High food costs mean poor health: SLFNA
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Thunder Bay Source SIOUX LOOKOUT – The high cost of putting food on the table in northern First Nations is impacting public health, according to a Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority official. A new report from the health authority says families in northern First Nations are spending a quarter of their income on basic foods. Authors of The Cost of Eating Well in Kiiwetinoong estimate the cost of feeding a family of four with a healthy diet in the remote communities served by the health authority is up to 69 per cent higher “than a similar healthy diet purchased in Northwestern Ontario towns and cities.” “I think it certainly impacts on families,” Janet Gordon, the health authority’s vice-president of community health, said Thursday....
Register
Statement by the Prime Minister on Thanksgiving
October 14, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario-The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Thanksgiving: “Today, Canadians across the country will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving – a time to reflect, share meals with friends and family, and give thanks for all of life’s blessings. “As we celebrate the harvest season, we have much to be thankful for: our hardworking farmers and food banks who work to ensure Canadians have access to nutritious food; our health care workers who are there for us in times of need; and the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who keep us safe. We also give thanks to the volunteers in our communities, whose acts of kindness exemplify what it means to be Canadian. Whether lending a hand to a neighbour or creating opportunities...
Register
It’s not just Fat Bear Week in Alaska. Trail cameras are also capturing wolves, moose and more
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Millions of people worldwide tuned in for a remote Alaska national park’s “Fat Bear Week” celebration this month, as captivating livestream camera footage caught the chubby predators chomping on salmon and fattening up for the winter. But in the vast state known for its abundant wildlife, the magical and sometimes violent world of wild animals can be found close to home. Within half a mile of a well-populated neighborhood in Anchorage, the state’s biggest city, several trail cameras regularly capture animals ranging in size from wolverines to moose. And a Facebook group that features the animals caught on webcams has seen its number of followers grow nearly six-fold since September, when it posted footage of a wolf pack taking down a moose yearling. But it’s not...
Register
Hajdu, Woodhouse Nepinak urge MPs to drop politics, support First Nations water bill
OTTAWA-(CP)-Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak are urging MPs across party lines to support legislation to ensure First Nations have clean drinking water in their communities. The government has put forward a bill that seeks to do just that, and also seeks to protect source-water on First Nations territories. Hajdu has called it the first piece of truly co-developed legislation between Canada and First Nations — even though some First Nations disagree with that framing. The bill has been before a House of Commons committee for months, where MPs have heard chiefs and experts raise concerns that the legislation does not go far enough to protect rights. They also question how robust it will be in ensuring their communities receive adequate...
Register
Union of BC Indian Chiefs calls for ‘concrete’ changes to ATIP laws
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta Native News The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is demanding that the federal government make “concrete” legislative changes to access to information and privacy (ATIP) laws to enable First Nations to access records for the purposes of validating historical claims. UBCIC Grand Chief Stewart Phillip told Alberta Native News that First Nations have been “stonewalled” on timely access to historical records “for decades,” with governments of all stripes producing a “multitude of statements” but no action. “It seems that the only thing that compels governments to act is to pass legislation that makes it a legal obligation for them to follow through on a lot of the empty promises that they have made,” Grand Chief Phillip said in an interview. Timely...
Register
B.C.’s newest pipeline conflict, explained
By Matt Simmons L:Ocal Journalism Initiative Reporter The Narwhal As construction of B.C.’s newest pipeline got underway in late August, with route clearing in the northwest, Indigenous leaders burned a pipeline agreement and set up an on-going blockade. The 800-kilometre Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline would ship natural gas from northeast B.C. to a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on the northwest coast. Conflict over the pipeline is growing as Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders in the region oppose the project on the ground and in the courts. Neither the pipeline project nor the roots of the conflict are new. Both have complicated histories that span more than a decade and thread through multiple governments. John Rustad, current leader of the BC Conservatives, was Minister of Aboriginal Relations...
Register
Manitoba advocate says progress has stalled on curbing sleep-related infant deaths
A new report says Manitoba has made little progress in reducing the number of sleep-related infant deaths and must do more to help disadvantaged families. The report from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth says there were 48 sleep-related infant deaths in a three-year period that ended in 2021. That’s the roughly the same average annual rate found in an earlier study that looked at the period between 2009 and 2018. The advocate, Sherry Gott, says things have not changed despite government efforts to educate parents about safe sleep habits such as putting babies on their backs in a safe space like a crib. She says the majority of cases occurred in overcrowded homes, 81 per cent of the infants who died were Indigenous, and one-third of the homes...
