Quebec’s Minister of Public Security and Indigenous Affairs pledges plan on crime surge
By Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eastern Door The province will soon announce a strategy that is set to help confront organized crime that has taken root in First Nations, Quebec’s minister of public security and Indigenous affairs told The Pines Reporter. While the minister, Ian Lafrenière, assured these plans will be revealed in the coming weeks, he provided few details about what the strategy will entail. However, he signalled he is well aware that Kanesatake is facing an increasingly challenging public safety situation. “I do understand community members, why they’re writing me, asking that we do something, because I can’t imagine raising my kids in an environment like that. This is not easy,” said Lafrenière. Just in the past couple months, The Eastern Door has documented the...
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First Nation buys own backup generators, saying governments and utility failed them
A Manitoba First Nation whose residents were evacuated for months last summer due to a wildfire and an extended power outage says it has bought its own backup generators, after it says governments and the province’s Crown-owned electric utility failed them. The Mathias Colomb Cree Nation says it has moved forward, on its own, to arrange private financing for the $8-million purchase of generators it says were meant to be installed last summer to bring wildfire evacuees home. More than 2,000 residents of the First Nation, in northwestern Manitoba, remained evacuated for 128 days due to an extended Manitoba Hydro outage that the community says the backup generators would have resolved. In a news release, Mathias Colomb Chief Gordie Bear chastised Canada and Manitoba for not supporting or cost-sharing the...
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Building a visitor centre in Clyde River could attract cruise ships, says hamlet employee
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Joshua Akavak, acting economic development officer for Clyde River, said he sees cruise ships as an economic opportunity for the community. Clyde River has struggled to build infrastructure, Akavak said, and cruise ship passengers could bring in much-needed money. Nunavut Arctic College’s Piqqusilirivvik Inuit Cultural Learning Facility could become a tourist destination in Clyde River, he suggested, but the community still needs a visitor centre to attract cruise ships. “There’s a cultural school there… but to have a visitors centre, even though it’s season seasonal, I think it’s got a very big potential for certain times of the year, for people to be working during that time,” Akavak said. Akavak has lived in Clyde River since 2009, and he hasn’t...
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Nunavut charity for babies and moms shutting down after 10 years
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Iqaluit-based charity One Plane Away is shutting down after 10 years of delivering essentials and gifts to Nunavummiut mothers and children. One Plane Away has delivered 1,690 care boxes to Nunavummiut babies in all of the territory’s communities since 2015. The charity said on Jan. 25 that losing its most significant source of funding was behind the decision to end its operations. But the One Plane Away board members told Nunavut News via email that there were other factors involved in their closing. “While our closing announcement referenced the loss of a major funder, in reality, there are other significant factors that led us to this decision,” the board members stated without identifying themselves by name. “For a number of...
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Inuit women’s organization names new president and CEO but won’t reveal selection process
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News National Inuit women’s organization Pauktuutit has named its new president and CEO, three months after ousting its previous leader. Nancy Etok took over as president and CEO of Pauktuutit, as announced in a Jan. 29 Facebook post from the organization, where she was photographed greeting Government of Nunavut ministers in Ottawa. Pauktuutit refused to elaborate on how Etok was chosen as president and CEO, and wouldn’t disclose how long her term will last at the non-profit. “Internal staffing and human resources matters are confidential, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment publicly,” stated Catherine Whittaker, a communications manager for Pauktuutit. On Etok’s LinkedIn profile, she lists her current position as “interim president.” Etok was chair of Pauktuutit’s board...
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Inquest continues into Winnipeg police shooting death of Eishia Hudson, 16
By Crystal Greene, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, IndigiNews Eishia Hudson, a 16-year-old member of Berens River First Nation in ‘Manitoba,’ was fatally shot by a Winnipeg police officer in 2020. Holding up an eagle feather, the father of Eishia Hudson — a teenage girl killed by Winnipeg police officers six years ago — remembered his daughter as “loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.” William Hudson, the late teen’s father, gave an emotional opening statement earlier this month at the start of an inquest into the circumstances of her 2020 shooting. The inquest launched with ceremonial protocols and drumming. Hudson spoke of his daughter’s impact, pausing at times to compose himself from emotionally breaking down during his appearance. “The dreams she would’ve chased in her life, she deserved to live,” he...
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Double murder, suicide in western Quebec First Nation, provincial police say
Quebec provincial police say a father fatally shot his two children before taking his own life in a First Nation community in the province’s western region. Provincial police say local officers in the community of Kitigan Zibi were called to a home around 2:15 a.m. where they found the three people. Sgt. Nancy Fournier says a firearm was used by the father, who was 41-years-old and the two children were aged 10 and 12. Local police say the victims are all members of Kitigan Zibi, an Algonquin First Nation community northwest of Ottawa. Earlier, provincial police said one of the three was declared dead at the scene and the other two were taken to hospital where their deaths were confirmed. Quebec Premier François Legault, Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière and...
