Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak Joina Canadian Delegation for the Pope Francis Funeral Services
Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa – National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak will join the Canadian delegation, led by Governor General Mary Simon, to attend the funeral service of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88. National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak will participate in the Canadian delegation to honour the legacy of Pope Francis and acknowledge his efforts to advance truth and reconciliation with First Nations in Canada. “It is important to recognize Pope Francis for his leadership within an institution resistant to progressive change,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “His Holiness disrupted the status quo in a good way. On many issues, including the many harms and crimes inflicted by Catholic clergy on First Nations children in the Indian residential school’ system,...
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Aaron Gunn MIA after Vancouver Island riding debate suddenly cancelled
By Rochelle Baker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer It turns out the biggest question at the all-candidates debate in Campbell River Tuesday night was if it would go ahead at all. It didn’t. The event, organized by the board of the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce and the sponsored by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, was officially cancelled on Facebook as people were already filing into the Tidemark Theatre when the venue’s doors opened at 4 p.m. However, all the main-party candidates in the North Island-Powell River riding, minus one, arrived to speak to the crowd gathered in the courtyard outside. NDP candidate Tanille Johnston, Liberal Jennifer Lash, Green Jessica Wegg and Independent Glen Staples all made short speeches and offered to stay to take...
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Man arrested after vehicle fires and shots fired at Fort Nelson FirstNation
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT NELSON, B.C. — A 40-year-old man is under arrest after a series of incidents at Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) on Wednesday evening. A press release from Northern Rockies RCMP states a man was asked to leave a FNFN community meeting on April 23rd around 7:10 p.m. for reportedly being disruptive and appearing to be under the influence of drugs. Officers say the man went to a nearby gas station, where he allegedly announced his intentions to light cars on fire. Shortly thereafter, a vehicle owned by FNFN was found to be ablaze in the community hall parking lot, with the flames spreading to a second vehicle. Police received a call at approximately 7:45 p.m. about shots being allegedly fired at...
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Ohsweken man faces impaired driving charge after single-vehicle rollover on First Line
OHSWEKEN, SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-A 45-year-old Ohsweken man is facing impaired driving and dangerous driving charges following a single-vehicle rollover on First Line. Six Nations Police and Emergency Medical Services responded to a crash at about 5:47 p.m. on April 16. Officers arrived at the scene and saw the vehicle upside down. A lone male driver exited the car, according to a Six Nations Police news release. Police said the driver showed signs of impairment, and witnesses reported the vehicle was driven erratically before the collision. The driver was assessed by EMS at the scene and did not report any injuries. Police have charged Justin White with impaired operation, alcohol per se offence, and dangerous driving. His vehicle was impounded for seven days, and his driver’s licence was...
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Hudson’s Bay auction of items including 1670 royal charter can go ahead, judge rules
By Tara Deschamps An Ontario judge says he will give Hudson’s Bay permission to start preparing to auction off its art, artifacts and the 355-year-old royal charter that launched the company. Superior Court judge Peter Osborne says he feels the auction is reasonable because it balances the needs of Hudson’s Bay with its creditors and others stakeholders. Hudson’s Bay argued the auction to be run by Heffel Gallery Ltd. would ensure its 1,700 pieces of art and more than 2,700 artifacts get the care, consideration and expertise they need. The company will return to court at a later date with Heffel to outline how the auction would work but today’s approval offers a chance for items to be withdrawn, if they are deemed to have historical or cultural significance making...
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What to know as US prepares to require REAL ID for many air travelers next month
By Geoff Mulvihill Most adults catching a flight in the U.S. starting May 7 will be required to present a passport or an upgraded state-issued identification card that meets federal REAL ID standards. The requirement is 20 years in the making, but with just weeks to go, not everyone is ready for it. Officials in at least one state have requested another extension before enforcement begins. Here’s what you need to know: What is REAL ID? It’s a driver’s license or other state-issued ID that meets security requirements mandated in a 2005 law passed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Obtaining an ID with the designation — indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most states — means taking more documents to the...
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Supreme Court of Canada agrees to weigh in on B.C. First Nations’ title dispute
By Darryl Greer The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to weigh in on a dispute between First Nations that have overlapping land title claims in British Columbia. The overlapping claims involve the Gitanyow Nation, the Nisga’a Nation and the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation, and Canada’s high court on Thursday agreed to hear appeals of decisions by lower courts in B.C. The Gitanyow Nation’s title claims overlap with the Nisga’a Nation’s claims, which are covered by a treaty, and both the B.C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeal denied the Nisga’a’s bid to be added as a defendant in the Gitanyow’s case, which is scheduled for trial in B.C. Supreme Court next month. The Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation also has overlapping claims with the Gitanyow, and...
