Lake of Two Mountains dumping defendants feel unfairly targeted
By Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eastern Door Attending his hearing without a lawyer on Friday, Timmy Etienne, one of 13 defendants facing charges under the federal Fisheries Act for work carried out on the shoreline of the Lake of Two Mountains, entered a plea of not guilty. “I’m not guilty. I almost said I’m just going to plead guilty, but I’m not. It’s just a fact,” he told The Eastern Door. “If I plead guilty, they get their way. They could use that in the future against our future generations.” The government alleges defendants have carried out illegal work that harmed the fish habitat. For Etienne, Quebec’s interventions on the shoreline in Kanesatake represent an affront to the community’s sovereignty. He wants to sound the alarm, he...
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Caretaker Council returns to work in Kanesatake
By Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eastern Door Following last week’s Federal Court decision, which granted injunctive relief by designating the outgoing Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) chiefs as a caretaker council with a limited administrative mandate, the “quorum of five” returned to the office without incident on Monday. “We’re getting our footing back,” said MCK incumbent chief Serge Otsi Simon, one of the five caretaker council chiefs alongside Amy Beauvais, John Canatonquin, Denise David, and Brant Etienne. “We’re trying to consult with some of the people, some of the staff, what we missed, what’s going on, explaining our positions.” The group’s work will be to ensure that services to the community and projects already underway continue unimpeded by Kanesatake’s governance turmoil, that the community’s legal interests are...
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Fund is part of ‘economic reconciliation’ with First Nations: Rickford
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source KENORA — Since April, beef has been coming in from Penokean Hills Farms near Sault Ste. Marie to Grand Council Treaty #3 (GCT3) for distribution to communities across the treaty territory. It’s a successful partnership to improve food access in First Nations, and Greg Rickford says the province is proud to assist the project this summer with $250,000 from the Indigenous Economic Development Fund. “They’re doing some really exciting work in large-scale food distribution,” Rickford, minister of Indigenous affairs and First Nations economic reconciliation, said of GCT3’s Treaty 3 Investment Group. “They want to develop a food distribution centre, and that builds on previous investments that we’ve made with them to acquire operating agriculture facilities.” Rickford, whose Kenora-Rainy River riding...
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Fort William First Nation Session related to class-action settlement
By Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal Fort William First Nation members may find out this weekend if they qualify under a country-wide class-action settlement that provides compensation for the removal of Indigenous children by child-welfare agencies over a 31-year period beginning in the early 1990s. “If anyone had their children or grandchildren removed — or individuals who were removed as children from their homes between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 2022 by a child welfare authority — they may be eligible for compensation,” a Fort William First Nation bulletin said. An information session is to take place Saturday at the band’s community centre from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to a federal backgrounder about the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Class...
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Cree Nation shaken by premature loss of CNG’s executive director
By Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Nation Eeyou Istchee is mourning Cree Nation Government executive director Davey Bobbish, who passed away October 5 at age 51, surrounded by his family and loved ones. “Davey Bobbish’s career was defined by the pride he held in serving the Cree Nation at all levels of government,” stated the Grand Council of the Crees. “His calm generous sense of leadership inspired unity and resilience in the face of adversity. His encouragement instilled confidence in all of those that had the privilege of working with him.” As CNG executive director, Bobbish worked at the heart of Cree governance – liaising between the board and management, leading negotiations at federal and provincial levels, and overseeing the CNG’s long-term plans. Bobbish held the position since...
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Homelessness a major issue for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet candidates
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Homelessness, housing and the lack of shelter options for residents travelling to see a doctor are among the biggest issues for the two Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet candidates in the upcoming territorial election. Incumbent MLA Alexander Sammurtok said part of what is driving the issue is a lack of facilities. “When people are travelling to Rankin Inlet for medical reasons, and the plane is cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, the patients have no place to go when the hotels are full. I’ve been advocating for a transfer centre to be built in Rankin Inlet,” Sammurtok said. Challenger Cathy Q Towtongie said economic and federal programs are a major driver of poverty in the hamlets. “Cost of living —...
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Sask Rivers FNMI graduation rates outperform provincial average
By Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Albert Daily Herald Saskatchewan Rivers School Division report on student achievement shows the division continues to outperform the province in First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) graduation rates. Superintendent Jennifer Hingley presented the report at Monday’s school division board meeting. Hingley presented numbers from Early Years Evaluation (EYE), developmental reading assessments for Grades 1, 2 and 3, graduation rates, both on time and extended, and credit attainment for Grade 10 to 12. The province monitors graduation rates for Non-First Nation, Métis and Inuit students (Non-FNMI), First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students. Hingley said that overall the results have improved but they are still not where they want to be. “We’re on that cycle of continuous improvement,” she said. “One of the...
