Nipissing First Nation leads rally against Ontario’s Bill 5
By David Briggs, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, BayToday.ca About 70 people gathered before MPP Vic Fedeli’s office on North Bay’s Main Street today to protest the province’s proposed Bill 5. Nipissing First Nation (NFN) organized the event. Bill 5, the Unleashing Our Economy Act, is designed to fast-track economic development and holds many amendments to the Environmental Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. NFN is concerned that this expedited process will reduce opportunities for consultation between the province and First Nations. “Bill 5 is new legislation that could harm our land, weaken environmental protections, and ignore our Treaty rights. It was created without proper consultation with Indigenous peoples. This is not right and we must speak out,” NFN explained in a release. The demonstration was part of a larger...
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First Nations rally against Bill 5
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source TORONTO – Meaningless and unserious are words Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa uses to describe amendments the Ontario government proposes for its own Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. The controversial bill, which would allow the province to designate “special economic zones” where provincial and municipal laws could be suspended for key projects, has sparked a backlash from First Nations that say it tramples on their treaty and constitutional rights. The government said last week it will seek to amend the bill to include a statement recognizing the province’s “duty to consult” First Nations and the implementation of “Indigenous-led economic zones.” “The government amendments are meaningless,” Mamakwa told Newswatch on Friday, ahead of an anti-Bill 5 rally...
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Man exonerated after Manitoba court quashes murder convictions
An Indigenous man in Manitoba who spent more than two decades in prison has had his three murder convictions quashed and the charges stayed. Former justice minister David Lametti referred the case of Robert Sanderson to the Manitoba Court of Appeal in 2023 for a new hearing, saying there was a likely a miscarriage of justice. Innocence Canada, the group that applied for the ministerial review of the convictions based on new evidence, said the Appeal Court ordered a new trial Friday and the Crown stayed proceedings Monday in Court of King’s Bench. James Lockyer, a founding director of Innocence Canada, said it has been a “long haul” for Sanderson and the organization. “We’ve known about his case for certainly more than a decade,” Lockyer said in an interview. “Just...
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First Manitoba Drinking Water Interns Graduate
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 03, 2025 — June is Indigenous History Month, and the graduation of 11 new Indigenous water operators marks a reason to celebrate. The graduates, from seven communities in the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC), have completed Water First Education & Training Inc.’s 15-month Drinking Water Internship and are now certified with Class 1 water treatment and wastewater credentials, which will allow them to pursue further certification and employment as water operators. For Walter Spence of Peguis First Nation, the training he gained during the internship will support and enhance his current position. “I’m 56 years old and already work for the Public Works Department in my home community. But now I have a better understanding and additional skills to be able to make a greater contribution to...
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Saskatchewan fire evacuations grow after blaze breaches airport
The latest wildfire evacuees in Saskatchewan are being told to head south to Prince Albert after being ordered to leave the northern town of La Ronge. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency issued an evacuation order Monday afternoon for the 2,500 residents of La Ronge, as well as those in nearby Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band after a wildfire breached the town’s airport. Among the affected by the order are more than 45 acute-care patients and long-term care residents from the La Ronge Health Centre and care homes, who the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Canadian Red Cross are working to move. The out-of-control fire is fast moving and was listed at more than 836 square kilometres in size as of Monday evening. The La Ronge evacuation...
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Haldimand OPP find human remains in fatal fire
HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Haldimand County emergency services responding to a fully engulfed house fire at a Kinross Street, Caledonia address early Sunday, May 11, 2025 found human remains within the structure. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Haldimand County Detachment, Haldimand County Fire Department, and Paramedic Services responded at about 3:32 a.m.to a fire at a Kinross Street, in the town of Caledonia. Upon arrival firefighters found a fully enguled house fire and were able to extinquish th blaze, however, human remains were found inside the home. The identity of the deceased remains under investigation. The Haldimand County OPP Crime Unit is continuing to investigate in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Marshall, the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. The fire is not being...
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GNWT employees may get bonus for speaking Indigenous languages
By Eric Bowling, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North GWNT employees who learn one of the nine official Indigenous languages of the Northwest Territories may be eligible for a bonus under ongoing development of the Indigenous Recruitment Framework. A report highlighting the goals and progress of the program, now in its second year of operation, was released on Tuesday. “The GNWT recognizes the importance of sustained investment in Indigenous employment and is committed to building a representative, inclusive public service that reflects the population it serves,” said Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek. “Departmental Indigenous Employment Plans are driving meaningful progress and accountability. “We’re seeing more departments take ownership of their targets, explore innovative hiring approaches, and prioritize the advancement of Indigenous employees. This is about changing systems to create lasting opportunity.”...
