Gwich’in firm questions GNWT’s procurement approach
By Jacksen Friske, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio Gwich’in leaders and a Fort McPherson business say the GNWT is “overlooking” treaty agreements and Indigenous-run companies when awarding contracts on settlement land. In May, the Northwest Territories’ Department of Infrastructure posted a tender seeking a contractor to acquire gravel from a quarry and stockpile it at two locations along the Dempster Highway. Two companies placed bids on the contract – LJ’s Contracting and Ramida Enterprises. LJ’s Contracting, a registered Gwich’in company, has been operating in the Fort McPherson area since 1992. The company said the work would cost $1.5 million, adjusted to $1.3 million through the N.W.T. government’s business incentive policy, which is designed to make the selection of local firms more attractive to the GNWT. Ramida Enterprises, an excavation...
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EPA puts on leave 139 employees who spoke out against policies under Trump
By Melina Walling The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday put on administrative leave 139 employees who signed a “declaration of dissent” with its policies, accusing them of “unlawfully undermining” the Trump administration’s agenda. In a letter made public Monday, the employees wrote that the agency is no longer living up to its mission to protect human health and the environment. The letter represented rare public criticism from agency employees who knew they could face blowback for speaking out against a weakening of funding and federal support for climate, environmental and health science. In a statement Thursday, the EPA said it has a “zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging and undercutting” the Trump administration’s agenda. Employees were notified that they had been placed in a “temporary, non-duty, paid status”...
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First Nations chiefs split on ‘nation-building’ law
By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner Two First Nations chiefs on the east coast are at polar opposites when it comes to the Liberal government’s new law that will fast-track big projects. Hugh Akagi, who leads the Passamaquoddy Nation in the southwestern corner of the province, released a video late last month calling upon the Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney to kill the bill, which the Senate passed unamended, giving Ottawa extraordinary new powers to fast-track big projects. The Conservatives voted with the Liberal minority government to pass the legislation. Akagi told Brunswick News in an interview that passing the law without any notice or meaningful consultation had raised serious concerns about the Canadian government’s integrity, particularly when it comes to respecting Indigenous rights. “Let’s start...
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Calgary Flames prospect Cullen Potter brings mom’s hockey heritage with him
By Donna Spencer Some say he has his mother’s hands. Jenny Schmidgall-Potter was among the first women to combine motherhood and elite hockey when she twice gave birth to children and returned to the U.S. women’s team. The four-time Olympian and a competitor at 10 world championships had daughter Madison in 2001 and son Cullen in 2007. Cullen Potter was a first-round pick, 32nd overall, in this year’s NHL draft by the Calgary Flames. “Cullen has unbelievable hands,” said his mom. “People always say, ‘Jenny, you had great hands’ … it’s just something you work on.” Schmidgall-Potter and the U.S. claimed the first Olympic gold medal awarded in women’s hockey in Nagano, Japan, in 1998. She also won four world titles with the Americans. She ranks fifth all-time in points...
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Wheel fell off RCMP trailer, igniting Lytton, B.C., fire that triggered evacuations
By Nono Shen and Brieanna Charlebois Mounties say a wildfire that has triggered evacuations near Lytton, B.C. was caused when a wheel fell off an RCMP trailer in a “tremendously unfortunate” incident. Staff Sgt. Kris Clark says in a statement that the “equipment failure” that ignited the Izman Creek fire, about 250 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, happened on Tuesday afternoon on Highway 12. The wildfire began a day after the fourth anniversary of a blaze that destroyed most of the village of Lytton, and it’s now grown to 130 hectares and has been upgraded to the only wildfire of note in the province. Clark says it appears the right-side wheel of the trailer was “ejected” in the incident that caused a fire in a grass-filled ditch. Clark says an officer...
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What does it mean to be Indigenous?: Two new anthologies answer the question
By Shari Narine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com Two anthologies edited by sisters Stephanie and Sara Sinclair that will hit the bookstores in late July and late August complement each other, although they were conceived at different times. You Were Made for this World, aimed at youth, was the first project. Six to 12 months later, A Steady Brightness of Being, geared toward adults, became a reality. “As soon as we knew that there was going to be the adult companion book then we really started to see them as sisters and really tried to both find the right voices to exist in both anthologies, as well as the differing voices to strengthen them and to strengthen who they were speaking to,” said Stephanie, former literary agent and now publisher...
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‘Incredibly ambitious and probably really stupid’: R.T. Thorne’s sci-fi debut ’40 Acres’
By Alex Nino Gheciu R.T. Thorne says he could have played it safe with his debut feature. Instead, he swung for the fences, writing an epic sci-fi thriller about generational trauma, cannibalism and humanity’s connection with land — all set in what he calls “a post-apocalyptic world where the stakes are at the absolute highest.” “For my first film, it was incredibly ambitious and probably really stupid to write something like that,” the Calgary-born writer-director laughs in a recent video call from Toronto. “40 Acres,” out Friday, centres on a Black-Indigenous family in a famine-stricken future where a fungal pandemic has wiped out all animal life on the planet. When a marauding group of cannibals closes in on their farm, ex-military matriarch Hailey Freeman, played by Danielle Deadwyler, clashes with...
