B.C. Conservative’s Lorne Doerkson sets out urgent priorities to govern
By Wolfgang Depner British Columbia’s premier-designate Lorne Doerkson’s long to-do list includes lowering taxes, while reviewing the provincial finances, working with Alberta and the federal government on the proposed Pacific Link pipeline and repealing Indigenous legislation. Doerkson laid out his priorities at a news conference Sunday, just hours after his party was elected with about two-thirds of the province’s 93 seats in the legislature. He said he has spoken to the lieutenant-governor and named Kim Henderson, a former deputy to the premier to previous Liberal governments, to lead his transition team. “We are going to do this properly, and we are going to do it with obviously some urgency,” he said. “When this government is sworn in, it will be ready on Day 1, and it will hit the ground...
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Takeaways from AP’s report on how Suriname’s Saamaka are fighting to protect their rainforest
By Steven Grattan TUTUBUKA, Suriname (AP) — Deep in Suriname’s rainforest, a group of Saamaka men hacking their way up a forested mountain discovered an abandoned excavator and logging camps in an area they believed should have remained untouched. The discovery highlights growing threats to one of the world’s most heavily forested countries, where roads, logging and gold mining are pushing deeper into largely intact rainforest. Saamaka communities are fighting back with satellite images, GPS mapping and forest patrols, documenting areas they have protected for generations in hopes of securing government recognition of their traditional forest management system. The Associated Press accompanied community patrols and a helicopter flyover to see how the Saamaka are responding to the incursions. Here are takeaways from AP’s reporting: Suriname’s largely intact forests face growing...
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New research finds frequent disease outbreaks in B.C. salmon farms, endangering wild salmon
By Gideon Mordecai Elected Chief Councillor, ʼNa̱mǥis First Nation A new study with unprecedented access to Atlantic salmon farms in British Columbia raises urgent questions about the federal government’s approach to regulating salmon farms and highlights disease risk to wild salmon populations. The Broughton Aquaculture Transition Initiative — a multi-government agreement with the province and the Mamalilikulla, ’Na̱mǥis and Kwikwasut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nations — enabled this rare access to salmon farms for scientists unaffiliated with the aquaculture industry. Scientists from the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the University of British Columbia repeatedly examined the open-net pen salmon farms over more than a year, finding outbreaks of the viral disease heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) on most farms sampled. Three independent pathologists confirmed the diagnosis, and the...
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First Nations, minister and premiers gather for day of ceremony
By Alessia Passafiume First Nations leaders gathered in Ottawa on Sunday for ceremonies ahead of a historic meeting on Monday with some premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney, while grassroots activists planned their strategy to protest the meeting while heavily invoking the 2012 Idle No More movement. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told reporters Sunday afternoon that First Nations want to be partners with the provinces in making a strong economy that works for everyone. “We see geopolitical unrest around the world for many people including Canada. And we want to work toward prosperity for First Nations, and make sure that this meeting isn’t a one-and-done,” she said. As part of the ceremonies, premiers were given a handful of tobacco they were encouraged to pray upon. They then followed Woodhouse...
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N.W.T.’s $375M conservation trust reports back on spending for first time
By Eshana Gohil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio More than half of the $18.4 million distributed by the Our Land for the Future Trust in its first year went toward Indigenous Guardian programs across the Northwest Territories. The funding supported the launch of eight new Guardian programs and the continuation of 10 existing ones, alongside efforts to establish and manage protected areas, the trust said in its first annual report since being created. The investments are expected to create job opportunities in northern communities. The number of jobs created to date isn’t stated in the annual report that was published on Thursday – the trust told Cabin Radio it is working to gather more detailed information. The report does, however, set out the amount of funding distributed to each...
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Atikamekw baby to be reburied in home community more than 70 years after death
By Frédéric Lacroix-Couture More than 70 years after his death, an Atikamekw baby buried far from his family in Quebec City will be laid to rest in his home community. After 12 years of searching, the family of Maxime Ottawa has located his burial site, exhumed his remains and confirmed his identity, bringing what relatives describe as “immense relief.” “On Oct. 26, 2026, Baby Maxime will finally come home to Manawan, to his mother and father, to his brothers and sisters,” his niece, Manon Ottawa, said Thursday at a news conference in Montreal. Maxime was the brother of her father, Henri Ottawa, whose wish to find out what happened to the child prompted her to begin searching in 2014. Manawan is an Atikamekw community located about 250 kilometres north of...
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Makivvik wants to end time changes in Nunavik — but eyes next year for it
By Dominique Gené, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News People across Nunavik will be changing their clocks when daylight saving time ends on Nov. 1. This is a pivot from Makivvik’s earlier plans, announced Oct. 30, 2025, for Nunavik to stay on daylight saving time year-round, starting this year. Technical and administrative issues prevented the move, Makivvik announced Oct. 14 in a news release. Now, the organization that represents Inuit across Nunavik is targeting November 2027 to end seasonal time changes in the region. Makivvik launched a survey in January 2025 that asked Nunavimmiut whether the region should abolish seasonal time changes and, if so, whether it should remain on daylight saving time or standard time. The clocks move forward during daylight saving time, creating more daylight hours in the...
