New Manitoba NDP government may not be climate’s best friend
By Matteo Cimellaro Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A newly elected Manitoba NDP government doesn’t necessarily mean good outcomes for the environment, an Indigenous climate advocate says. Continued pressure will be needed to keep the NDP honest and accountable with their environmental platforms, said Daniel Gladu Kanu, director of the Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective, an organization working to restore Lake Winnipeg through an Indigenous framework. Kanu is pushing for the party to refine its 15-point environmental platform, which he says lacks detail, specifically on climate policies. The Progressive Conservatives had run a negative campaign that ceded both the environment and reconciliation to the NDP, “so much so that the NDP didn’t really have to speak to it,” he explained. “They really could just run on the fact that people assumed they...
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B.C. first province to sign individual health deal with feds, worth $1.2 billion
By Chuck Chiang THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER-Canada’s health minister is touting Ottawa’s new $1.2-billion bilateral funding agreement with British Columbia as a new model for federal-provincial co-operation to address the health-care crisis across the country. Mark Holland said the deal focuses on finding answers to the challenges facing Canada’s health-care system instead of placing provincial and federal officials at odds over who’s in charge in each jurisdiction. “Look, I get that we want to think about jurisdiction, and we want to protect jurisdiction,” Holland said at the signing of the deal with B.C. at Vancouver General Hospital on Tuesday. “But at the end of the day, health is health, and we all have a responsibility to find ways to work together. “I’m not looking to walk around with a stick...
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Man runs almost 9,000 miles across Australia to raise support for Indigenous Voice
By Rod Mcguirk THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CANBERRA, Australia (AP)- Ultramarathon runner Pat Farmer ended a 14,400-kilometer (8,950-mile) run at the central Australian sandstone landmark Uluru on Wednesday after a seven-month journey to raise public support for the creation of an Indigenous advocacy body in the constitution. Australians will vote on Saturday at a referendum that would enshrine in the constitution a so-called Indigenous Voice to Parliament, a mechanism for Indigenous Australians to advise lawmakers on policies that effect their lives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was at Uluru, which is an Indigenous sacred site also known as Ayers Rock, to welcome the 61-year-old runner’s arrival. Albanese said he had “utter admiration and awe” for Farmer’s commitment for the cause which opinion polls suggest is unlikely to succeed. “No one has...
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UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY: Kitchi-Meegwetch Wab Kinew
By Xavier Kataquapit www.underthenorthernsky.com I am feeling a little better about the state of democracy these days thanks to the election of Wab Kinew as Canada’s first Anishinabe Premier. He was elected recently with a majority government in Manitoba. So, congratulations to Wab and his New Democratic Party team and as well thanks to all those members of the voting public who chose to make their decision based on values that have to do with social democratic ideals of sharing, openness, tolerance and caring for everyone, the environment and the future of our planet. The fact that he has promised to save and enhance the public health care system is a bonus. The main reason I am so happy about this win for the NDP is because this was not...
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‘It will cost people their jobs’: Thunder Bay top cop says racism won’t be tolerated
By Liam Casey THE CANADIAN PRESS THUNDER BAY, Ont.- Thunder Bay police Chief Darcy Fleury knows firsthand what it’s like to experience racism, and that has helped guide his first few months on the job as he looks to overhaul the embattled police force and repair relations with the Indigenous community. The Metis man took over the top job on the police force in May and has made one thing clear to his officers. “Racism will not be tolerated and it will cost people their jobs,” Fleury said in an interview with The Canadian Press. Several damning reports in recent years, including an expert panel’s findings this past spring, have found systemic racism within the Thunder Bay police force toward Indigenous people. The panel also found a “profound lack of...
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Conservationists raise concerns over B.C.’s proposed grizzly bear stewardship plan
By Brenna Owen THE CANADIAN PRESS Grizzly bears seen starving in the rainforests of British Columbia’s south coast because there isn’t enough salmon to sustain them raises alarm bells for wildlife biologist Wayne McCrory, who’s known as a leading bear expert in Canada. The science is “crying out” for greater habitat protections for the iconic species as industrial activities eat away at the landscapes the bears depend on, he said. “There’s a huge amount of protection work that needs to be done that isn’t happening, so you can say it’s in a crisis mode,” he said in an interview. McCrory said the province’s draftplan to adjust grizzly management doesn’t meaningfully address habitat loss and could prove “disastrous” for the bears. He is among the signatories of an open letter sent...
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P.E.I. councillor tells mayor he won’t resign over anti Indigenous sign
MURRAY HARBOUR, P.E.I.- A village councillor in Prince Edward Island allegedly won’t step down from council after he displayed a sign on his property denying the existence of residential school graves. P.E.I. Sen. Brian Francis, Abegweit First Nation Chief Roderick Gould Jr. and the mayor of the 300-person village of Murray Harbour have all called for John Robertson to resign from his seat on council. Murray Harbour Mayor Terry White says Robertson has informed him he will not quit despite calls to do so from all the other members of council. Ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a large sign on Robertson’s property displayed the message, “Truth: mass grave hoax” and “Reconciliation: Redeem Sir John A.’s integrity.” The message was eventually taken down. Attempts to reach Robertson today...
