Toronto vigil held for man killed by U.S. Border Patrol in Minneapolis
TORONTO, ONT-Dozens of people gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in Toronto on Tuesday for a vigil in memory of Alex Pretti, who was killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on Saturday. The 37-year-old was an intensive care nurse at a veterans affairs hospital and his family said he took part in protests against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. U.S. officials have said that Pretti, who had a permit to carry a gun, was armed and officers fired defensively after he approached them. But bystander videos do not appear to show Pretti holding a weapon before he was shot and his death has sparked widespread outrage and further protests. Organizers of the vigil in Toronto said there were at least 150 people in attendance at one...
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Arctic sovereignty, collaboration key takeaways from Dene National Assembly, says AFN national chief
By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak condemned U.S. President Donald Trump and emphasized Arctic sovereignty at the 2026 Dene National Assembly. “It was a beautiful assembly. We talked about the Dene, Dene sovereignty, their work in the North, their work in keeping Canada together, and being on the land,” said Woodhouse Nepinak. “Canada needs to remember that they have to include the Dene in everything that’s related to Arctic sovereignty, and to make sure that they’re included in those discussions.” In regards to other issues that arose during the assembly, held from Jan. 20-22 in Fort Good Hope,Woodhouse Nepinak said, “It was good to hear the language, good to see (Dene) hand games, and talk about many issues...
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Canadian, US First Nations defend caribou habitat from Trump’s Arctic oil plans
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Pauline Frost grew up without running water, flush toilets, roads or television in Old Crow, Yukon, about 800 kilometres north of Whitehorse. Residents, mainly members of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, depended on the Porcupine caribou migration, which had sustained the community for generations. “Caribou was always around. I don’t recollect growing up ever being without caribou,” said Frost, now 63 and the First Nation’s chief. But in recent years, the herd has been declining: heavy snow has buried the lichen the caribou feed on, more calves are dying and the animals have remained on the Alaska side of their range. Earlier this month, the Gwich’in Steering Committee, which represents Gwich’in communities across Alaska and Canada, updated its 2020 lawsuit...
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Shooting of swimming bull moose costly for men
By Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal Three Wisconsin men have collectively been fined more than $27,000 and banned from hunting in Ontario for several years after a bull moose was shot while it was swimming in a remote area north of Pickle Lake. A provincial investigation determined that in late September of 2023, the trio were out hunting on Skinner Lake. Conservation officers had flown into the area at the time “in response to unlawful hunting practices documented in remote outpost camps,” a Ministry of Natural Resources news release said on Friday. According to the news release, on Sept. 25, 2023 Ben Droessler and fellow hunter Jeffery Gassman “shot and killed a . . . bull moose from a motorboat while it was swimming.” Gassman did not...
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Edjericon calls for economic reconciliation with Indigenous people
By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon is championing the need for economic reconciliation as the Deninu K’ue Fist Nation seeks territorial government backing to provide an edge in procuring private-sector contracts. Edjericon said he’s been in close contact with Deninu Chief Louis Balsillie about a letter that Balsillie recently sent to the GNWT over losing out on a bid to a southern-based entity to provide core boxes to a mining company. “This situation highlights the need for the economic component of reconciliation. Economic development on our traditional territory must be guided by a culture of mutual respect and shared benefit,” Edjericon said. “Businesses must partner with our communities, and we require leadership from the territorial government through strong policies and collaborative partnerships...
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Auditor General gives Northland a clean bill of health
By Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader Northland School Division has successfully implemented all requirements from the Auditor General of Alberta. In December 2025, the Auditor General presented his report to the Alberta Legislature. The report said, “We completed our assessment of implementation of three recommendations from our March 2015 audit of the Systems to Improve Student Attendance in Northland School Division. We found that all three recommendations have been implemented. We previously reported on the progress of these recommendations in 2018.” The three recommendations were that Northland develops a plan to improve student attendance, Northland monitor and enforce student attendance, and the Department of Education and Childcare oversee Northland’s progress. The Auditor General’s report says, “Since making our recommendations in 2015, the percentage of students regularly attending...
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Legal experts, advocates slam Niagara Falls Council for sending $4K bill to silence resident
By Ed Smith, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter & Joel Wittnebel, The Pointer The decision by Niagara Falls council members was made in a matter of minutes, without legal advice, without guidance from senior staff, and has left many residents, advocates and legal experts stunned. Niagara Falls City Council voted last week to send resident Joedy Burdett a bill for $4,000 after he filed a Code of Conduct complaint to the municipality’s controversial integrity commissioner who summarily dismissed it without investigation. For Burdett, his saga took a bizarre turn on October 28 when he filed a Code of Conduct complaint against all members of council for refusing to allow him to speak at two separate public meetings. Burdett maintains that staff blocked his participation on September 16 and October 7, and...
