Premier, Dehcho leaders discuss land claim and community safety
By Aastha Sethi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio Premier R.J. Simpson met with Dehcho leaders in Yellowknife to discuss progress on negotiations and growing concerns about the territory’s drug crisis. The three-day Dehcho First Nations meeting at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre was triggered by drug-related shootings in Fort Providence last month. Dehcho Grand Chief Herb Norwegian said this week’s discussion was organized to find solutions for drugs and violence affecting residents. “The trauma, the mental health stuff that’s going on in the communities, it seems to re-escalate,” Norwegian said. Noting that public safety remains a key priority for the territory, Simpson said there is a need for partnerships with Indigenous governments. The premier said the GNWT has taken steps to support law enforcement over the past year...
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Two found guilty of first-degree murder in death of OPP officer
CAYUGA, ON- Six and a half hours after the jury began deliberating two people were found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer. A jury returned its verdicts for Randall McKenzie and Brandi Stewart-Sperry just after 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, about six-and-a-half hours after they began deliberations. Constable Greg Pierzchala was fatally shot on Dec. 27, 2022 while he was responding to what seemed to be a routine call about a vehicle in a ditch on Indian Line near Hagersville, Ont. Pierzchala was 28-years-old and had just learned that morning that he had successfully completed his probationary period with the OPP’s Haldimand County detachment. McKenzie and Stewart-Sperry were charged with first-degree murder in his death. Both pleaded not guilty. The trial began on March...
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Poilievre campaigning in Conservative-safe ridings as election nears
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is campaigning in what polls suggest are Conservative-safe ridings today as election day approaches. Poilievre is set to begin his day in Saskatoon, where he will hold a press conference, before holding a rally in Nanoose Bay, B.C., in the evening. Recent polls suggest that ridings in both Saskatoon and the Nanaimo area, which includes Nanoose Bay, are leaning Conservative. Liberal Leader Mark Carney has a busy day in Ontario, beginning with a press conference and visiting a small business in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. He is later set to participate in the virtual Assembly of First Nations forum, meet with community members in Georgetown, hold a meet and greet in Cambridge and hold a rally in London. Polls suggest that most ridings in Ontario are...
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Thousands gather in New Mexico for the largest powwow in North America
By Susan Montoya Bryan ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Thousands of people are gathering in New Mexico for a celebration showcasing Native American and Indigenous dancers, musicians and artisans from around the world. Billed by organizers as the largest powwow in North America, the annual Gathering of Nations festival kicks off Friday with a colorful procession of dancers spiraling into the center of an arena at the New Mexico state fairgrounds. Participants wear elaborate regalia adorned with jingling bells and dance to the tempo of rhythmic drumming. The event also features the crowning of Miss Indian World, as well as horse parades in which riders are judged on the craftsmanship of their intricately beaded adornments or feathered headdresses and how well they work with their horses. Powwow roots Powwows are a...
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‘We still need to use it’: Musician speaks of Dane-zaa’s growth on the heels of new single
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca CHARLIE LAKE, B.C. — From childhood, Garry Oker was enamoured with the sound of music. Oker, whose new single Tsuu Naa Yeh will debut on April 24th, the same day of the Reawakening of Our Language gathering in Fort St. John, spoke to Energeticcity.ca about his musical exploits. The title is a phrase from the Beaver language meaning “be kind.” “A long time ago I was told ‘your song is ahead of you,’” said Oker, a member of Doig River First Nation (DRFN). “So even with that context of thought, that I need to keep looking, it inspired me to continue searching for my song.” Oker’s first musical inspiration was his grandfather. Oker said he can remember playing alongside him, mimicking the...
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B.C. First Nation at UN calling for government help in battling toxic drug crisis
Members of the Tsilhqot’in Nation in British Columbia are at the United Nations headquarters in New York City calling for the provincial and Canadian governments to fund recovery beds and other supports in the battle against the toxic drug crisis. Chief Roger William with the Tsilhqot’in National Government says they’re asking for help to address the crisis in their own way, through culturally centred programming, improving access to treatment and recovery services, and expanding supportive housing. William says the basic needs of their members must be met in order to stop their “people from falling into using drugs.” The news conference comes one year after the Tsilhqot’in Nation declared a local state of emergency after a spike in deaths from toxic drug poisoning in its six member nations in central...
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Amanda Patrick discusses Running as Medicine and the Run for Reconciliation
By Laura Mushumanski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News (ANNews) – “When I run, I feel like I fit in with the land, I don’t have to run fast. I can walk, I can stop, I can do what I want – nobody is judging me,” shared Amanada Patrick. Running as medicine has connected her to her roots. When engaging with Mother Earth and her teachings, it is a never-ending knowledge system of wealth that supports us in the longevity of good relations with ourselves and everyone around us. The spirit of Mother Earth she brings insight into everything we do. And for our Metis sister, Amanda Patrick, the clarity that Mother Earth brings is found when she is running outdoors. “My journey as an Indigenous person, the cultural...
