A First Nation treaty decades in making faces further delays, says B.C. minister
By Wolfgang Depner B.C.’s minister responsible for Indigenous affairs says legislation to move a First Nation treaty forward won’t pass this session, further delaying a treaty that has been more than three decades in the making. Spencer Chandra Herbert said the Kitselas Treaty Act would not come up again for a vote until the fall, because it hasn’t had the necessary debate as it faces criticism from various corners. The government tabled the provincial implementation legislation for the treaty on April 15, but it has since faced opposition from neighbours of the Kitselas First Nation in northwestern British Columbia near Terrace. A coalition of the Lax Kw’alaams and Nine Allied Tribes say the treaty would impact large parts of their territories, and they have threatened to block major projects and...
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Aboriginal title can’t apply to private land, Supreme Court of Canada decides
The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a ruling that Aboriginal title cannot be declared over private land, in a decision the federal government says will have an impact on the Cowichan Tribes case in British Columbia. The refusal by Canada’s high court to hear a First Nation’s appeal against the decision in New Brunswick is in contrast to the landmark Cowichan ruling by B.C.’s Supreme Court that has cast doubt on the primacy of private property rights. The Crown-Indigenous Relations Department said the ruling would inform arguments in other cases, including Cowichan, adding that “private property rights are fundamental.” In the New Brunswick decision, an Appeal Court judge said in December that a declaration of Aboriginal title over privately owned lands “would sound the death knell of reconciliation with...
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Municipalities, First Nations and Métis Nation contributed thousands to Sask. political parties
By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Investigative Journalism Foundation Several Saskatchewan municipalities and First Nations made political contributions to the province’s governing party in 2025, according to finance disclosures from Elections Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Party reported receiving more than 400 corporate contributions last year. While these donations were primarily made by businesses and industry associations, the list of donees also includes the City of Prince Albert and the Rural Municipalities of Cymri No. 36 and Estevan No. 5, which each donated around $350 to the party. Records show the City of Regina donated $321 to the Saskatchewan NDP last year. The city has also previously given to the Saskatchewan Party, including a donation of $1,250 in 2022 and $550 in 2023. The Saskatchewan Party also received a donation of...
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Public input sought as Kawartha Lakes launches Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy
By Darryl Knight, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Standard Newspaper A new Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy is being launched in Kawartha Lakes as the municipality looks to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Nations, organizations, and residents while embedding reconciliation into everyday municipal work. The community-informed initiative will guide how reconciliation is advanced across municipal governance, planning, economic development, procurement, communications, and community life. The strategy is being developed in partnership with Fluid Consulting, an Indigenous-owned consulting firm based in Six Nations of the Grand River, and KLB Consulting, a value-based firm with experience working alongside Williams Treaties First Nations. Public engagement will officially begin with an open house on Wednesday, June 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Victoria Park Armoury. Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about...
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Five missing people found dead as First Nations leaders demand answers in Thunder Bay
By Jon Thompson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ricochet The bodies of five missing persons have been discovered in Thunder Bay over the past month and now northern First Nations leaders are once again publicly questioning the competence of the embattled local police service. Ontario Provincial Police pulled the body of Webequie First Nation member Kelsey Anderson from the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway on Sunday. The 36-year-old who was in Thunder Bay for job training was last seen on May 9. While a team of 85 search and rescue volunteers were looking for Anderson along the river, they discovered the body of another man, Richard Graham, who was declared missing in July 2024. Searchers found the 42-year-old hanging high from a tree on the riverbed, 100 metres away from the bridge where Anderson’s...
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Calgary jury in Alberta highway shooting death hears closing arguments
By Bill Graveland A Crown prosecutor in a second-degree murder trial in Calgary told the jury that nobody else besides the two accused could have committed a roadside shooting in southern Alberta that claimed the life of one man and wounded another. “When you examine all the evidence as a whole, you must ask yourself, are there any other reasonable explanations?” prosecutor Photini Popadatou said to the jury during closing arguments Thursday. Arthur Penner and Elijah Strawberry have pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and two armed robberies relating to a roadside shooting in August 2024 where Colin Hough was killed and Mark Andres was injured. Andres, a power company worker, testified before the jury that the two men drove up while he worked beside a rural road east of...
