Change needed in how police oversight body communicates: Grand Chief
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com WAPEKEKA — “They should have been there.” Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler didn’t hesitate when asked how the province’s Special Investigations Unit should have first released its findings on the police’s killing of Tyresse Roundsky in Wapekeka. “Simple as that,” Fiddler continued. “Once they had the report, they should have made arrangements to go up to the community and sit with the family and the leadership and go through the whole report right there.” “In their home, in their office, in their community — not through social media.” Fiddler recently sent a letter to SIU director Joseph Martino and Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey about how the province’s police watchdog communicated its findings that an OPP officer would face no...
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New consortium plans to invest, add jobs at northern Manitoba mining complex
Vale Base Metals has signed a deal to partner with three companies in a consortium that will invest up to $280 million in its Thompson Mine Complex in Manitoba. The new owners aim to double production in five years and add to the operation’s current workforce of 700. “We want to ramp up production and we want to get back to what peak periods of production were in the past,” Shastri Ramnath, CEO of the new consortium, called Exiro Nickel Company, said Thursday. “There is currently 20 years in the life-of-mine plan that … we believe we can mine profitably. And that’s going to be our goal. And the way we’re going to do that, the way we’re going to lower unit costs, is to ramp up production.” Under the...
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MCK raises concerns over consultation, oversight in Quebec’s Bill 5
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) is warning that First Nations could be sidelined as Quebec attempts to follow in the footsteps of the federal government with its own Bill 5. Last Friday, MCK Grand Chief Cody Diabo said he brought forward several concerns about the bill in a recent meeting with Finance Minister Eric Girard and Minister Responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit Ian Lafrenière. “Our views on it don’t meet what Quebec’s views are on it,” Diabo said. Tabled in December, Bill 5 would allow the provincial government to override certain regulations related to infrastructure projects in the “national interest.” According to Peter Graefe, a political science professor at McMaster University, the proposed bill follows similar legislation passed...
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Feds put up $50 million for Inuit-led university as part of funding package
By Nick Murray The federal government is expected today to announce $50 million to help develop Canada’s first Inuit-led university. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty will be in Nunavik in Quebec this afternoon, where she’s also expected to announce another $178 million in federal funding for tuberculosis elimination, Nutrition North and programs for children and families. As first reported by CBC News, most of the money is going to the Inuit Child First Initiative. That program provides access to health and social services otherwise unavailable in Inuit communities and funding was set to expire at the end of March. Advocates last year called on the government to continue funding the program, saying the loss would undermine health outcomes for Inuit families. Earlier this month, the Hamlet of Arviat in Nunavut...
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Iqaluit’s hydro project and the limits of Carney’s fast track
By Arty Sarkisian, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News It’s been more than six months since Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plan to fast-track infrastructure projects of national importance became law, but the conveyor belt hasn’t really started moving yet. Parliament passed Bill C-5 — the One Canadian Economy Act — in June 2025. It created the Major Projects Office to speed up the permitting of projects the federal government deems important to Canada’s national interest. With a list of 13 projects from around the country, including a hydroelectric plant for Iqaluit, referred to this office, Nunatsiaq News looked at what fast-tracking might mean for Nunavut. As of now, the Major Projects Office has not accepted any projects. Cabinet will have final say on which of the 13 projects end up...
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ECE to improve staff training to avoid another SFA backlog
By Claire McFarlane, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio The Northwest Territories government says it will offer more training to staff who administer Student Financial Assistance after students faced months-long delays receiving payments. While the territory won’t change how the program is administered, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment said it will work to ensure additional resources can be employed during high-demand periods, spokesperson Agata Gutkowska said. Education minister Caitlin Cleveland said in October the department had added five positions to help handle an increase in SFA applications. The program offers grants and loans to post-secondary students to help pay for things like tuition, books and travel. In August, the GNWT said it was experiencing “an exceptionally high volume of applications and emails” due to a nearly 20 per...
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Prophet River First Nation chief named vice-chair of alliance supporting sustainable energy projects
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca PROPHET RIVER, B.C. — The chief of a northeast B.C. First Nation has been named to a leadership position within an energy organization committed to the growth of Indigenous communities within the sector. Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) Chief Valerie Askoty has been named the vice-chair of the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance (FNNGA). The organization is an alliance of Indigenous nations committed to supporting sustainable and responsible development of both natural gas and liquified natural gas (LNG) development, according to its website. Askoty, who has been PRFN chief since 2021, spoke to Energeticcity.ca about her appointment, which came at the suggestion of outgoing Haisla Nation Chief Crystal Smith. She was appointed alongside Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government president Eva Clayton, who will act...
