Nunavik Police Service aims to relaunch cadet program
By Cedric Gallant, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavik Police Service is reviving its cadet program with hopes to increase its Inuit staff. The program will recruit 18-year-old Inuit to accompany officers in activities such as prevention work, bike rallies and school presentations, said Nunavik Police Service Chief Jean-Pierre Larose in a French interview from his Kuujjuaq office. After a summer or two as a cadet, they can decide if they would like to enter the Royal Canadian Mounted Police program that Nunavik police have been using to recruit other officers. The six-month program, offered in Regina, trains a police officer from scratch. After graduating, they can be hired to enter Nunavik’s police service. “I must admit, there is a lot of work to do,” Larose said of his team’s need...
Register
Aukkauti, a Nunavik story made whole again
By Cedric Gallant, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Aukkauti holds his friend’s dead son in his arms and looks out into the packed crowd in Satuumivik gymnasium, with elders sitting in the front row. He’s the lead character in the namesake play Aukkauti, an adaptation of a story told across multiple generations in Nunavik. Aukkauti premièred Thursday at the Puvirnituq Snow Festival, a production of Aaqsiiq Inuit Theatre. “What was important for me was to show the authenticity of the events,” the play’s author Lisa Koperqualuk said in an interview. She has been working on bringing Aukkauti’s story to life for the past seven years. The story is a tragic one, and it’s true. Aukkauti made the fatal mistake in 1899 of shooting his friend’s son, which led to...
Register
Entering ‘exciting professional development’
By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Jason Rasevych is changing the narrative for First Nations. Well known as a negotiator, business advisor, Indigenous business ambassador and entrepreneur, Rasevych has now become a top scholar. President and founder of the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA), Rasevych is one of 52 Canadians who have been accepted into the competitive seventh cohort of the Harvard Business School executive education certificate program. The Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities program was delivered in partnership with the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada at Harvard University in Boston, Mass., last week. Rasevych said he is “grateful and humbled” to be selected as one of the Indigenous leaders for the Harvard program, which he called “prestigious.” He said the timing of it is...
Register
CIBC and Indigenous-led Longhouse Capital Partners form strategic relationship
-CP-CIBC Global Asset Management says it has entered into a strategic relationship with Indigenous-owned and led asset management firm Longhouse Capital Partners Inc. The bank says the relationship will give its institutional clients opportunities to expand access to private markets through investments in Indigenous-managed alternative investment options such as private infrastructure debt. It says Longhouse focuses on private infrastructure debt so Indigenous communities can invest in assets like transmission lines, renewable energy, and transportation projects. Paul Cugno, chief operating officer of Longhouse, says the relationship with CIBC will help its efforts to provide both long-term stable financial returns and economic self-determination for Indigenous communities. The deal comes as a range of efforts are underway to increase Indigenous infrastructure ownership, including a federal loan guarantee program. It also comes as banks...
Register
Ginoogaming still in state of emergency despite temporary bridge
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source GINOOGAMING — Ginoogaming First Nation has a functioning temporary bridge to Longlac, but the First Nation’s leadership says the community will remain in a state of emergency until they once again have a permanent crossing. Ginoogaming closed the decades-old bridge between the First Nation and Longlac and declared a state of emergency in early November after engineers determined the span was at risk of immediate failure. The temporary bridge, made necessary by the deterioration of an old span across the Making Ground River Bridge, opened to traffic last Nov. 30. The federal government promised to form a working group with Ontario focused on bridge repair and maintenance. But, according to Ginoogaming Chief Sheri Taylor, that promise has gone largely unfulfilled....
Register
FRAUD TEXT SCAM ALERT: The OPP WARNS ONTARIANS ARE BEING TARGETED IN “SMISHING” FRAUD
OTTAWA, ON- Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)are warning the public to any text based appearing to come from financial institutionsm retailers and others afte cybercriminals began “ramping up text-based scams” in a move to steal personal and banking information. The tactic, OPP say is known as “smishing”, a combination of “SMS” (short message service) and phishing. The tactic relies on “deceptive text messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or calling fraudulent numbers”. OPP said the smishing messages often appear to come from financial institutions, courier companies, online retailers or government agencies. Clicking on the links can lead to identity theft, financial fraud or malware being installed on your device. Examples of smishing attempts are available in the additional content section to help Ontarians recognize these scams. In 2024, the...