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Man removed from Wiikwemkoong under community bylaw believes he has the right to stay
By Lori Thompson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Manitoulin Expositor WIIKWEMKOONG—A lone pickup truck has idled at the edge of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory since January 15, its occupant staging a one-man protest where reserve land meets the municipality of Assiginack. Inside rests Evan Lewis, a non-First Nations man who has been formally trespassed from the Territory one day earlier, insisting that his connection to the community — and to an unborn First Nations child — entitles him to remain. The scene is quietly unsettling: a pickup truck plastered with handmade signs, a flashing green light and questions that bears asking and demands attention. Mr. Lewis had been living in Wiikwemkoong since the fall of 2023. During that time, he and his then common-law partner became pregnant; a tragic miscarriage occurred...
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Elected Chief says former patients of former Lady Wellington Hospital can seek compensation for abuse
Six Nations Elected Chief Sherri Lyn Hill highlighted a newly approved federal settlement for survivors of Indian hospitals, recent advocacy work with provincial ministries, and emerging partnerships aimed at supporting Six Nations programs and services. Elected Chief Hill updated the community during Six Nations Elected Council’s (SNEC) meeting Jan., 27. She said the Federal Court has approved a settlement agreement in Hardy v. Attorney General of Canada, class action. The case addressed abuses experienced by Indigenous patients at federally operated Indian hospitals, including the former Lady Wellington Hospital, which was in Ohsweken. “The settlement is meant to address claims for psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse,” Hill said. Under the settlement, eligible class members can receive direct compensation ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. To qualify, individuals must have been patients...
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Documentary marketing dinner cruises wants to film at Six Nations
A mini documentary featuring communities and tourism on the Grand River may feature Six Nations. Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) approved a request to film a mini documentary about the Grand River on Jan. 27 but stopped short of allowing it to be published, after councillors raised concerns about ownership, community benefit and editorial control. “I would move that we approve the filming, but not the publishing,” Councillor Alaina VanEvery said, adding that any decision to release the finished product should come only after council and staff have reviewed it. “That approval would come after we see the product,” she said. Quentin Stroud, owner and operator of Summit Aerial Drone Services, appeared before council seeking permission to film interviews, aerial footage and community events at Six Nations as part of...
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Federal action on water and wastewater infrastructured urged
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) has approved a recommendation calling for increased federal support for water and wastewater infrastructure. During its Jan. 27 General Council meeting, the Built Environment, Climate Adaptation, Lands and Membership made the recommendation. The Committee highlighted ongoing operational deficits within the Six Nations Department of Public Works. The motion notes that Public Works continues to operate under funding levels that do not meet the community’s current water and wastewater infrastructure needs. Council directed that Indigenous Services Canada be formally engaged to advocate for immediate increases in funding and resources. Councillor Dayle Bomberry raised concerns about broader federal funding structures and the need for accountability and timelines from senior officials. Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill agreed to press for responses during upcoming meetings with federal representatives. Kayanase Greenhouse...
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OPP charge two men
HALDIMAND COUNTY – Two men are facing trafficking charges after Haldimand County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop in Haldimand County. Haldimand OPP said they were on patrol on King Street in Hagersville Friday January 30, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m. when they conducted a traffic stop. OPP said the investigation found a quantity of suspected illicit drugs within the vehicle. Both men were taken into custody.William Thomas, 48, of Ohsweken has been charged with: Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (two counts), Driving Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor;.Robert Sears, 39, of Hagersville has been charged with: Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of...
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Six Nations Elected Council Briefs: Transparency to budgetting
Transparent dispute A dispute over transparency at the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) General Finance meeting on Feb. 2 ended with council voting to move a previously closed agenda item into open session. Councillor Alaina VanEvery questioned why In-Camera Agenda Item’s No. 4 and 5 were scheduled for in-camera discussion, arguing there was no clear justification for excluding the public. Deborah Jonathan, acting CEO, told council item number 4 involved a historical contracting process and future direction and said it was not appropriate for open discussion. VanEvery moved to bring item no. 5 related to Lands and Membership into the open session. The motion was seconded by Councillor Audrey Powless-Bomberry and carried. SNEC approved support for the Lands and Membership Department to apply for national funding related to early-stage land...
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Animal Nation aired weekly on APTN
By Sam Laskaris Writer Jesse Bochner continues to have a passion for nature documentaries. But instead of just watching them now, Bochner, a member of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation in Manitoba, has helped create what he hopes will become a hit series. Bochner is a writer, director and producer of Animal Nation, a seven-part series that will be aired weekly on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), starting on Jan. 8. “I’ve always loved documentaries,” said Bochner, who is 54 and lives in Montreal. “And as a kid, nature documentaries were definitely one of my favourite things. So, I’ve always been interested and eager to work on an animal nature documentary.” Each episode of Animal Nation is titled after a keynote species. The inaugural episode is titled Bear. Following...