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Greenstone power line upgrade now provincial ‘priority project’
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com AROLAND — Provincial officials say they’re taking a significant step toward completing a long-planned upgrade to regional energy infrastructure. On Wednesday, the Ford government announced it is designating the Greenstone transmission line a provincial “priority project” and is clearing the way for Hydro One to develop and construct it. “Ontario is giving the green light to, not only build, but to accelerate the Greenstone transmission line, which will help displace diesel power, and yes, it will connect us to the gateway to the Ring of Fire,” Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines told a news conference in Etobicoke. “This will deliver the energy backbone and the infrastructure to unlock, and to improve, the quality of life for so many northerners...
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Six Nations hit with major snow storm
Six Nations Public Works digs out from record breaking snow storm When the storm hits and the community hunkers down to wait it out, Six Nations Public Works gets to work. Environment Canada predicted more than 50 centimetres of snowfall Sunday as the storm moved through Ontario and Six Nations got its share. But while families waited it out at home, Six Nations’ small army of public works employees went to work sanding and clearing roadways. Six Nations councillor Helen Miller had nothing but praise for the crews. “I thought they did a good job and I never got one complaint about the roads which is unusual. So they must have done a good job,” she said. She said mostly people stayed off the roads. “I never heard of a lot...
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Six Nations Elected council supports tribunal drawing awareness to Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
Six Nations will support an international opinion tribunal to bring awareness to what it calls Canada’s lacklustre response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) voted to support a request for a letter of endorsement for the Permanent People’s Tribunal at its General Council meeting on January 13. The move hopes to force an examine crimes against humanity related to Indian Residential Schools, to allow Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal to secure funding for the project. They are seeking funding from the Future Generations Fund to support the Permanent People’s Tribunal, which is scheduled to hold public hearings in Montreal from May 25 to 29, 2026. Nakuset, Executive Director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal formally invited...
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Cold Weather Alert issued January 23
Six Nations community members needing help during the cold weather alert can find access to a number of warming centres in the community. The alert came Friday Jan. 23 after the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) for Grand Erie Public Health issued a cold weather alert Jan 22. The alert warned temperatures were expected to drop below -15C or reach wind chill values of -20C. With temperatures of -15C or colder, the MOH warned unprotected skin could freeze in less than 30 minutes and there is a high risk of developing hypothermia Six Nations of the Grand River has opened warming centres at: – The Family Gathering Place, 18 Stoneridge Circle – The Jamieson Elementary School Portable next to the school at 1613 Chiefswood Road. Water and warm drinks will...
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Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill discusses relationships between First Nations and municipalities at ROMA conference
By Sam Laskaris Writer Six Nations chief Sherri-Lyn Hill believes some progress is being made. But Hill believes there is still plenty of work required in order to improve First Nations relationships with municipal and provincial government officials. Hill was a panelist at the three-day Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference being held this week at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. The conference began Sunday and wraps up Tuesday. At a Monday session, Hill was one of several chiefs that spoke on various topics, including a plan put out by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The session was titled Indigenous and Municipal Relationships – Actioning AMO’s Indigenous Relations Action Plan in a Meaningful Way. “I want to be clear that First Nations and municipalities have similar realities,” Hill...
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RCMP officially launches National High Risk Child Sex Offender Database, public gains access
By Joshua Drakes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Orangeville Citizen. The public now has access to a centralized, accessible database on child sex offenders nationwide for the first time, as part of a bill passed through parliament. This bill, the High-Risk Child Sex Offender Database Act, was brought into force on Dec. 31, 2024. This bill outlined a requirement to establish a publicly accessible database of people convicted of sexual offenses against children and who pose a high risk of committing similar crimes again. The online database officially launched on Thursday, Jan. 15. The database was described by Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, as an important move to protect children across Canada. “Children are amongst the most vulnerable members in our society, and our government is committed to keeping them...
