California’s Yurok Tribe gets back ancestral lands that were taken over 120 years ago
By Dorany Pineda, Terry Chea And Godofredo Vasquez ON THE KLAMATH RIVER, Calif. (AP) — As a youngster, Barry McCovey Jr. would sneak through metal gates and hide from security guards just to catch a steelhead trout in Blue Creek amid northwestern California redwoods. Since time immemorial, his ancestors from the Yurok Tribe had fished, hunted and gathered in this watershed flanked by coastal forests. But for more than 100 years, these lands were owned and managed by timber companies, severing the tribe’s access to its homelands. When McCovey started working as a fisheries technician, the company would let him go there to do his job. “Snorkeling Blue Creek … I felt the significance of that place to myself and to our people, and I knew then that we had...
Register
Infrastructure Bank CEO says it’s ready to play a role in national-interest projects
By Lauren Krugel The chief executive of the Canada Infrastructure Bank says the Crown corporation is looking forward to playing a role in Ottawa’s ambitions to push ahead major projects deemed in the national interest. “I think we’re on the precipice of a really important time for our country,” said Ehren Cory. “We’re just one tool in the tool kit of that. We are far from the only part of the solution, but we’re looking forward to playing our part in meeting the challenge that we face as a country.” U.S. President Donald Trump’s on-again-off-again tariffs have forced Canada to rethink its relationship with its biggest trading partner and seek out ways to get resources and other goods to global markets. Key themes in this spring’s federal election campaign were...
Register
Veterinary services come to Ginoogaming
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source GINOOGAMING – Veterinary professionals came to this Treaty 9 community where “the need is great” for animal wellness services. For four days ending June 1, members of Ginoogaming First Nation and nearby Long Lake #58 First Nation could bring their dog or cat in for rabies vaccination, spay/neuter surgeries, parasite control and other services for animal well-being. The four-day clinic was a collaboration of Matawa First Nations Management with the Northern Reach Network and the Global Alliance for Animals and People. A veterinary clinic in Barrie provided veterinary professionals. Matawa is the Thunder Bay-based management company for Ginoogaming, Long Lake #58 and seven other Treaty 9 First Nations. Like the 2024 animal clinic for Ginoogaming and Long Lake #58, this...
Register
Forest fire near Deer Lake now simply huge
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source DEER LAKE – The forest fire west of Wabaseemoong is no longer the largest in Northwestern Ontario now that a blaze farther north has grown to more than 65,000 hectares. The Red Lake 12 fire that caused the evacuation of Deer Lake First Nation last week was blanketing 65,186 hectares as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. That’s more than 3.5 times the size estimated on Monday. Smoke from fires to the west hurt the ministry’s ability “to monitor the growth of Red Lake 12 consistently throughout the operational window,” MNR fire information officer Allison Lake told Newswatch in an email. “After several days of reduced visibility, conditions improved, allowing for high-level infrared scanning of wildland...
Register
Infrastructure Bank CEO says it’s ready to play a role in national-interest projects
By Lauren Krugel The chief executive of the Canada Infrastructure Bank says the Crown corporation is looking forward to playing a role in Ottawa’s ambitions to push ahead major projects deemed in the national interest. “I think we’re on the precipice of a really important time for our country,” said Ehren Cory. “We’re just one tool in the tool kit of that. We are far from the only part of the solution, but we’re looking forward to playing our part in meeting the challenge that we face as a country.” U.S. President Donald Trump’s on-again-off-again tariffs have forced Canada to rethink its relationship with its biggest trading partner and seek out ways to get resources and other goods to global markets. Key themes in this spring’s federal election campaign were...
Register
B.C. First Nation builds small island, fisheries officials check for habitat damage
By Wolfgang Depner A British Columbia First Nation has built up a small artificial island in the tidal shallows of Coles Bay off Vancouver Island, triggering an investigation by fisheries officials into whether it involved habitat destruction and if authorization should have been required. Two yellow excavators could be seen at work last week in the bay, heaping up stones and gravel on top of an existing rock outcrop, in a project the Department of Fisheries and Ocean said was linked to a “clam garden.” Nearby resident Richard Smith said he watched dump trucks carry loads of rock to the shore, where the excavators hauled it into the bay, also building a temporary land bridge during the construction process. He said the rock outcrop was previously visible at low tide,...
Register
Ottawa’s wildfire aid to First Nations delayed and inadequate, NDP leaders say
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer As wildfires rage across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, displacing over 26,000 people — many from northern and First Nations communities — leaders say Ottawa’s response has been both delayed and inadequate. The discussion reached a peak as NDP MP for Winnipeg Centre, Leah Gazan led an emergency debate on Tuesday in the House of Commons. Gazan accused the federal government of failing to protect Indigenous evacuees and violating their Charter and treaty rights. “The federal government is obligated to uphold the dignity and well-being of First Nations that are affected by these wildfires,” she said. Gazan said First Nations leaders had told her evacuees — including children, Elders, and those with medical needs — were housed in crowded and poorly equipped...
