Nations ratify the world’s first treaty to protect international waters
By Annika Hammerschlag SEATTLE (AP) — A major agreement to protect marine diversity in the high seas was struck Friday when Morocco became the 60th nation to sign on, paving the way for the treaty to take effect next year. The High Seas Treaty is the first legal framework aimed at protecting biodiversity in international waters, those that lie beyond the jurisdiction of any single country. International waters account for nearly two-thirds of the ocean and nearly half of Earth’s surface and are vulnerable to threats including overfishing, climate change and deep-sea mining. “The high seas are the world’s largest crime scene — they’re unmanaged, unenforced, and a regulatory legal structure is absolutely necessary,” said Johan Bergenas, senior vice president of oceans at the World Wildlife Fund. Still, the pact’s...
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GRCA warns lower water conditions
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) issued a notice, Friday, to residents in Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, a portion of Brant County next door to Scotland, Oakland, Haldimand County south of Caledonia and northeastern Norfolk County, warning dry conditions have created low water conditions and asking them to lower their consumption by 20 per cent. The GRCA said the McKenzie Creek, Whitemans Creek and Lower Nith sub-watersheds were all in an area with a Level 2 low water condition. The GRCA declares a Level 2 condition when flows drop to less than 50 per cent their normal level. The GRCA called on residents to limit outdoor water use, even if they had a private water supply....
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Six Nations police rush to help suicidal teen. The call was a hoax
By J.P. Antonacci, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator The emergency dispatcher believed they were talking to a Six Nations youth about to take their own life. Officers with Six Nations Police burst into the house to prevent the youth from self-harming. But it was all a hoax. “Upon entry, police discovered that the caller who reported the emergency was impersonating the youth located at the residence, who was not in a crisis,” Six Nations Police Const. Jamie Smith said in a media release on Friday. The fraudulent emergency call was one recent local example of “swatting,” where a fake emergency brings police and other first responders to a house full of confused residents. The hoax suicide call on Six Nations took place Sept. 1, police say. The next...
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‘An important step forward’: First Nations health authority, family services org. sign new agreement
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com LAC SEUL — A new agreement between the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority and Tikinagan Child and Family Services promises better support for families and communities, officials say. The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding during the health authority’s annual general meeting in September in Lac Seul First Nation. They will “co-develop strategies and joint initiatives to support healing from intergenerational trauma, address mental health and addictions, and strengthen families and communities in the Kiiwetinoong region,” said a media release issued by the health authority. “It’s an important step forward, I think, in terms of getting the synergies between our organizations together and looking at ways that we can collaborate for service delivery and share information and best practices,” Brian...
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‘Draw the Line’ rallies across Canada challenge elements of Carney’s agenda
By Daniel Johnson and Cassidy McMackon TORONTO, ONT-Canadians in several major cities demonstrated Saturday against elements of the Liberal government’s agenda, including Prime Minister Mark Carney’s support for new fossil fuel projects and expected public service cuts. Hundreds who took part in “Draw the Line” protests in Toronto marched from downtown to the provincial legislature building, carrying signs that included messages advocating full immigration status for all, ending trade with Israel, Indigenous rights and a revolution against billionaires. Some signs featured images of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan in December. Speakers prior to the march included environmentalist David Suzuki, Grassy Narrows First Nation member Chrissy Isaacs, and others. Syed Hussan, executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, accused Carney’s...
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Long denied financing, Indigenous-owned investment dealers are flipping the script
By Ian Bickis Getting a business loan is both a foundation of economic growth and something Indigenous people have long faced barriers to access, but an emerging trend has First Nations flipping the script and becoming financiers themselves. Ventures like Cedar Leaf Capital, which opened shop last October, and First Nations Financial Markets that launched earlier this month, are both majority-Indigenous owned firms working their way into the capital-raising system. As investment dealers, they act as the go-between for companies and institutions trying to raise money and the investors who will ultimately buy the bonds or equity. Beyond making a profit for their First Nation owners, the firms are also aiming to build Indigenous capacity in the financial world, and form part of a wider push to reduce the barriers...
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Did this Brantford-area Conservative MP stage a Justice Committee meeting?
By Celeste Percy-Beauregard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator A Conservative MP took to social media to blast his colleagues for failing to show up at a committee meeting this week. But it appears there was no meeting scheduled at all. “We are here in our room, ready to start a justice committee meeting, but … we’re the only ones in this room. We don’t have our Liberal chair, we have no Liberal members, we have no Bloc member …” Larry Brock said in a video he posted to X and Facebook on Tuesday. The MP for Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, along with Roman Baber, Amarjeet Gill and Andrew Lawton — all fellow Conservatives who are on the committee — could be seen sitting at a table in what appeared...