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Alberta government pays out $95 million to end another coal policy lawsuit
By Jack Farrell The Alberta government is paying out $95 million to a coal mining company to end another one of the lawsuits launched against it over its policy flip-flop. The settlement with Evolve Power brings Alberta’s overall payout so far to nearly $240 million, as a separate agreement reached with another company earlier this year saw the government pay $143 million. A notice published by Evolve Power to its shareholders last week says it is surrendering two coal leases to the government as part of the deal. The company’s notice says it believes the settlement represents the best possible outcome and that its board will soon meet to vote on dividend amounts to be paid to shareholders. Energy Minister Brian Jean’s office says the province can’t provide details on...
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Ottawa falls short on emergency response for First Nations as climate disasters climb: audit
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Indigenous Services Canada is still failing to fully address emergency response needs for First Nations communities as climate disasters intensify across the country, a new audit warns. The Auditor General found “unsatisfactory progress” on about half of 34 recommendations made since 2015. Despite nearly doubling spending on Indigenous programs — from $13 billion in 2019 to $24 billion in 2024 — the department continues to struggle with emergency management, housing, healthcare and safe drinking water. More than 560 emergencies, including wildfires and floods, hit First Nations between 2023 and 2025, forcing about 150 evacuations. But many communities still lack clear emergency agreements with provinces to get help with evacuations, firefighting, flood protection and emergency shelters, ensuring they receive the same...
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Canada’s first ‘nation-building’ nuclear project relies on US suppliers
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative, Canada’s National Observer Canada’s first major “nation-building” investment is going toward a small modular reactor project that depends heavily on US suppliers for key technology and components. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Thursday that the federal government will invest $2 billionin Ontario’s Darlington New Nuclear Project — a plan that has stirred controversy since the eruption of a trade war with the US. During a joint announcement with Ontario Premier Doug Ford in Bowmanville, Carney described the project as a generational investment aimed at extending Canada’s leadership in clean energy while ensuring long-term prosperity for Ontario workers and communities. “This investment will strengthen Ontario’s power grid and represents the kind of nation-building projects that defines Canada’s new economic...
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Canada’s first ‘nation-building’ nuclear project relies on US suppliers
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative, Canada’s National Observer Canada’s first major “nation-building” investment is going toward a small modular reactor project that depends heavily on US suppliers for key technology and components. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Thursday that the federal government will invest $2 billionin Ontario’s Darlington New Nuclear Project — a plan that has stirred controversy since the eruption of a trade war with the US. During a joint announcement with Ontario Premier Doug Ford in Bowmanville, Carney described the project as a generational investment aimed at extending Canada’s leadership in clean energy while ensuring long-term prosperity for Ontario workers and communities. “This investment will strengthen Ontario’s power grid and represents the kind of nation-building projects that defines Canada’s new economic...
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Most members of B.C.’s legislature vote against bill to stop land acknowledgements
By Wolfgang Depner A bill in British Columbia’s legislature to prevent publicly funded employees from making Indigenous land acknowledgements failed to pass first reading, but reveals a schism between provincial Conservative members. The bill proposed by One BC’s Dallas Brodie would have prohibited what it calls acknowledgements that “deny sovereignty of the Crown” and “attribute collective guilt based on race, ancestry or actions of Canadian historical figures.” Most members of the legislature voted against it, but Conservatives Heather Maahs and Harman Bhangu joined Brodie and Tara Armstrong, also of One BC, as well as Independent Jordan Kealy in voting for the proposed legislation. Conservative House Leader A’aliya Warbus, who is Indigenous, said after the vote that it “does not hurt anybody” to make the territorial acknowledgements and B.C. and Canada...
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Minister defends changes allowing Canada Post to shutter rural offices
By Craig Lord The federal minister in charge of Canada Post says recent changes to the Crown corporation’s mandate are not aimed at reducing any service to rural and remote communities where the post office is a considered a lifeline. Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound announced significant changes to the company’s mandate last month as the government looks to help Canada Post cut costs and salvage its flagging business. That included ending a decades-long moratorium on closing rural post offices. Lightbound told a parliamentary committee today some post offices covered by the moratorium when it was applied are no longer considered rural and there are now other points of service in the communities. He said he’s made it clear to Canada Post that it must maintain delivery standards to rural, remote...