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As B.C. stokes its economic engine, Eby says reconciliation law is in the way
By Shannon Waters The B.C. government has big plans to tackle the $13.3-billion deficit racked up in recent years. The key to getting the province back in the black, according to Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, is stoking B.C.’s economic engine. The fuel? More money from the natural resource sector, especially mining and natural gas. The new budget banks on significant increases in revenues from minerals and metals as the province courts critical minerals projects. Meanwhile, natural gas revenues are also expected to boom as liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects get off the ground. “Six major LNG projects are complete, underway or reaching final investment decisions this year,” Bailey said in her budget speech. “We’re doing all this in partnership with First Nations, moving projects forward with confidence and clarity.”...
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Family learned of SIU’s fatal shooting findings through social media: FirstNations
By Maan Alhmidi Ontario First Nations leaders are expressing “serious concerns” about the release of a police watchdog’s report into the fatal shooting of a man in a northern Ontario courtroom, saying the family and the community were left to find out crucial details through social media. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Wapekeka First Nation Chief Brennan Sainnawap say a “strongly worded” letter was sent to Special Investigations Unit Director Joseph Martino and Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey about the case and what they call a “broader pattern of systemic failings towards First Nations people.” They say last week’s SIU report into the death of Tyresse Roundsky, who was fatally shot by a provincial police officer inside a makeshift courtroom in Wapekeka First Nation last July, was...
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Growing sense of identity boosts Louis Riel Day turnout
By Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Portage Graphic Leader Organizers of the annual Louis Riel Day celebrations in Portage la Prairie say a surge in Métis pride and citizenship is driving record-breaking crowds to the community’s festivities. Wes Hannah, chairman of the Portage la Prairie Southwest Métis Local, said Monday’s event at the MNP Building at Island Park was the result of months of planning and a growing sense of identity within the region. Hannah noted that citizenship in the local region has jumped significantly, rising from approximately 2,000 members last year to more than 2,500 today. “I think there’s a new thought out there that Métis are proud of who they are,” Hannah said. “People are noticing the programs that we are providing. They want to go ahead...
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As B.C. stokes its economic engine, Eby says reconciliation law is in the way
By Shannon Waters The B.C. government has big plans to tackle the $13.3-billion deficit racked up in recent years. The key to getting the province back in the black, according to Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, is stoking B.C.’s economic engine. The fuel? More money from the natural resource sector, especially mining and natural gas. The new budget banks on significant increases in revenues from minerals and metals as the province courts critical minerals projects. Meanwhile, natural gas revenues are also expected to boom as liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects get off the ground. “Six major LNG projects are complete, underway or reaching final investment decisions this year,” Bailey said in her budget speech. “We’re doing all this in partnership with First Nations, moving projects forward with confidence and clarity.”...
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B.C. First Nation says there may never be ‘full consensus’ on potential burial site
The British Columbia First Nation that announced the discovery of 215 potential unmarked graves at a former residential school in 2021, catapulting the issue into public discourse, says there may never be consensus on what to do with the site. A statement from the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation says possible future outcomes for the Kamloops Indian Residential School property include excavation or preserving its orchard as a sacred site, “a place of memory and healing.” The nation says its investigation is ongoing, with the findings so far pointing to several areas of focus, with “signatures that resemble burials” identified in some, and other areas ruled out as burial sites. Tuesday’s statement says more than 500 children from 38 Indigenous nations living in 119 B.C. communities attended the institution at...
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Hitacu teachers’ conference explores healing from trauma by connecting to language, culture and traditional foods
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Hitacu, B.C. – Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government’s education department held an uplifting professional development day on Feb. 13 at the Cixʷatin Centre in Hitacu. Manager of education services Jennifer Touchie said about 90 West Coasters from Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Huu-ay-aht, School District 70 and Pacific Rim Hospice attended the full-day event, which centered around ‘Moving through trauma by connecting to culture, language and traditional foods’. “I was really happy to see SD70 and community participate,” said Touchie. “Maybe this will open up new roads for reconnecting with our children in a different way, and (I was happy) to have teachers be a part of our culture and be a part of our language; that it is open to everybody to learn.” In the morning, Nuu-chah-nulth...
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Court finds former Blueberry River First Nations chief’s ouster ‘procedurally fair and reasonable’
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca BUICK, B.C. — A federal judge has rejected the former Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) chief request for a judicial review, saying her ouster was “procedurally fair and reasonable.” In the 135-page ruling, Madam Justice Cecily Y. Strickland said Judy Desjarlais’ reasons to challenge her removal lacked merit, saying Desjarlais “bears the onus of establishing the removal decision was unreasonable.” One argument Desjarlais had made was that the ouster was politically motivated, but Strickland said Desjarlais “did not establish the concerns raised by the respondent councillors were aimed at personal or political advantage.” Desjarlais was removed from office by four BRFN Councillors – Troy Wolf, Wayne Yahey, Sherry Dominic and Shelley Gauthier – in September 2024, after an independent investigation said Desjarlais...
