Detection dogs to search former residential school site near Chapleau
By Marissa Lentz-McGrath, Local Journalism Initiative, TimminsToday.com CHAPLEAU – Members of three First Nations are working together to investigate the grounds of the former St. John’s Residential School. From Aug. 1 to 3, historic human remains detection dogs (HHRDD) will comb through heavily overgrown areas near the site slightly southeast of Chapleau. The search is part of an ongoing initiative led by survivors and supported by Chapleau Cree First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, and Brunswick House First Nation. “We’re mostly led by the survivors group, which we call the survivors working circle,” said Deanna Dixon, residential school initiative lead for Chapleau Cree First Nation. “It also includes intergenerational survivors, but we’re also led by our communities and our respective chief and councils as well.” Dixon said work began with...
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Six Nations policed impaired driving charges
OHSWEKEN, ON- Six Nations Police have charged seven people in separate impaired driving-related incidents in less than a month. SNP charged the indivdiuals between June 20th, 2025, and July 15th, 2025. HAMILTON MAN CHARGED On Friday, June 20th, 2025, at about 7:12 PM, the Six Nations Police were advised of a possible impaired driving complaint on Fourth Line. The caller reported that the vehicle entered the ditch but was able to maneuver back onto the roadway. Police were successfully able to locate a vehicle matching the description provided. As a result of this investigation, police have arrested and charged Tylor Plank, 31, of Hamilton, Ontario with Impaired Operation- Dangerous Driving- Failure or Refusal to Comply- Assault Peace Officer x 2- Utter Threats – Death or Bodily Harm- Mischief under $5,000-...
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Work on Iroquois Lodge roof coming, bid approved in-camera
Roof repairs will begin at the Iroquois Lodge in the coming weeks. On August 7, SIx Nations Elected Council (SNEC) posted a community notice with several updates for community members. One of those included an update regarding the Lodge’s roof. Prior to the flooding that prompted a state of emergency on June 19, SNEC had secured Garland Canada to accept bids to repair the Lodge’s roof. SNEC passed a resolution during the in-camera portion of the General Finance meeting on July 21 to accept the tender and approved GRRC Roofing to begin repairs. SNEC is in the final stages of damage assessment and preparing to begin remediation work on the Lodge’s flooding damage. The flooding, caused by heavy rainfall, affected 13 community buildings and numerous private homes. Residents were evacuated...
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Tsleil-Waututh Nation restores bull kelp in Burrard Inlet
By Abby Luciano, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, North Shore News Early observations from researchers suggest that new bull kelp are growing in Burrard Inlet waters after nearly being wiped out by industrialization. The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)’s treaty, lands and resources department worked with the Kelp Rescue Initiative to plant kelp off Whey-Ah-Wichen/Cates Park in North Vancouver and New Brighton Park in Vancouver over the last two years. A scuba mission by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in July revealed bull kelp are growing healthy to a reproductive age. “I think going into this, knowing how restoration has occurred in other areas of the Northeastern Pacific, I was skeptical that we’d find any re-recruitment at all,” said Olivia Rhoades, program co-lead for DFO’s coastal environmental baseline program. “So that’s really neat.” In...
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‘Stand your ground’: Activist calls for Bill 5 protests to be escalated
By Marissa Lentz-McGrath, Local Journalism Initiative, TimminsToday.com TIMMINS – Tristan Ashishkeesh is urging Indigenous communities and allies to blockade highways, railways, and fisheries as a way to oppose two controversial resource development bills. Ahishkeesh arrived in Toronto last week after he and a small group of protesters walked 700 kilometres from Timmins. An Aug. 8 rally at Queen’s Park, attended by more than 80 supporters, capped a three-week trek that began July 15 as a peaceful protest against Ontario’s Bill 5 and the federal Bill C-5. “This is a time in history where we can make a change,” Ashishkeesh told supporters at the rally. “We do this for the land we love. The water we love. The air that gives us breath. He urged Indigenous communities and allies to escalate...
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Rabies-positive bat in Brantford-Brant area stay safe
The Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has confirmed a bat found in Brantford-Brant tested positive for the rabies virus. T GEPH sid the individual’s exposure to the bat was deemed low risk since no direct contact was made. Grand Erie Public Health reminds residents to report any animal bites or scratches to the health unit. The risk of coming across an infected animal and contracting rabies in Ontario remains low. Rabies is transmitted only when the virus is introduced into a bite wound, open cuts in skin (such as a scratch), or onto mucous membranes such as the mouth or eyes. Wild animals such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats can spread rabies. Below are some tips to avoid rabies exposure: •Avoid touching, approaching or feeding wild or unknown animals,...
