‘It’s been a wonderful run:’ Chic Scott wraps up over a decade of Fireside Chats at Banff’s Whyte Museum
By Leah Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Rocky Mountain Outlook BANFF — In his patterned Norwegian wool sweater, Chic Scott takes a seat in front of a packed room at the Whyte Museum, setting the stage for one more great story. It’s the end of an era for the Banff mountaineer and historian, who, for over a decade has preserved tales from over 20 Bow Valley mountain people during his Fireside Chat interview series. “There are stories everywhere and everybody has a story. It’s not all about the big famous names. Sometimes the best stories are sort of hidden in the grass,” Scott told the crowd filling the Heritage Gallery on Thursday (Jan. 15), noting that his knit sweater has become a staple outfit at almost every chat over the...
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Mark Critch takes ‘Trump’ to Greenland in timely ’22 Minutes’ sketch
By Alex Nino Gheciu Mark Critch says he’s wondered what would happen if U.S President Donald Trump actually visited the countries he planned to invade. So he flew to Greenland to find out. In Tuesday’s episode of CBC’s “This Hour Has 22 Minutes,” the Canadian comedian takes his now-familiar Trump impersonation to Greenland, interviewing locals, politicians and protesters as the president threatens to seize the territory. The segment, titled “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Greenland,” was filmed last week and airs as Trump’s comments continue to reverberate through global politics. Critch says his frustration over Trump’s Greenland remarks led him and a small ‘22 Minutes’ crew Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, where he stayed in character as Trump while speaking with residents, Indigenous community members and elected officials — including the city’s mayor,...
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Calgarian’s podcast highlights Indigenous voices and rising hate in Alberta
By Chevi Rabbit, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News “I am Red Thunderwoman, my colonial name is Michelle Robinson. I am a Sahtu Dene, a mother, wife, activist, political organizer, podcast host, and have ‘Indian Status’ imposed by the Canadian Government,” Michelle Robinson says. “I have been involved in the political world on the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. I was the first First Nations woman to run for Calgary City Council, and I ran to be a provincial MLA. I have also been a very active volunteer for numerous non-profit events and organizations, school and community events, and politics at the federal level.” Michelle is also the host ‘Native Calgarian Podcast’ (https://www.nativecalgarian.com/), a platform she launched over eight years ago to amplify Indigenous voices in Calgary and beyond....
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First Nation leader urges B.C. to maintain DRIPA as Eskay Creek mine deal is signed
By Wolfgang Depner The president of the Tahltan Central Government said British Columbia shouldn’t change its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, just as the First Nation and the provincial government celebrate a landmark agreement based on the legislation. Kerry Carlick said it is not a “good idea to take anything away from DRIPA,” adding that “if anything, it should be strengthened.” Carlick was speaking at an event on Tuesday in Vancouver with deputy premier Niki Sharma where they co-signed an agreement to share mineral tax revenue from the Eskay Creek mine. The ceremony in Vancouver came after the provincial government on Monday issued an environmental assessment certificate to Eskay Creek Mining Ltd. to restart gold and silver mining at the site in northwestern B.C. after a first-of-its...
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Magnitude 3.7 earthquake gently rocks Southern Ontario
By Rob Westgate If it felt like the earth moved beneath your feet late Tuesday night, it did, if you were in Southern Ontario. Earthquakes Canada recorded a magnitude 3.7 quake north of Toronto just before 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The agency noted the tremor was centred near the community of Orillia and occurred at a depth of five kilometres. The site’s “Did you feel it?” link had at least 2,000 reports of people feeling the rumble, from as far west as Kitchener, through Toronto, and east to Belleville, and as far south as Niagara Falls. There was no immediate word on any damage or injuries, but according to statistics, the same area has experienced two earthquakes of similar size in the last 25 years. Social media was abuzz with...
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Housing N.W.T. and Acho Dene Koe formalize housing partnership
By Claire McFarlane, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio Housing N.W.T. and the Acho Dene Koe First Nation have signed an agreement to formalize their cooperation on housing projects in Fort Liard. Under the terms of the agreement, announced this week, a housing working group will be created featuring members of ADKFN, the First Nation’s economic development corporation – ADK Holdings – and the Government of the Northwest Territories. The working group will advance planning for social housing, plan for construction and repair of housing, and explore joint housing service delivery, a news release stated. “It’ll give us a forum for talking directly about the housing situation in the community,” said ADKFN general manager Boyd Clark. Like many places across the territory, he said, the existing housing stock in Fort...