Register
Ontario expected to pass controversial mining law; Ford warns against blockades
By Liam Casey and Allison Jones Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government is expected to pass a controversial mining law that gives it the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws for chosen projects in areas it deems to have economic importance. If Bill 5 ends up being challenged and found unconstitutional in court, Ford wouldn’t say if he would use the notwithstanding clause to save it, but says that he would “cross that bridge” when he comes to it. The proposed legislation has sparked an angry backlash from First Nations who say the bill tramples their rights and ignores their concerns and they have warned they may blockade roads and railways in protest. But Ford said Wednesday that wouldn’t be “very wise.” “You can’t break the law,” Ford said. “Simple...
Register
Chantel Moore’s mother talks about change in policing, 5 years after of her daughter’s shooting death
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tofino, B.C. – Chantel Moore’s daughter Gracie is 11 this year. “She’s growing. She often talks about her mom and how she misses her,” said Gracie’s grandmother Martha Martin on June 4, 2025, the fifth anniversary of her daughter’s fatal shooting by Edmundson City Police Force Officer Jeremy Son during a wellness check. “She was six when her mom passed,” said Martin. “She struggled with it for a really long time. She would always ask, ‘When are the angels going to be done with my mom? Can they just send her back now?’” “There are times when she gets really quiet and it’s in those moments I know that she is missing her mom, and rightfully so,” she adds. “It’s really tough. I’m...
Register
Environment Canada says Canadian wildfire smoke now floating in parts of U.S.
By Fakiha Baig Swaths of smoke from wildfires torching buildings and forcing thousands of people from their homes in Western Canada have travelled as far as Newfoundland and Labrador in the east and Texas in the south. Those in the north and heavily populated southern areas of Manitoba and Saskatchewan are feeling it the worst because that’s where a majority of Canada’s wildfires are burning, said Natalie Hasell of Environment Canada in an interview Wednesday. “Right in the vicinity of the fires, the air quality is going to be particularly bad,” Hasell said. “It’s really important for people to…pay attention to how you’re feeling and how other people around you are feeling.” Hasell said wildfires in Ontario and Quebec may also be the cause of smoky air in Michigan and...
Register
Fraser apologizes, says comments on Indigenous consultation eroded trust
By Alessia Passafiume Justice Minister Sean Fraser apologized Wednesday for comments he made about the government’s duty to consult with Indigenous leaders on major projects. Fraser said Tuesday that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples requires consultation but does not amount to “a blanket veto power” over projects. Similar language asserting UNDRIP does not convey a veto is used in federal government documents about the declaration. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Fraser said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak called him Tuesday night to express her frustration with his comments, and he apologized. “Despite innocent intentions, I think my comments actually caused hurt and potentially eroded a very precarious trust that has been built up over many years to respect the rights of Indigenous people...
Register
Brantford Police investigate overnight shooting
BRANTFORD, ONT- Brantford Police Service (BPS) are investigating a shooting outside a city nightclub that had one man taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries in the early hours of Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Brantford Police were dispatched to a nightclub at Colborne Street near Clarence Street at about 12:10 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2025, after receiving a report of a shooting outside a nightclub. BPS said a male victim was transported to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and the investigation is “active and ongoing.” BPS said it is believed to be an isolated incident. No arrests have been made at this time and officers will remain in the area to investigate the incident. Police do not believe there to be any impact to public safety as a result of...
Register
Six Nations Police charge man after spotting “inconsistent” driving behaviour
OHSWEKEN, ON -A 53-year-old man is facing charges after Six Nations Police spotted “inconsistent” driving behaviour after following vehicle in a laneway of a closed establishment. Six Nations Police (SNP) said at about 3:55 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025, while on general patrol saw a “suspicious vehicle halfway up the laneway of a closed establishment on Mohawk Road.” SNP said they saw the vehicle leave the property after police drove by. Police followed the vehicle and said they saw what they described as “inconsistent driving behaviours”. Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle to confirm the sobriety of the driver when the vehicle failed to stop for police. SNP followed the vehicle to a private laneway where they spoke with the male driver of the vehicle...