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Local candidates’ roundtable focused on environment and First Nations’ issues
By David Briggs, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, BayToday.ca Last evening, April 23, candidates in the Nipissing-Timiskaming riding participated in a roundtable discussion focused on environmental and First Nations issues. Specifically, how to mediate climate change and how to remedy PFAS chemicals – also known as forever chemicals – in the region’s drinking water, were two main topics. Further, how to meaningfully consult with First Nations and what to do with nuclear waste rounded out the evening’s themes. The event was organized by Northwatch, an advocate for environmental protection and public participation in environmental decision-making in northeastern Ontario. About 25 people streamed into the basement gym at St. Andrews United Church at 399 Cassells Street to watch the event, which began at 6 p.m. with an opportunity to meet and talk...
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Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak Joina Canadian Delegation for the Pope Francis Funeral Services
Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa – National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak will join the Canadian delegation, led by Governor General Mary Simon, to attend the funeral service of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88. National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak will participate in the Canadian delegation to honour the legacy of Pope Francis and acknowledge his efforts to advance truth and reconciliation with First Nations in Canada. “It is important to recognize Pope Francis for his leadership within an institution resistant to progressive change,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “His Holiness disrupted the status quo in a good way. On many issues, including the many harms and crimes inflicted by Catholic clergy on First Nations children in the Indian residential school’ system,...
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Aaron Gunn MIA after Vancouver Island riding debate suddenly cancelled
By Rochelle Baker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer It turns out the biggest question at the all-candidates debate in Campbell River Tuesday night was if it would go ahead at all. It didn’t. The event, organized by the board of the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce and the sponsored by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, was officially cancelled on Facebook as people were already filing into the Tidemark Theatre when the venue’s doors opened at 4 p.m. However, all the main-party candidates in the North Island-Powell River riding, minus one, arrived to speak to the crowd gathered in the courtyard outside. NDP candidate Tanille Johnston, Liberal Jennifer Lash, Green Jessica Wegg and Independent Glen Staples all made short speeches and offered to stay to take...
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Man arrested after vehicle fires and shots fired at Fort Nelson FirstNation
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT NELSON, B.C. — A 40-year-old man is under arrest after a series of incidents at Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) on Wednesday evening. A press release from Northern Rockies RCMP states a man was asked to leave a FNFN community meeting on April 23rd around 7:10 p.m. for reportedly being disruptive and appearing to be under the influence of drugs. Officers say the man went to a nearby gas station, where he allegedly announced his intentions to light cars on fire. Shortly thereafter, a vehicle owned by FNFN was found to be ablaze in the community hall parking lot, with the flames spreading to a second vehicle. Police received a call at approximately 7:45 p.m. about shots being allegedly fired at...
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Ohsweken man faces impaired driving charge after single-vehicle rollover on First Line
OHSWEKEN, SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-A 45-year-old Ohsweken man is facing impaired driving and dangerous driving charges following a single-vehicle rollover on First Line. Six Nations Police and Emergency Medical Services responded to a crash at about 5:47 p.m. on April 16. Officers arrived at the scene and saw the vehicle upside down. A lone male driver exited the car, according to a Six Nations Police news release. Police said the driver showed signs of impairment, and witnesses reported the vehicle was driven erratically before the collision. The driver was assessed by EMS at the scene and did not report any injuries. Police have charged Justin White with impaired operation, alcohol per se offence, and dangerous driving. His vehicle was impounded for seven days, and his driver’s licence was...
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Hudson’s Bay auction of items including 1670 royal charter can go ahead, judge rules
By Tara Deschamps An Ontario judge says he will give Hudson’s Bay permission to start preparing to auction off its art, artifacts and the 355-year-old royal charter that launched the company. Superior Court judge Peter Osborne says he feels the auction is reasonable because it balances the needs of Hudson’s Bay with its creditors and others stakeholders. Hudson’s Bay argued the auction to be run by Heffel Gallery Ltd. would ensure its 1,700 pieces of art and more than 2,700 artifacts get the care, consideration and expertise they need. The company will return to court at a later date with Heffel to outline how the auction would work but today’s approval offers a chance for items to be withdrawn, if they are deemed to have historical or cultural significance making...
