Warrior Women bring Cree Culture to the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Edmonton
By Chevi Rabbit, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Mackenzie Brown (Kamamak, which means “butterfly” in Cree) and Matricia Bauer (Isko-achitaw Waciy / ᐃᐢᑯ ᐃᐦᒋᑕ ᐘᒋᕀ), co-owners of Warrior Women, are bringing Cree culture to Edmonton from February 17 to 19 to showcase their talent, art, and Indigenous knowledge at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2026IITC). The mother-daughter duo from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation are recognized leaders in Indigenous tourism, known for sharing Cree stories, land-based teachings, and cultural practices with audiences from around the world in ways that are authentic, respectful, and community-guided. “We’re a mother-daughter duo from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, and we absolutely love what we do,” said Mackenzie Brown. “Tourism really found us. We didn’t set out thinking we were going into tourism – we...
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First Nation seeks members’ input on community and reparations plans
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT NELSON, B.C. — Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) is seeking active voices as it shapes its community plan. According to a Facebook post on Tuesday, January 27th, FNFN wants members to fully engage in a pair of concepts: the re-launch of its Reaching For Our Vision (RFOV) plan and the new Four Pillars Plan. The RFOV is described by the post as “a community plan for the next 10-20 years” created from “community priorities and input,” covering all departments of governance, land, health, culture and the economy. The new Four Pillars Plan is described as a community-driven initiative on how FNFN will access and use funding from the 2021 band reparations settlement with the federal government. Stemming from a lawsuit by...
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Fort St. John RCMP officers promote Indigenous policing amid northern recruitment initiative
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Members of Fort St. John’s RCMP detachment travelled south this month in support of a critical recruitment program. Constable Caitlyn Rissanen and Constable Chad Neustaeter, both members of the Indigenous Policing Service Program (IPS), attended a pair of Western Hockey League contests involving the Prince George Cougars from January 23rd to 25th, according to a press release. Other IPS officers from across northern B.C., including Prince Rupert, Burns Lake and Chetwynd, were also in attendance, representing B.C.’s E division and promoting job opportunities available with the RCMP through its newly launched Northern Recruitment Initiative. Neustaeter and Rissanen were there to showcase employment opportunities with an emphasis on First Nations recruitment, with the release saying it shows “commitment to...
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Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia adds waterfront reserve land at Tufts Cove
By Lyndsay Armstrong More than 108 years after the catastrophic Halifax Explosion caused widespread damage, the chief of Millbrook First Nation says his community is returning home. Chief Bob Gloade and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty announced Friday more than seven hectares, or 0.07 square kilometres, of coastal land and water lot space in Tufts Cove in Dartmouth, N.S., has been added to the Millbrook First Nation reserve. On Dec. 6, 1917, two wartime ships collided in Halifax harbour, sparking a massive explosion that killed almost 2,000 people, wounded 9,000 and left 25,000 homeless. A Mi’kmaq village on the Dartmouth side of the harbour called Turtle Grove was wiped out by a tsunami created by the blast, and survivors left for Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne’katik First Nation. “Our...
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‘Dances With Wolves’ actor Nathan Chasing Horse convicted on sexual assault charges
By Jessica Hill LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Nevada jury on Friday convicted “Dances With Wolves” actor Nathan Chasing Horse of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls in a case that sent shock waves through Indian Country. The jurors in Las Vegas found Chasing Horse guilty of 13 of the 21 charges he faced. Most of the guilty verdicts centered on Chasing Horse’s conduct with a victim who was 14 when he began assaulting her. He was acquitted of some sexual assault charges when the main victim was older and lived with him and his other companions. Chasing Horse, 49, faces a minimum of 25 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 11. He has also been charged with sex crimes in other states as well as Canada....
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Two teens arrested in connection with First Nation double homicide in northern Quebec
Quebec provincial police say two 17-year-old boys have been arrested in a double homicide in a Cree community in northern Quebec. The teens were arrested by a tactical unit Friday in the community of Mistissini around 1 p.m. The Eeyou Eenou Police Force says the suspects are facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder and are set to appear in court on Saturday. The two male victims, 30-year-old Bedabin Neeposh and 29-year-old Daniel Benac, died after being found in a bullet-riddled car on Wednesday night in the First Nations community about 600 kilometres northwest of Quebec City. Provincial police said the fatal shooting was linked to organized crime and likely a settling of accounts. The killings of the two local men badly shook the Cree Nation of Mistissini,...