Register
Six Nations Police charge woman with impaired driving
OHSWEKEN, ON- A Brantford resident is facing impaired driving charges and other criminal offences after a single vehicle collision. Six Nations Police received information at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6th that a single motor vehicle was in the ditch on Second Line with a woman in the driver’s seat of the motor vehicle. SNP said when the located the vehicle a woman was still in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Police said e woman was assessed by Emergency Medical Services at the scene and signs of impairment were observed. As a result of the investigation, police have arrested and charged Melissa Curley, 47, of Brantford, Ontario with the following criminal offences: – Impaired Operation – Alcohol per se Offence “80 plus” – Dangerous Driving The accused is scheduled...
Register
‘Indigenous rights are not red tape’: Ontario’s controversial Bill 5 could spark a new Idle No More Movement
By Anushka Yadav, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Pointer After travelling 1,146 kilometres, Sharon Sakanee of Neskantaga First Nationstood at the doors of Queen’s Park with her grandson Micah on a rainy evening with a message: “No to Bill 5. No to the Ring of Fire. No destruction. No bulldozers. Not here. Not on our lands.” The Attawapiskat River, near the spot where Sakanee’s father and grandparents were born, flows through her traditional territory and lies within the “Ring of Fire” region in Northern Ontario. “Doug Ford wants to cross over that river with his bulldozer, where I continue to use that river system to hunt fish with my grandson,” she told a crowd of environmental advocates, Indigenous leaders and concerned Ontarians gathered at a rally on May 28. “That...
Register
Rallying against Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Bill 5
Two-person rally against Bill 5 “concerns everyone” By Tara Lindemann Writer Two women from Missisaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) caught the attention of Friday evening commuters by posting neon signs opposing Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Bill 5. “I didn’t do this because I expected 100 people to show up, ” said Jai King-Green, as she hammered in signage at the southwest corner of Highway 6 and First line Road, between honks of support. “This is about ensuring people are made aware how destructive this bill is, and that it affects everyone, not just our people. ”The bill totally disregards Treaties and their obligations, for a start.” Bill 5, or the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, was introduced last month by Minister of Energy and Mines, Hon....
Register
That’s a wrap: Community Awareness Month Celebrations
By Tara Lindemann Writer It was meant to be a week, but Six Nations of the Grand River celebrated what became Community Awareness Month. Among the several activities during the final week of events was the sounds of activity echoing from Veterans Park on May 27, as visitors enjoyed Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP). More than 400 people perused interactive information booths, experienced sustenance including ice cream, some sat to receive portrait caricatures, others who fit inside the bouncy castle had a fun time of it. “Community Awareness is essential for our Six Nations community as it allows all agencies, staff and students to learn about the organization’s opportunities available to them in a fun, engaging and inviting environment,” said Marketing and Events Coordinator for the school, Katrina Cattrysse. “SNP is...
Register
Six Nations Elected Council approves $27 million in funding to build immersion school
OHSWEKEN, ON – Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) has approved spending $27 million to build the longed for Kawenní:io/Gawení:yo Elementary and Secondary School (KG). SNEC approved the $27 million expenditure in a closed Political Liaison meeting Monday, May 26th 2025 . Turtle Island News has learned that $6 million of the $27 million is coming from Six Nations Social Services’ Jordan Principle funding and the remaining $21 million from the community’s Ontario First Nations Ltd., Partnership funding received from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn did not comment on where the funding was coming from. SNEC, in the same closed meeting, also accepted a tender for the project from Lanca Contracting. It is expected to take two years to build the school. In a statement Six...
Register
Six Nations Elected Council imposes cannabis moratorium
The Six Nations Elected Council has imposed a moratorium on cannabis licenses effective May 26, 2025, pausing all license renewals until at least November. The move comes in response to growing community concern about unregulated outdoor cannabis production facilities and to give Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) time to review and amend its cannabis legislation. Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill read a statement to the community at the General Council meeting on May 27 and said the moratorium may be extended for an additional six months, if necessary. “We ask for your continued patience as we all work to uphold the cannabis law and its regulations in a manner that is fair to all involved,” she said. The announcement followed a committee report from Councillor Cynthia Jamieson, chair of the Wealth...
Register
From funding infrastructure land issues emerge in SNEC meeting
Six Nations committees continue to address infrastructure, land use, and funding issues. Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) committees gave verbal reports at the General Council meeting on May 27 highlighting community funding requests, infrastructure concerns, environmental challenges, and land stewardship priorities. The Community and Data Governance Committee, chaired by Councillor Dean Hill, had no updates to present, as their latest meeting was deferred. Co-Chair Councillor Dayle Bomberry shared developments from the meeting, including an anticipated funding request from a local organization for an annual event. More details are expected to be presented at an upcoming General Finance meeting. Bomberry also said the Six nations Fire Department would like approval for a request to reallocate funding in its budget to establish a small capital reserve, intended to support future equipment purchases....
Register
