B.C. presses its case ahead of Cowichan land meeting
By Wolfgang Depner The British Columbia government hasn’t yet filed its grounds for appealing against the landmark Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title case. But that hasn’t stopped the government from trying to impress on the public that the case could be crucial to the fate of private land ownership in the province, with officials staging a technical briefing for journalists, writing an opinion piece and telling reporters in the legislature why they believe the ruling cannot be allowed to stand. The information campaign came hours ahead of a Tuesday night meeting organized by the City of Richmond for landowners whose properties could be affected by the ruling. In August, a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled the tribes have Aboriginal title over about 750 acres on the Fraser River, that Crown and...
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Town looking to proposed energy projects to power microgrid
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com FORT FRANCES — Fort Frances’s mayor says he’s excited about a trio of proposed energy projects in the Northwestern Ontario community and what they could mean for emergency backup power in the area. Andrew Hallikas says three initiatives are in various stages of development: a solar farm and a battery storage facility both proposed by FirstLight (which also owns the existing Fort Frances Generating Station hydro dam) and a biofuel refinery by a partnership between Highbury Renewables and Wanagekong-Biiwega’iganan Clean Energy Corporation — a consortium of 10 area First Nations. The latter project is expected to create over 80 jobs, according to press materials released by the partnership in August. Hallikas told Newswatch it would also “position Northwestern Ontario, Fort Frances in...
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NDP leadership contenders have first face-to-face meeting ahead of French debate
By David Baxter Three of the five NDP leadership candidates had their first face-to-face encounter, which serves as a preview for next month’s French debate. Rob Ashton, Avi Lewis and Heather McPherson took part in a forum at the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation gala in Ottawa, while Tanille Johnston and Tony McQuail were not able to attend. The three contenders saw degrees of agreement on issues like the need to speak more plainly about issues and put greater emphasis on riding associations. Some differences are emerging: Lewis said that Canada cannot expand fossil fuel production and that the party has not been straightforward enough in communicating energy policy. “Thomas Mulcair supported the pipeline. Jagmeet (Singh) sent a lot of mixed messages on pipelines, and I think that hurt us,” Lewis...
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B.C. presses its case ahead of Cowichan land meeting
By Wolfgang Depner The British Columbia government hasn’t yet filed its grounds for appealing against the landmark Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title case. But that hasn’t stopped the government from trying to impress on the public that the case could be crucial to the fate of private land ownership in the province, with officials staging a technical briefing for journalists, writing an opinion piece and telling reporters in the legislature why they believe the ruling cannot be allowed to stand. The information campaign came hours ahead of a Tuesday night meeting organized by the City of Richmond for landowners whose properties could be affected by the ruling. In August, a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled the tribes have Aboriginal title over about 750 acres on the Fraser River, that Crown and...
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First Nation files lawsuit demanding Aboriginal title over lands in western Quebec
A First Nation has filed a title claim in Quebec Superior Court to large swaths of territory across the western part of the province. Jean-Guy Whiteduck, chief of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, says his people must have a say in the way water, wildlife and forestry are managed in the region. The Aboriginal title claim covers eight areas, including islands in the Ottawa River; Gatineau park and adjoining lands in the city of Gatineau; two harvesting zones in the Gatineau regional county; the Papineau-Labelle wildlife reserve; and the Baskatong Reservoir. Whiteduck said the intention isn’t to dislodge private landowners, saying the lawsuit only covers lands that are owned or managed by governments. The lawsuit is also seeking $5 billion in damages from Canada, Quebec, Hydro-Québec and the Crown corporation responsible...
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B.C. presses its case ahead of Cowichan land meeting
By Wolfgang Depner British Columbia Attorney General Niki Sharma says the provincial government’s argument in the landmark Cowichan Tribes land case was that Aboriginal and fee-simple title “cannot co-exist” on the same land in their full form. Sharma says there’s “perhaps nothing more important” to land owners than the security of their title, quoting directly from B.C.’s arguments in the case, which it lost. The government is pushing its perspective on the case ahead of a meeting organized by the City of Richmond for landowners whose properties could be affected by the ruling. In August, a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled the tribes have Aboriginal title over about 750 acres on the Fraser River, that Crown and city titles on the land are defective and invalid, and the granting of...
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Six Nations and Brantford Police receive Ontario funding to strengthen mental health crisis response
Six Nations and Brantford police will receive funding from the Ontario government to support their mobile crisis response teams, as part of the province’s plan to enhance public safety. Over the next two years, Six Nations Police Service (SNPS) and Brantford Police Service (BPS) will be allotted $240,000 and $207,655, respectively, through the Mobile Crisis Team Enhancement Grant. This investment will allow them to collaborate with trained crisis workers to provide appropriate support for people experiencing mental-health-related emergencies. Six Nations Police Chief Darren Montour is “tremendously pleased” to receive the funding, as it will help bolster mental health crisis response within the community. “On behalf of SNPS, I would like to extend a heartfelt nia:wen (thank you) to the Province of Ontario and to Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma who continues...