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Brantford Police target fentanyl trafficking…over $170,000 in illicit drugs seized
BRANTFORD, ONT-The Brantford Police Service Tactical Intelligence Generated Enforcement and Response Unit (TIGER) has seized over $170,000 in illicit drugs and charged two people after concluding an almost four month drug investigation targetting fentanyl trafficking in the City of Brantford. The investigation that began in July saw the TIGER unit along with the BPS Emergency Response Team executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant at a Tecumseh Street residence Friday, Oct., 6. Police seized: Approximately 609 grams of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $121,960 Approximately 410 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $41,220 Approximately 10 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $1,030 A quantity of prescription pills, consisting of hydromorphone and Percocet, with an estimated street value...
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Manitok Thompson says Pierre Poilievre incident has been `misrepresented by the media’
By Tom Taylor Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Former Nunavut and Northwest Territories cabinet minister Manitok Thompson has found herself at the heart of a controversy involving Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, and asserts the situation has been misrepresented by the media. The controversy stems from an appearance Poilievre made on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Conservative leader met with Algonquin Elders and leaders at the hill’s eternal flame, and later shared two photos from the day on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The caption for those photos mentioned his meetings with Algonquin Elders and leaders, but featured photos of two Inuit women, one of whom was the Coral Harbour-born Thompson. Poilievre’s detractors were quick to accuse him...
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Indigenous Fire Safety Conference sparks calls for national strategy
By Patrick Quinn Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As still smouldering fires are left for the changing seasons to extinguish, Indigenous firefighters and emergency coordinators across Canada are looking back at this summer’s disastrous wildfires to improve future responses. These discussions were a focus at this year’s Indigenous Public Safety Conference, held September 14-15 in Montreal. It was organized by the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, which was created last year to support the development of safety measures and resiliency in Indigenous communities. At the conference, Cree Nation regional fire marshal Lee-Roy Blacksmith spoke with Quebec’s Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafreniere about how fires impacted Eeyou Istchee. Blacksmith suggested that the initial response was hindered by poor communication, which improved after a core working group was established. “Day one of the...
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Brantford man facing child pornography and firearm charges
BRANTFORD,ONT-A Brantford man is facing child pornography and firearm related charges after the Brantford Police Service (BPSD) Internet Child Exploittion (ICE) unit launched an investigation in September. The BPS said it worked with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to stop the flow of child pornography into Brantford communities. The investigation was launched in September when CBSA contacted the BPS after it had intercepted a child sex doll that was destined for the 58-year-old Brantford man’s residence. The Brantford ICE Unit and CBSA raided a Newport Road residence, arrested a 58-year-old man and seized computers and electronic devices and a number of unregistered firearms located during the search. Items such as the child sex doll, are only one of the various forms of child pornography. The Criminal Code of Canada...
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Kaila Mitchell elected representative for Jasper House Metis District
By Scott Hayes Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The universe unexpectedly opened a door for Kaila Mitchell, and she walked through. The Edson-area native has become the Metis Nation’s citizen’s representative for the Jasper House Metis District. “I am really excited about this role because I feel like it perfectly aligns all of my background,” she said, referring to her post-secondary education in Aboriginal Studies as well as her behind the scenes work in provincial politics. A province-wide vote was held between Sept. 13 and 19. The journey to self-government ratified the province-wide referendum, which completes the formal transition of the Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) to the new Otipemisiwak Metis Government. It is still recognized as the oldest continuous Metis government in Canada. Mitchell joins new President Andrea Sandmaier and the...
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B.C. first province to sign individual health deal with feds, worth $1.2 billion
VANCOUVER-British Columbia is the first province to sign a tailored funding agreement with the federal government as part of the $196-billion health accord the prime minister offered provinces earlier this year. The deal will see Ottawa shift $1.2 billion to B.C. over three years. Health Minister Mark Holland told a news conference at Vancouver General Hospital on Tuesday that the funding also comes with a commitment for federal support for B.C.’s health-care system for the next 10 years. Holland said the support aims to take the Canadian health-care system “from one of the best” in the world to “the best.” In exchange, the province has developed a plan to increase patient access to team-based family health care and mental health and addictions services. The B.C. government has also agreed to...