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Aboriginal title can’t apply to private land, Supreme Court of Canada decides
The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a ruling that Aboriginal title cannot be declared over private land, in a decision the federal government says will have an impact on the Cowichan Tribes case in British Columbia. The refusal by Canada’s high court to hear a First Nation’s appeal against the decision in New Brunswick is in contrast to the landmark Cowichan ruling by B.C.’s Supreme Court that has cast doubt on the primacy of private property rights. The Crown-Indigenous Relations Department says the ruling will inform arguments in other cases, including Cowichan, adding that “private property rights are fundamental.” In the New Brunswick decision, an Appeal Court judge said a declaration of Aboriginal title over privately owned lands “would sound the death knell of reconciliation with the interests of...
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Too much English on Quebec government websites, says French-language commissioner
By Sébastien Auger Many of Quebec’s largest government agencies continue to operate bilingual websites despite stricter requirements under the province’s language law, said the office of the French-language commissioner. Two reports published May 27 by the office conclude that the government is failing to achieve the objectives set out in the language reform adopted three years ago. The language office says websites of seven major provincial agencies generally remain available in both French and English, often through a button allowing users to switch freely between languages. Only one organization required users to confirm they qualify for an exception permitting them to navigate English sections of the website. “Under these circumstances, it is difficult for users to understand that French is the official language of the province of Quebec and that...
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Province responds to PBCN concerns over Pelican Narrows violence
By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca PRINCE ALBERT — The Government of Saskatchewan says it is working with RCMP and northern leaders to address community safety concerns following calls from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation leaders for increased policing and support in Pelican Narrows. The response comes after PBCN and Prince Albert Grand Council leaders raised concerns about violence in the community during a recent media conference, saying residents — including children and Elders — are living in fear because of ongoing gun violence. Asked by SaskToday about RCMP staffing concerns in Pelican Narrows, where PBCN leaders say only eight officers are currently serving despite 15 allocated positions, the province said it is supporting recruitment and retention efforts. “The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to the recruiting and retention...
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Fire bans issued across La Ronge, northern communities
By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca LA RONGE — Fire bans have been implemented across the La Ronge region and several Lac La Ronge Indian Band communities as officials respond to extreme heat, elevated fire index ratings and dry conditions. The La Ronge Regional Fire Department (LLRFD) announced the ban Wednesday for the Town of La Ronge, the Northern Village of Air Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian Band reserves 156 and 156B, referred to as the tri-communities. A separate local fire ban was also issued by La Ronge Emergency Management and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band for the communities of Sucker River, Stanley Mission, Grandmother’s Bay, Hall Lake, Kitsaki Reserve 156-156B and Little Red. According to the notices, all open fires are prohibited effective May 27...
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Gloria Uluqsi elected Nunavut Inuit organization president
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Gloria Uluqsi has been elected the new Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) president, receiving 3,541 votes, or 19.7 per cent, on May 27. The results were listed as “unofficial” on NTI’s election website after polls closed at 7 p.m. Uluqsi, an Iqaluit resident who hails from Whale Cove, told Nunavut News on the campaign trail that she was committed to helping her fellow Inuit thrive and improve their lives, focused on listening and understanding the people she serves, and she wanted to strengthen communication between NTI and Inuit. Coming in second place was Paul Irngaut with 2,663 votes. He had been acting as NTI president prior to the election. Samuel Alagalak placed third with 2,270 votes, and Cathy Towtongie came in...
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Six years after Indigenous killings, New Brunswick will hold public inquiry
By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner Six years after police shot and killed two Indigenous people in New Brunswick in separate tragedies, the provincial government has agreed to hold a First Nations-led public inquiry into systemic racism in the justice system. Chief Allan Polchies told reporters at the legislature on Wednesday that several of the 15 First Nations chiefs met with Premier Susan Holt and Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson last week and agreed to hold the inquiry. It was a long-standing demand of the chiefs, who were furious the previous Progressive Conservative government wouldn’t listen to them. The killings caused deep anguish in their communities. Details haven’t been ironed out – such as how costs will be split – but both sides expect the inquiry...
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Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation voters will have two choices for chief
By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yellowknifer It will be a two-way race as the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation holds an election for a new chief on Wednesday, June 3. Incumbent James Marlowe and challenger Stephanie Poole are on the ballot. Marlowe said many community members encouraged him to seek re-election. “I have unfinished business, and I was asked to submit my name for chief again,” he said. “My record for the last three years has been positive.” Under his leadership, Marlowe said Lutsel K’e has realized significant achievements. “I believe that [after] being in office for 3.5 years, I’ve done more than any other leadership has previously done,” he said, noting accomplishments such as 10 new homes, progress on outstanding treaty annuity negotiations, and ongoing work related...
