ECE to improve staff training to avoid another SFA backlog
By Claire McFarlane, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio The Northwest Territories government says it will offer more training to staff who administer Student Financial Assistance after students faced months-long delays receiving payments. While the territory won’t change how the program is administered, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment said it will work to ensure additional resources can be employed during high-demand periods, spokesperson Agata Gutkowska said. Education minister Caitlin Cleveland said in October the department had added five positions to help handle an increase in SFA applications. The program offers grants and loans to post-secondary students to help pay for things like tuition, books and travel. In August, the GNWT said it was experiencing “an exceptionally high volume of applications and emails” due to a nearly 20 per...
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Prophet River First Nation chief named vice-chair of alliance supporting sustainable energy projects
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca PROPHET RIVER, B.C. — The chief of a northeast B.C. First Nation has been named to a leadership position within an energy organization committed to the growth of Indigenous communities within the sector. Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) Chief Valerie Askoty has been named the vice-chair of the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance (FNNGA). The organization is an alliance of Indigenous nations committed to supporting sustainable and responsible development of both natural gas and liquified natural gas (LNG) development, according to its website. Askoty, who has been PRFN chief since 2021, spoke to Energeticcity.ca about her appointment, which came at the suggestion of outgoing Haisla Nation Chief Crystal Smith. She was appointed alongside Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government president Eva Clayton, who will act...
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As B.C. stokes its economic engine, Eby says reconciliation law is in the way
By Shannon Waters The B.C. government has big plans to tackle the $13.3-billion deficit racked up in recent years. The key to getting the province back in the black, according to Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, is stoking B.C.’s economic engine. The fuel? More money from the natural resource sector, especially mining and natural gas. The new budget banks on significant increases in revenues from minerals and metals as the province courts critical minerals projects. Meanwhile, natural gas revenues are also expected to boom as liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects get off the ground. “Six major LNG projects are complete, underway or reaching final investment decisions this year,” Bailey said in her budget speech. “We’re doing all this in partnership with First Nations, moving projects forward with confidence and clarity.”...
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Family learned of SIU’s fatal shooting findings through social media: FirstNations
By Maan Alhmidi Ontario First Nations leaders are expressing “serious concerns” about the release of a police watchdog’s report into the fatal shooting of a man in a northern Ontario courtroom, saying the family and the community were left to find out crucial details through social media. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Wapekeka First Nation Chief Brennan Sainnawap say a “strongly worded” letter was sent to Special Investigations Unit Director Joseph Martino and Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey about the case and what they call a “broader pattern of systemic failings towards First Nations people.” They say last week’s SIU report into the death of Tyresse Roundsky, who was fatally shot by a provincial police officer inside a makeshift courtroom in Wapekeka First Nation last July, was...
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Growing sense of identity boosts Louis Riel Day turnout
By Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Portage Graphic Leader Organizers of the annual Louis Riel Day celebrations in Portage la Prairie say a surge in Métis pride and citizenship is driving record-breaking crowds to the community’s festivities. Wes Hannah, chairman of the Portage la Prairie Southwest Métis Local, said Monday’s event at the MNP Building at Island Park was the result of months of planning and a growing sense of identity within the region. Hannah noted that citizenship in the local region has jumped significantly, rising from approximately 2,000 members last year to more than 2,500 today. “I think there’s a new thought out there that Métis are proud of who they are,” Hannah said. “People are noticing the programs that we are providing. They want to go ahead...
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As B.C. stokes its economic engine, Eby says reconciliation law is in the way
By Shannon Waters The B.C. government has big plans to tackle the $13.3-billion deficit racked up in recent years. The key to getting the province back in the black, according to Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, is stoking B.C.’s economic engine. The fuel? More money from the natural resource sector, especially mining and natural gas. The new budget banks on significant increases in revenues from minerals and metals as the province courts critical minerals projects. Meanwhile, natural gas revenues are also expected to boom as liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects get off the ground. “Six major LNG projects are complete, underway or reaching final investment decisions this year,” Bailey said in her budget speech. “We’re doing all this in partnership with First Nations, moving projects forward with confidence and clarity.”...
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B.C. First Nation says there may never be ‘full consensus’ on potential burial site
The British Columbia First Nation that announced the discovery of 215 potential unmarked graves at a former residential school in 2021, catapulting the issue into public discourse, says there may never be consensus on what to do with the site. A statement from the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation says possible future outcomes for the Kamloops Indian Residential School property include excavation or preserving its orchard as a sacred site, “a place of memory and healing.” The nation says its investigation is ongoing, with the findings so far pointing to several areas of focus, with “signatures that resemble burials” identified in some, and other areas ruled out as burial sites. Tuesday’s statement says more than 500 children from 38 Indigenous nations living in 119 B.C. communities attended the institution at...