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Tetlit Gwich’in to film climate change documentary on moose hunt
By Eric Bowling, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North Hunters, Elders and youth are organizing a fall moose hunt and will be filming the expedition with the help of a cash injection from the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP). ‘Wisdom from the Water’ was awarded $30,000 during the May 13 AIP ceremony in Ottawa, one of 12 teams to receive a prize from the overall $3.7-million annual charitable event. “It’s still sinking in,” said Tetlit Gwich’in Chief Elizabeth Wright. “We’re very excited. “The youth will have this documented for further use, so that other youth who are not on the trip will be able to see it.” Wright said the idea came out of last year’s fall moose hunt, where a group of 15 youth joined hunters, Elders and other mentors...
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Heiltsuk Nation ratification feast brings written constitution into force
By Brieanna Charlebois The Heiltsuk Nation has ratified its written constitution through a celebratory feast in Bella Bella, B.C. Marilyn Slett, the nation’s elected chief, called it a “monumental day” that comes after two decades of development and consultation. “It’s hard to put into words how big it is. It’s definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day,” Slett said of Friday’s feast. The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia’s central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The nation said 67 per cent of the 725 people who voted on the referendum were in favour of the constitution....
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Coalition of First Nations contest the Mineral Tenure Agreement
By John Wirth, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News In Canada, provincial governments hold jurisdiction over many aspects of mining. These include the development and enforcement of mining regulations, the issuance of permits and licenses for mineral exploration and extraction, and the negotiation of agreements with mining companies. These agreements encompass critical areas such as environmental protection, royalty payments, and community benefit arrangements. With high tariffs on Canadian exports looming, gold prices have reached record highs this year, likely due to market uncertainty. Meanwhile, a powerful coalition has formed to challenge the Mineral Tenure Agreement policy change. In its challenge, the Gitxaała Nation is standing with the full support of The Union of British Columbian Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). Furthermore, The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and British Columbia Civil...
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With land transfer deal, once-displaced Lyackson First Nation prepares to return home
By Julie Chadwick, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, IndigiNews After fighting to reestablish its main village site for more than four generations, the Lyackson First Nation is mapping out a new and hopeful future. The “Vancouver Island” community of roughly 230 people has regained ownership of a 312-hectare land parcel alongside Cowichan Tribes — building on decades of advocacy and work to regain what was lost during colonization. “This village site will forever change the trajectory of the Leey’qsun Mustimuhw for our community today and future generations,” said Lyackson Chief Laxele’wuts’aat Chief Shana Thomas on May 22. “We have a lot of work to do to prepare, but our community is ready to take on that work.” Traditionally, Lyackson’s winter village T’eet’qe’ had sat at the mouth of the Quw’utsun and...
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Catching Babies at Home – Cree midwifery celebrates historic milestone
By Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Nation An amendment to provincial regulations governing midwifery that took effect May 22 enables Indigenous trainees in community-based programs to provide full perinatal care throughout pregnancy, birth and new life. The change follows a campaign by the Cree Health Board, the Inuulitsivik Health Centre, the Ordre des sages-femmes du Québec and other organizations. “We changed the law,” said Jasmine Chatelain, managing director of the CHB midwifery education program. “Now our students are no longer limited and can learn all requirements for becoming a licensed midwife. The by-product is that Indigenous people can become midwives.” The health board’s groundbreaking midwifery training program, Eeyou Istchee Pimâtîsuwin Chiskutimâchuwin (EIPC), launched last July with four learners in Chisasibi and one in Waskaganish. But they were legally...
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Heiltsuk Nation ratification feast brings written constitution into force
By Brieanna Charlebois The Heiltsuk Nation has ratified its written constitution through a celebratory feast in Bella Bella, B.C. Marilyn Slett, the nation’s elected chief, called it a “monumental day” that comes after two decades of development and consultation. “It’s hard to put into words how big it is. It’s definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day,” Slett said of Friday’s feast. The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia’s central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The nation said 67 per cent of the 725 people who voted on the referendum were in favour of the constitution....