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Ford fast-tracking water permits despite environmental concerns
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative Despite strong public opposition, the Ford government is moving ahead with changes to Ontario’s long-standing rules for water use that critics say will weaken public oversight and eventually suck Ontario dry. The provincial environment ministry says the changes will “streamline” permit renewals by allowing companies to take over existing permits if they draw water from the same location, in the same amount and for the same purpose. Companies can also assume permits previously cancelled, revoked or expired. Under the previous rules, any company taking more than 50,000 litres of water a day from lakes, rivers, streams or groundwater — for farming, gravel mining or bottling — had to file a new application, undergo public review, an environmental assessment...
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Port of Churchill owners reviewing policy that put Northern Indigenous businesses last
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Arctic Gateway Group, the company that owns Manitoba’s Port of Churchill, says it’s reviewing a policy that put Northern Indigenous Businesses last in its Request for Proposal evaluation criteria. The under review policy in question listed preferences for Indigenous businesses to work with the port, where growing investment is opening Hudson’s Bay and the Northwest Passage as an increasingly important trade route. Indigenous business from Churchill, Manitoba were listed first in preference, non-Indigenous business in Churchill second, 29 Manitoba First Nations along with Indigenous suppliers from 10 municipalities third, and non-Indigenous suppliers from those First Nations and Municipalities fourth. Northern Indigenous businesses were listed fifth, with the preferences list labelled using the letters A to E. The policy does not...
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Fate of Hydro-Québec settlement with Labrador Innu unknown after too few people vote
The future of a reconciliation proposal between Hydro-Québec and Innu in Labrador is unknown after a ratification vote didn’t see enough people cast a ballot. A spokesperson for the Innu Nation says more than 50 per cent of eligible voters in both Innu communities in Labrador — Sheshatshiu and Natuashish — had to weigh in on the draft deal. Donna Paddon says voter turnout was good in Natuashish but did not meet the threshold in Sheshatshiu. The Innu Nation’s board of directors will meet and determine what happens next. The agreement in principle would end a 2020 lawsuit launched by the Innu Nation seeking compensation from the utility for building and operating the Churchill Falls hydroelectric station in traditional Innu territory. Hydro-Québec also agreed to make annual payments over 16...
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Missing Gull Bay man known to frequent city
By Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal Provincial police are asking the public to help them locate a 58-year-old Gull Bay First Nation man who hasn’t been seen for a week. Police said Rene King was last seen in the Gull Bay area on Oct. 20 around 1 p.m. He is also known to frequent the Thunder Bay area, police said. According to police, King is described as six feet two inches tall and 250 pounds, with short hair that is dark grey and white. King may be wearing dark-blue jeans, a T-shirt, a fluorescent jacket and running shoes with yellow stripes, police said. Anyone with information can contact Armstrong OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal/LJI is a federally funded program ...
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Canadian scientists describe an extinct rhino species from Canada’s High Arctic
OTTAWA, Ontario, Oct. 28, 2025 — Scientists from the Canadian Museum of Nature have announced the discovery and description of an extinct rhinoceros from the Canadian High Arctic. The nearly complete fossil skeleton of the new species was recovered from the fossil-rich lake deposits in Haughton Crater on Devon Island, Nunavut and is the most northerly rhino species known. Rhinoceroses have an evolutionary history that spanned over 40 million years, encompassing all continents except South America and Antarctica. The “Arctic rhino” lived about 23 million years ago, during the Early Miocene and is most closely related to other rhino species that thrived in Europe millions of years earlier. The scientific paper describing this new species, named Epiatheracerium itjilik [eet-jee-look], was published today in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution. “Today...
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quamish-Lillooet Regional District adopts Truth and Reconciliation Guide
By Ina Pace, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Squamish Chief The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has reinforced its ties with the First Nations, as they commit to ‘working in a good way.’ The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Board (SLRD board) is reinforcing its ties with the First Nations and Indigenous communities. The SLRD is home to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), St’át’imc Nation and Líl’wat Nation. Parts also overlap with the traditional territories of the Stó:lō, Tsleil-Waututh, Nlaka’pamux, Tsilhqot’in, and Secwepemc Nations. The SLRD formally endorsed the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Indigenous Relations Truth & Reconciliation: In Practice: A Guide for Working in a Good Way during its Oct. 22 board meeting, as a means of strategic co-ordination and engagement. This “roadmap” will be used by elected officials and SLRD staff to direct...