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Cannabis retailers reject SNEC’s bylaw amendments
A representative for four licensed cannabis producers operating on Six Nations formally rejected recent amendments to the Six Nations Cannabis Control Law and regulations. George Doxtator, a Six Nations member, addressed Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) at the General Council meeting on January 13 on behalf of Cryo Can, Legacy Farms, Green on Six and Gas Gang, stating the group’s position clearly and collectively. “We want to be absolutely clear,” Doxtator said. “All four licensed producers categorically reject the November 2025 amendments to the Six Nations Cannabis Control Law and regulations. This is not a request for minor revisions. This is a rejection of the amendments in their current form.” Doxtator told council the amendments fundamentally alter the regulatory framework that licensed producers originally agreed to operate under. He said...
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Six Nations fire department is growing
Six Nations is purchasing three new trucks and look into renovating its fire stations. Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) approved early planning work for future fire station development and moved ahead with the replacement of three frontline fire trucks during its General Finance meeting on Jan. 19. The decisions were brought forward by SNEC’s Community Committee. Councillor Alaina VanEvery, who chaired the meeting, focused on long-term infrastructure needs for Six Nations Fire and Emergency Services, including feasibility planning for fire stations and the purchase of a new pumper truck to replace aging equipment. SNEC approved a recommendation allowing Six Nations Fire and Emergency Services to proceed with a single-source bid to K.L. Martin and Associated Corp. to conduct an initial feasibility study and draft floor plans related to fire station...
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SNEC objects to West Brant development
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) says it will oppose a development in West Brant due to environmental and treaty concerns. SNEC voted at its Jan. 13 General Council meeting to formally oppose a proposed LIV Communities development on Shellard Lane in the City of Brantford. SNEC cited concerns about environmental impacts, species at risk and Six Nations harvesting and hunting rights. The decision followed a recommendation from the Lands, Resources, Wealth and Economy Committee. The committee said the Consultation and Accommodation Process team has provided written comments and letters expressing concern about the development that is located within the Shellard Lane Special Policy Area 20. SNEC said future meetings are expected where “continued concerns on behalf of Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council will be expressed.” The resolution...
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For being there…
They have often been called the Unsung heroes of winter”. You may not know them but you certainly see them. They man the plows that clear the roadways when winter storms hit. They jump on firetrucks in freezing temperatures to respond to calls to save homes and families. You hear their sirens when they fly by in cruisers heading to what we all know is an emergency and secretly hope it isn’t someone in our families. They are the men and women who hit the roadways no matter what the weather or emergency or what they may see or come upon. During winter months the sight of them pulling up to your home, your driveway or your neighbours to help is relief that they have come…that they exist…that these men...
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Today in History
January 26 In 1984, the federal government announced a land claims settlement with Yukon natives worth $620 million. The deal also gave them title to 20,000 square kilometres. In 1990, a royal commission report exonerated Nova Scotia native Donald Marshall — nearly 19 years after he was falsely convicted of the 1971 Sydney murder of Sandy Seale. The report said Nova Scotia’s justice system was riddled with racism, ineptitude and unfairness. It added Marshall was victimized, at least in part, because he was a Mi’Kmaq. Marshall was later compensated with a lifetime pension worth $1.5 million. He returned to the headlines in 1999, when a legal challenge he launched produced a landmark Supreme Court of Canada ruling on native fishing rights. Marshall died in August 2009. January 30 In 2020,...
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Chiefs select two players in Major Series Lacrosse draft
By Sam Laskaris Writer Some new faces have joined the Six Nations Chiefs’ organization. Despite being the least active team on Saturday, the local Senior A men’s box lacrosse squad selected a pair of players in the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) draft, which was held this past Saturday in Whitby. The Chiefs, the three-time defending champions of the Ontario-based MSL circuit who have also won three straight national Mann Cup titles, had previously dealt away the majority of their picks in this year’s draft. As a result, the brass of the Six Nations squad had to sit by idly until the third round when it was able to make its first selection. The Chiefs utilized that pick, 21st over-all on David Peterkin, a Kawartha Lakes native who was a key...
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Ironmen winning streak snapped with loss in Strathroy
By Sam Laskaris Writer The longest winning streak of the season for the Six Nations Ironmen came to an end this past Friday. The Ironmen, who had won five consecutive matches, were downed 7-5 by the host Strathroy Jets in a Northern Premier Hockey League (NPHL) contest. Ryan Davis, the head coach of the Six Nations squad, was not overly upset Friday’s loss concluded the recent Ironmen winning ways. “It came to an end but I’m still pleased with the team and how we’re trending in the right direction getting ready for the playoffs,” he said. The Ironmen, a senior men’s club competing in its first NPHL campaign, have just two regular season matches remaining. They will host the Orangeville Blitz this Sunday in a contest that will be held...
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