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Arctic sovereignty: Gov. Gen. Mary Simon heading to Norway, Denmark and Greenland
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon is set to visit Greenland, Denmark and Norway this week. On Monday, Simon will travel to Norway, where she will take part in the Arctic Frontiers Conference in Tromso and later meet with Norway’s King Harald in Oslo. Later in the week, the Governor General will head to Denmark, where she will meet King Frederik and the country’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, in Copenhagen. Canada’s first Indigenous governor general will then head to Greenland to meet Jens‑Frederik Nielsen, prime minister of the semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While in Greenland, Simon will attend the opening of the first Canadian consulate in Nuuk, the island’s capital. Simon’s office says the trip to Norway is aimed at highlighting Canada’s commitment to Arctic collaboration and the role...
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Conservatives, Poilievre seek to carry convention momentum back into Parliament
By Craig Lord Political analysts say the federal Conservatives and leader Pierre Poilievre have momentum coming off a unifying convention in Calgary but the party still has a hill to climb in Parliament to one-up Prime Minster Mark Carney and the Liberals. The Conservatives wrapped up their three-day national convention on Saturday touting party unity. Poilievre easily passed his mandatory leadership review with 87.4 per cent support from delegates. Pollster Nik Nanos said Poilievre’s result was “quite striking.” He said the test should put an end to talk that the Conservative leader doesn’t have a firm grasp of the party after a tough 2025 that saw the party raise its vote share but lose the spring election. A pair of MPs — Chris d’Entremont and Michael Ma — also crossed...
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United Nations faces ‘imminent financial collapse’ without urgent action, UN chief says
By Edith M. Lederer The United Nations chief is warning that the world body faces “imminent financial collapse” unless its financial rules are overhauled or all 193 member nations pay their dues — a message likely directed at the United States and the billions it owes. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a letter to all U.N. member nations obtained Friday by The Associated Press that cash for its regular operating budget could run out by July, which could dramatically affect its operations. “Either all member states honor their obligations to pay in full and on time — or member states must fundamentally overhaul our financial rules to prevent an imminent financial collapse,” he said. While Guterres didn’t name any country in the letter, which was reported earlier by Reuters, the...
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As Supports Dwindle, Violence Against Sex Workers Is Up
By Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Tyee Violence against sex workers has been increasing in Vancouver as government support for organizations supporting sex workers shrinks. When governments cut their budgets, funding for organizations that support sex workers are often the first to be cut and the last to be re-funded, experts told The Tyee. That means extremely marginalized sex workers are losing access to some of the only services that protect their health and safety. Experts say this puts sex workers’ lives at risk — and is already leading to an increase in violence. One of the few protections sex workers have when doing street-based sex work is to talk with a client before getting into a car, said Susan Davis, who is the executive director for the...
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‘Truth, courage, care’: Esk’etemc leader honoured with ‘B.C.’ reconciliation award
By Dionne Phillips, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, IndigiNews Former Esk’etemc Kúkwpi7 Charlene Belleau (Eaglestar Woman) has been recognized with an award for her work to support healing and justice for residential “school” survivors and their families. The Elder was among seven people honoured with a British Columbia Reconciliation Award at the Government House in lək̓ʷəŋən territories on Thursday evening. The award — presented by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and BC Achievement Foundation — recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation. At the presentation ceremony, this year’s recipients were welcomed in behind lək̓ʷəŋən dancers as the Government House was rearranged to resemble a longhouse. Jerymy Brownridge, executive director of Government House, acknowledged Belleau’s embodiment of “truth, courage, care” as she’s been dedicated to advancing healing...
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Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia adds waterfront reserve land at Tufts Cove
By Lyndsay Armstrong More than 108 years after the catastrophic Halifax Explosion caused widespread damage and displaced many, the chief of Millbrook First Nation says his community is returning home. Chief Bob Gloade and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty announced today that more than seven hectares, or 0.7 square kilometres, of coastal land and water lot space in Tufts Cove has been added to the Millbrook First Nation reserve. A Mi’kmaq village on the Dartmouth side of the Halifax harbour called Turtle Grove was wiped out by a tsunami created by the blast on Dec. 6, 1917, and survivors left for Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne’katik First Nation. “Our community members resided in that location back at that time. So that’s the connection to the land that we have…...
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Nunavut and federal government agree to $480 million for 750 new homes in Nunavut
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The federal government has reached an agreement in principle with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to build 750 homes in territory for $480 million. That works out to $640,000 per housing unit. An investment of $250 million will come from the federal government under its Build Canada Initiative while the GN will contribute $230 million. Out of the 750 homes, 30 per cent will be factory-built as modular units. Among the homes will be 25 affordable units available through Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), under its Igluvut Corporation. Federal Housing Minister Gregor Roberts, territorial Housing Minister Cecile Nelvana Lyall and NTI President Paul Irngaut made the announcement in Ottawa on Jan. 30. “The housing crisis in Nunavut is...
