AFN chief says next week’s gathering will set stage for major projects talks
By Alessia Passafiume The Assembly of First Nations’ annual general meeting next week in Winnipeg will set the stage — and the tone — for engaging with governments on major infrastructure projects. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says politicians will be paying close attention to the resolutions chiefs pass related to the federal major projects legislation, which has seen strong opposition from some First Nations leaders and community members who fear it won’t respect their rights. The annual general assembly that kicks off Wednesday will be the first time the AFN is handed a formal mandate to respond to governments on behalf of First Nations.. Provinces have enacted similar legislation to fast-track major projects in an effort to shore up the Canadian economy in the wake of U.S. President Donald...
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Survey reveals widespread scepticism towards Residential School evidence, amid growing denialism movements
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase A new survey by the Angus Reid Institute found that almost two-thirds of Canadians held reservations about the 2021 findings from Kamloops Indian Residential School, a figure raising eyebrows among scholars. Jon Roe, a research associate at the Angus Reid Institute, said the survey was part of a series designed to gauge Canadians’ understanding of Indigenous issues, starting with the One Canadian Economy Act. “We wanted to maybe broaden the scope a bit, just to take a look at all the contemporary issues that we’re seeing from Canadians,” Roe said. According to the survey, 63 percent of Canadians say they need more evidence before accepting that the “soil anomalies” uncovered at Kamloops Indian Residential School represent unmarked graves, while 46 percent said...
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Latest Angus Reid survey sheds new light on the One Canadian Economy Act
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase While most Canadians are staying up to date on the One Canadian Economy Act, many lack a clear grasp of the principles at stake, according to data released by the Angus Reid Institute last week. Research associate Jon Roe said the Angus Reid Institute surveyed 2,508 people to gauge public opinion regarding Section 35 of the Constitution Act and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). “We wanted to see where Canadians stood on these issues, especially as we’re looking through Mark Carney’s government,” Roe said. The results come as legislatures across the country move to scale back Indigenous and environmental consultations amid economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump. “He’s kind of the elephant in the...
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‘This is an epidemic’: NAN holds walk for overdose awareness
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source THUNDER BAY — Anna Betty Achneepineskum came to Wednesday’s International Overdose Awareness Day commemoration carrying a framed photo of Dave Beardy. The Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief explained that an overdose claimed the life of her son-in-law Beardy, from Muskrat Lake Dam First Nation, six years ago. “My daughter is here, and his daughter is here,” Achneepineskum said near Shelter House on George Street, where NAN had concluded its International Overdose Awareness Walk. “And I know there’s other family members here who have lost loved ones as well,” she said. “So this is an epidemic all across this country. And we need to do more.” International Overdose Awareness Day is Aug. 31, but NAN held its walk on Wednesday,...
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Prophet River First Nation to host star goaltender at iSPARC floor hockey jamboree
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca PROPHET RIVER, B.C. — A northeast B.C. First Nation will host a National Hockey League (NHL) legend in mid-September. Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) announced plans for the Vancouver Canucks Floor Hockey Jamboree, powered by the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (iSPARC). In promoting the event on Facebook, PRFN promises attendees to “get ready for a great time” with lunch to be provided. The event will be highlighted by a visit from the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks mascot, Fin, and former star goaltender for the club, Kirk McLean. McLean had 245 career wins in the NHL and was the starting goaltender for the team during their thrilling 1994 Stanley Cup playoff run, where they lost in seven games to the New...
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Canada’s biggest Arctic research entity is 10 years ‘young’
By Arty Sarkisian, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News One of North America’s leading Arctic research entities just turned 10 years old. Or 10 years “young,” as one of its scientists says. “We’re still growing as an organization,” said David Hik, chief scientist and vice-president of research at Polar Knowledge Canada. The federal agency was created in 2015 to advance Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic. It was tasked with creating and managing the country’s biggest northern scientific research hub, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station, or CHARS, in Cambridge Bay. The station was officially completed in 2019, after several years of construction and a North of North-like competition between Cambridge Bay, Pond Inlet and Resolute Bay to be the host community. Cambridge Bay won out over the two other contenders...
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Manitoba First Nation, municipality get new tools to fight a common enemy: wildfires
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer The increasing threat of wildfires in southeastern Manitoba is driving Indigenous and rural communities to build stronger firefighting capabilities, using new federal funding to prepare for harsher fire seasons ahead. The Rural Municipality of Piney and Buffalo Point First Nation sit near the US border amid jack pine forests that, combined with climate change and growing human settlement, face increasing wildfire danger. “We love to live within the forest,” said Martin Van Osch, Piney’s chief administrative officer and chair of its protective services committee. But that comes with mounting risks. “What we’re seeing, along with climate change, is a change in our forest age and the amount of burnable fuel that’s out on the landscape.” To address evolving challenges, Piney,...