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B.C. First Nation investigates sturgeon deaths, with plan to track drifting carcasses
By Brenna Owen It took four people to haul the carcass of a sturgeon off the banks of the Fraser River in Richmond, B.C., earlier this month, one of dozens to wash up recently. The body of the hefty fish about 1.6 metres long was then frozen as part of a research project spearheaded by the Tsawwassen First Nation to help understand why sturgeon are dying and guide conservation efforts. It’s destined to eventually be floated back down the river, fitted with an electronic tracker, as part of the project. Kelly Scott, a biologist working for the First Nation, says the fish are like dinosaurs, dating back as far as 200 million years ago, so mortality events are worrisome and raise questions about what is changing in their environment. “We...
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Workshops open for wills and estates
By Eve Cable, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eastern Door From understanding your role as an executor of someone’s estate to learning about the role of a notary in writing a will, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK)’s wills and estates coordinator has community members covered this fall. Workshops will be taking place throughout the coming months, with the aim of destigmatizing the difficult conversations that come with planning the logistics associated with end-of-life care. “When the time comes, as long as you know the importance of all of this, you’ll be more prepared to do it,” said Louise Mayo, wills and estates coordinator at MCK’s Client-Based Services (CBS). “It’s better to have it done prior than wait until an emergency situation comes up.” The first workshop in the schedule...
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Decolonizing climate action
By Frey Blake-Pijogge, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Independent Inuitin Labrador have been bearing the brunt of climate change for years now, forcing those in Nunatsiavut to adapt to conditions that are changing their way of life and impacting their health. In turn, Nunatsiavut Government, the self-governing body for Labrador Inuit, is taking matters into its own hands with a new strategy detailing how it will help mitigate climate change in Labrador and assist Inuit in adapting to the changing environment and conditions impacting their way of life. Labrador is experiencing the thaw of permafrost, rapid sea ice changes, precipitation changes, sea level changes, and wildlife and vegetation changes due to climate change at a rate higher than in the south. According to Climate Data, a collaboration between the federal...
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Truth and Reconciliation Day 2025 Just Around the Corner
By Carol Baldwin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Wakaw Recorder September 30thmarks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day established by the Canadian government in 2021 to honour survivors of residential schools and those who never returned home from them. The declaration of the day was a direct response to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, listing 94 Calls to Action. We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginalpeoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. Orange Shirt Day is also observed on September 30 each year,...
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The Latest: Democrats introduce bill to protect free speech following Kimmel suspension
AYLESBURY, England (AP) — After ABC suspended comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following a threat from the head of the Federal Communications Commission, congressional Democrats have denounced the Trump administration’s threats against political critics and unveiled a bill that would bolster free speech protections against government officials. While the bill is unlikely to gain traction in a Republican-controlled Congress, Democrats harshly criticized the Trump administration for pressuring ABC toward the suspension of Kimmel’s show following his comments on how Republicans were responding to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel said earlier this week that “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on” the assassination and that President Donald Trump’s political supporters were trying to characterize the man charged in the attack “as anything other than one...
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B.C. Conservative Sturko is ‘deeply concerned’ about fake membership allegations
By Wolfgang Depner A Conservative MLA says she is “deeply concerned” about allegations of improper membership sign ups that were forwarded to her and others by the party’s executive, ahead of final voting on John Rustad’s leadership. Elenore Sturko says she won’t comment further on the review and Rustad’s leadership until she has had a chance to talk to her colleagues about a report that alleges “some concerning memberships” that were signed up as part of the leadership review with final results to be announced Monday. A statement from a party representative says that an internal audit identified and “promptly cancelled” what it believes were “manufactured memberships,” saying that it is “unfortunately, all too common in leadership races and reviews for most parties.” The Canadian Press has seen screenshots of...
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Inuit asssociation assumes responsibility for Nunavut port
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News A future Qikiqtarjuaq deep-sea port is officially an Inuit-led venture. The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) said it’s taking responsibility for developing the port through its for-profit arm, the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, according to a press release issued on Thursday. Design work by the Government of Nunavut, which is transferring control of the port to the QIA, is planned to conclude this fall, and the QIA is promising to build on that to make the long-sought-after deep-sea port a reality. Private firm Arctic Economic Development Corporation will help build the port, while the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation will own a majority stake. “Developing the Qikiqtarjuaq port will grow the Qikiqtani economy, reduce reliance on foreign ports and reinforce Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic Archipelago...