Register
Chiefs of Ontario to vote in favour of $47.8B child welfare agreement with Canada
Chiefs in Ontario have voted in support of a landmark $47.8-billion child welfare reform agreement with Canada. Regional Chief Abram Benedict called the support of chiefs in the province “a step in the right direction” as they work to reform what he called “colonial systems” that have impacted each and every community. The deal was reached in July, and the Chiefs of Ontario were part of the negotiation process alongside the Assembly of First Nations, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Canada. It was struck after decades of advocacy and litigation from First Nations and experts, seeking to redress decades of discrimination against First Nations children who were torn from their families and placed in foster care. That was because the child welfare systems on reserves were not funded to provide services...
Register
‘Libraries are the hubs of communities’: First Nations libraries get funding boost
MATTAGAMI FIRST NATION – A recent provincial funding boost is set to help a northern First Nation’s library open up new chapters by expanding its hours and enriching its reading collection. On Oct. 2, the province announced an additional $1.25 million annually for First Nations public libraries. Mattagami First Nation is one of the 37 libraries in Ontario receiving a portion of the cash. “Libraries are the hubs of communities, and the additional funding will allow us to open our library a lot longer, providing greater access for everyone,” said Chief Jennifer Constant of Mattagami First Nation. Constant noted that Mattagami First Nation relies heavily on the funding to support its elementary schools. “Every year we apply, and every year we’re approved,” she said. The increase in funding will allow...
Register
‘Take these storms seriously’: Canadians in Florida advised caution post-Milton
As multiple deaths were reported in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton and millions in Florida were left without power, a Canadian meteorologist in the area said it’s possible more extreme weather could come in the wake of the devastation and Canadians in the state should heed warnings about severe storms. Mark Robinson, a meteorologist with The Weather Network who is based in Oakville, Ont., travelled to Florida on Tuesday to follow Milton’s development along the west coast. After waiting out the hurricane in the shelter of a parking garage, Robinson said Canadians need to consider severe weather when travelling to the state. “Canadians … they might not be prepared for hurricanes, they might not be prepared for what these storms can do,” he said in a phone interview on Thursday....
Register
Brant County OPP lay charges in collision, stunt driving and break and enter
By Austin Evans Writer The Brant County branch of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated three incidents over the weekend of October 5. FAILURE TO REMAIN AT COLLISION LEADS TO IMPAIRED CHARGES Brant OPP officers responded to a reported collision on Highway 403 at 3:37 am on Saturday October 5. One of the vehicles involved fled the scene but police located it shortly after. The driver was arrested and transported to Brant County detachment for testing. Police have charged 45-year-old Heather Sims of Brant County with dangerous operation, failure to stop after an accident, operation while impaired from alcohol and drugs and operation with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 plus. The driver is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice located in Brantford at a later date....
Register
Hajdu, Woodhouse Nepinak urge MPs to drop politics, support First Nations water bill
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak are urging MPs across party lines to support legislation to ensure First Nations have clean drinking water in their communities. The government has put forward a bill that seeks to do just that, and also seeks to protect source-water on First Nations territories. Hajdu has called it the first piece of truly co-developed legislation between Canada and First Nations — even though some First Nations disagree with that framing. The bill has been before a House of Commons committee for months, where MPs have heard chiefs and experts raise concerns that the legislation does not go far enough to protect their rights. They also question how robust it will be in ensuring their communities receive...
Register
Manitoba advocate says progress has stalled on curbing sleep-related infant deaths
A new report says Manitoba has made little progress in reducing the number of sleep-related infant deaths and must do more to help disadvantaged families. The report from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth says there were 48 sleep-related infant deaths in a three-year period that ended in 2021. That’s the roughly the same average annual rate found in an earlier study that looked at the period between 2009 and 2018. The advocate, Sherry Gott, says things have not changed despite government efforts to educate parents about safe sleep habits such as putting babies on their backs in a safe space like a crib. She says the majority of cases occurred in overcrowded homes, 81 per cent of the infants who died were Indigenous, and one-third of the homes...
Register
Nunavut MP on ‘inhumane’ Labrador food prices: Complain directly to Northern Affairs
A Nunavut MP is urging people in northern Labrador to complain directly to the federal government about food prices that have been described as inhumane. NDP member Lori Idlout says a federal subsidy program to reduce food prices in remote Indigenous communities is not meeting its goal, and she says people should complain about it to Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal. Nain, N.L., recorded a 62 per cent increase in the cost of healthy food between 2011, when the Nutrition North subsidy program was introduced, and 2021 — the highest increase reported among communities that qualify for the subsidies. Pictures on social media show the local Northern Store charging $7.97 for cabbage and $21.49 for a 1.42-litre bottle of Crisco cooking oil — prices Nain resident Rosie Harris has described...
