Alberta’s Smith says law will be enforced if separation vote spurs civil disobedience
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the law will be enforced if First Nations communities engage in civil disobedience over her government’s separation referendum. At an unrelated news conference in Calgary Friday, she said: “I hope it doesn’t come to that.” On Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on whether they want to stay in Canada or start the process to hold a second, binding referendum on quitting the country. First Nations leaders across the province have been pushing back against talk of secession, and Smith’s decision to put it on a ballot. Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, representing First Nations across the West, said Thursday if necessary, they may get in the way of industry or take the fight against Smith’s separation vote to highways. “There can be no decisions...
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‘They’re very, very good’: Dogs detect drugs in Ginoogaming
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com GINOOGAMING — If you’re carrying drugs, Radar will notice. The Belgian Malinois has been sniffing out illegal substances this week in Ginoogaming First Nation. When he smells a drug, he sits firmly on the ground to let his handler know. He and canine teammate Ace are highly trained and expensive, Creegonquin Security owner Randy Cota said Wednesday in Ginoogaming. Creegonquin, an Indigenous-owned company headquartered in Moosonee, has been contracted by Ginoogaming First Nation to provide Radar and Ace’s drug-detecting services at entry checkpoints. “They’re drug detection only,” Cota said of the intense dogs. “They’re very, very good. If you have a Percocet in your shoe, (Radar) is going to find it. There’s no getting away from him. His nose is 10,000 times...
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Alberta’s Smith says law will be enforced if separation vote spurs civil disobedience
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the law will be enforced if First Nations communities engage in civil disobedience over her government’s separation referendum. At an unrelated news conference in Calgary Friday, she said: “I hope it doesn’t come to that.” On Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on whether they want to stay in Canada or start the process to hold a second, binding referendum on quitting the country. First Nations leaders across the province have been pushing back against talk of secession, and Smith’s decision to put it on a ballot. Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, representing First Nations across the West, said Thursday that if necessary, they may get in the way of industry or take the fight against Smith’s separation vote to the highways. “There can be...
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‘We have to do more’ about drugs and crime, chief says
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com GINOOGAMING — Why does Ginoogaming First Nation have security checkpoints with drug-detecting dogs? Because “we have to do more,” Chief Sheri Taylor told Newswatch during the first week of the new protocol at the bridge into Ginoogaming. The First Nation has contracted a Moosonee-based company to deploy highly trained drug-sniffing canines at the bridge connecting Ginoogaming to Longlac, and at a road entrance to the south. A sign before the bridge warns that drivers may be asked to “present identification or verify business when entering the Ginoogaming First Nation homeland.” It also says they may be subject to a search, and that “police will be notified” if illegal substances or weapons are found. The community was shaken last Oct. 8 by the...
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Northern health-care trailblazers receive first-ever NOSM honourary degrees
By Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com Two pillars of healthcare in Northern Ontario, Elder Theresa Fiddler and Maureen Lacroix, were awarded with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s (NOSM) inaugural honorary degrees last month. Fiddler and Lacroix were recognized for the changes and connections that they have built within health-care systems in Northern Ontario. Provost and vice-president at NOSM University, Céline Larivière, said that both women have shaped the university’s mission and strengthened connections within the community. “(Fiddler) and her late husband helped build what we call an integrated community experience, and that’s one of the key components of our undergraduate medical education program that we offer at NOSM University,” said Larivière. “What that does is it allows first-year medical students to experience Indigenous cultures, which we think...
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Louise Arbour becomes Canada’s new governor general
By Catherine Morrison Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour’s installation ceremony to become Canada’s 31st governor general is set to include a 21-gun salute, a poetry reading and two musical performances by Canadian artists. Arbour will replace Mary Simon, who became Canada’s first Indigenous viceregal in 2021. The ceremony, taking place at the Senate of Canada building, is expected to begin at about 10 a.m. Attendees will include Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chief Justice Richard Wagner, House of Commons Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia and National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. Before the ceremony begins, a qulliq — a traditional Inuit oil lamp — will be lit by an Inuk elder and will remain lit throughout the ceremony. The event will include a musical performance by...
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A list of Canada’s governors general since Confederation
By The Canadian Press Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour will be sworn in as Canada’s 31st governor general today. Here’s a list of all who have come before her. Mary Simon: 2021-2026, Inuit leader Governor General Mary Simon poses for a portrait at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Thursday, May 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Julie Payette: 2017-2021 David Johnston: 2010-2017 Michaëlle Jean: 2005-2010 Adrienne Clarkson: 1999-2005 Former governors general David Johnston, left, Michaëlle Jean, centre, and Adrienne Clarkson, right, sit in the Senate ahead of King Charles delivering the speech from the throne in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Roméo LeBlanc: 1995-1999 Ramon Hnatyshyn: 1990-1995 Jeanne Sauvé: 1984-1990 Governor General Jeanne Sauvé reads the government’s speech from the throne in the Senate...