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Winnipeg’s Red River College Polytechnic to grant staff bereavement leave for non-blood relations
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press Red River College Polytechnic employees can now take paid time off to mourn a non-blood relative who is akin to family to them. Union and post-secondary leaders celebrated that change, among others that came out of their new, reconciliation-forward approach to contract talks, on Monday. “There’s a Western view that your family is who you’re related to by blood and that’s all — and that’s not how it works, at least not in my community,” said Monica Lytwyn, co-chair of RRC Polytech’s truth and reconciliation working group. “Your relatives aren’t always blood relatives and sometimes, your cousin is raised as a sibling or someone who lives next door to you might become like a sibling.” Lytwyn, a member of Norway...
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More urgency needed to help homeless as cold snap persists: leaders
By Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal As below-normal temperatures persist in Thunder Bay and areas close to the city, Indigenous leaders have been calling on their city counterparts to declare a state of emergency over homelessness, as many are forced to endure the bitter cold outdoors. On Friday, Fort William First Nation Chief Michele Solomon and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler appealed directly to Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff in a joint letter. “This crisis has gone on long enough,” the letter says. “There will be people sleeping outside . . . as temperatures reach dangerous levels people are dying in the streets, in public parks, in bus shelters.” The letter adds: “The lives of many of our people are at stake, and this needs...
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Carney stands by Plains of Abraham speech that rankled Quebec’s political class
By Michel Saba and Émilie Bergeron Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday stood by his comments about the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, remarks that had drawn a swift rebuke from Quebec’s political class and demands for an apology. The controversy erupted on Thursday when Carney said the 1759 battle in Quebec City — during which the British defeated the French, who would ultimately lose control of New France — symbolized the beginning of a partnership between two peoples. Carney said the battle became a symbol of collaboration rather than domination — despite the fact the defeat led to significant attempts by the English to assimilate francophones. In response, Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said the comments reflected Ottawa’s “long tradition of colonialism.” On Monday, Carney did not...
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Water damage, electrical issues force more residents from Manitoba FirstNation
By Brittany Hobson More residents are being asked to leave a northern Manitoba First Nation dealing with a water crisis brought on by a power outage, as crews continue to fix damaged houses and buildings. Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias says contractors have identified 73 more homes needing extensive repairs and that roughly 200 people are joining about 4,400 who have already been displaced. He says the additional homes are uninhabitable due to electrical issues and drywall and insulation damage from flooding and frozen pipes. Roughly 1,300 homes in the community of 7,000 people were damaged after a days-long power outage in December led to the failure of critical infrastructure. The military was brought in for about two weeks to assess infrastructure and help community leaders with a repair...
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Community calls for transparency after social media allegations; Brokenhead Ojibway Nation responds
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun Members of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation community are calling for more transparency around a housing project after allegations circulated on social media raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the use of Jordan’s Principle funding. The issue surfaced publicly following a post by Jackie Chapman on the First Nations Financial Accountability and Transparency Movement Facebook page, which alleged that a director connected to Jordan’s Principle was involved in the construction of a large home for a family member who is also a fellow employee. The post claimed the home was an eight-bedroom, multi-level structure measuring 56 by 24 feet, with a reported cost of approximately $400,000. It further alleged that the project was connected to Jordan’s Principle funding and called...
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Prairie Mountain Health Strategy Aims to Create Culturally Safe Care for Indigenous Patients
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has launched a new Indigenous Health Strategy aimed at strengthening partnerships with Indigenous Peoples across the region. PMH says the plan sets a clear direction to address racism and discrimination within the health-care system. PMH’s service area includes 14 First Nation communities, three Métis Federations, and 15 Northern Affairs (Métis) communities. Central to the strategy is the work of the region’s Indigenous Health Team, which helps connect Indigenous individuals and communities with health-care providers to promote health equity. The Indigenous Health program includes designated roles such as Community Liaisons and Indigenous Patient Advocates, who support individuals and families navigating the health-care system. One of those advocates is Karen Spence, who has served as Indigenous Health Patient Advocate...
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Carney defends Canada’s Afghanistan record but does not ask Trump for apology
By Kyle Duggan Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday defended the Canadian military’s contributions to the war in Afghanistan — but stopped short of asking U.S. President Donald Trump to apologize for belittling Canada’s role. Carney said everyone should recognize the “extraordinary contributions” made by the Canadian Armed Forces in that conflict. He said Canada sent 40,000 troops to Afghanistan, where they served on the front lines. He noted 158 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat lost their lives during that conflict and that 30 Canadian soldiers were awarded the U.S. Bronze Star Medal for valour. “It’s an extraordinary contribution for liberty, for freedom, for human rights, defending the United States, defending Canadian values. Everyone should recognize that,” Carney told an Ottawa news conference on Monday. “All Canadians are in their...
