberta to present a united front in the face of Bill 54, which lowers the threshold for bringing forward a referendum. Premier Danielle Smith has said that she will hold a referendum on independence in 2026 if a petition in support of one gets enough...
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Montreal Innu man’s ‘inhumane’ death shows need for more homeless services: coroner
By Sidhartha Banerjee The death of an unhoused Innu man whose body was found inside a portable toilet in Montreal was avoidable, a Quebec coroner said Thursday, highlighting the need for additional resources to combat homelessness. Raphaël “Napa” André died on Jan. 17, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. André, 51, was found steps away from the Open Door shelter in downtown Montreal, which was closed by public health officials because of plumbing problems and a COVID-19 outbreak. Quebec had also imposed a nighttime curfew to curb the spread of the virus. “We must keep in mind our collective responsibility when a death occurs that was avoidable,” coroner Stéphanie Gamache wrote in her report. André’s death was attributed to hypothermia in the context of severe alcohol intoxication. His blood-alcohol level was...
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Caledon and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to hold historic Council-to-Council Meeting
By Riley Murphy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Caledon Citizen This week, the Town of Caledon and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation will meet for a council-to-council discussion at the Council House in Hagersville. At the meeting will be Mayor Annette Groves and members of Council, Town of Caledon, as well as Ogimaa-Kwe (Chief) Claire Sault and members of Council, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The meeting will feature a presentation on Friendship from Mayor Groves and a session on Treaty Education led by Elder and Historian Darin Wybenga. Mayor Groves, in a statement to the Citizen, shared the importance of what the Council-to-Council meeting means to the Town of Caledon and herself. “The Town is on an important path to reconciliation and working with our Indigenous partners is...
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B.C. minister says government erred in not consulting First Nations on legislation
By Wolfgang Depner B.C.’s Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma said her government “made an error” in not adequately consulting First Nations on a bill proposing to speed up private and public infrastructure projects. Her admission came during debate Thursday on Bill 15 in the legislature over concerns relayed by the First Nations Leadership Council, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations. Those opposed to the bill say it either needs to be fixed or killed because it undermines environmental assessments and the constitutional rights of First Nations to be consulted. Ma has rejected the complaints, saying the proposed bill neither changes environmental standards nor the constitutional rights of First Nations to be consulted on projects. But she acknowledged that the government has misread the...
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Hajdu’s new role includes familiar territory
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source THUNDER BAY – Patty Hajdu is the new jobs and families minister, but she said Thursday that she’s already familiar with much of her federal cabinet portfolio. The Thunder Bay–Superior North MP became minister of jobs and families on Tuesday. She’s also the minister responsible for FedNor, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “There are aspects of this portfolio I know very well,” said Hajdu, who was minister of employment, workforce development and labour from January 2017 to November 2019. “But I am very excited to work on some of the social development programs that fall under this department,” Hajdu said. “For example, as you know, (Prime Minister Mark) Carney has talked about EI reform and a responsive...
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Highlights of Ontario’s 2025 budget: U.S. tariff measures, boost for alcohol market
By Rianna Lim The Ontario government tabled a budget Thursday that focused on investments it says will protect Ontario workers in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The province is projecting a deficit of $14.6 billion this year, up from a forecast of $4.6 billion in last year’s budget, and a deficit of $7.8 billion next year. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the budget seeks to help Ontario businesses and workers “weather the storm” to make the province’s economy resilient and competitive. Here are the highlights: U.S. TARIFFS AND ONTARIO WORKERS The budget is pledging to create a $5-billion fund to provide immediate relief to support sectors of the economy facing tariff-related disruptions. The budget describes this fund as an “emergency backstop” that will provide immediate relief for...
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Onion Lake Cree Nation to proceed with legal challenge of Alberta sovereignty act
By Lisa Johnson Alberta’s bill lowering the bar for a separation referendum has spurred a First Nation to push ahead with a legal challenge against the premier’s flagship sovereignty act. Danielle Smith has said her Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act is needed to push back on what the province believes is unconstitutional federal encroachment on provincial jurisdiction. But Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Henry Lewis says it undermines his community’s pre-existing treaty with the Crown. He announced the legal challenge is moving forward a day after Smith’s government passed a bill significantly lowering the threshold for citizens to prompt a referendum, including one on seceding from Canada. The First Nation filed a statement of claim in 2022, but lawyer Robert Hladun says the community put it on pause,...
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Researchers investigating “alarming” decline in Robson Valley mountain goat population
By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Rocky Mountain Goat Mountain goats have had a continuous presence in North America since they plodded across the Bering Strait tens of thousands of years ago, and the fluffy white creatures are ubiquitous on signs and statues throughout the Robson Valley. Despite their endearing place in local iconography, the valley’s mountain goat population has been declining over the past few decades – and researchers are unsure why. However, new research under way in the Robson Valley may give clues as to why populations are declining. Led by Kara MacAulay, a Prince George-based wildlife biologist for the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the study will track 30 female mountain goats using GPS collars. This is the fourth study on Robson Valley...