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Wildfire having low impact on local police
By Amanda Jeffery, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Drayton Valley and District Free Press Wildfire season is in full-swing, but thus far there have been few impacts on the manpower for the local RCMP detachment. Drayton Valley RCMP Sergeant Dan Ferri says this year, there has only been one significant wildfire reported for the area. In May, they were called out to a wildfire near Cynthia. “Our local members initially responded at the time of the report and very quickly it was managed and held by Alberta Wildfire. They took full control that day so no local members were stretched or present at that wildfire except for the initial response,” he says. Other than that, there have been no requests for support in many of the wildfires that have caused a...
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Celebrated poet Gimaa R. Stacey Laforme reflects on Grief, Hope, and Reconciliation
By Riley Murphy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Caledon Citizen During National Indigenous History Month, residents were invited to join in a night of words and reflection by celebrated poet and storyteller Gimaa R. Stacey Laforme. The event, hosted by the Town of Caledon and IDEA Caledon, allowed attendees to gain insights into the power of poetry as art, as told by Laforme. Laforme, previously Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), has been serving his community for more than 20 years. Laforme shared poems from his books, Living in the Tall Grass and Love, Life, Loss, and a Little Bit of Hope: Poems from the Soul. His poetry collections invite non-Indigenous people to see through the eyes of Indigenous people, exploring topics such as peace and humanity,...
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Cooler conditions forecast for much of B.C., expected to aid in fire fight Slugline: Wildfires-BC
By Brieanna Charlebois British Columbia’s wildfire service says cool conditions and thunderstorms are in the forecast for much of the province as nearly 90 wildfires actively burn. Its latest situational report says thunderstorm activity is expected across the province, bringing a low to moderate chance of lightning provincewide. The BC Wildfire Service says nearly 75 per cent of the blazes burning in B.C. have been sparked by lightning. It says the Fort Nelson area in the northeast is getting the most rain, which will help reduce the intensity of the fires there. The service says north and central B.C. will see seasonal temperatures, and while there may be a slight drop in temperature in the south, hot and dry conditions are expected to linger. The forecast comes after an out-of-control...
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Public comment period opens for Kahnawà:ke residency law
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The Kahnawake Legislative Commission (KLC) has launched a five-week comment period to gather information from residents regarding Kahnawake’s Residency Law. The review period will last from June 23, until July 17, and will allow residents to share any thoughts or concerns they have with the legislation. Melanie Gilbert, General Manager of the Kahnawake Kanien’kehá:ka Registry Office, said the comment period is aimed at allowing the community to have a direct say in the criteria that defines who gets to live in Kahnawake. “We’re hoping that we’re going to get some feedback from the general population saying what the changes are that they would like to see,” Gilbert said. The information collected during this period will be used by KLC to amend portions...
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Metal in water prompts testing for Six Nations residents
By Celeste Percy-Beauregard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator Some Six Nations residents may be eligible for well water testing after elevated levels of strontium were found in local groundwater wells on the territory. In high concentrations, the metal can be of particular concern for infants, because it can replace calcium in developing bones. It can lead to a condition called rickets, which can include bone deformities, stunted growth and soft bones, according to a news release from Six Nations of the Grand River (SNGR). The elevated levels aren’t connected to flooding the territory experienced on June 18, the release said. Indigenous Services Canada will be testing wells on the territory for strontium, along with nitrites, nitrates and manganese. High-risk groups — including those who are pregnant and breastfeeding,...
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MCK turns to the renewable energy market for stable long-term returns for KSWF
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase It looks like the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) is becoming a major player in Quebec’s renewable energy sector, following the first positive performance of the Kahnawake Sovereign Wealth Fund (KSWF) this past fiscal year. KSWF, a community-owned fund managed by MCK, invests in a diversified portfolio that includes public markets and direct business ventures, with a particular focus on renewable energy projects. According to MCK Chief Paul Rice, who is the lead portfolio chief on the fund, the motivation to invest primarily in the renewable energy sector was driven by both current market trends and Kahnawake’s own community values. “We value the land,” Rice said. “We want to invest in things, we want to invest into projects that are looking more...