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Ottawa invests $250K in Dechinta project on northern co-operative economy
By Aastha Sethi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio The federal government is providing the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning $250,000 for a two-year project to “research the viability of developing a northern co-operative economy.” Kelsey Wrightson, a researcher with the centre, said the project will examine both historic and modern examples of Dene and Inuit solidarity economies and create opportunities for northerners to learn how co-operative businesses can support things such as tourism, food security, and arts and cultural programming. A solidarity economy refers to economic activities that aim to prioritize environmental and social profits. “We know that the North is in the midst of rapid change, with new investments and considerable challenges in the current economic model that relies heavily on mining,” Wrightson told Cabin Radio in...
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Mother’s Death Inspires Fundraiser for Postpartum Mental Health Care
By Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Tyee [Editor’s note: This story discusses postpartum depression, self-harm, suicide and systemic gaps in mental health supports.] Friends and family members of Jenna Dorman are raising the alarm about the systemic failures of mental health supports for parents during the pregnancy and postpartum periods in B.C. Dorman died by suicide in late 2024 while suffering from severe postpartum depression after having her second child. Dorman’s partner, Jay Hoggard, says she was brilliant and driven and helped everyone around her to be the best version of themselves. She worked as chief revenue officer for a large technology firm and excelled on every project she put her mind to, he says. Dorman died when her second child was 10 months old. The development of...
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First Nations power up transmission line ownership
By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice In a historic milestone, five First Nations have teamed up with Hydro One as co-owners of the Chatham-to-Lakeshore Transmission Line. Partners in the project include the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Caldwell First Nation, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation. The initiative marks another historic first as the transmission line becomes the inaugural project completed through the utility’s industry-leading First Nation Equity Partnership Model. It means that area First Nation bands could invest in up to a 50-per-cent equity stake to own a critical piece of Ontario’s electricity system. Walpole Island First Nation Bkejwanong Territory Chief Leela Thomas said the partnership agreement “reflects a level of trust” that hasn’t always...
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CP NewsAlert: Aboriginal title can’t apply to private land, High Court rules
The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a ruling that Aboriginal title cannot be declared over private land, in a decision the federal government says will have an impact on the Cowichan Tribes case in British Columbia. The refusal by Canada’s High Court to hear a First Nation’s appeal against the decision in New Brunswick is in contrast to the landmark Cowichan ruling by B.C.’s Supreme Court that has cast doubt on the primacy of private property rights. The Crown-Indigenous Relations Department says the ruling will inform arguments in other cases, including Cowichan, adding that “private property rights are fundamental.” More coming. ...
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First Peoples Gaming Association holds inaugural meeting
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The First Peoples Gaming Association (FPGA) held its first meeting in Toronto last week, allowing First Nations across the country to share their perspectives on economic sovereignty in the gaming sector. Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) Chief Paul Rice attended the meeting to ensure Kahnawake’s perspectives were included in the discussions. “We think it’s a really good avenue to share information, best practices, and learn from each other’s experiences,” Rice said. More than 40 representatives from First Nations across Canada attended the inaugural meeting. According to Rice, the event served as an important forum for participants to share their perspectives on how best to develop a unified approach among First Nations to the gaming industry. “I think it was a very valuable...
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New study sheds light on gynecological violence against Indigenous women
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) released the second report in its ongoing research into obstetric and gynecological violence (OGV) against First Nations and Inuit women in Quebec, spanning the past seven decades. Derek Montour, President of the FNQLHSSC Board of Directors, called the report a “decisive step” in addressing the OGV epidemic facing First Nations and Inuit women across the province. “Behind each testimony are stories told with courage and resilience—those of mothers, sisters, daughters, and grandmothers,” Montour said. “By speaking out, they are paving the way for more dignified and safe healthcare and social services for themselves and for all future generations.” The first report, Free and informed consent and imposed sterilizations among...
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Indigenous leaders back Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s stance on Treaty Rights
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is earning plaudits from First Nations leaders for publicly disputing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s characterization of Treaty rights and the duty to consult. The Blackfoot Confederacy, which encompasses the Kainai, Piikani and Siksika bands in Treaty 7, issued a statement on Wednesday May 27 to applaud Kinew for “his clear affirmation that potential impacts to Treaty rights must trigger proper consultation with First Nations.” On Monday and Tuesday, Premier Smith hosted a closed-door western premiers’ meeting in Kananaskis, which was attended by Kinew, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, B.C. Premier David Eby, N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson, Yukon Premier Currie Dixon and Nunavut Premier John Main. The premiers held a media availability after the meeting wrapped up, in...
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