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Liberals table crime bill to restrict access to bail, impose tougher sentences
By David Baxter The Liberal government tabled legislation Thursday morning, trying to make it harder to get bail for a variety of offences, including vehicle thefts, extortion and breaking and entering. The bill would impose a reverse onus on bail for certain offences. That would move the burden of proof from the prosecutor to the accused, meaning they would have to justify being granted bail. The Criminal Code already has a reverse onus for bail in place for many serious offences, including murder. “We are going to change the criminal law to ensure that the bail system is not viewed as some get out of jail free card. We’re going to ensure that bail hearings treat public safety as a paramount concern,” Justice Minister Sean Fraser said at a press...
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Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu candidates focus on families and food
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The four candidates running to fill the Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu MLA seat in the Nunavut territorial election told Nunavut News that support for families and food rank highly among their priorities. MLA David Akeeagok, who served as MLA for the High Arctic riding of Quttiktuq since 2017, has decided to run in the Iqaluit constituency in hopes of earning a third term in the legislative assembly. He said improving supports for families in the city are essential. “Family wellness needs to be a priority to our very people that choose to call Iqaluit home, enhancing and finding solutions to provide the right supports are critical,” Akeeagok said. Candidate Tatanniq Lucie Idlout mentioned a specific source of family support as her top issue...
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Minister defends changes allowing Canada Post to shutter rural offices
By Craig Lord The federal minister in charge of Canada Post told a parliamentary committee Thursday the recent changes to the Crown corporation’s mandate are not aimed at reducing any service to rural and remote communities where the post office is a considered a lifeline. Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound announced significant changes to the company’s mandate on Sept. 25 as the government looks to help Canada Post cut costs and salvage its flagging business. That included ending a decades-long moratorium on closing rural post offices — a move that sparked some concern about the future of mail delivery in remote communities that often aren’t well served by private couriers. Lightbound told the standing committee on government operations and estimates that some post offices covered by the moratorium when it was...
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North Shore nonprofit gives urban Indigenous people ‘ACCESS’ to trades training
By Abby Luciano, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, North Shore News A hands-on program based in West Vancouver is giving urban Indigenous women a boost in finding jobs in the trades sector. The non-profit Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services (ACCESS) has wrapped up their Try a Trade For Indigenous Women program, giving folks sample training in pipefitting, welding and electrical. The organization is one of the most comprehensive Indigenous training providers in Canada, offering a variety of training and employment programs and services while supporting 49 per cent of Indigenous trade apprentices in the province, according to their 2023/24 annual report. Recent data from ACCESS shows that 15 per cent of their learners are women, which is three times more than the national average. “Many of our people are in poverty,...
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Three’s company in Pangnirtung election race
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Three men in Pangnirtung are vying to be the community’s next MLA, after Margaret Nakashuk announced last month she will not seek a third term in office. The three candidates are Andrew Nakashuk, Johnny Mike and Nathaniel Julai Alikatuktuk. Nakashuk, who is married to the riding’s outgoing MLA, enters the race with experience working at the municipal, territorial and federal levels of government and as vice-chairperson of Qulliq Energy Corp. Last year, he ran for president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and finished third behind winner Jeremy Tunraluk and runner-up Cathy Towtongie. Nakashuk said in an interview that Pangnirtung needs an upgraded arena, an elders’ home and a wildlife officer to work at the local wildlife office. He promises to be a...
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Trump issues disaster declarations for Alaska and other states but denies Illinois and Maryland
By Gabriela Aoun Angueira President Donald Trump approved major disaster declarations for Alaska, Nebraska, North Dakota and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe late Wednesday, while denying requests from Vermont, Illinois and Maryland and leaving other states still waiting for answers. The decisions fell mostly along party lines, with Trump touting on social media Wednesday that he had “won BIG” in Alaska in the last three presidential elections and that it was his “honor” to deliver for the “incredible Patriots” of Missouri, a state he also won three times. The disaster declarations authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support recipients with federal financial assistance to repair public infrastructure damaged by disasters and, in some cases, provide survivors money for repairs and temporary housing. While Trump has approved more disaster...
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B.C. First Nations make legal challenges to huge Ksi Lisims LNG project
By Darryl Greer Two British Columbia First Nations are taking the federal government to court to quash a decision approving the Ksi Lisims floating natural-gas facility and marine export terminal. The Lax Kw’alaams Band and the Metlakatla First Nation filed separate judicial reviews in Federal Court earlier this month, alleging the Minister of Environment and Climate Change ignored their concerns about the adverse impacts of the massive LNG project. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada announced last month that the minister had given the greenlight to the facility off the northwest coast of B.C. Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson hailed the decision — just hours after B.C. issued an approval — as an example of the federal government’s “one project, one review” system in which it relied on the province...
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