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Mental health support for Îyârhe Nakoda students gets boost
By Leah Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Rocky Mountain Outlook ÎYÂRHE NAKODA — Îyârhe Nakoda students will have more mental health support available heading into the school year. Part of a $4.6 million grant announced by the provincial government, 27 First Nations across Alberta will receive funding for learning and mental health resources for students throughout the 2025-26 school year. “We recognize that strong mental health and learning supports are crucial to helping students build resilience, succeed in school and form healthy relationships,” said Garett Koehler, press secretary for the Ministry of Education and Childcare in an email. Support eligible for funding by the grant can include anything from occupational and physical therapy, the hiring of wellness coaches or family school liaison workers or for programs promoting mental health and...
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Another power company eyeing Northwestern Ontario city for solar farm
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com DRYDEN — City officials in Dryden have more than one suitor who wants to build a solar plant within city limits. Representatives from Alectra Energy Solutions made their pitch to Dryden city council at its Aug. 25 meeting to use a plot of land north of the city centre to build a proposed 15-megawatt project that would be connected to the province’s energy grid. In response to a question by Coun. Catherine Kiewning at the meeting, Kevin Whyte, the government relations and development lead for Alectra, said it would be near, but on a different plot of land, to where another proposed solar and battery storage project by Atura Power might go. That company is also seeking council’s support for its proposed...
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‘It has taken away some hope’: Yukon sees 16 drug-related deaths in 2025 so far
By Talar Stockton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yukon News The Yukon coroner’s service has investigated 16 substance-related deaths this year so far, according to Yukon chief coroner Heather Jones. Jones told the News on Aug. 26 that 15 of those deaths are from toxic, illicit drugs whereas one of the deaths is an overdose of a non-illicit drug, but still a substance-related death. This comes after there were a total of 16 deaths over the entire course of 2024. “We’ve got 16 with four more months to go,” she said. “It’s telling me that we are, unless things are going to change really quickly in the next few months, we’re still right in the midst of this substance use health emergency.” “To be honest, from last year to this year,...
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Hudbay resuming operations at Manitoba mine after wildfire spurred evacuation in July
Hudbay Minerals Inc. says it’s resuming its Snow Lake mining operations after it halted work in July due to wildfires in northwestern Manitoba. The Toronto-based company says the Manitoba Wildfire Service has lifted a mandatory evacuation order for the Town of Snow Lake. Hudbay Minerals says there was no structural damage to its infrastructure and facilities. The company also says it completed an infrastructure safety review. John O’Shaughnessy, vice president of Hudbay’s Manitoba unit, says he credits the company’s emergency preparedness with safeguarding its facilities. O’Shaughnessy says Hudbay expects a full return to operations. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 27, 2025. Companies in this story: (TSX:HBM) ...
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‘Moving forward together’: 49th BC Elders Gathering lifts spirits
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Vancouver, BC – Braving an intense August heat wave, British Columbia elders made the journey to Vancouver’s Canada Place overlooking the Burrard Inlet for the 49th Annual First Nations Elders Gathering on Aug. 26 and 27. Spirits soared as the boom of traditional drumming filled the air for the Grand Entry, a parade of nations led by cultural hosts the Squamish Nation Elders (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Siiyúxwa). “I raise my hands to each and every one of you, my friends and relatives,” said Squamish First Nation spokesperson Swo Wo (Wilson Williams). “Thank you for bringing the gifts of your people – your elders – here to spend some time. We hope you enjoy our home very much, this beautiful place we have lived...
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First Nations woman rejoins Ontario Hockey Federation board of directors
By Sam Laskaris, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com The board of directors for the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) will once again have Indigenous representation. That’s because earlier this month, Gayle Payette, who served on the OHF board from 2022 through 2024, was selected to fill a board position for one year. Payette, a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, is believed to be the first Indigenous person to have served on the OHF board. After her initial term, Payette decided not to seek re-election last year. At the time, however, she made it clear that perhaps she would be willing to return to the association’s board at some point down the line. “I said there’d be a possibility in the future,” Payette said. “I wasn’t really firm on...
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Inuvik to host first strangulation training amid increased cases
By Aastha Sethi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio A two-day training session on the dangers of strangulation, hosted by the Inuvik Justice Committee, is taking place in the town next month. Eva Kratochvil, the town’s victim services coordinator, said she has noticed an increase in cases involving strangulation, making training an urgent need in a territory that ranks second for domestic violence rates across Canada. “We’ve noticed an uptick in the number of files where a victim has been choked or strangled by the abuser,” she told Cabin Radio. “We also are recognizing that victims are not necessarily aware of the profound danger this presents to them.” Kratochvil said strangulation is one of the strongest predictors of future homicide in domestic violence cases. According to a 2017 study titled...