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Grand chief requests halt to auction of Hudson’s Bay items linked to First Nations
By Sammy Hudes As Hudson’s Bay heads to court seeking permission to auction off 1,700 pieces of art and more than 2,700 artifacts, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is requesting a halt to the sale of items that may belong to or be linked with First Nations people. A letter by assembly Grand Chief Kyra Wilson to the monitor for Hudson’s Bay, which is operating under court protection from creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, said there is “deep concern” over the potential auction of artifacts from its collection. “Given the nature and scope of HBC’s long-standing relationship with First Nations, it is likely, if not certain, that many of the artifacts slated for auction are of profound cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to First Nations people,” Wilson said...
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Brantford Police arrest one man search for second afte residential break-in
BRANTFORD, ONT-One person is in custody and another remains at large after a reported break and enter and armed suspect sighting in Brantford Thursday morning. According to Brantford Police Service, officers were dispatched to the area of Sheridan Street and Stanley Street at around 11:00 a.m. on April 24 after receiving a call that a man with a firearm had been seen in the neighbourhood. Two nearby schools were placed in a temporary hold and secure as a precaution. Police said investigators determined the incident began with a break and enter at a home on Sheridan Street. The homeowner, who was armed with a firearm, chased the suspect from the residence. While searching the area, officers briefly detained a man who matched the description of the reported armed individual. He...
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Candidates’ Ring of Fire concerns: inclusion, reconciliation, environment
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source THUNDER BAY – The NDP, Liberal and Conservative candidates in Thunder Bay–Superior North all say they want to see the rich Ring of Fire deposits mined in partnerships that include First Nations. The Ring of Fire is a crescent-shaped area 400-plus kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, in the James Bay lowlands north of the Albany River. Early in the current century, De Beers Canada found significant copper and zinc deposits in the area. Chromite, a key ingredient in stainless steel, has also been found in the ring’s 5,100 square kilometres. Wyloo, an international mining corporation headquartered in Australia, wants to turn its Eagle’s Nest Project in the ring into a major producer of nickel, copper and platinum group metals. To...
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“It’s not just mining or forestry”: Indigenous defence conference keynote speaker on Indigenous role in national defence
By Talar Stockton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yukon News Between April 22 and 23, Whitehorse is hosting the Yukon First Nations Defence and Security Industry Conference. Hosted by the Yukon Assembly of First Nations and Yukon First Nations Chamber of Commerce, the conference is bringing together First Nation governments, industry, members of the Armed Forces, among others, to talk defence. As per the conference’s agenda, the conference intends to be a “platform to build strategic partnerships, drive economic opportunities, and ensure First Nation priorities shape the future of Arctic defence.” David Carrière-Acco is the conference’s keynote speaker. He founded Indigenous consulting firm Acosys. He is also a professor with McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies and a reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces. Speaking with the News on April 22,...
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Northern Health opens intake for local health project grants
By Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Rupert Northern View Communities aiming to improve their health goals can now apply for a $10,000 IMAGINE grant offered by Northern Health (NH). “IMAGINE community grants exist to support projects that address community-led health and wellness initiatives while improving the well-being of all northern B.C. residents,” said Northern Health on its website. The application intake will close on May 16, and the health authority will release the funding for approved projects in June 2025. Proposed projects must support community-based initiatives focusing on one or more health and wellness priorities such as mental wellness, community diversity, harm reduction, climate health action, food security, active living, and community safety. Eligible grant applicants include not-for-profit organizations, First Nations Bands and health centres, Indigenous organizations, municipalities...
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CYFN program for expecting families up for $1-million award
By Talar Stockton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yukon News A program run by the Council of Yukon First Nations is up to win $1 million as part of the 2025 Arctic Inspiration Prize. Bibia Nàtsät (Strong Babies) is a program that is dedicated to providing pre- and post-natal supports for First Nations and Indigenous families in the territory, said Shadelle Chambers, the executive director of the Council of Yukon First Nations. She said the program is operated by CYFN’s family preservation service department. Bibia Nàtsät has been running for around two years, said Chambers. She said the program currently provides everything from social support to transportation to medical system navigation to over 200 families across the territory. They help families develop birth plans, and integrate traditional birthing and post-natal practices...