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‘Help is needed’: Invasive species a threat to recreational lake users
By Danielle Pitman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, OrilliaMatters.com Spring is the time when nature emerges from slumber. It is also a time to be vigilant for invasive species on land and in water, officials warn. In Lagoon City, weed harvesting will resume next month. Aquatic vegetation is removed to keep the canals clear for recreational uses and some of them are difficult to manage invasive species. Two species in particular are affecting Lake Simcoe, disrupting the growth of native plants and fish habitat. Starry stonewort is an invasive macroalgae native to Eurasia that has been found in Lagoon City canals. It’s immune to herbicides and grows densely. If left in the water, cuttings propagate, making it more difficult to eradicate. Last summer, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation surveyed the...
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Thousands rally across Alberta as labour and Indigenous leaders unite against UCP
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News On May 29, the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) held a province-wide Day of Protest against the United Conservative government, with thousands of people attending demonstrations across 15 municipalities. Speaking to attendees after a march through downtown Edmonton, AFL president Gil McGowan noted the media interest that the protests have generated, noting common questions from journalists. “They asked me what are we protesting, and I said, ‘All of it.’ And then they asked who is protesting, and I said, ‘All of us,’” McGowan exclaimed to applause. Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation (SLCN) was one of more than a dozen speakers at the rally. Introducing Sunshine, McGowan recognized “that when it comes to fighting back against this crazy...
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50 Mission supports Stedman Community Hospice
By Kimberly De Jong, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Brant Beacon Local Tragically Hip tribute band 50 Mission returned to the Sanderson Centre for the third annual Hip for Hospice benefit concert on Saturday, May 30, 2026. As always, the event was held in support of Stedman Community Hospice. Stedman, which serves residents living in Brantford, the County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Norfolk and Haldimand counties, provides-end-of-life patient care through its ten bed in-residence program, community outreach, and grief and bereavement support programs. The Provincial government provides 50 per cent of funding for the hospice, St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation (the official fundraising organization for Stedman) depends on the community to help cover the 50 per cent. Mike Campbell of 50 Missions...
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ITK president reflects on Mary Simon’s legacy as first Indigenous Governor General
By Alessia Passafiume Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed says he’s proud of how Gov. Gen. Mary Simon used her time in office to seek a balance between her dual identities as an Inuk woman and the Crown’s representative in Canada — roles that some Indigenous people felt were inherently in conflict. “Self-determination also means that you get to decide whether or not to play any role within this country, and I think Mary was able to balance her indigeneity with her official function as head of state on behalf of the King for Canada,” he said. “All throughout her role as Governor General, she has maintained just this down-to-earth attitude about the way that she interacts with and cares for people.” Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed says Canadians...
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In Alberta, Poilievre to argue new federal direction can ease separatist concerns
By Craig Lord Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to argue a change in federal policies would ease separatist concerns in Alberta when he makes a speech in Calgary on Monday. In an excerpt of that speech shared with The Canadian Press, Poilievre says separatist voices do not have an issue with their fellow Canadians, “they have a problem with the federal government.” “We do not need a different country, Alberta. We need different government policies in Ottawa,” the speech reads. The Conservative leader will argue in the address that Albertans could benefit from changes that prioritize unblocking resources, building pipelines, respecting provincial autonomy and relieving taxpayers. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said last month that her government will ask Albertans in October if they think the province should remain part...
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Texas company to pay B.C. First Nation $12M over 2016 tugboat spill
A British Columbia First Nation says a Texas company has agreed to pay more than $12 million in the first portion of a “multi-part settlement” after a grounded tugboat spilled about 110,000 litres of pollutants in central coast waters in 2016. The Tribal Council at the Heiltsuk Nation says in a notice to members on Facebook this week that the deal involves parties including Houston-based liquid marine transport operator Kirby Corp. The statement says Kirby has agreed to pay the Heiltsuk Nation after a court order is issued later this year, as well as to attend a washing ceremony in Bella Bella, B.C. Kirby has also agreed that its vessels will no longer travel through Heiltsuk waters without prior consent. The deal comes after the tugboat Nathan E. Stewart ran...