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Two bodies were missed at B.C. death scene. Was treatment of coroners to blame?
By Darryl Greer When police attended a single-room occupancy building in East Vancouver three years ago, they found the body of “Jimmy” Van Chung Pham, a man with a criminal history who would later be described as a predator by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. What police did not notice at the time were the bodies of missing Indigenous teenager Noelle O’Soup and a woman called Elma Enan, whose decomposing remains were only located months later in the tiny room that Vancouver police told the CBC was occupied by an “extreme hoarder.” The attending officer is now facing a neglect-of-duty investigation by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner, B.C.’s civilian police oversight agency. But the two bodies had also gone unnoticed by a second investigator — the...
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RCMP seize firearms, weapons in Stoney Nakoda arrest
By Leah Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Rocky Mountain Outlook MÎNÎ THNÎ — A Mînî Thnî man has been charged with possession of prohibited weapons and careless use of a firearm. Cochrane RCMP responded to a call outside a Stoney Nakoda First Nation residence on Friday (Aug. 22) after witnesses reported windows being smashed and a man with a gun. The suspect had fled the area before the police arrived on scene but was later arrested at a traffic stop. “The quick and coordinated response by our officers ensured that a potentially dangerous situation was brought under control without harm to the public or police,” said Insp. Dave Brunner, officer in charge of Cochrane Detachment in a press release. Police seized three unauthorized firearms and prohibited weapons after the Cochrane...
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Mississaugas of Credit First Nation Pow Wow a friendly favourite for crowds
Beat of the Drum drew crowds to the annual Three Fires Homecoming Powwow Carly McHugh Writer MISSISSAUGAS OF CREDIT FIRST NATION-It was all about the beat of the drum when seven generations came together in perfect weather for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation’s (MCFN’s) Three Fires Homecoming Pow Wow, from Aug. 22 to 24. The sound of the drum echoed through the community drawing not only Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation’s (MCFN) members but crowds of over 1,700 people from as far away as Toronto to as close as Brantford and Hamilton to the community’s grove area over the weekend event. The 37th annual event combined five drum circles and 151 dancers with arts and crafts, a native plant garden, and a variety of exhibits and vendors...
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Six Nations languages expand with focus on growing speakers
The Six Nations Language Commission says its programs are steadily expanding, but challenges around funding, accreditation, and space continue to stand in the way of full revitalization. The update came during Six Nations Elected Council’s (SNEC) General Finance meeting on August 18, where coordinator Karen Sandy and her team presented their annual report. “Our main focus is creating speakers via the programs,” Sandy said. ”The Mohawk program was the main one running last year; they had two cohorts. A first year and a second year, which they were successful, to my knowledge. Then we also had a first year Cayuga running and then for this year coming we have Mohawk again. They have one cohort and then we’re gonna have the Cayuga second year and then Onondaga first year.” Sandy...
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ISC funding amendments approved by SNEC
Six Nations accepted budget amendments from Indigenous Services Canada for lands and housing as well as a donation from a community member owned company for fire evacuees. Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) approved amendments to its five-year comprehensive funding agreement with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), bringing in more than $147,000 in new money for lands, wellness, and housing during its August 18 General Finance meeting. The amendments provide $37,500 for lands and resources negotiation support, and $65,000 for housing management subsidies in the 2025-26 fiscal year. SNEC says it has $44,500 for mental wellness support tied to paying the bill for costs of the wildfire evacuations invitation that brought evacuees from Niagara Falls to Six Nations for the day. The donation came from Grand River Insurance. Councillor Alaina VanEvery questioned...
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Six Nations Police lay charges after firearm discharged, “projectile” causes minor injuries
OHSWEKEN, ON-An Ancaster man is facing weapons, threats and assault charges after a firearm was discharged in an incident at a Seneca Road warehouse. Six Nations Police (SNP) responded August 19, 2025 to a report that a firearm had been pointed at an individual the day before. SNP said a verbal altercation had occurred on August 18, 2025, at a warehouse on Seneca Road and during the altercation a firearm was discharged and minor injuries occurred as a result of a “projectile”. SNP said they could not comment on the victim’s injuries or what the projectile involved was. As a result, SNP have arrested and charged Andrew Hadaddin, 34, of Ancaster, Ontario with the following offences:- Firearm pointing- Possession for a Dangerous purpose- Assault with a weapon- Firearm: unauthorized possession-...
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