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Six Nations keeping Mohawk Institute searches alive
By Lynda Powless Editor Ground searches are underway again at the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. Laura Arndt, executive director of the Survivors’ Secretariat said resuming searches on the grounds surrounding the former residential school is largely due to the help of Six Nations Health Services. A lack of federal government funding had cancelled the searches but Arndt says thanks to a “gift” from Six Nations Health Services “we have been able to scramble and pull together a search team for the summer.” She said a lack of federal funding forced the volunteer organization, made up of survivors of the notorious Mohawk Institute, to cancelled planned searches of the grounds this year. “We had originally canceled the searches because of no funding from Canada for the past year,” she said....
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Be fire safe in hot weather
In hot weather, fire safety is crucial due to the increased risk of wildfires and accidental fires. To prevent fires during hot weather, it’s important to be mindful of potential ignition sources, maintain a safe environment, and be prepared in case of an emergency. Key Fire Safety Tips for Hot Weather: Be mindful of heat sources: Barbecues: Keep barbecues away from flammable materials, never leave them unattended, and ensure they are completely extinguished after use, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Grills: Use propane, charcoal, and wood pellet grills outdoors only, and place them away from structures and overhanging branches, says the U.S. Fire Administration. Smoking: Avoid smoking in dry, grassy areas and properly extinguish cigarettes in designated containers, advises ServiceMaster Restore. Fireworks: Attend public firework displays instead of setting...
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Build a pipeline…or consent?
Prime Minister Mark Carney is calling on the Metis to work with him to help change Canada’s ‘economic trajectory’ Hmmm…to change Canada’s “economic trajectory.” Now why does that make one uneasy? The newly minted Prime Minister after meeting with Indigenous leadership and Inuit decided to call the Metis in to discuss with them working together to move the Canadian economy forward. Carney went into office claiming he would transform the economy and he would do it at a much faster pace than the country is used to. And he is moving.- He is working to get a country-wide pipeline in place. Carney is concerned with the nerve-wracking trade relationship President Donald Trump has with…well, just about everyone, and wants to get a pipeline built faster than Canada normally sees. To...
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Today in History
August 11 In 1984 -Alwyn Morris and Hugh Fisher Win Gold. Alwyn Morris and Hugh Fisher won Gold in the K-2 1,000m race at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. After receiving his medal on the podium, Morris held up an eagle feather to remember his late grandfather and in recognition of Indigenous peoples. Aug 11 In 2023, a B.C. judge rejected a class-action lawsuit linked to the wildfire that destroyed the village of Lytton two years prior. Plaintiff Chief Jordan Spinks of the Kanaka Bar Indian Band argued that the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railways, Transport Canada and others caused or contributed to the wildfire that killed two people. The judge said there are deficiencies in the claim that make it obvious that the suit will fail. Aug...
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Chiefs advance to league final and await next opponent
By Sam Laskaris Writer The Six Nations Chiefs have to beat just one more opponent before they can book some plane tickets to British Columbia next month in their quest to win a third consecutive Mann Cup championship. But the Chiefs have to wait a bit longer before finding out who they will square off against in the final of their own Ontario-based Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) circuit. Six Nations earned a berth into the MSL championship series this past Saturday. The Chiefs doubled the host Owen Sound North Stars 12-6 in a match held at the Meaford and St. Vincent Community Centre. With that victory the Chiefs swept their best-of-seven MSL semi-final series in the minimum four matches. Six Nations dominated the series, outscoring the North Stars 49-28. The...
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4th Annual Indigenous Ontario Championship Returns to Six Nations with Record Field
By BVM Sportsdesk The fourth annual Indigenous Ontario Championship is set to take place from August 11–13 at Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, featuring a record 144 Indigenous golfers. This championship offers competition across Gross and Net Stableford divisions and aims to enhance access to the sport for Indigenous communities. Since its inception in 2021, the event has seen growing participation and aims to represent over 40 First Nation communities. The championship emphasizes talent, culture, and community, fostering friendships and sporting excellence. By the Numbers 144 golfers participating, the largest field in the event’s history. More than 40 First Nation communities represented. State of Play Strong competition with returning champions Ky Horn and Cheryl Mitchell. Participation numbers have consistently surpassed the long-standing average of 120 players. What’s Next...
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Rivermen will challenge for national Presidents Cup championship
By Sam Laskaris Writer Regardless of how they perform in their next game or perhaps two, the Six Nations Rivermen will still be participating for a Canadian championship later this month. The Rivermen, the local Senior B team, earned a berth into the national Presidents Cup tournament last Monday. The Six Nations club qualified for the national tourney by beating the Hamilton Bengals in their best-of-five Ontario Series Lacrosse (OSL) semi-final series. The Rivermen captured the fifth and deciding match of that series with a 10-8 victory at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena (ILA). Winning their semi-final series against Hamilton also earned the Rivermen a spot into the Presidents Cup, frequently referred to simply as The Prezzy, since the OSL is allowed two entrants this year. The Brooklin Merchants have an...
