Nunavut asks Ottawa for higher fishing quotas and commercial access to waters off Baffin Island
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Community Services Minister Craig Simailak said he’s asked the federal fisheries minister for higher fishing quotas and commercial access to waters off Baffin Island. Simailak made the comments in response to a question from Pangnirtung MLA Johnny Mike on May 28 in the legislative assembly. “We’ve been meeting with Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ federal minister, and imploring to her office that we need a better, fairer share of quotas off of our adjacent waters,” said Simailak. “I have explained to her that it brings employment. It brings a better economy.” On Dec. 9, 2025, the federal government proposed awarding Greenland halibut — or turbot — fishing licences on the Davis Strait between Baffin Island and Greenland to the Nova...
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Treaty 8 chiefs warn independence vote could result in ‘civil disobedience’
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News ( Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta’s grand chief has written an open letter to Premier Danielle Smith calling on her to cancel October’s referendum on whether to pursue a future independence referendum. “We state this plainly so that there can be no misunderstanding: there is no lawful path by which Alberta can pursue separation from Canada while bypassing the rights, consent, and constitutional status of Treaty 8 First Nations,” wrote Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi in the June 3 correspondence. “That consent has not been sought. It has not been given. Nor will it be given under duress or through any process designed to circumvent our constitutional rights.” On Oct. 19, Albertans will be asked: “Should Alberta remain a province...
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Nisga’a Nation says it wasn’t consulted on proposed pipeline routes
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Nisga’a Nation in northwestern B.C. says it hasn’t been consulted on proposed routes for a new tar sands pipeline that pass through its modern Treaty lands. On June 1, the CBC reported that Alberta’s government is examining three potential routes to B.C.’s northern coast for a new bitumen pipeline that Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to designate as a priority project in his memorandum of understanding with Premier Danielle Smith. The story was based on documents, “which were shown to local community leaders during private consultations on the proposed project this spring,” wrote CBC business reporter Kyle Bakx. The Nisga’a Lisims Government issued a June 2 statement to clarify that it wasn’t part of these consultations. “We can confirm that...
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Cuba’s iconic antique cars sit idle as US energy blockade deepens fuel crisis
By Martin Silva Rey HAVANA (AP) — A worsening fuel crisis across Cuba is testing the island’s famed “almendrones,” the vintage American cars that serve as vital shared taxis and embody the island’s ingenuity and endurance. These days, many of the iconic gas-guzzling antique cars sit idle, casualties of fuel shortages that have gripped Cuba since January and that Cuban officials blame on a U.S. energy blockade. Outside his modest concrete-block home on a dirt road in Las Minas, a town of about 2,000 people on the outskirts of Havana, Diriel Valdez is restoring a 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe. The burgundy body is intact and the original engine still works. Finding fuel for it, however, is another matter. Valdez is among thousands of Cubans waiting for fuel through a government reservation...
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The Key First Nation to elect new chief and council
By Kamsack Times, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter There are four candidates for chief and 24 candidates running for five council spots for The Key First Nation. All of the incumbent councillors are running again. Current Chief Clinton Key is also running for a council spot. Election day is June 12. Advance polls were held on June 2 in Vancouver at the Indian and Métis Friendship Center, June 4 at the Radisson Hotel in Edmonton and June 6 at the Ramada Downtown Hotel in Regina. There is one ballot for the position of chief, and a separate ballot where electors may vote for up to five council candidates. Candidates for chief are: Dustin Dayan Brass, Percy O’Soup, Clarence Papequash and Ron Papequash. Candidates for council are: Ferlyn Brass, Jay-Cee Brass, Jesse-Thomas...
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Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour says learning from differences key to strong society
By David Baxter and Catherine Morrison Extreme polarization and consensus are dangerous and a better Canada can only be built through the “peaceful management” of our differences, Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour said Monday, in her first speech as the King’s representative in Canada. The former Supreme Court justice said our ability to coexist peacefully, despite our differences, is critical to maintaining a lawful, rules-based society. “It is through our differences, and our fundamental right to express them, that we will nourish critical thinking, creativity and innovation,” Arbour said from the throne in the Senate chamber. “It is through our differences that we will build a common future.” Arbour, 79, said it is important to protect institutions where societal debates take place such as universities, the media, courtrooms, legislative spaces and...