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Nutrition North reforms will include more money for hunters and trappers organizations: Nunavut MP Lori Idlout
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Food sovereignty is part of Nutrition North reforms currently underway by the federal government, MP Lori Idlout told the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) annual general meeting in Kugluktuk on Oct. 21. Hunters and trappers organizations (HTOs) will receive increased financial backing under a reformed Nutrition North program, Idlout disclosed. “The HTOs will be given the funds. They want to make changes and add more to those that share the food or help with food sovereignty, but I don’t know the operation of it,” Idlout said over a Zoom call to the NTI board of directors. Nutrition North currently offers a Hunter’s Support Grant that has paid NTI $29.6 million since 2022, which gets passed on to regional Inuit associations and...
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Survey seeks to understand urban Indigenous community’s priorities for cultural spaces in Peterborough
Two Peterborough-based organizations are working together to bring a new space to the city that caters to the urban Indigenous population’s need for access to traditional spaces and resources. The Nogojiwanong Urban Indigenous Working Group (UIWG), in partnership with the Trent Society of Architects (TSA), is conducting a community-wide survey to better understand the needs and priorities of the urban Indigenous community in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough. “Historically for Indigenous people, it’s been illegal to practise our culture and to speak our language,” Mshkiki Gitigaan Kwe (Katelyn Brennan) told kawarthaNOW. “Now, we’re trying to revitalize a lot of these things.” UIWG is a collaborative organization with representatives from the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, Peterborough Community Health Centre, Lovesick Lake Native Women’s Association, Lakelands Public Health, City of Peterborough, Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle, and...
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Indigenous leaders discuss opportunities at forum in Thunder Bay
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY — Mel Hardy sees plenty of opportunity in his part of Ontario. “We have treaties, we have opportunities, and we have the land,” the Northern Superior regional chief of Anishinabek Nation said Wednesday. “And that land is what’s going to give us the opportunities and engagements with the various industries, especially mining groups.” Actors in the mining sector want to “establish a real relationship” with First Nations, he said, “so there is opportunity there.” Hardy, from Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, was speaking during the lunch break on the first day of the Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Opportunities Forum, which concluded Thursday. Anishinabek Nation economic development director Jason Laronde stressed that economic development is “critical” to First Nation communities’ future. “What’s really...
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Treaty No. 6 First Nations Welcome Alberta Referendum Result to remain in Canada
By Chevi Rabbit, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations is welcoming the result of Alberta’s separation referendum, saying the majority decision represents Albertans abandoning the path of separatism. In a release issued Oct. 20 and signed by Grand Chief Joey Pete, the Confederacy expressed gratitude to First Nations members who participated in the vote, as well as community organizers and Get Out the Vote team leads who worked to ensure Indigenous voices were heard. Treaty First Nations throughout Alberta have opposed the separatist movement and challenged the legality of provincial separation and the referendum process through the courts, according to the Confederacy. The organization criticized the United Conservative Party government, alleging that it changed regulations and manipulated the electoral process to...
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Howie Miller Turns Comedy into a Platform for Indigenous Representation
By Chevi Rabbit, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News For Howie Miller, comedy is more than a punchline. It is a way to confront racism, challenge stereotypes and make space for Indigenous people in an entertainment industry that has often reduced them to narrow roles. The Edmonton comedian has spent decades turning personal experience into material while encouraging a new generation of Indigenous performers to step into the spotlight. His goal is not only to see more Indigenous comedians onstage, but to see Indigenous people represented across mainstream media as doctors, lawyers, scientists, astronauts and artists. “We need our faces in mainstream media more and more, and not so much riding around on horses or drunk on a reservation,” Miller said. “We need to be doctors, lawyers, scientists, astronauts,...
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Belfountain Heritage Society hosts plaque unveiling and book launch
By Kathryn Fraser, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Caledon Citizen On October 17, the Belfountain Heritage Society held a special plaque and a book launch at the Belfountain Community Hall. The event started with a new plaque unveiling at the Healing Canoe Garden, located in Belfountain. Chief Margaret Sault Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation unveiled the new plaque. It contains detailed information about Treaty 19, ReconciliACTION and a map of the area, including Belfountain, Cataract, Brimstone, Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, Credit River, West Credit River and Dufferin Lake. One portion of the plaque speaks about the phrase, “As long as the river flows,” which is an Indigenous phrase that was historically used in the oral traditions of treaty-making to signal that the agreements were to...