Register
Crown plans to downgrade murder charge for suspect in Alberta roadside shooting
The Crown will be downgrading the murder charge for one of two men arrested after a deadly roadside shooting near Calgary in August. Thirty-five-year-old Arthur Wayne Penner was originally charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. But the prosecution has indicated in court Penner will now be facing trial on second-degree murder instead. The second suspect, 28-year-old Elijah Blake Strawberry, was arrested at a residence in O’Chiese First Nation last month and charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder. They were caught after a manhunt that began Aug. 6 following the fatal shooting of one man and the wounding of another who were working along a roadway in Rocky View County, east of Calgary, when a county truck was stolen from the scene. The two men, who will be tried...
Register
Iqaluit council approves $5.4M Inuit food voucher program
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Iqaluit city councillors were eager to cast their unanimous votes Tuesday night to adopt a food voucher program for Inuit families in the community. The $5.4-million program is paid for by Indigenous Services Canada through the Inuit Child First Initiative and Jordan’s Principle. The program is specifically intended to help Inuit families and children under the age of 18 purchase food, as well as diapers and other supplies for children aged three and under, said city spokesperson Geoff Byrne. Byrne said that around 1,300 families in Iqaluit may benefit from the program. “It’s very important, it should help them buy more stuff,” Mayor Solomon Awa said in an interview. Coun. Amber Aglukark said it’s good for Iqaluit to be part of an initiative...
Register
Peter Clarkson running for mayor of Inuvik
By Aastha Sethi Local Journalism Inititative Reporter Peter Clarkson is challenging incumbent Clarence Wood for the title of Inuvik’s mayor in this month’s municipal election. Inuvik, Hay River, Fort Smith, Norman Wells and Fort Simpson are each less than two weeks away from municipal election day, October 21. Clarkson, a longtime resident of Inuvik, has previously served one term as mayor and another as deputy mayor. He said he worked as a GNWT regional director in Inuvik between 2006 and 2020. He told Cabin Radio he decided to put his name forward because he cares about the town’s future and wants to see strong collaboration with local Indigenous leadership. He believes his past experience makes him an ideal candidate for the role. “I think this has prepared me really well...
Register
Boissonnault appointed to lead federal government’s effort to rebuild Jasper
Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault has been tasked by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to lead the federal government’s share of the work to rebuild Jasper, Alta. In July, a wildfire destroyed one-third of the Rocky Mountain tourist town and displaced some 2,000 residents. Boissonnault, an Edmonton member of Parliament, will be responsible for co-ordinating federal resources with the Alberta government, the municipality and Indigenous groups. Trudeau also appointed a group of cabinet ministers, including Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Housing Minister Sean Fraser, to support Boissonnault. “This role that the prime minister has asked me to play in terms of ministerial lead is important, but it’s a whole-of-government approach,” Boissonnault told reporters Wednesday. He is expected to meet with officials in Jasper this week to get a better grasp of immediate...
Register
Dryden mill receives ‘clean and green’ energy funding
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter DRYDEN – The pulp mill in Dryden is receiving money from a “green” fund, and Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa has questions about that. The Northern Energy Advantage Program (NEAP) funding received by Dryden Fibre Canada should be conditional on the mill taking measures to “put an end to the exacerbation of the mercury poisoning crisis in Grassy Narrows First Nation,” Mamakwa said in an interview Wednesday. Dryden Fibre Canada has owned the decades-old mill since the summer of 2023. Under a previous owner, the mill dumped an estimated nine tonnes of mercury into the Wabigoon River in the 1960s and ’70s. The resultant mercury poisoning caused debilitating illnesses in the Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong (Whitedog) First Nations downstream from the mill. Mercury hasn’t...
Register
Conor Kerr, Anne Fleming among five authors shortlisted for Giller Prize
Conor Kerr was bird hunting in rural Saskatchewan when he learned his book, “Prairie Edge,” had been shortlisted for the Giller Prize. He’s one of five finalists named Wednesday for the prestigious literary award, which goes to the best work of Canadian fiction published in English in the previous year. “My phone’s been cutting in and out all day,” Kerr said, so the congratulations have come piecemeal – perhaps an anticlimactic end to a big couple of weeks that also saw him shortlisted for the Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. He said he’s thrilled his crime thriller about two distant Metis cousins planning an attention-grabbing Land Back protest is getting recognition. “It’s just so nice to see my book out in the world and getting some love.” The short...
Register