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BMO fined $4 million by watchdog for overcharging customers on discounted plans
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada says it has applied a $4 million penalty on Bank of Montreal for overcharging customers after it failed to properly disclose fee details. The watchdog which is tasked with protecting users of financial products says the violations relate to charging clients monthly plan fees that should have been waived or discounted. The agency says 101,091 customers were affected between 2010 and 2024 and that the bank has issued refunds totalling more than $3 million. The bank has donated a further $600,000 for amounts that couldn’t be refunded. A BMO spokesperson says the bank holds itself to the highest standards of conduct, that it proactively reimbursed its customers and it reported the issue to the FCAC. The penalties relate to discounted bank accounts for newcomers,...
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![“Death of General Brock at the Battle of Queenston Heights” by John David Kelly. Brock fought alongside the Six Nation Warriors, which consisted of the Mohawk, Seneca, Delaware, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga and Tutelo Nations, against Americans. [Wikimedia]](https://theturtleislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Push_on_brave_York_volunteerslarge-760x390.jpg)
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke reminds Prime Minister Carney: Canada would not exist without Indigenous allies
By Lynda Powless Editor While Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney may think Canada thrives because of its French and British society, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke doesn’t agree. The council has sent a letter to the Prime Minister reminding him, the country was not built by the French and English alone, but exists because of First Nation Allies. Prime Minister Carney‘s remarks came during a Jan. 22 Building Canada together speech he made in response to remarks made by President Donald Trump. The letter reminds Prime Minister Carney of the importance the Mohawk played in Canada’s history. The letter from the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke reads: “Wa’tkwanonhwerá:ton Prime Minister Carney, In your speech of January 22, 2026 on the theme of Building Canada Together, which you delivered on the Plains...
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Did she really say that!
Only in the U.S.A. can a singer turn a humanitarian issue into a case of it’s all about me. During last week’s Grammy Awards American singer Billie Eilish told the world “No one is illegal on stolen land.” The singer made the comment after accepting her Song of the Year win at the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles Feb., 1. She gave her thanks, declared she didn’t know what to say and out popped… “No one is illegal on stolen land.” The remark was meant to show support to the newly arrived immigrants being targeted by Trump’s ICE team. Not, you know Native Americans who have been there since well, time immemorial or to support any Indigenous rights movement, people or issues. Or to draw attention to her $3...
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Today in History
February 9 In 2020, following consultations with Inuit leaders and people in the Northwest Territories, the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos made the decision to keep their team name. They later changed their minds, announcing on July 21st 2020 that the name would be discontinued, saying that views regarding the team name are “shifting.’’ The names “Edmonton Football Team’’ and “EE Football Team’’ were adopted while the organization began the process of establishing a new name. (The team officially became the Edmonton Elks in June 2021.) In 2018, a jury in Battleford, Sask., found farmer Gerald Stanley not guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Colten Boushie, 22, a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation, who died on Stanley’s farm near Biggar in August 2016. The verdict sparked rallies...
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UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY: We Were Hockey Heroes
By Xavier Kataquapit I recently lost my cousin Joey Okimaw. We were childhood friends who had grown up together since we first entered grade school in Attawapiskat. Joey’s parents are Margaret and Peter Okimaw. Margaret is my first cousin and she is the daughter of my uncle Alex and aunt Susan Kataquapit. It was always exciting to be around Joey when we were kids because he was the first grandchild in Alex’s family. It meant that Joey and his siblings Gregory and June were always surrounded by a group of young, vibrant aunts and uncles. Alex’s children are Janie, John, Rosalyn, Bertha, Evelyn, Morris, James, David, Helen and Margaret. They are all older than me, so we younger cousins, looked up to all of them. My favourite memories of Joey...
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Ironmen square off against Coyotes in opening-round playoff series
By Sam Laskaris Writer Toss away all the regular season stats. That’s because a new phase of the 2025-26 campaign – the playoffs – is set to begin for the Six Nations Ironmen. The local senior men’s squad is in its inaugural season in the Northern Premier Hockey League (NPHL). The Ironmen had some ups and downs in regular season action, winning 10 of their 20 matches. The Six Nations squad wrapped up its regular season on Saturday, with a 5-4 shootout loss against the host Tilbury Bluebirds. The Ironmen ended up in second place in the North Division of the league’s Metropolitan Conference. The Six Nations side is now gearing up for its best-of-seven divisional semi-final series against the Halton Hills Coyotes. The Ironmen head into the series as...
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