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California bill would provide support services to Native American families, reduce foster care
By Sarah Stierge/the Mendocino Voice SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A bipartisan bill to ensure Native American children and families receive culturally appropriate support services aimed at preventing foster care placements passed the California Legislature last week. If signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Bill 1378 would amend state law to let tribes and tribal organizations partner with the California Department of Social Services to provide services aimed at keeping children safely at home and out of foster care. Currently, tribes and tribal organizations can access foster care, adoption and guardianship services, but most preventive services, such as legal assistance and family counseling, are only available through nontribal organizations that often lack the cultural competence to respect each tribe’s practices and sovereignty. AB 1378 would give tribes and tribal organizations the...
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Developers propose $400-million project to transform Montreal’s downtown Bay store
The corporation representing the Cree Nation is one of two developers that are ready to invest $400 million to turn the former Hudson’s Bay store in downtown Montreal into a cultural hub and museum. The James Bay Eeyou Corp. and JHD Immobilier say they intend to submit an offer to acquire the historic building on Ste-Catherine Street. The developers say they want to transform the building into a space that celebrates the heritage and vitality of the Cree people. Their concept includes a museum dedicated to the fur trade and exchanges between the Cree and the Hudson’s Bay Co. that go back more than 350 years. It also includes an Indigenous cultural centre, retail showcases, mixed-use facilities and a hotel. They say the project could be completed by 2029 and...
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‘An honour to serve’: Akeeagok thanks staff, family in legislature
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News With the Nunavut legislative assembly’s sitting nearing its end, Premier P.J. Akeeagok thanked his staff, the territory’s public servants and his family for their support over the past four years while noting his government didn’t accomplish everything he wanted it to. “While no government ever completes the work, together we showed what is possible when we act in unity, grounded in our values and committed to our people,” Akeeagok said in his minister’s statement Wednesday. “It has been an honour to serve Nunavummiut through this assembly. To our partners, to our communities, and to our families, I say qujannamiik [thank you].” Akeeagok, who is preparing to leave office after announcing he won’t seek a second term as an MLA in the...
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‘Street Sweeps’ Increase Overdose and Violence Risks, Study Finds
By Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Tyee When city workers confiscate personal belongings like tents and harm reduction supplies from people sheltering on the street, it increases their risk of non-fatal overdose and physical and sexual violence, according to a new study. Colloquially known as “street sweeps,” the practice refers to the clearing of makeshift residences from sidewalks and parks by city workers and park rangers. They are often accompanied by police. While the study shows correlation, not causation, it’s fair to say the practice is dangerous and puts marginalized people at an increased risk of harm, said Kanna Hayashi, St. Paul’s Hospital chair in substance use research and associate professor in the faculty of health sciences at Simon Fraser University. Hayashi is a co-author of the peer-reviewed...
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Artist Norval Morrisseau’s estate wants dismissal of lawsuit alleging sexual assault
-CP-The estate of Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau is seeking dismissal of a lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted a fellow painter, saying the accuser is engaged in a “defamation campaign” that began after being denied a bid to be promoted as Morrisseau’s “artistic successor.” The estate says in its response to the British Columbia Supreme Court lawsuit by Mark Anthony Jacobson that Morrisseau “was in no position to be physically or socially aggressive” at the time of the alleged 2006 assault. It says he “had no libido,” was held upright in a wheelchair by straps, and was in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, dying of complications from the condition the next year at the age of 75. None of the claims by Jacobson or the estate have been tested in...
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‘People are scared’: Labrador doctor back to work amid ongoing investigations
By Justin Brake, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Independent Dr. Adolf Hamann, an obstetrician and gynecologist (OBGYN) under investigation following complaints from at least 20 patients, has returned to work at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Last week messages circulated on social media alleging the controversial doctor was seen in the Labrador hospital despite no apparent resolution to an investigation by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador, which The Independent has confirmed is actively investigating complaints against Hamann from 19 women. On Monday Hamann’s lawyer, Robin Cook, confirmed his client returned to work on Aug. 26 following an investigation by NL Health Services, the province’s health authority, that was “favourable to Dr. Hamann,” and that there “are no restrictions on his medical license...
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