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Haldimand councillors ‘appalled’ as mayor fires top civil servant using expanded powers
By J.P. Antonacci, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator The mayor of Haldimand County fired the rural municipality’s top civil servant on Friday in what some observers suspect is a case of political payback — a charge the mayor denies. In a short news release, the county announced the “departure” of chief administrative officer Cathy Case as of June 27. Case was dismissed using so-called “strong mayor” powers, which give Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley the unilateral authority to fire the CAO without a vote of council. The news release did not explain why Case was let go. In an email to The Spectator on Wednesday, Bentley said the CAO’s role is being “restructured” as part of “a broader effort to reduce the strain on taxpayers and to ensure the...
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Praise for crews, worries for health as fire season returns to Dehcho
By Jacksen Friske, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio Wildfires and smoke are back in the Dehcho. For some residents, it’s just another summer. Others are worried about the consequences. Twelve of the 17 fires reported in the Dehcho region this summer remain out of control, N.W.T. Fire reported on its website on Wednesday. No communities are immediately threatened, the wildfire agency stated. Communities such as Nahanni Butte, Fort Liard, Fort Simpson and Wrigley could face extreme fire danger at points over the coming days, though some rain is also forecast to move across the Dehcho. At the Dehcho First Nations, director of land and resources Jessica Jumbo said her community of Sambaa K’e has dealt with heavy smoke for around two weeks. She told Cabin Radio the crown of...
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Fire again threatens Lytton, B.C., one of hundreds of blazes across Canada
By Brenna Owen This week marks the four-year anniversary of a deadly wildfire that destroyed the British Columbia village of Lytton and the community is again under threat, with a fire burning out of control north of the community setting off evacuation orders and alerts. The Izman Creek fire saw the Thompson-Nicola Regional District issue an evacuation order for three properties and an evacuation alert for nine addresses along Highway 12 around 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The BC Wildfire Service said the blaze discovered Tuesday had grown rapidly to about 25 hectares in size, closing the highway in both directions for about 60 kilometres as ground and air firefighting crews respond. The fire is among about 470 fires burning across Canada, including more than 80 in British Columbia. Alexandria Jones...
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Sign at Ontario’s popular Sauble Beach changed to reflect First Nation land ownership
By Vanessa Tiberio A landmark sign at a popular Ontario beach was changed just before Canada Day to reflect a First Nation’s ownership of the land. The red sign on the shore of Lake Huron in South Bruce Peninsula that previously read “Welcome to Sauble Beach” now reads “Welcome to Saugeen Beach.” Saugeen First Nation band councillor Sonya Roote says the name change was a “long time coming,” and follows a 2023 court ruling that a two-kilometre stretch of Sauble Beach belongs to the community. The court found that the stretch of land had been improperly surveyed 170 years ago and returned its ownership to Saugeen First Nation. Roote says the new sign at the popular tourist destination is temporary and community consultations will take place for a more permanent...
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Funding Cuts Are Shutting Down This Successful Indigenous Midwifery Service
By Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Tyee An Indigenous-led midwifery service on southern Vancouver Island that reduced child apprehensions says it has had to close due to a lack of provincial funding. Last week, the co-founders of the South Island Indigenous Midwifery Service held a rally at the B.C. legislature calling on the government to fund their program. Between 75 and 100 people attended the rally, which was an “amazing turnout,” said Nathalie Pambrun, co-founder of the midwifery service and a Franco-Manitoban Métis registered midwife. “The community really showed up for us.” This closure affects the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples, on whose traditional, unceded territory Victoria is built, urban Indigenous communities on the South Island and Indigenous people flown to Victoria during their third trimester, Pambrun said. She added...
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Eskasoni Powwow draws crowds from near and far
By Rosemary Godin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cape Breton Post With a powerful message to all First Nation’s people who attended the 34th annual Eskasoni Powwow Saturday afternoon, announcer Donnie Speidel opened the event by telling the people: “We are the answer to our grandmother’s prayers.” Eskasoni First Nation Chief Leroy Denny welcomed people who had come from near and far. He told everyone that they were welcome and mentioned many of the places the Mi’kmaq dancers had travelled from. Traditional grass dancers opened Saturday afternoon’s 34th annual Eskasoni Powwow over the weekend. The grass dancer’s role is to prepare the ground for the grand entry of leaders and dancers at Indigenous celebrations. The movements of the dancers are graceful and strong, imitating swaying, long grasses found in the prairies...
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Public utility insists it hasn’t blown it on wind energy deals
By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner First Nations in New Brunswick hope to cash in on four big new wind projects, but just how much it will cost people paying the bills remains a secret. NB Power, the public utility that forged the deals announced in May, won’t disclose the terms of the deals. “We don’t comment on the specifics of power purchase agreements, as the details are commercially sensitive and subject to confidentiality provisions,” said NB Power spokeswoman Elizabeth Fraser in an email to Brunswick News. She insisted there was a safeguard: all of the agreements’ costs are subject to review by the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board, the province’s independent regulator that holds rate hearings every time NB Power wants to charge customers...
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