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Canada sending naval patrol vessel to Greenland for opening of new consulate: Anand
By Dylan Robertson Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Canada’s “principled pragmatism” in foreign policy will be on full display next week in Greenland when she opens Canada’s new consulate in the Danish territory with Inuit representatives attending and a navy vessel in the background. “We will continue to be principled and we will be pragmatic at the same time,” Anand told The Canadian Press during a Monday interview in her ministerial office, where her desk was covered by a circular map of the Arctic. The opening of the new consulate in Greenland’s capital Nuuk was originally planned for last November but was postponed due to bad weather. Since then, U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his threats to acquire the Danish territory. The White House refused to rule out...
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MacKinnon says minority Parliament can work if Conservatives ‘get out of the way’
By Jim Bronskill and David Baxter Government House leader Steven MacKinnon said Monday he believes the minority Parliament can function and pass bills — if Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre agrees to “get out of the way.” When asked if the governing Liberals are considering a spring election, MacKinnon said Canadians voted for the current government’s plan last April and the priority is to implement it. “There is no way that plan should not receive the approval of this Parliament. There is a majority in that room for that plan,” MacKinnon told a press conference in Ottawa on Monday. “Mr. Poilievre has to get out of the way and allow his MPs to vote on an ambitious, crime-fighting agenda.” Ontario Conservative MP Costas Menegakis brushed off MacKinnon’s call. “Get out of...
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Carney skips question period on Parliament’s first day back, meets with Premier Ford
By Alessia Passafiume After a globe-hopping mission to secure new trade deals and foreign investment, Prime Minister Mark Carney was back in Ottawa Monday as Parliament resumed — but not for very long. Carney visited an Ottawa grocery store Monday morning where he announced a 25 per cent hike to the GST credit to help lower-income consumers deal with the high cost of groceries, before leaving town to meet with Ontario Premier Doug Ford in Toronto. Their meeting followed Carney’s trip to China earlier this month, where the prime minister announced the federal government would allow some Chinese-made electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market following a nearly two-year trade dispute. Ford, whose province has been hit hard by U.S. tariffs on autos from the United States, reacted angrily to...
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Canada sending patrol vessel to Greenland for opening of new consulate: Anand
By Dylan Robertson Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Canada’s “principled pragmatism” in foreign policy will be on full display next week in Greenland when she opens Canada’s new consulate in the Danish territory with Inuit representatives attending and a coast guard vessel in the background. “We will continue to be principled and we will be pragmatic at the same time,” Anand told The Canadian Press during a Monday interview in her ministerial office, where her desk was covered by a circular map of the Arctic. The opening of the new consulate in Greenland’s capital Nuuk was originally planned for last November but was postponed due to bad weather. Since then, U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his threats to acquire the Danish territory. The White House refused to rule...
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B.C. issues environmental assessment certificate for Eskay Creek mine
The British Columbia government has issued an environmental assessment certificate to Eskay Creek Mining Ltd., to restart gold and silver mining at the site of the former Eskay Creek mine in Tahltan territory. The province says in a news release that its Environmental Assessment Office carried out a “collaborative assessment process” with the Tahltan Central Government, in what it says is the first of its kind to be guided by a consent agreement. The release says B.C.’s mining and environment ministers made the decision to issue the certificate after reviewing the office’s report and recommendations, as well as a risk assessment from the northwestern First Nation. It says the ministers also applied 38 legally binding conditions on the project, including ones that were co-developed with the nation to mitigate risks...
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Why two skulls unearthed in B.C. could be harbingers for future archeological woes
By Wolfgang Depner Last June, landscapers working on a site in Kamloops, B.C., came upon a troubling discovery — two human skulls and jawbones. Police and the coroner were informed, but after an inspection that swiftly determined the remains ancient, the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation was called in and the day after the find issued a press release, declaring the property owned by Park Place Seniors Living to be a sacred site. “The site is protected under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the BC Heritage Conservation Act. Any alteration or disturbance to the sacred site is illegal and punishable under provincial law,” the statement said, adding that the nation had put the property in a residential area of North Kamloops under “24-hour security.”...
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Air Inuit sets new cap on all routes for beneficiaries
By Dominique Gené, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Air Inuit is introducing a $700 fare cap on all travel routes for Nunavik beneficiaries under the Ilaujuq program. The program is a partnership between Makivvik and Air Inuit. Beneficiaries currently receive four tickets each year for 70 per cent off round-trip Air Inuit flights or certain cargo shipments such as snowmobiles and ATVs, according to Air Inuit’s website. The discount can cover up to $900 per trip, with flights between Montreal and Kuujjuaq capped at $700. Starting Feb. 1, the $700 cap will apply to all routes. The four tickets for 70 per cent off round-trip flights will still apply. “The change means a standardized $700 cap under the program which means more savings for beneficiaries,” said Tim Duboyce, media...
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