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Calgary stripped of hosting rights 2027 North American Indigenous Games
By Sam Laskaris Writer Six Nations athletes looking to compete at the next North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) are now in a state of limbo. The 2027 NAIG were supposed to be held in Calgary. But with a bombshell announcement this past Friday, those Games will not be happening in the Alberta city. That’s because the NAIG Council, which oversees the multi-sport Games, posted a news release on its website announcing the city of Calgary had been stripped of the event. “Following a period of deep reflection and careful consideration, NAIG Council has made the difficult decision to withdraw the hosting rights previously granted to the Calgary Host Society,” the release said. “This decision was not made lightly. Over the past two years, NAIG Council has worked closely with the...
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Brantford Ice Cats U 11 Rep newest player
Six Nations own Yonteserontyes Brant-Gamble has signed withe Brantford Ice Cats U11 Rep “A” for the 2025-2026 season....
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Cowichan title lands encompass multimillion-dollar mansions in Richmond, B.C.
By Ashley Joannou and Nono Shen A landmark Aboriginal title claim successfully established by Cowichan Nation last week appears to encompass land occupied by a stretch of multimillion-dollar homes and an 18-hole golf course in Richmond, B.C. A map of the Cowichan title lands that was part of the B.C. Supreme Court ruling, combined with publicly available land documents, identify the mansions and other properties along Richmond’s No. 6 Road, south of Blundell Road. They include a 10,600 square-foot home with 11 bathrooms and an official valuation of $7.78 million, as well as other multimillion-dollar residences and the Country Meadows Golf Course. The ruling says the Cowichan did not seek a declaration that private titles in the area were “defective and invalid,” unlike government-owned land that makes up much of...
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Cowichan title lands encompass multimillion-dollar mansions in Richmond, B.C.
By Ashley Joannou and Nono Shen A landmark Aboriginal title claim successfully established by Cowichan Nation last week appears to encompass land occupied by a stretch of multimillion-dollar homes and an 18-hole golf course in Richmond, B.C. A map of the Cowichan title lands that was part of the B.C. Supreme Court ruling, combined with publicly available land documents, identify the mansions and other properties along Richmond’s No. 6 Road, south of Blundell Road. They include a 10,600 square-foot home with 11 bathrooms and an official valuation of $7.78 million, as well as other multimillion-dollar residences and the Country Meadows Golf Course. The ruling says the Cowichan did not seek a declaration that private titles in the area were “defective and invalid,” unlike government-owned land that makes up much of...
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Cowichan title lands encompass multimillion-dollar mansions in Richmond, B.C.
By Ashley Joannou and Nono Shen The stretch of semi-rural land on No. 6 Road in Richmond, B.C., is home to blueberry farms, multimillion-dollar mansions and an 18-hole golf course. Those properties are all now encompassed by a landmark Aboriginal title claim that was successfully established by the Cowichan Nation last week. The ruling in B.C. Supreme Court confirmed Cowichan Aboriginal title and fishing rights over the stretch of land on Lulu Island next to the south arm of the Fraser River where the nation had a summer village where members fished for salmon. Now it is occupied by Crown and City of Richmond holdings — as well as private properties that include a 10,600 square-foot home with 11 bathrooms and an official valuation of $7.78 million, other multimillion-dollar homes...
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Yukon, Alaska sign agreement to address missing and murdered Indigenous people
The Yukon has signed an agreement with the state of Alaska to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. The territorial government says the memorandum of understanding was initiated in April 2024 and was signed in Whitehorse on Tuesday. It says in a news release that the document marks a “significant milestone” that will strengthen cross-border collaboration. The territory says it will unite efforts and enhance communication to improve safety and better respond to gender-based violence in northern communities. It says the agreement fulfils a milestone under the Yukon’s strategy for responding to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The territory says Yukon and American officials met after the signing ceremony to exchange expertise. This report by The Canadian Press was first published...
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Charlie Lake Indigenous heritage site reaches grant milestone
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca CHARLIE LAKE, B.C. — A local heritage site has received the final installment of a $300,000 grant allocated four years ago. According to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) July newsletter, the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society received the final $75,000 of a $300,000 grant that was issued in 2021 for its cultural centre project. Alyssa Currie, executive director of the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society which oversees the cave, said the final installment of funds “marks the end of this phase” of the project. “We do still have reporting to do with [NDIT] for the next couple of years,” said Currie. “Following up on the legacy of the project and how it has impacted job opportunities at the site, visitors at the site [and] investment...
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