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Hitacu teachers’ conference explores healing from trauma by connecting to language, culture and traditional foods
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Hitacu, B.C. – Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government’s education department held an uplifting professional development day on Feb. 13 at the Cixʷatin Centre in Hitacu. Manager of education services Jennifer Touchie said about 90 West Coasters from Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Huu-ay-aht, School District 70 and Pacific Rim Hospice attended the full-day event, which centered around ‘Moving through trauma by connecting to culture, language and traditional foods’. “I was really happy to see SD70 and community participate,” said Touchie. “Maybe this will open up new roads for reconnecting with our children in a different way, and (I was happy) to have teachers be a part of our culture and be a part of our language; that it is open to everybody to learn.” In the morning, Nuu-chah-nulth...
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Court finds former Blueberry River First Nations chief’s ouster ‘procedurally fair and reasonable’
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca BUICK, B.C. — A federal judge has rejected the former Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) chief request for a judicial review, saying her ouster was “procedurally fair and reasonable.” In the 135-page ruling, Madam Justice Cecily Y. Strickland said Judy Desjarlais’ reasons to challenge her removal lacked merit, saying Desjarlais “bears the onus of establishing the removal decision was unreasonable.” One argument Desjarlais had made was that the ouster was politically motivated, but Strickland said Desjarlais “did not establish the concerns raised by the respondent councillors were aimed at personal or political advantage.” Desjarlais was removed from office by four BRFN Councillors – Troy Wolf, Wayne Yahey, Sherry Dominic and Shelley Gauthier – in September 2024, after an independent investigation said Desjarlais...
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Prophet River First Nation releases dates for 2026 Treaty Days
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca PROPHET RIVER, B.C. — A northeast B.C First Nation’s cultural celebration will return on an earlier date this year. Prophet River First Nation’s (PRFN) Treaty Days have been scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 4th and wrap up on Saturday, June 7th. This was confirmed in a Facebook post on PRFN’s page on January 30th. The post says the event is “a meaningful weekend of culture, connection, celebration and community pride.” PRFN Chief Valerie Askoty told Energeticcity.ca the reason behind the 50th edition taking place in August of last year was due to being “late in getting things together.” “There are so many other events that are happening, so we are trying to get ahead of the game,” said Askoty. “[In 2024]...
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Thunder Bay declares humanitarian crisis on homelessness
By Clint Fleury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY – “We do shoulder a large burden,” Coun. Andrew Foulds told city council on Tuesday. Council voted 10-1 in favour of declaring a humanitarian crisis on homelessness in the city. Coun. Albert Aiello was the only council member to oppose the declaration, saying it could potentially cost the city more money in homelessness prevention. Couns. Mark Bentz, Trevor Giertuga, Dominic Pasqualino, Michael Zussino, Rajni Agarwal, Shelby Ch’ng, Greg Johnsen, Kristen Oliver, Foulds and Mayor Ken Boshcoff voted in favour. Coun. Brian Hamilton declared a conflict of interest because he has taken on a frontline role addressing homelessness with the city’s HART Hub. Coun. Kasey Etreni was absent from the meeting. The decision comes after Chief Michele Solomon of Anemki Wajiw...
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Naatowápitao’ohkánnao’p opens as Holy Gathering Space in Calgary
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Calgary is now home to a Holy Gathering Place for the urban Indigenous population, courtesy of a partnership between the Confluence Historic Site & Parkland and Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC). Naatowápitao’ohkánnao’p (pronounced Nah-doh-WAH-bee-doh-gah-nope) had its opening ceremony on Jan. 30, with the unveiling of BOW MOTHER III – “Confluence,” a mural painted by local artist Nicole Wolf that wraps around the gathering place’s exterior. Its name was given by Elder Clement Leather from the Siksika Nation, who consecrated the building at its opening ceremony. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas provided opening remarks and AFCC board president Gabrielle Weasel Head, Tsapinaaki, was present to answer questions. In an interview with Alberta Native News, AFCC CEO Shane Gauthier gave credit for...
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Six Nations shuts down community’s only library
Six Nations Elected Council shuts down library without notifying board By Lynda Powless Editor Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) has shut down the community’s public library without notifying the community or the library board. The library closed Friday Feb., 13th just five months after SNEC learned the building may suffer structural hazards. No public warnings were issued and the librarian, who had appeared before SNEC to discuss the library anniversary celebrations, the day before the shutdown was imposed, was not told the shutdown was coming. The Six Nations Public Library board was not notified of the shut-down of the 117-year-old library launched by Six Nations Confederacy Chiefs Council (SNCCC). Instead, the librarian found the library doors were locked and hazard tape stretched across the entranceway. The move came after SNEC...
