Newfoundland and Labrador pulls out of talks about national marine conservation area
Newfoundland and Labrador’s new government is ending talks with Ottawa about a proposed national marine conservation area. The Progressive Conservatives say a conservation area along Newfoundland’s south coast would threaten nearby mining, fishing and aquaculture operations, as well as the communities supported by those industries. The federal government signed a memorandum of understanding with Newfoundland and Labrador’s then-Liberal government in 2023 to assess whether a conservation area in the region was possible. The agreement also included the possibility of redesignating Sandbanks Provincial Park, near Burgeo, N.L., as a national park. The Miawpukek and Qalipu First Nations and the town of Burgeo also signed the memorandum. The union representing inshore fishers in the province, as well as the provincial aquaculture industry, opposed the idea, and the Progressive Conservatives promised ahead of...
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Inquest hears from police officers on scene of fatal police shooting of teen
By Brittany Hobson Two Winnipeg police officers described the minutes leading up to a high-speed car chase that saw a stolen vehicle jump a boulevard and ended with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old First Nations girl, on the second day of the inquest into her death. Eishia Hudson was shot on April 8, 2020, after police responded to reports of the robbery and chased a stolen Jeep. Court heard that the vehicle had “rammed” a police cruiser, as well as hit other cars during the pursuit before shots were fired. An agreed statement of facts read aloud in court on Tuesday stated Eishia was driving the Jeep when three of the four people who were in the vehicle with her robbed a liquor store and one threatened to stab...
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Harper calls for national unity, independence at portrait unveiling
By Catherine Morrison Former prime minister Stephen Harper’s official portrait was unveiled in Ottawa Tuesday, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the election of his first Conservative government. Speaking to a crowd of ministers, premiers, current and former MPs and other dignitaries, Harper stressed that parties must work together to preserve Canada’s national unity and independence. “I sincerely hope that mine is just one of many portraits of prime ministers from both parties that will continue to be hung here for decades and centuries to come,” said Harper. “But that will require that in these perilous times, both parties, whatever their other differences, come together against external forces that threaten our independence and against domestic policies that threaten our unity.” Harper added that “we must preserve Canada.” “We must make...
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Hudson Bay to host third annual community unity gathering
By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca HUDSON BAY — The Town of Hudson Bay will host its third annual community unity gathering this year, continuing a growing tradition focused on inclusion, youth involvement and cultural celebration. The free event, open to all, is supported by a youth-specific grant and places strong emphasis on Métis participation, said Marilyn Ekert, interim Eastern Region II (ERII) representative for Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. “This is an admittance-free event open to everyone,” Ekert told SaskToday. “The grant I apply for is youth-specified, so involvement of our youth is important.” The opening ceremony will feature Métis youth and Elders, along with invited representatives including the mayor, RM officials, MLA, MP, RCMP if available, and local organizations such as the legion, Elks, Lions, scouts and 4-H. Food...
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BC’s Drug Response Isn’t Following the Evidence: Former Coroner
By Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Tyee Former chief coroner Lisa Lapointe recently criticized B.C.’s drug policies, saying the province’s approach to the ongoing toxic drug crisis is not evidence based. Lapointe, who was B.C.’s longest-standing chief coroner and held the position for 13 years before retiring in 2024, was speaking as part of a new, ongoing webinar series, “Perspectives on 10 Years in Crisis,” hosted by the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition. Lapointe was interviewed by Jody Paterson. (Paterson is the partner of Tyee senior editor Paul Willcocks, who was not involved with the editing of this article.) In April B.C. will have been under a public health emergency for a decade. During that time more than 18,800 British Columbians have lost their lives after being poisoned by...
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Two men face trafficking charges
HALDIMAND COUNTY – Two men are facing trafficking charges after Haldimand County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop in Haldimand County . Haldimand OPP said they were on patrol on King Street in Hagersville Friday January 30, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m. when they conducted a traffic stop. OPP said the investigation found a quantity of suspected illicit drugs within the vehicle. Both men were taken into custody. William Thomas, 48, of Ohsweken has been charged with: Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (two counts) Driving Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor Robert Sears, 39, of Hagersville has been charged with : Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 Possession of a Schedule I Substance...
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Ottawa’s plan for GST relief set to cost $12.4 billion over 5 years, PBO says
By Nick Murray The government’s budget watchdog said Monday it expects the federal government’s plan to increase the GST credit and offer a one-time payment to Canadians will cost Ottawa an estimated $12.4 billion over five years. The number, released by the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer — is slightly higher than Ottawa’s initial projection. Prime Minister Mark Carney promised last week new measures to help lower-income consumers deal with the high cost of groceries, including a 25 per cent hike to the GST credit over the next five years and a one-time payment in the spring worth 50 per cent of the credit. The PBO report estimates the one-time payment will cost more than $3.1 billion this year, while the annual increases will cost between $1.7 billion and...