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The Latest: Louise Arbour installed as Canada’s 31st Governor General
Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour has been installed as Canada’s 31st Governor General, replacing Mary Simon. Today’s ceremony included a 21-gun salute, a poetry reading and musical performances by two Canadian artists. Here’s the latest on a historic day in Ottawa. All times are Eastern: 11:20 a.m. Soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee performs the national anthem as the ceremony concludes and Arbour walks out, smiling. 10:55 a.m. Arbour begins her speech, seated in the throne in the Senate, reading from the printed document inside a brown portfolio. She thanks now former governor general Mary Simon for her “remarkable service,” after which the audience gives Simon a standing ovation. Simon, clearly touched, smiles softly and at one point puts her hand over her heart in gratitude. Arbour says both extreme polarization and...
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Government-run grocery stores and longer airport runways among suggestions to decrease Nunavut food prices
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Residents, retailers and an academic all have strategies on how to bring down the high price of groceries in Nunavut. No matter what the proposed solution, it’s going to involve the federal government investing money, according to Nicholas Li, an associate professor in the Department of Economics at Toronto Metropolitan University. In both Greenland and Mexico, government-owned grocery stores are used to subsidize prices. “Greenland, outside of the capital, most communities are served by this chain of stores and it’s basically government-run stores with the same fixed price everywhere,” Li said. “Mexico has a whole network of government-licensed shops that all sell at the same price.” Toronto and New York City have both approved pilot projects to test government-run grocery...
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Alberta’s Smith says law will be enforced if separation vote spurs civil disobedience
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the law will be enforced if First Nations communities engage in civil disobedience over her government’s separation referendum. At an unrelated news conference in Calgary Friday, she said: “I hope it doesn’t come to that.” On Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on whether they want to stay in Canada or start the process to hold a second, binding referendum on quitting the country. First Nations leaders across the province have been pushing back against talk of secession, and Smith’s decision to put it on a ballot. Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, representing First Nations across northern Alberta, said Thursday that if necessary, they may get in the way of industry or take the fight against Smith’s separation vote to the highways. “There can be...
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Louise Arbour arrives at ceremony to install her as Governor General
By Catherine Morrison and David Baxter Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour has arrived for the ceremony to install her as Canada’s 31st governor general. Arbour, 79, is replacing Mary Simon, who became Canada’s first Indigenous viceregal in 2021. Arbour was welcomed at the Senate of Canada building by Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, his wife Diana Fox, Usher of the Black Rod Greg Peters and other dignitaries. An Algonquin elder read a territorial welcome for Arbour and the assembled dignitaries before they entered the Senate building. Canada’s treaties are agreements signed between First Nations and the Crown, making the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the monarch an important part of the installation ceremony. Arbour will give her first address to the nation as governor general during the ceremony and...
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Blood Tribe Reserve roads closed due to heavy rainfall
By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald The excessive rainfall has caused two roads on the Blood Tribe Reserve to deteriorate and are unfit for travel. Blood Tribe Public Works has announced the closures for the road between Highway 2, and Saipoyi Elementary School and the Old Lease Road, east of Highway 509. The closures were both caused by damages from the recent rainfall, which have caused washout conditions and soft road and standing water to the areas. Motorists are asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes if available. They are also asked to obey all posted signs and barricades from Public Works crews as they continue to monitor conditions and assess repairs. Updates on these road conditions can be found on the Blood Tribe Communications...
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Inuit association investing $10 million in childcare facilities
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The Qikiqtani Inuit Association has agreed to spend an additional $10 million to fund the construction of new Kakivak Association childcare facilities across the region. Pangnirtung was chosen as the next community to receive a facility, while daycares are still being built in Sanirajak, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet and Clyde River. A place to build a daycare in Pangnirtung has not yet been identified. “Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is essential to strong and healthy communities,” said QIA President Olayuk Akesuk. “This investment reflects QIA’s commitment to supporting Inuit families, increasing opportunities for children and building the community infrastructure needed to meet the needs of our growing population.” To date, QIA has committed a total of $25 million to daycare...
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Alberta’s Smith says law will be enforced if separation vote spurs civil disobedience
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the law will be enforced if First Nations communities engage in civil disobedience over her government’s separation referendum. At an unrelated news conference in Calgary Friday, she said: “I hope it doesn’t come to that.” On Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on whether they want to stay in Canada or start the process to hold a second, binding referendum on quitting the country. First Nations leaders across the province have been pushing back against talk of secession, and Smith’s decision to put it on a ballot. Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, representing First Nations across the West, said Thursday if necessary, they may get in the way of industry or take the fight against Smith’s separation vote to highways. “There can be no decisions...