Register
Homicide detectives investigate after Winnipeg man’s suspicious death
WINNIPEG,MAN-Homicide detectives in Winnipeg are looking into the suspicious death of a Saskatchewan man whose body was found behind a home last week. Police say they were called to the 700 block of Wellington Avenue on Friday for a report of “suspicious circumstances,” where they found 30-year-old Bronson Emery Dale Kequahtooway dead. Kequahtooway had been living in Winnipeg but was originally from the Zagime Anishinabek First Nation in Saskatchewan. Police say the man’s family has been notified and that the investigation continues. Anyone with information is to contact the Winnipeg police or Crime Stoppers. Media reports from the scene show a row of garbage and recycling bins partially covered with a black tarp with police tape surrounding the area. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31,...
Register
Sexual assault trial for Lake St. Martin First Nation chief begins in Winnipeg
By Brittany Hobson The chief of a Manitoba First Nation allegedly forced a young girl into a bathroom in his Winnipeg home, took photos of her and sexually assaulted her, court heard on the first day of the man’s trial. Christopher Traverse, who was the leader of Lake St. Martin First Nation at the time of his arrest last year, has been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and child pornography stemming from the incident, which allegedly occurred in December 2023. Traverse has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A publication ban is in effect that restricts naming the girl or any other details that may identify her. The complainant, who was eight years old at the time of the alleged offences, provided testimony in provincial court on Monday in...
Register
B.C. North Coast First Nation to vote on historic constitution
By Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Rupert Northern View The Lax Kw’alaams band has called a referendum for April 9 to vote on the proposed Da’ax Kw’alaams Man-Ayaawx Constitution, a momentous step toward establishing their own self-governance framework. “A Constitution will re-affirm and assert the rights of Lax Kw’alaams people. Only with the Constitution can we move away from the Indian Act,” said the band on its official social media handles. The Lax Kw’alaams community consists of descendants from the Nine Tribes of the Ts’msyen, which include the Gitlaan, Gispaxlo’ots, Gilutz’aaẅ, Gitandoa, Gitnadoixs, Ginax’angiik, Gits’iis, Gitzaxłaał, and the Gitwilgyoots. It has approximately 4,150 members and is located on the northwest coast of British Columbia near Prince Rupert. To exercise their rights to self-determination and self-governance, they will proceed...
Register
B.C. hunts for wasteful spending in review of health authorities
By Brieanna Charlebois British Columbia is reviewing health authority spending to ensure resources go to “critical patient services” and to minimize wasteful administrative costs. Health Minister Josie Osborne said Monday that the government wants to ensure that all authorities are best positioned to tackle the “complex challenges” facing the health care system. “There is no doubt that the health-care system is under a lot of strain right now,” she told reporters in Victoria on Monday. “These reviews will be undertaken in a very thoughtful, structured way, with input from health-care providers so that we can do the best job possible, making the best use of all resources to deliver health care for British Columbians.” The move comes amid a series of emergency room closures that have spread from rural communities...
Register
‘We’re in a dire time’: Treaty 8 director of sport on importance of teamwork podcast
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT NELSON, B.C. — Cedar Welchin spoke of the importance of using sport to uplift the lives of First Nations’ youth in an appearance on Before the Peace. Welchin, who resides in the Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN), is the former athletic director of Chalo School and is currently the director of sport of the Treaty 8 BC Sports Association. “I started this because there’s a real need for All-Native teams,” said Welchin. “I kind of pulled away what I was doing in the school to get more teams up in the north. “[Sports] are an expression of the commitments we have to our communities. Older people need to step up. It helps us to build strong, healthy communities through teamwork. We’re...
Register
Language research released for National Indigenous Languages Day
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Beaver language of the Dane-zaa people was one of nine different language families analyzed by a new report. The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages in collaboration with Statistics Canada released the data on Monday, March 31st: National Indigenous Languages Day. According to the Treaty 8 Tribal Association’s website, Dane-zaa or the Beaver language – part of the Athabaskan family – is the dialect spoken among several bands in northeast B.C. These include Doig River First Nation, Prophet River First Nation and Halfway River First Nation. The report suggests the province has a “diverse group” of Athabaskan speakers with roughly three quarters of respondents surveyed – 75.9 per cent – living in B.C. able to...
Register
NDP calls out Mark Carney for Brookfield lawsuit with Mississauga FN
By Margaret Kirk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Sault Star Federal New Democrats are criticizing Prime Minister Mark Carney over a $100-million lawsuit between Mississauga First Nation (MFN) and a subsidiary of his former company, Brookfield Asset Management. Brookfield, a global investment firm specializing in renewable energy, claims to manage $1 trillion in assets and employs approximately 250,000 people across more than 30 countries. Carney served as vice-chair and head of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and impact fund investing at Brookfield from 2020 until 2025, when he ran for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. The Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research has accused Brookfield of consistently paying low taxes, exploiting global tax havens, and relying on banking in Bermuda. At a webinar on Friday, Manitoba...