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Decolonizing surfing by learning Nuu-chah-nulth place names for surf breaks
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Esowista, BC – For mułaa (pronounced mu-thla) Rising Tide Surf Team, the love of surfing runs in tandem with learning how to say surfing – and all the surf words – in Nuu-chah-nulth language. Anyone can come along for the ride too; mułaa worked with Gisele Martin at the Tla-o-qui-aht Language Department and Samantha Touchie from Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government to create a surf map that showcases the traditional names of surf breaks from načiks (Tofino) to Ucluelet. Graphic designer Riley Milroy of Crimson Studio Illustration did the artwork for the map, and it was printed on t-shirts, toques, posters, postcards and tote bags, which can be purchased at the Tourism Tofino Visitor Centre or Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground. The non-profit’s co-founder Rachel...
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Ottawa’s plan to ‘fast-track’ infrastructure doesn’t go far enough: Poilievre
By Nick Murray As Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre argues the government’s plan to speed up key infrastructure projects doesn’t go far enough, some Indigenous leaders are accusing Ottawa of not giving them enough time to weigh in. The government is developing a bill to fast-track what it calls nation-building projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process as a substitute for reviews under the Impact Assessment Act, also known as C-69. A briefing document obtained by The Canadian Press indicates the legislation would set the criteria to decide if a project is in the national interest. Once that’s decided, a single federal minister would be named to oversee a review process laying out how the project can be built. Taking questions from reporters in Ottawa on Friday, Poilievre said he would...
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Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to release names of residential school priests
By Alessia Passafiume The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation says it will soon release the names of 140 priests or brothers who worked in residential schools. Along with their names, the centre says it will also post online their personnel files and the names of the schools where they served. The list was developed with the Oblates of OMI Lacombe Canada, which the centre says played a “fundamental role in Canada’s residential school system.” The centre says the records are a “vital” resource for families and communities as they research survivors and those who never made it home, and that the names of the priests and brothers will be “updated on an ongoing basis.” Raymond Frogner, head of archives and senior director of research for the centre, says the...
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Indigenous leaders again left out of first ministers meeting as tensions grow
By Alessia Passafiume The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is warning the provinces and Ottawa it “may not end well” if they make decisions about major infrastructure projects at the upcoming first ministers meeting without First Nations involvement. First Nations leaders in Ontario, meanwhile, have a rally planned for Monday at Queen’s Park to protest the provincial government’s controversial Bill 5, legislation meant to speed up development. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says the lack of First Nations representation at the first ministers’ table is “very disrespectful.” The Assembly of First Nations has long called for its inclusion at first ministers meetings but has only been able to secure secondary meetings with prime ministers ahead of the official meetings. Federation of Sovereign Indigenous...
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U.S. Army analysis finds Great Lakes pipeline tunnel would have sweeping environmental impacts
By Todd Richmond Building an underground tunnel for an aging Enbridge oil pipeline that stretches across a Great Lakes channel could destroy wetlands and harm bat habitats but would eliminate the chances of a boat anchor rupturing the line and causing a catastrophic spill, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Friday in a long-awaited draft analysis of the proposed project’s environmental impacts. The analysis moves the corps a step closer to approving the tunnel for Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel was proposed in 2018 at a cost of $500 million but has been bogged down by legal challenges. The corps fast-tracked the project in April after President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies in January to identify energy projects for expedited emergency permitting. A final environmental...
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B.C. ostrich farm at heart of avian flu debate upbeat despite looming federal cull
The family that operates the British Columbia ostrich farm where some 400 birds face being euthanized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says spirits remain high among protesters looking to stave off the cull. Katie Pasitney, whose parents own Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., say about 130 protesters are at the farm, and the group is holding an “indigenous culture” prayer circle every morning. Pasitney says the atmosphere at the farm has been “beautiful” despite the CFIA issuing a statement on Friday saying the farmers resisting the cull have not substantiated claims of scientific research on the birds that survived an avian flu outbreak. The federal agency says the infection at the farm is a mutation of the avian flu not seen elsewhere, and the cull is still planned...
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Ports, mines and pipelines top premiers’ wish lists ahead of meeting with Carney
By Catherine Morrison Canada’s premiers are heading into to a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Saskatoon Monday armed with their wish lists for major “nation-building” projects that could buttress the economy in the face of a U.S. trade war. Carney asked the premiers to each pass on five suggestions for national infrastructure projects, and Monday’s meeting will aim to identify the ones that will make the final cut to be fast tracked using legislation Ottawa may introduce as early as this week. The conversation is taking place against the backdrop of an ongoing trade war with the United States, renewed debate about separatism in Alberta and a push to break down interprovincial trade barriers to encourage more trade between provinces and less reliance on trade with the U.S....
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