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‘We want to be able to decide’: Inside the battle over the Ring of Fire
By Liam Casey THE CANADIAN PRESS NESKANTAGA FIRST NATION, ONT.- On a rock-covered beach in the heart of the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario, Alex Moonias gazes east, then north. All he sees is undisturbed land, water and air. Some 100kilometres from where he stands, the province plans to build a road as part of its pledge to mine the area, which is said to be rich in metals needed for electric vehicle batteries. Moonias, an elder from Neskantaga First Nation, and many in his community see the provincial government’s ambitions for the Ring of Fire as an existential threat to their way of life. “Mother Earth is hurting,” the 70-year-old says. “If a big needle is pushing into your body, how would you feel?” The survivor of a...
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In conversation with Neskantaga Chief Chris Moonias as Ring of Fire concerns abound
By Liam Casey THE CANADIAN PRESS NESKANTAGA FIRST NATION, ONT- On the shores of Attawapiskat Lake, deep in the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario, sits Neskantaga First Nation, a community of about 350 people that can only be accessed by plane or an ice road in the winter. Many residents, who have for years dealt with challenges including a longstanding boil-water advisory and a shortage of adequate housing, are concerned that Ontario’s desire to mine metals from the Ring of Fire could threaten Neskantaga’s way of life. The First Nation’s chief, Chris Moonias, wants to meet with Premier Doug Ford to discuss his community’s concerns, although that has not happened. From his office in Neskantaga, where a large, orange Every Child Matters flag with his First Nation’s insignia...
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Supreme Court will hear Quebec’s appeal of decision it shorted Innu on police funding
By Shari Narine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Quebec will be allowed to introduce new evidence to argue against a lower court’s decision that the province, along with the federal government, has failed in its constitutional obligation to act honourably in fulfilling a tripartite agreement for police services on a First Nation. October 5 the Supreme Court of Canada granted Quebec’s application to appeal the decision in Attorney General of Quebec v. Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan – and – Attorney General of Canada, which was rendered by the Court of Appeal of Quebec in a Dec. 15, 2022 decision and rectified on July 3, 2023. PekuakamiulnuatshTakuhikan is a political and administrative arm that represents nine Innu nations, including Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, whose 9,552 members primarily live in the community of Mashteuiatsh. Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan...
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Panel discusses building Indigenous municipal relationships
By Brett McKay Local Journalism Initiative Reporter For municipalities trying to strengthen social connections and economic ties with Indigenous communities, there is no one roadmap to reconciliation. Before a path forward for her administration could take shape, Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn said she had to start by building authentic relationships. “I wanted a checklist. I wanted to know, okay, if I do this, what does this mean? What am I committed to? And none of that is written down. It’s a conversation. It’s a relationship. I had to be willing to trust the people that I was working with,” Thorn said during a panel discussion at the Alberta Municipalities Conference and Trade Show on Thursday. Thorn was joined on the panel by Chief Randy Ermineskin, St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller,...
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Indigenous groups upbeat after election
By Miranda Leybourne Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Indigenous groups in the province and across the country are celebrating Wab Kinew becoming the premier-elect in Manitoba, making him the first First Nations person to do so. Wabanakwut (Wab) Kinew has served as the leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party (NDP) and the leader of the Opposition since 2017. Representing Fort Rouge in the legislature, Kinew won his seat and his role as premier-elect on Tuesday night’s election. The membership, staff and volunteers of the Brandon Friendship Centre have congratulated Wab Kinew for being elected premier of Manitoba in Tuesday’s provincial election. Kinew has made campaign promises what will benefit the clients of Friendship Centres in Manitoba and all Manitobans, Jacqueline Henry, president of the Brandon Friendship Centre, told the Sun,...
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`I didn’t know I was an Indian. I was just from the community’
By Roisin Cullen Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On Aug. 23, the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua First Nations made a surprise announcement, saying they were “shutting down” access to the popular Joffre Lakes provincial park. The Village of Pemberton (VOP) has also paused its Official Community Plan (OCP) review process so officials can focus on building a “deeper and more meaningful” relationship with the Lil’wat Nation. It is clear the communities of Lil’wat Nation and Pemberton are moving forward to a shared future, and are in the middle of a period of substantial change. Pique sat down with Lil’wat Political Chief Dean Nelson to talk about a joint history, the future for Joffre Lakes, and what reconciliation really means. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Pique: How important was...
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Takeout in the Boonies owner forced to close shop due to rising food costs
By Roisin Cullen Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Local favourite First Nations eatery Takeout in the Boonies is no more, says its owner, citing the rising cost of food as a major factor. Located an hour out of Pemberton down the In-Shuck-ch/Lillooet Lake Road, the business was the brainchild of Christina Smith, who has had a passion for great-tasting food from a young age. Smith was selling freshly made pizzas and bannock from her home, providing a takeout option to the locals of St’at’imc territory and workers travelling through the area. The business recently made it to the semi-finals of the Pow Wow Pitch for Indigenous entrepreneurs, and picked up an honourable mention after making a significant impression on the judges. Smith said her business was born of a love of...