Register
Port of Churchill sees renewed interest as Canada looks to diversify trade routes
By Lauren Krugel Manitoba may be smack dab in the middle of the country, but its premier wishes to remind Canadians it’s a maritime province. “When you think of Manitoba, you think of the Prairies, you think of the bush, but did you know that you can get to saltwater as well?” Wab Kinew said in early February as the province and Ottawa announced a joint $80-million investment in the Port of Churchill. Trade routes that eschew the United States have become a focus as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to threaten Canadian sovereignty and subject businesses to tariff whiplash. One option is the rail-accessible deepwater port in Churchill, Man., near where the Churchill River pours into Hudson Bay. Kinew said investing in the port is one way to “Trump...
Register
Indigenous business grants help transform communities, UCP says
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Macleod Gazette Grants aimed at Indigenous businesses are helping create jobs and nurture downhome success stories across Alberta, the legislature heard as the opening of an application process approached. The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund helps cover equipment and infrastructure purchases and upgrades, said Grant Hunter, the UCP member for Taber-Warner in the far south of the province. Supported businesses create jobs while generating revenue and economic stability within their communities, he added. Alberta’s 2025 budget allots $10 million for a program that has given financial boosts to 105 community-owned businesses since it began in 2014, said Hunter. Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson called the fund “a game-changer for communities across Alberta.” Continued Wilson: “I can see the difference. This government is moving...
Register
Advocating for Indigenous youth through personality pageants
By Claire McFarlane, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio Alisha Danielson is quick to say her participation in pageants has nothing to do with her looks. “I want to be judged on who I am and what difference I’m trying to make, rather than what I look like,” said Danielson. “That’s the biggest thing for me.” The 20-year-old is one of Yellowknife’s newest residents, having moved to the city earlier this month. She grew up in Prince Rupert, British Columbia and has ties to Kehewin Cree Nation in Alberta. Danielson was crowned Miss Queen Teen Alberta 2024, Miss Queen Teen Canada 2024 and, more recently, Miss Teen Universal Petite Canada 2025. In June, she will go on to represent Canada in her first international pageant, on a cruise from Florida...
Register
Utah becomes first state to ban LGBTQ+ pride flags in government buildings and schools
By Hannah Schoenbaum SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah became the first state to prohibit flying LGBTQ+pride flags at schools and all government buildings after the Republican governor announced he was allowing a ban on unsanctioned flag displays to become law without his signature. Gov. Spencer Cox, who made the announcement late Thursday night, said he continues to have serious concerns with the policy but chose not to reject it because his veto would likely be overridden by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Starting May 7, state or local government buildings will be fined $500 a day for flying any flag other than the United States flag, the Utah state flag, military flags or a short list of others approved by lawmakers. Political flags supporting a certain candidate or party, such as...
Register
Manitoba to look at potential outreach efforts for U.S. researchers, says Kinew
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says his government is looking at ways to recruit scientists and researchers from the United States. Discussions continued Friday with provincial and territorial leaders and Prime Minister Mark Carney on addressing tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Kinew says his government is aware of funding cuts under the Trump administration to universities and research institutions and plans to do more outreach about the matter. The NDP government has been running ads in the U.S. to recruit nurses as the province tries to bolster health-care staffing numbers. Kinew says the government is investing in research and post-secondary institutions and that if U.S. academics move to Manitoba, they would be free to conduct research in various areas. Kinew did not provide specific details on what recruitment efforts...
Register
Ontario judge grants injunction to keep consumption sites open for now
By Liam Casey -CP-An Ontario judge has granted an injunction to keep 10 supervised consumption sites open while he considers a Charter challenge of a new provincial law that bans the sites from operating within 200 metres of schools or daycares. Justice John Callaghan of the Superior Court of Justice said all sites slated to close under the new law by April 1 can remain open until 30 days after he decides the case. “The constitutional issues in this application are complex,” Callaghan wrote. “My decision will require some time. Thus, I have reserved my decision on the Charter and other constitutional issues and the judgment will be released in the coming months.” The Neighbourhood Group, which runs the Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site in downtown Toronto, launched a lawsuit...
Register
Newfoundland destroys textbooks with inaccurate information about Indigenous people
Education officials in Newfoundland and Labrador recently ordered the destruction of thousands of textbooks because they contained inaccurate information about the province’s Indigenous population. The move came after the government’s Indigenous education advisory committee decided the books “did not accurately reflect the cultural reality” of the province. The Education Department says the committee found that the books erroneously stated that Turtle Island — a name for the North American continent used by some Indigenous people — is a creation story that applies to all Indigenous people. As well, the committee found that the books incorrectly said that all Indigenous people are exempt from paying taxes or paying for a university education. The books, used by French immersion students, included stereotypical references to Indigenous eating habits, and incorrectly claimed that all...
Register