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What to know as US prepares to require REAL ID for many air travelers next month
By Geoff Mulvihill Most adults catching a flight in the U.S. starting May 7 will be required to present a passport or an upgraded state-issued identification card that meets federal REAL ID standards. The requirement is 20 years in the making, but with just weeks to go, not everyone is ready for it. Officials in at least one state have requested another extension before enforcement begins. Here’s what you need to know: What is REAL ID? It’s a driver’s license or other state-issued ID that meets security requirements mandated in a 2005 law passed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Obtaining an ID with the designation — indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most states — means taking more documents to the...
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Supreme Court of Canada agrees to weigh in on B.C. First Nations’ title dispute
By Darryl Greer The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to weigh in on a dispute between First Nations that have overlapping land title claims in British Columbia. The overlapping claims involve the Gitanyow Nation, the Nisga’a Nation and the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation, and Canada’s high court on Thursday agreed to hear appeals of decisions by lower courts in B.C. The Gitanyow Nation’s title claims overlap with the Nisga’a Nation’s claims, which are covered by a treaty, and both the B.C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeal denied the Nisga’a’s bid to be added as a defendant in the Gitanyow’s case, which is scheduled for trial in B.C. Supreme Court next month. The Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation also has overlapping claims with the Gitanyow, and...
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Grand chief requests halt to auction of Hudson’s Bay items linked to First Nations
By Sammy Hudes As Hudson’s Bay heads to court seeking permission to auction off 1,700 pieces of art and more than 2,700 artifacts, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is requesting a halt to the sale of items that may belong to or be linked with First Nations people. A letter by assembly Grand Chief Kyra Wilson to the monitor for Hudson’s Bay, which is operating under court protection from creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, said there is “deep concern” over the potential auction of artifacts from its collection. “Given the nature and scope of HBC’s long-standing relationship with First Nations, it is likely, if not certain, that many of the artifacts slated for auction are of profound cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to First Nations people,” Wilson said...
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Brantford Police arrest one man search for second afte residential break-in
BRANTFORD, ONT-One person is in custody and another remains at large after a reported break and enter and armed suspect sighting in Brantford Thursday morning. According to Brantford Police Service, officers were dispatched to the area of Sheridan Street and Stanley Street at around 11:00 a.m. on April 24 after receiving a call that a man with a firearm had been seen in the neighbourhood. Two nearby schools were placed in a temporary hold and secure as a precaution. Police said investigators determined the incident began with a break and enter at a home on Sheridan Street. The homeowner, who was armed with a firearm, chased the suspect from the residence. While searching the area, officers briefly detained a man who matched the description of the reported armed individual. He...
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Candidates’ Ring of Fire concerns: inclusion, reconciliation, environment
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source THUNDER BAY – The NDP, Liberal and Conservative candidates in Thunder Bay–Superior North all say they want to see the rich Ring of Fire deposits mined in partnerships that include First Nations. The Ring of Fire is a crescent-shaped area 400-plus kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, in the James Bay lowlands north of the Albany River. Early in the current century, De Beers Canada found significant copper and zinc deposits in the area. Chromite, a key ingredient in stainless steel, has also been found in the ring’s 5,100 square kilometres. Wyloo, an international mining corporation headquartered in Australia, wants to turn its Eagle’s Nest Project in the ring into a major producer of nickel, copper and platinum group metals. To...
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“It’s not just mining or forestry”: Indigenous defence conference keynote speaker on Indigenous role in national defence
By Talar Stockton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yukon News Between April 22 and 23, Whitehorse is hosting the Yukon First Nations Defence and Security Industry Conference. Hosted by the Yukon Assembly of First Nations and Yukon First Nations Chamber of Commerce, the conference is bringing together First Nation governments, industry, members of the Armed Forces, among others, to talk defence. As per the conference’s agenda, the conference intends to be a “platform to build strategic partnerships, drive economic opportunities, and ensure First Nation priorities shape the future of Arctic defence.” David Carrière-Acco is the conference’s keynote speaker. He founded Indigenous consulting firm Acosys. He is also a professor with McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies and a reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces. Speaking with the News on April 22,...
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Northern Health opens intake for local health project grants
By Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Rupert Northern View Communities aiming to improve their health goals can now apply for a $10,000 IMAGINE grant offered by Northern Health (NH). “IMAGINE community grants exist to support projects that address community-led health and wellness initiatives while improving the well-being of all northern B.C. residents,” said Northern Health on its website. The application intake will close on May 16, and the health authority will release the funding for approved projects in June 2025. Proposed projects must support community-based initiatives focusing on one or more health and wellness priorities such as mental wellness, community diversity, harm reduction, climate health action, food security, active living, and community safety. Eligible grant applicants include not-for-profit organizations, First Nations Bands and health centres, Indigenous organizations, municipalities...
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