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‘They’re very, very good’: Dogs detect drugs in Ginoogaming
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com GINOOGAMING — If you’re carrying drugs, Radar will notice. The Belgian Malinois has been sniffing out illegal substances this week in Ginoogaming First Nation. When he smells a drug, he sits firmly on the ground to let his handler know. He and canine teammate Ace are highly trained and expensive, Creegonquin Security owner Randy Cota said Wednesday in Ginoogaming. Creegonquin, an Indigenous-owned company headquartered in Moosonee, has been contracted by Ginoogaming First Nation to provide Radar and Ace’s drug-detecting services at entry checkpoints. “They’re drug detection only,” Cota said of the intense dogs. “They’re very, very good. If you have a Percocet in your shoe, (Radar) is going to find it. There’s no getting away from him. His nose is 10,000 times...
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Alberta’s Smith says law will be enforced if separation vote spurs civil disobedience
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the law will be enforced if First Nations communities engage in civil disobedience over her government’s separation referendum. At an unrelated news conference in Calgary Friday, she said: “I hope it doesn’t come to that.” On Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on whether they want to stay in Canada or start the process to hold a second, binding referendum on quitting the country. First Nations leaders across the province have been pushing back against talk of secession, and Smith’s decision to put it on a ballot. Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, representing First Nations across the West, said Thursday that if necessary, they may get in the way of industry or take the fight against Smith’s separation vote to the highways. “There can be...
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‘We have to do more’ about drugs and crime, chief says
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com GINOOGAMING — Why does Ginoogaming First Nation have security checkpoints with drug-detecting dogs? Because “we have to do more,” Chief Sheri Taylor told Newswatch during the first week of the new protocol at the bridge into Ginoogaming. The First Nation has contracted a Moosonee-based company to deploy highly trained drug-sniffing canines at the bridge connecting Ginoogaming to Longlac, and at a road entrance to the south. A sign before the bridge warns that drivers may be asked to “present identification or verify business when entering the Ginoogaming First Nation homeland.” It also says they may be subject to a search, and that “police will be notified” if illegal substances or weapons are found. The community was shaken last Oct. 8 by the...
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Northern health-care trailblazers receive first-ever NOSM honourary degrees
By Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com Two pillars of healthcare in Northern Ontario, Elder Theresa Fiddler and Maureen Lacroix, were awarded with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s (NOSM) inaugural honorary degrees last month. Fiddler and Lacroix were recognized for the changes and connections that they have built within health-care systems in Northern Ontario. Provost and vice-president at NOSM University, Céline Larivière, said that both women have shaped the university’s mission and strengthened connections within the community. “(Fiddler) and her late husband helped build what we call an integrated community experience, and that’s one of the key components of our undergraduate medical education program that we offer at NOSM University,” said Larivière. “What that does is it allows first-year medical students to experience Indigenous cultures, which we think...
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Louise Arbour becomes Canada’s new governor general
By Catherine Morrison Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour’s installation ceremony to become Canada’s 31st governor general is set to include a 21-gun salute, a poetry reading and two musical performances by Canadian artists. Arbour will replace Mary Simon, who became Canada’s first Indigenous viceregal in 2021. The ceremony, taking place at the Senate of Canada building, is expected to begin at about 10 a.m. Attendees will include Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chief Justice Richard Wagner, House of Commons Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia and National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. Before the ceremony begins, a qulliq — a traditional Inuit oil lamp — will be lit by an Inuk elder and will remain lit throughout the ceremony. The event will include a musical performance by...
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A list of Canada’s governors general since Confederation
By The Canadian Press Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour will be sworn in as Canada’s 31st governor general today. Here’s a list of all who have come before her. Mary Simon: 2021-2026, Inuit leader Governor General Mary Simon poses for a portrait at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Thursday, May 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Julie Payette: 2017-2021 David Johnston: 2010-2017 Michaëlle Jean: 2005-2010 Adrienne Clarkson: 1999-2005 Former governors general David Johnston, left, Michaëlle Jean, centre, and Adrienne Clarkson, right, sit in the Senate ahead of King Charles delivering the speech from the throne in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Roméo LeBlanc: 1995-1999 Ramon Hnatyshyn: 1990-1995 Jeanne Sauvé: 1984-1990 Governor General Jeanne Sauvé reads the government’s speech from the throne in the Senate...
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‘Help is needed’: Invasive species a threat to recreational lake users
By Danielle Pitman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, OrilliaMatters.com Spring is the time when nature emerges from slumber. It is also a time to be vigilant for invasive species on land and in water, officials warn. In Lagoon City, weed harvesting will resume next month. Aquatic vegetation is removed to keep the canals clear for recreational uses and some of them are difficult to manage invasive species. Two species in particular are affecting Lake Simcoe, disrupting the growth of native plants and fish habitat. Starry stonewort is an invasive macroalgae native to Eurasia that has been found in Lagoon City canals. It’s immune to herbicides and grows densely. If left in the water, cuttings propagate, making it more difficult to eradicate. Last summer, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation surveyed the...
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