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Prophet River First Nation releases dates for 2026 Treaty Days
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca PROPHET RIVER, B.C. — A northeast B.C First Nation’s cultural celebration will return on an earlier date this year. Prophet River First Nation’s (PRFN) Treaty Days have been scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 4th and wrap up on Saturday, June 7th. This was confirmed in a Facebook post on PRFN’s page on January 30th. The post says the event is “a meaningful weekend of culture, connection, celebration and community pride.” PRFN Chief Valerie Askoty told Energeticcity.ca the reason behind the 50th edition taking place in August of last year was due to being “late in getting things together.” “There are so many other events that are happening, so we are trying to get ahead of the game,” said Askoty. “[In 2024]...
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Thunder Bay declares humanitarian crisis on homelessness
By Clint Fleury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY – “We do shoulder a large burden,” Coun. Andrew Foulds told city council on Tuesday. Council voted 10-1 in favour of declaring a humanitarian crisis on homelessness in the city. Coun. Albert Aiello was the only council member to oppose the declaration, saying it could potentially cost the city more money in homelessness prevention. Couns. Mark Bentz, Trevor Giertuga, Dominic Pasqualino, Michael Zussino, Rajni Agarwal, Shelby Ch’ng, Greg Johnsen, Kristen Oliver, Foulds and Mayor Ken Boshcoff voted in favour. Coun. Brian Hamilton declared a conflict of interest because he has taken on a frontline role addressing homelessness with the city’s HART Hub. Coun. Kasey Etreni was absent from the meeting. The decision comes after Chief Michele Solomon of Anemki Wajiw...
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Naatowápitao’ohkánnao’p opens as Holy Gathering Space in Calgary
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Calgary is now home to a Holy Gathering Place for the urban Indigenous population, courtesy of a partnership between the Confluence Historic Site & Parkland and Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC). Naatowápitao’ohkánnao’p (pronounced Nah-doh-WAH-bee-doh-gah-nope) had its opening ceremony on Jan. 30, with the unveiling of BOW MOTHER III – “Confluence,” a mural painted by local artist Nicole Wolf that wraps around the gathering place’s exterior. Its name was given by Elder Clement Leather from the Siksika Nation, who consecrated the building at its opening ceremony. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas provided opening remarks and AFCC board president Gabrielle Weasel Head, Tsapinaaki, was present to answer questions. In an interview with Alberta Native News, AFCC CEO Shane Gauthier gave credit for...
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Six Nations shuts down community’s only library
Six Nations Elected Council shuts down library without notifying board By Lynda Powless Editor Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) has shut down the community’s public library without notifying the community or the library board. The library closed Friday Feb., 13th just five months after SNEC learned the building may suffer structural hazards. No public warnings were issued and the librarian, who had appeared before SNEC to discuss the library anniversary celebrations, the day before the shutdown was imposed, was not told the shutdown was coming. The Six Nations Public Library board was not notified of the shut-down of the 117-year-old library launched by Six Nations Confederacy Chiefs Council (SNCCC). Instead, the librarian found the library doors were locked and hazard tape stretched across the entranceway. The move came after SNEC...
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8 charged after contraband tobacco facility shut down on Six Nations territory
By Lynda Powless Editor Eight people are facing a series of charges in the combined forces police investigation that shut down a massive contraband tobacco operation on Chiefswood Road last May. That operation in May 2025 caused traffic havoc along Chiefswood Road from the village of Ohsweken to Third Line as the police operation got underway. Eight people, including two with Ohsweken addresses, are facing charges in the combined forces police investigation that shut down the massive contraband tobacco operation at Six Nations. The manufacturing facility was being operated by a non-Indigenous criminal network on Six Nations Territory, Six Nations Police said. In total six are facing 48 criminal code, excise act and cannabis act charges. Two are facing weapons-related offences. Charged are: Ethan Kanghu Cho, 26, of Ohsweken has...
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National child welfare settlement and proposed lodge raised
Six Nations leadership provided updates on a national child welfare settlement, emergency management coordination and major community initiatives, including a sold-out hospice fundraiser and ongoing questions surrounding the Iroquois Lodge rebuild. During Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill update to the community at the Six Nations Elected Council General Council meeting on Feb. 10 she reminded community members that the first claims period for the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle class action settlement opened March 10, 2025. The settlement applies to First Nations children removed from their homes between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 2022 by child welfare authorities funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Eligible claimants include members of the “Removed Child Class” and the “Removed Child Family Class,” including parents and grandparents. Those not eligible...
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