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Some job seekers just need a believer
By Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal Though barriers remain a struggle for some looking for a job, organizers of Fort William First Nation’s annual spring employment fair aim to keep their prospects for work within reach. “Sometimes all a person really needs is for someone to believe in them — just enough to help them build their confidence back up and realize their true potential,” Lauren Waller, Fort William First Nation’s employment and training co-ordinator, said in an email earlier this month. The 2025 version of the community’s job fair — now in its fourth year — is set for April 26. Waller said she’s expecting at least 30 employers from a variety of sectors, including forestry, mining, health care and social services, First Nation agencies, as...
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North American Indigenous Games will return to Alberta in 2027
By John Wirth, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News (ANNews) – The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) – the largest continental sporting and cultural event for Indigenous youth – will return to Alberta in 2027. It symbolizes a homecoming to the province where the Games first began. Set to take place in July 2027 over 8 days, the event is expected to welcome approximately 6,000 Indigenous youth athletes and coaches from across Canada and the United States. The Games will combine 16 sporting events with cultural programming that celebrates the traditions, languages, and identities of Indigenous First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples throughout North America. “NAIG is a powerful platform for advancing reconciliation, community pride, and athletic achievement,” said the NAIG media coordinator in a release. “It is more...
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For Our Grandchildren releases candidate responses on environmental issues and reconciliation in advance of federal election
By Sebastian-Johnston-Lindsay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Peterborough Examiner Local environmental advocacy group For Our Grandchildren has released responses to a series of questions on environmental and Indigenous issues posed to all seven candidates running in the federal general election for Peterborough. At a media event held on the shore of Little Lake along the Trans Canada Trail, For Our Grandchildren member Ian Attridge outlined the motivation behind getting the candidates to answer questions on the topics of environment, conservation, climate change, reconciliation, and creating a sustainable economy. “Climate change is a significant crisis, and we recognize that it’s an important issue in this election and so we’re looking at the parties and the candidates and how they will address these issues,” Attridge said. “We’ve seen removal of carbon pricing,...
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Legislature Speaker in Manitoba says sorry, threatens to toss some politicians
By Steve Lambert The Speaker of the Manitoba legislature has apologized for saying an Opposition question was out of line and is threatening to toss politicians from the chamber if chaotic behaviour continues. Tom Lindsey issued the apology a day after question period descended into a shouting match. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives had asked about a Finance department contract for therapy and suggested, without evidence, the therapy might have been for Finance Minister Adrien Sala. Members of the NDP government yelled “shame” and argued the question was out of line, and the Speaker sided with them, saying the Tories can’t ask questions about a personal health issue. Lindsey says he was wrong and legislature members have the right to ask a broad range of questions under long-standing parliamentary rules. He...
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AFNQL delegation descends on NYC
By Marc Lalonde, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A large delegation of Chiefs from the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador were in New York this week to make an international appeal for the compliance and full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It marks the largest AFNQL delegation to attend the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in over 20 years. The forum, held at UN headquarters in New York, testified to the collective will to make the issues and battles fought by First Nations heard, in a global context where indigenous rights, climate justice and reconciliation sometimes fall by the wayside, the AFNQL said “Our nations unite to amplify our collective voice in addressing the current challenges related...
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Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to represent Canada at Pope Francis’s funeral Saturday Slugline: Pope-Cda-Delegation
By Dylan Robertson Gov. Gen. Mary Simon will represent Canada at the funeral for Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday, says Prime Minister Mark Carney. “I’m not going to be attending the funeral, given the … crucial election and sending the right signal,” he said Wednesday during a campaign stop as Liberal leader in Victoria. “We’re represented at the highest level, appropriately so, and we will also have a senior delegation alongside” the Governor General, he said. The Prime Minister’s Office says Simon’s husband Whit Fraser and Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagné will also be part of Canada’s delegation. The funeral will be held Saturday in St. Peter’s Square and will be attended by world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The archbishop of Toronto,...
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Saskatchewan medicine man sentenced to 8 years in prison for sex assaults of women
A Saskatchewan man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the sexual assaults of 12 women while under the guise of being an Indigenous medicine man. Justice John Morrall told a Saskatoon courtroom that it was vile for Cecil Wolfe, 63, to use his position of power as a spiritual healer to violate the women between 2013 and 2021. Morrall said the women, who lived in Saskatchewan and Alberta, were vulnerable and preyed upon. Their identities are protected by a publication ban. “The sentence I will impose will seem wholly inadequate for the women. The violations they have experienced will remain with them for the rest of their lives,” the judge told court Wednesday. “The sense of loss, the breach of trust and loss of faith in themselves...
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