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Feds investing $1 billion for road to Ring of Fire in Ontario: Carney
By Liam Casey The federal government will put down $1 billion to help build a controversial road to the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday. The region is said to be rich in nickel, chromite, copper and gold and Carney said its development will secure Canada’s critical mineral supply chain. “Canada is matching Ontario’s $1-billion investment to build road infrastructure to reach the Ring of Fire,” Carney said as he and Premier Doug Ford announced in Ottawa an $8.7-billion joint plan to help Ontario’s tariff-affected industries, including steel and automotive sectors. The Ring of Fire sits partially in the James Bay lowlands, part of North America’s largest wetland, and is home to a number of remote, fly-in First Nations. Its mineral development has...
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Ha’wiih hold the line on commercial herring catch until abundance is clear
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC – The Council of Ha’wiih (hereditary chiefs) and their representatives from 14 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations gathered at the Italian Hall in Port Alberni Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 to discuss several priority fisheries issues. The two-day Ha’wiih fisheries forum was hosted by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and chaired by Wickaninnish (Cliff Atleo Sr.) of Ahousaht First Nation. Once again, the Council of Ha’wiih responded to industry pressure to reopen the west coast herring fishery. “We have been the ones that have watched that slow progression to improvement. Yes, it’s starting to come back, but it needs to be like that every season. We are the ones that have been keeping the department to tow the line in terms of resource management. We...
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First Nations say Elections Alberta unprepared for referendum turnout
By Alessia Passafiume First Nations in Alberta are celebrating the win for the pro-Canada side in Monday’s referendum — but they’re also raising concerns about a shortage of ballots in their communities despite large, public efforts to increase voter turnout. About three in four Albertans said yes to Confederation on Monday, while about one in four said they wanted the province to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving. Siksika Nation, located about an hour east of Calgary, said that while it’s pleased with the outcome, the polling station in their community was understaffed and didn’t receive enough ballots from Elections Alberta. That led to long wait times and “unnecessary obstacles,” the First Nation said in a media statement. “It is unacceptable that First Nations communities continue to encounter barriers...
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Feds investing $1 billion for road to Ring of Fire in Ontario: Carney
By Liam Casey The federal government will put down $1 billion to help build a controversial road to the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday. The region is said to be rich in nickel, chromite, copper and gold and Carney said its development will secure Canada’s critical mineral supply chain. “Canada is matching Ontario’s $1-billion investment to build road infrastructure to reach the Ring of Fire,” Carney said as he and Premier Doug Ford announced an $8.7-billion joint plan to help Ontario’s tariff-affected industries, including steel and automotive sectors. The Ring of Fire sits partially in the James Bay lowlands, part of North America’s largest wetland, and is home to a number of remote, fly-in First Nations. Its mineral development has been a...
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Regional Nunavut Inuit association awards $461,000 in scholarships to 151 students
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) has given 150 scholarships of $3,000 and one $10,000 award to some of the Qikiqtaaluk region’s Inuit post-secondary students. QIA’s $3,000 scholarships are awarded to Qikiqtani Inuit on a first-come, first-served basis. This year, the QIA distributed a total of $461,000 in scholarships, up by $205,000 from last year. Iqaluit’s Jamie Comeau received the $10,000 John Amagoalik scholarship, which honours the late namesake for advancing Inuit rights. Comeau, 18, is in her second year of the Advanced Inuit Studies program at Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa. She found out she won on Oct. 2. “I was in the room with my best friend, and we were just really super excited. I texted my family that I...
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Canadian food bank use hits 2.3 million monthly visits due to grocery costs: report
By Sadeen Mohsen Kerry Holt never expected she’d become a food bank client. After losing her job nearly a year ago following major surgery, Holt said it became increasingly difficult to balance her rent, extra bills and provide for her three children. She would have only one meal a day, suffering from fainting spells a few times, before being diagnosed with an iron deficiency because of her lack of eating. “I was doing everything I could to find work,” she said. “My groceries and bills were so high.” Now, Holt visits her local Indigenous food bank twice a month, always on the look out for eggs, milk, bread, granola and sometimes produce when it’s available. “With food prices, anyone could need the food bank at any point,” she said. A...
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Publisher cuts ties with Quebec author after saying it found evidence of AI use
By Marieke Glorieux-Stryckman A Quebec publishing house is cutting ties with author Thélyson Orélien after saying it found evidence he used artificial intelligence to write his debut novel. Les Éditions du Boréal said in a press release that analysis of some documents’ metadata indicated AI was used while writing the book. The publisher said it will not reprint the book or publish more books by Orélien. Orélien did not respond to The Canadian Press’ request for comment. The allegations of AI use in his book, “C’était ça ou mourir” (“It was either that or dying”), emerged on social media in September. An account using the name “Balance ton Claude” alleged that, according to the Pangram software, excerpts of Orélien’s novel had been written “almost entirely by artificial intelligence.” The novel...
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