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B.C. minister says government erred in not consulting First Nations on legislation
By Wolfgang Depner B.C.’s Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma says her government “made an error” in not adequately consulting First Nations on a bill proposing to speed up private and public infrastructure projects. Her admission came during debate on Bill 15 in the legislature about concerns relayed by the First Nations Leadership Council, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations. Those opposed to the bill say it either needs to be fixed or killed because it undermines environmental assessments and the constitutional rights of First Nations to be consulted. Ma rejects the complaints, saying the proposed bill neither changes environmental standards nor the constitutional rights of First Nations to be consulted on projects. But she acknowledges that the government has misread the interests of...
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Library says its ‘surprised’ by stance of tenant who invested $1 million in building renovations
By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal THUNDER BAY-The end of a lease agreement has created tension in the relationship between Thunder Bay Public Library and Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS). In March, the Thunder Bay Public Library announced the expansion of its children’s area as part of a restructuring of the Waverley and Brodie Street facilities. The restructuring displaced AETS, which will reopen June 2 in their offices on the third floor of 523 Algoma St. North, and will continue to offer services in Suite 210 at 250 Park Ave. within Goods & Co in the former Eaton’s Building. The situation has left disappointment with AETS, causing it “shock and uncertainty” about the future of their relationship with the library’s leadership. In a statement to The...
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Six new measles exposure locations in Brantford
Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is advising community members of new measles exposure locations in the region. GEPH said exposure to the measles virus may have occurred at the following locations, dates and times as indicated: Reach Gymnastics Club, West Brant, 111 Sherwood Drive, Brantford, on May 1, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Triple Arts Academy, 625 Park Road North Unit #2, Brantford, on May 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pius X Parish, 9 Waverly Street, Brantford, on May 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Reach Gymnastics Club, North Brant, 160 Brantwood Park Road, Brantford, on May 4, 2025, from 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Brantford General Hospital Emergency Room, 200 Terrace Hill St., Brantford, on May 8-9, 2025, from 9:20 p.m. to...
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School ponders renaming
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press A deep dive into a city high school’s history reveals it was named after a Catholic archbishop who endorsed residential schools. Now, staff members want a rewrite. Citing findings from extensive archival research and a commitment to reconciliation, teachers from Collège Béliveau are making the case for renaming their Grade 7-12 campus in Windsor Park. “It’s important for our students to see us stand up and call for change,” said Mélanie Dubois, who is among the group that found proof the building is named after Archbishop Arthur Béliveau (1870-1955). It is a common misconception the title is a tribute to Jean Béliveau (1931-2014), the Montreal Canadiens legend who is far more known among 21st century students, staff and their families....
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A musical from Tomson Highway, dancing skateboarders among NAC’s upcoming lineup
By Cassandra Szklarski A long-awaited musical from playwright Tomson Highway, a ’90s take on “Macbeth” and skateboarding stunts are among the spectacles bound for the National Arts Centre. Canada’s multidisciplinary home for the performing arts released a 2025-26 lineup Thursday that includes the return of holiday favourites including Handel’s “Messiah” by the NAC Orchestra and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s “Nutcracker” in December. In between are dance, orchestral, pop music and drama productions from new voices and established veterans. Here’s a look at some of the highlights. THEATRE Highway brings the third instalment of his “Rez Cycle” to NAC’s Indigenous Theatre program, with the world première of his musical “Rose.” The 2003 play is set on the Wasaychigan Hill Reserve in 1992, and revisits several characters from “The Rez Sisters” and...
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Halfway River First Nation celebrates taekwondo champions
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca WONOWON, B.C. — A northeast B.C. First Nation is celebrating the accomplishments of its small but mighty taekwondo program. Illona Wiebe is a martial arts instructor at Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) and teaches classes with students each Tuesday. Wiebe says she began the program approximately a year ago, after she was encouraged to start a self-defence class at HRFN by her friend, Chris Souvie. Souvie is a resident of HRFN. Having married into the community, he lives on the reserve with his family. “I’d been given private kickboxing lessons,” recalls Wiebe. “Chris asked if I’d do it out there. “We decided that doing taekwondo would be better, because I can actually advance the kids and test them for belts.” Wiebe, a...
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Tse’K’wa Heritage Society names summer 2025 artist in residence
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca CHARLIE LAKE, B.C. — With the backdrop of the Tse’K’wa cave behind her, Adrienne Greyeyes works with dedication and intent below a canopy, the carcass of a moose stretched as she scrapes hair from its hide. Greyeyes, who works as an Indian day school coordinator with the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, has for a portion of the summer gone back to an undying passion: art. She has been announced as Tse’k’wa’s artist in residence for the summer of 2025. Greyeyes holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Vancouver’s Emily Carr University of Art and Design. According to a press release, Greyeyes will be incorporating “combined teachings from Dane-zaa and Nehiyaw Elders to develop her hide-making skills” during eight weeks in...
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Robert Horton and Fort Frances Lakers named 2025 Citizens of the Year
By Ken Kellar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Fort Frances Times A local educator and a hometown hockey team have been recognized by the town as the annual Citizens of the Year. At the town’s annual Volunteer Appreciation BBQ event held at the Memorial Sports Centre on Thursday, May 1, 2025, Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas revealed the winners of both the 2025 Citizen of the Year and 2025 Junior Citizen of the Year Award. Leading off with the longer running Citizen of the Year Award, the mayor remarked that anyone selected for the recognition embodies the attributes “that make Fort Frances such a great place to live and to raise a family.” He then announced this year’s recipient of the award as Robert Horton. “Robert is many things,” Hallikas said....
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