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Six Nations police, firefighters: its all about a safe Halloween
By Carly McHugh Writer With Halloween approaching, it is important for families, homeowners and businesses to familiarize themselves with the best trick-or-treating safety practices, to guarantee a fun and successful evening for all. Six Nations Police and Fire and Emergency Services have shared some helpful tips to keep the community safe, aware and happy on Halloween night. Foremost, to ensure their personal safety, trick-or-treaters are encouraged to: Wear bright or reflective costumes or clothing. Carry a light source, such as a flashlight, glow stick or cellphone light. Avoid long, trailing fabric to prevent tripping and choose masks with unobstructed vision. Walk, not run, and watch for traffic when crossing the street. Stay on the sidewalk where possible and only go to houses with their lights on. Ask an adult to...
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Search of Winnipeg landfill for serial killer victim could start in December: Kinew
By Brittany Hobson A search of a Winnipeg landfill for the remains of a victim of convicted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki could begin in December. Premier Wab Kinew says the province is in the process of hiring staff to search the city-run Brady Road landfill for the remains of Ashlee Shingoose. “We’ve been really conscientious about the Shingoose family … we (have) made a lot of progress in terms of strengthening that relationship. So, now we’re moving ahead to the next steps, which involve hiring the searchers,” he told reporters Monday. “We’re moving ahead with a target of searching that zone of highest interest.” The province began a “test phase” of a search at the landfill in August. It included excavating an area to determine what the search process would...
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Historic Saskatchewan town of Duck Lake sees pushback over corporate renaming plan
The Saskatchewan town of Duck Lake is older than the province and situated near a historic battle site. It got its name from the birds that migrate through the area. But now, the town’s mayor says its name could be up for grabs to the highest bidder – to the tune of at least $10 million. Jason Anderson said he’s received an earful from residents angry about the plan that would see Duck Lake named after a company. “Pretty much the entire town’s ready to lynch me right now,” he said in an interview. “I can’t say most people are for this, but most people aren’t thinking about what this could actually mean for us.” The town northwest of Saskatoon was settled by French-speaking Métis people in the 1860s and...
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First Nation calls B.C. Premier Eby’s comments ‘deliberately inflammatory’
By Nono Shen The Quw’utsun Nation says public comments by British Columbia Premier David Eby and other politicians about its groundbreaking Aboriginal title case in Richmond, B.C., are “at best, misleading, and at worst, deliberately inflammatory,” adding that the ruling does not “erase” public property. A statement issued Monday by the nation, whose members include the Cowichan Tribes, also calls the B.C. government and the City of Richmond’s recent messaging “negative and erroneous,” saying it was stirring up “unnecessary fears” among private landowners. The Aug. 7 B.C. Supreme Court ruling says the tribes have Aboriginal title over a portion of land on the Fraser River, that Crown and city titles on the land are defective and invalid, and the granting of private titles by the government unjustifiably infringed on Cowichan...
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Chicago’s children are getting caught in the chaos of immigration crackdowns
By Claire Galofaro CHICAGO (AP) — The 2-year-old boy was so frightened, he stuttered. “Mommy, mommy, mommy,” he repeated, clinging to her. His mother, Molly Kucich, had been grocery shopping when her husband called, panicking. She heard “immigration raid.” Then: “tear gas.” She abandoned her grocery cart and drove as fast as she could to her toddler and his 14-month-old brother, who, on that warm October Friday, were among the hundreds of Chicago children caught suddenly in the turmoil of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Parents, teachers and caregivers have been grappling ever since with how to explain to childrenwhat they’d seen: how much to tell them so they know enough to stay safe, but not too much to rob them of their childhood. A toddler shouldn’t know what a...
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Lil’wat Nation breaks ground on long-awaited Function Junction development
By Luke Faulks, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Pique Newsmagazine After more than a decade of planning and negotiation, Lil’wat leaders and about 50 community members gathered on a crisp October morning to bless the land and break ground on the Nation’s long-awaited Function Junction development—a mixed-use project that will bring Lil’wat economic and cultural presence back to Whistler’s southern gateway. “Today is a big day for us,” said Lil’wat councillor Qaqawam Christopher Wells, who led the opening ceremony, drum circle and prayers. “It’s been a long time in the making—since 2010 this has been in the planning. “Take care of this beautiful space,” he added. “Take care of this beautiful area.” The Tseqwtsúqum̓ (pronounced “Chek-choo-koom”) development site, reclaimed by the Nation through the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Legacy...
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Manitoba hiring landfill search workers, probe could begin in December: premier
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says the search of a Winnipeg landfill for the remains of a woman killed by Jeremy Skibicki could begin in December. Kinew says the province is in the process of hiring staff to search at the city-run Brady Road landfill for the remains of Ashlee Shingoose. The woman, originally from St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation in northern Manitoba, was one of four First Nations women killed by Skibicki in 2022. A preliminary search began at the Brady Road landfill in August, using excavators and ground-penetrating radar tests to narrow down the search area. A search of another landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, who were also killed by Skibicki, wrapped up last summer after their bodies were found. Skibicki was convicted of...
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