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Portage leaders awarded for economic growth in Western Canada
By Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Portage Graphic Leader Two regional leaders are being celebrated for their roles in driving growth across Western Canada after receiving prestigious industry honours at a recent regional summit. Eve O’Leary, director of economic development for Portage Regional Economic Development Inc. (PRED), and Dennis Meeches of Long Plain First Nation were both named recipients of the West 20 (W20) award. The awards were presented during the Western Canadian Economic Forum held in Winnipeg. The W20 recognizes 20 impactful business, government, community, and Indigenous leaders from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Recipients are typically chosen based on having more than a decade of experience, a clear history of career progression, and a commitment to building community through investment attraction and entrepreneurship. O’Leary, who...
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Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman who helped save Washington’s army, is honored on $1 coin
By Savannah Peters EDGEWOOD, N.M. (AP) — The reverse side of the U.S. Mint’s 2026 Sacagawea $1 coin will feature Polly Cooper, a woman from the Oneida tribe known for helping George Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The release of the coin this week coincides with celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It recognizes Cooper’s role in a 1778 relief expedition from Oneida territory in what is now central New York to the rebel troops’ winter encampment in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where they were facing a food and supply crisis. “Polly Cooper symbolizes courage that is not just found on the battlefield but in compassion and willingness to help others, which is just a part of Oneida culture and hospitality,” said...
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‘This is our hunting ground’: Iqaluit to raise flag to support Greenland
By Arty Sarkisian, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News IQALUIT-Iqaluit city council unanimously voted Tuesday to raise Greenland’s flag in response to the United States’ threats against “our family.” “Greenland belongs to Greenland,” said Mayor Solomon Awa, who made the proposal during this week’s regular council meeting. “We want to show support in these increasingly challenging times.” Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of approximately 56,000 people, the vast majority of whom are Inuit. Council’s decision comes a week after Greenland’s red and white flag was raised in front of Nunavut’s legislative assembly building, following days of threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to gain control of the self-governing territory. Trump called the island a “piece of ice” the United States needs to own for national...
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City, RCMP ‘merge’ efforts against Iqaluit’s alcohol-related crimes
By Arty Sarkisian, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Iqaluit RCMP and municipal enforcement officers will work together in an effort to curb alcohol and traffic-related incidents in the city for the next three months. “My goal is to merge pretty much the two agencies together to work alongside,” said Sgt. Vlatko Nikolovski, Iqaluit RCMP’s detachment commander, in his monthly presentation to city councillors Tuesday. City bylaw officers and RCMP officers will patrol the city together in what Nikolovski referred to as a three-month pilot project. Three RCMP officers have been dedicated for the project. “Residents may notice increased foot patrols and officers actively engaging with individuals around the city,” a City of Iqaluit news release said. There has been a “disconnection” between the RCMP and municipal enforcement officers, but...
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Anandasangaree says lack of help from some provinces, police won’t thwart gun buyback
By Jim Bronskill Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said he doesn’t foresee logistical challenges in gathering up banned firearms through a federal buyback program, despite the refusal of several provinces and police forces to help. Anandasangaree said in an interview on Thursday, the use of mobile collection units and off-duty or retired police officers will help ensure the collection of outlawed firearms that owners elect to hand over for compensation. “Operationally, we don’t anticipate any challenges,” he said. “We’re very confident that the program can be implemented.” Public Safety Canada said gun owners reported 22,251 firearms to the government in the first week of the program to provide compensation for banned guns. Owners of outlawed firearms have until the end of March to declare interest in the program, which offers...
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10 ‘taken’ from B.C. firm’s Mexican mine site, but Global Affairs says no Canadians
By Darryl Greer Global Affairs Canada says it is monitoring a security incident at a Vancouver-based mining firm’s project in Concordia, Mexico, where 10 people have been abducted, but it’s not aware of any missing Canadians. Vizlas Silver Corp. says in a statement issued Wednesday that 10 people were “taken” from its mine site in Mexico. Vizsla says the security incident happened at its Panuco project site, a gold and silver mining operation in the state of Sinaloa. Global Affairs says it’s working with Mexican officials through the Canadian Embassy. The company says information about what occurred is limited as it remains under investigation, and local authorities have been informed, while the company’s crisis management and security response teams have been “actively engaged.” It says the first priority is the...
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There’s a homelessness crisis but no state of emergency, mayor says
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source THUNDER BAY — There is a homelessness crisis, and the city is taking action. But, for now at least, there will be no state of emergency declaration. That, briefly, is Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff’s response to a recent letter from leaders of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Fort William First Nation. The NAN/Fort Wiliam letter to Boshcoff, posted on social media last Friday, said there is an emergency as unhoused people perish “in the streets, in public parks, in bus shelters.” It urged the city to declare a state of emergency. “I agree this is a crisis,” Boshcoff states in Thursday’s letter of reply posted on the city’s Facebook page and website. His letter also acknowledges a “need for...
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