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8 charged after contraband tobacco facility shut down on Six Nations territory
By Lynda Powless Editor Eight people are facing a series of charges in the combined forces police investigation that shut down a massive contraband tobacco operation on Chiefswood Road last May. That operation in May 2025 caused traffic havoc along Chiefswood Road from the village of Ohsweken to Third Line as the police operation got underway. Eight people, including two with Ohsweken addresses, are facing charges in the combined forces police investigation that shut down the massive contraband tobacco operation at Six Nations. The manufacturing facility was being operated by a non-Indigenous criminal network on Six Nations Territory, Six Nations Police said. In total six are facing 48 criminal code, excise act and cannabis act charges. Two are facing weapons-related offences. Charged are: Ethan Kanghu Cho, 26, of Ohsweken has...
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National child welfare settlement and proposed lodge raised
Six Nations leadership provided updates on a national child welfare settlement, emergency management coordination and major community initiatives, including a sold-out hospice fundraiser and ongoing questions surrounding the Iroquois Lodge rebuild. During Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill update to the community at the Six Nations Elected Council General Council meeting on Feb. 10 she reminded community members that the first claims period for the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle class action settlement opened March 10, 2025. The settlement applies to First Nations children removed from their homes between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 2022 by child welfare authorities funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Eligible claimants include members of the “Removed Child Class” and the “Removed Child Family Class,” including parents and grandparents. Those not eligible...
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Six Nations raises red flags over federal budget cuts and calls for united advocacy
While Ottawa promises billions for water, housing and infrastructure, Six Nations is warning that much of the federal budget leaves on-reserve health services and community priorities vulnerable to cuts. Abigail Hill, Well Being Liaison Officer with the Six Nations Department of Well Being, delivered a detailed federal budget analysis to Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) at its Feb. 10 General Council meeting, urging council to remain “steadfast” as the federal government undertakes a sweeping expenditure and sustainability review. “The federal budget matters,” Hill told council, outlining how it sets funding priorities, highlights gaps and shapes advocacy efforts for First Nations-specific needs. Her presentation reviewed Indigenous-specific investments, including $2.3 billion over three years starting in 2026 to renew the First Nations water and wastewater enhanced program, $2.8 billion confirmed for the...
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Annual paddle of the Grand River in planning for 2026
The organizer of the Two Row on the Grand paddle is seeking renewed and expanded community support as the 10-day river journey continues to grow in scope, participation and impact. Ellie Joseph, founder of the grassroots initiative outlined the program’s alignment with the Six Nations Community Plan and its increasing demand for staffing, sponsorship and interdepartmental coordination at the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) General Council meeting on Feb. 10. She said as it grows, there is a need for more support for youth and elders who wish to participate. “We are trying to uphold community standards when we do this tour on the Grand,” Joseph said. “It’s about building community within our community.” Now entering its 11th year, Two Row on the Grand is a 10-day paddle along the...
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Brantford approaches Six Nations Elected Council for MOU on city’s new arena under construction
A proposed $152-million sports and entertainment centre could anchor a new era of collaboration between the City of Brantford and Six Nations if both councils agree to move forward. Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis and CAO Michael Bradley outlined plans for a 5,300-seat multi-purpose arena designed to meet Ontario Hockey League (OHL) standards and host concerts, trade shows and other major events at the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) General Council meeting on Feb. 10. The city is hoping to garner support from SNEC and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which offers SNEC a portion of the revenues from the centre. Mayor Davis framed the project as more than bricks and mortar. “I look at it as two paths,” he said. “One is a path of collaboration, doing something...
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They simply closed it
Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) has voted in a closed-door meeting to shut down the local library. The council actually went behind closed doors to close a public institution and they did it without even notifying the librarian or library board . Or anyone who even has a book out on loan. They did it without telling you, the public, the Six Nations community. The council decided, in a closed meeting, to shut down an institution that promotes free access to knowledge, to literacy, helps bridge the divide between the digital world and the printed word. And they went behind closed doors to do it. They closed out the public. They closed the door on you the people that voted for them and didn’t even bother to tell the librarian...
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Today in History
February 13 In 1992, the report of the Royal Commission on Electoral Reform and Party Financing urged limits on advertising, seats for aboriginal people and inducements for parties to recruit women. The report also advocated laws to make sure parties — which it called essential to the democratic process in Canada — promote democratic values and practices themselves. February 14 In 1973, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau agreed to establish a federal committee to negotiate Yukon Indian land claims. In 1995, an agreement giving more power to Aboriginal Peoples in the Yukon went into effect, on the 22nd anniversary of the day Indian elder Elijah Smith presented then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau with a document outlining their claim. Final terms were reached in 1993. The agreement gave 14 First Nations title to...
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