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Winnipeg police to begin wearing body cameras next week as part of pilot project
Dozens of Winnipeg police officers are set to start wearing cameras next week as part of a six-month pilot project. The force says 40 front-line officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras to be used during their regular duties, including responding to calls and during investigations. The service is to get feedback from the community and partner organizations. It’s also planning to host public forums. City council previously cited concerns over costs of the technology but heard from Chief Gene Bowers earlier this year that there’s no cost for the pilot. RCMP in Manitoba announced last year that nearly all their front-line officers are equipped with body cameras, while the Manitoba First Nations Police Service has deployed the technology to all its 12 detachments. This report by The Canadian Press...
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What you need to know about the federal government’s grocery and essentials rebate
By The Canadian Press Staff The federal government’s new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will see its first round of quarterly payments go out today. The benefit was known previously as the GST/HST credit, so people who were eligible for that program likely will receive the new benefit. Here’s what you need to know about the program: — The government estimates about 12 million Canadian are eligible. — Before the quarterly payments of the grocery benefit begin, eligible recipients will receive a one-time GST/HST payment top-up to cover the transition period between the old program and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. One-time GST/HST top-up: — It is based on your 2024 tax return. — The government has set maximum income levels to qualify for the top-up. The maximum 2024...
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Outdoor learning, Indigenous teacher pathways supported with $50K grants
By Jordan Copp, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Coast Reporter Sunshine Coast School District 46 (SD46) received two new $50,000 grants focused on outdoor education and Indigenous teacher development. During the district’s May 13 board meeting , Superintendent Kate Kerr said, “This is really going to focus on building more capacity with our educators.”The funding is through the Free to Play program in support of Project LEAP: Leading Educators in Adventurous Play.The staff report states that the project will “build educator confidence and leadership in outdoor play and land-connected learning through mentorship, collaboration, and shared practice with play experts, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.”It says that through modelling, coteaching, and reflective learning opportunities, staff will deepen their understanding of play-based learning, reciprocity with the land, and inclusive outdoor facilitation. This will allow...
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Decades in the making, Deb Haaland’s political rise spurs both inspiration and scrutiny
By Savannah Peters And Susan Montoya Bryan SAN FELIPE PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) — As the sun peeked over the Sandia Mountains, Deb Haaland was at a familiar spot, the tribal community where she used to work, waving at motorists and encouraging them to stop and vote in New Mexico’s primary. It was the final day of voting earlier this week, and Haaland was embracing friends and former colleagues at San Felipe Pueblo where she was once a tribal administrator. She talked food, family and handcrafted silver jewelry with Pueblo women who have watched her political ascent with pride and are hoping to see her become the first Native woman to become a governor in the U.S. Before the day was over, Haaland, who is a citizen of Laguna Pueblo, secured...
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First Nations chiefs say civil disobedience an option if Alberta referendum proceeds
By Lisa Johnson Treaty chiefs representing First Nations across the West say they are willing to carry out acts of civil disobedience if necessary to fight Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s separation vote. And Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi on Thursday renewed a call for Smith to put a stop to the upcoming referendum. He pointed to a recent court decision that stalled a separation petition drive on the grounds Smith’s government did not fulfil its constitutional duty to consult First Nations. “If they’re ignoring courts, ignoring the rulings, it shows to me that they are lawless,” Mercredi said of the United Conservative government. He said First Nations have not given consent and will stop the referendum in any way they can, including getting in the way of industry, or,...
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Aecon signs agreement with Arctic Gateway on infrastructure in northern Manitoba
Aecon Group Inc. says it has signed a collaboration agreement to support infrastructure in northern Manitoba with Arctic Gateway Group, an Indigenous and community-owned business. The memorandum of understanding says the companies will collaborate on the development of the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway. The companies say the agreement will leverage Aecon’s construction and infrastructure expertise and Arctic Gateway’s leadership in Indigenous and economic development in the region. The port and railway are operated by Arctic Gateway Group, which has an ownership group comprising 29 First Nations and 12 remote northern Manitoba communities. The Port of Churchill is the country’s only deepwater northern seaport that both has direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and is connected to the continental rail network. In April, Aecon Group Inc. reported a...
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First Nation implements security checkpoints to combat crime
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com GINOOGAMING — Since Monday, anyone driving into this First Nation neighbouring Longlac must get clearance from security personnel. Guards are stationed at the bridge to Ginoonaming, and a vigilant sniffer dog is at the ready to detect drugs. There’s also a checkpoint at the reserve’s south-end road entrance. The checkpoints are a response to growing problems of drugs, violence and organized crime in recent years, Gigoonaming Chief Sheri Taylor told Newswatch. The First Nation “has been in a state of emergency since 2024,” she said in an interview at her office. She was referring to a May 2024 band council resolution to declare a state of emergency after a spate of drug- and alcohol-related crime that imperilled Ginoogaming youth. “We had a...
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