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West Point chief fights for more funding
By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North During the 2026 Dene National Assembly, held from Jan. 20-22 in Fort Good Hope, West Point First Nation Chief Devon Felker voiced his concerns regarding inadequate funding for his community of less than 100 people. “It was amazing. Everybody had smiles on their faces when they noticed that it was me who had a resolution on the table,” said Felker, 26. “I heard nothing but great things from all the chiefs around the table, and the delegates. They said that they agree that West Point has been far behind in the past, and this resolution could possibly help our nation further itself.” Despite the positive reception during the assembly, Felker feels that his community is being forgotten by the nearby much...
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Transportable nuclear power plants pitched for the Arctic by early-2030s
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Build nuclear power plants in the south and ship them by boat to the Arctic. That’s the idea Prodigy Clean Energy has studied over the past two years, thanks to a $2.75-million research grant from the federal government. “If there is a willing community in Nunavut today, Prodigy could deliver the power plant by early 2030s,” said Lori-Anne Ramsay, chief business development officer at Prodigy Clean Energy. Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) said it’s curious about the technology as a way to reduce carbon emissions. But the Nunavut utility isn’t ready to invest just yet. “QEC has been following transportable nuclear technology closely as a potential long-term option,” said Mariana Barney Guardado, communications manager for QEC. “While it remains years away...
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Fatality inquest begins into Winnipeg police shooting of 16-year-old Eishia Hudson
By Brittany Hobson A fatality inquest is underway into the police shooting of a 16-year-old girl following a vehicle chase in Winnipeg. Eishia Hudson was killed in 2020 after police responded to a liquor store robbery by a group of teens. Police have said they spotted a stolen Jeep that then rammed a police cruiser and other cars and led to the pursuit on a busy road. They said the girl was driving the Jeep that later crashed into a truck and, as police surrounded it, tried to move again. An officer fired two shots at the girl, and Manitoba’s police watchdog recommended not charging the officer. The Independent Investigation Unit said video taken by a driver at a nearby traffic light showed officers were in danger of being hit...
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Teens face 1st degree murder charges in First Nations double homicide
Prosecutors say two teens apprehended last week in connection with a double homicide in a First Nations community in northern Quebec are facing first-degree murder charges. A spokeswoman for the Crown says the 17-year-old boys, who can’t be named because they are minors, were charged each with two counts of premeditated murder over the weekend and are due back in court today. The two male victims, 30-year-old Bedabin Neeposh and 29-year-old Daniel Benac, died after being found in a bullet-riddled car last Wednesday night in the First Nations community about 600 kilometres northwest of Quebec City. The teens were arrested by a tactical unit Friday in the community of Mistissini, a Cree community in northern Quebec. Provincial police have said the fatal shooting was likely linked to organized crime and...
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Haldimand OPP recover stolen property
HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – The Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are notifying the public that a quantity of stolen property has been recovered after a series of theft investigations in Haldimand County. The Haldimand OPP is asking anyone who has been a victim of a theft or has any information regarding any theft from the Dunnville area between December 2025 and January 2026, to please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you have information and wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS),or submit an online tip at www.helpsolvecrime.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000....
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Sash projects weave together school spirit, Métis culture
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press A Métis artist is taking her loom-weaving kit on the road to teach students about an iconic staple in her ancestors’ wardrobe and promote school spirit. Casandra Woolever, the full-time creative behind Métis Branded, an apparel company in Winnipeg, has started working with schools this year to help them create custom sashes. “I’m a little overwhelmed, but in a good way,” she said, reflecting on how many teachers have contacted her in recent weeks. Woolever has shown more than 1,000 students her collection of sashes and how to use her floor loom since the start of the school year. She has 17 school visits scheduled in February. Prior to each trip, she asks teachers to have their students reflect on...
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Social smarts help BC humpbacks adapt as oceans change
By Rochelle Baker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Whale researcher Janie Wray vividly remembers the first time she saw humpbacks bubble-net feeding on the northern BC coast more than 20 years ago. First, the mournful calls begin at depth, followed by a perfect ring of bubbles rising through the water. Moments later, herring scatter and flash as they leap from the ocean as up to a dozen humpbacks surge upwards in unison, breaking the surface with their maws agape. “We were a little blown away at first,” said Wray, CEO of BC Whales. “It’s just such a stunning observation.” What the scientists on the Fin Island research station, which is located at the entrance to the Kitimat Fjord System, didn’t realize at the time was that what they...
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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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