Sunshine, celebrations brighten Nunavut Day in Iqaluit
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says Nunavummiut have a lot to be proud of as hundreds gathered to celebrate Nunavut Day in Iqaluit. “When I look across this area and see so many people, I just feel that there is so much to celebrate today,” Simon told a crowd at Nakasuk Elementary School. “When the territory was created, a lot of a lot of things happened. I think there will always be challenges in our lives, and we will have to continue working to improve life in our communities. But we must also recognize the achievements that you’ve made in the territory.” Simon told the crowd to “feel the connection you have with one of the most special places on Earth.” Her...
Register
Manitoba’s police watchdog investigating after officer kills dog on FirstNation
The agency tasked with investigating Manitoba’s police says it’s looking into the shooting death of a dog on a First Nation. The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba says an officer with the Manitoba First Nations Police Service went to make an arrest Wednesday at a house on Swan Lake First Nation, southwest of Winnipeg. No arrest was made, but the officer was bitten by a dog while leaving the home. The agency says the officer returned a short time later and shot and killed the dog. It asks witnesses or anyone with information to contact the unit. No further details were provided, as the investigation is ongoing. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025. ...
Register
Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raises alarms about right-wing extremism
By Kawser Ahmed Adjunct Professor Political Science department, University of Winnipeg This week, the RCMP arrested four men in Québec, alleging they were attempting to create an anti-government militia. The RCMP used the umbrella term “Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism” to categorize the suspects. Essentially, this means the RCMP alleges they share violent right-wing ideologies. Their arrests raise questions about whether Canada’s problem with right-wing extremism is getting worse. The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences. The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the...
Register
Hydro-Québec suspends work at planned electric station in Labrador amid protests
Quebec’s hydro utility said Thursday it has suspended work at a planned hydroelectric station in traditional Innu territory in Labrador amid protests by some residents. Hydro-Québec spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent said the utility is monitoring the situation in the Gull Island area with a commitment to understanding the demonstrators’ concerns. “We recognize the cultural, historical, and spiritual importance of the Gull Island territory for Innu communities,” St-Laurent said in an email. “We respect the right of community members to express their concerns.” Hydro-Québec said earlier this week it was set to begin geotechnical and environmental studies in the area, in preparation for future construction work. The utility announced a tentative agreement last year with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to build a hydroelectric generating station at Gull Island, along the Churchill River...
Register
Manitoba renews provincewide emergency order as wildfires rage, forcing thousands out
By Steve Lambert Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew again declared a provincewide state of emergency Thursday, as renewed wildfires forced thousands out of their homes, some for the second time in weeks. Kinew said the order, the second since late May, is critical to rally resources. “We’re going to be asking Manitobans to be helping out in a number of ways,” Kinew told a news conference. “We want to underscore just how serious this wildfire season is.” The announcement came as Garden Hill First Nation, a fly-in community with more than 3,000 people, ordered everyone out ahead of an out-of-control fire. Kinew said the military is helping with multiple flights in Hercules aircraft out of the community, 480 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Snow Lake, a town 600 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg,...
Register
Pottahawk Sunday will see OPP patrolling water and on site at marinas
NORFOLK COUNTY, ON -It’s Pottahawk weekend and the Norfolk County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is once reminding the public to make safety their number one priority during this year’s Pottahawk Sunday on Lake Erie. OPP respond yearly to incidents at Pottahawk Point, many involving alcohol-related issues, impaired boating and in other cases, individuals are left stranded with no safe way to return to shore. The OPP are encouraging boaters to avoid picking up unknown passengers and to make responsible choices on the way. Officers will be present at local marinas and patrolling the water to ensure a safe experience for everyone in attendance. Police will conduct random vessel checks throughout the day to ensure boats are equipped with the required safety equipment. Designated safety lanes must always...
Register
Quadeville OPP to hold community meeting after child attack, youth has been charged
QUADEVILLE, ON – A 17-year-old male is facing attempted murder charges in connection with an attack on a child in Quadeville, southeast of Barry’s Bay in June. The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), OPP Emergency Response Team and Canine Units all responded Monday, June 23, 2025 to a report of a missing child in Quadeville. The OPP Canine Unit located the eight-year-old child just before 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The child, sustaining life-threatening injuries, was transported to hospital, and remains under the care of medical professionals. OPP said during the investigation, the cause of the victim’s injuries was unclear. OPP said while early evidence suggested a possible animal attack, investigators did not rule out human involvement. To aid in the investigation, multiple...
Register
Sprinklers laid out in Jean Marie River as wildfire creeps closer
By Eric Bowling, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North Firefighters have laid sprinklers in Jean Marie River in anticipation of a potential evacuation due to a wildfire burning 20 kilometres from the community. “Last night we mobilized a team of structure protection specialists to prepare Jean Marie River to be protected ahead of the Northwest wind event today,” stated NWT Fire on their social media feed Wednesday. “A perimeter of wet line has been set along the North end of the community. “We will continue to work to minimize fire growth in the bush, while being proactive to keep Jean Marie River safe should the fire exceed control efforts.” Currently 4,147 hectares in size, wildfire FS014-25 remains out of control according to NWT Fire. The GNWT stated five fire crews,...
Register
Museum of North Vancouver receives $400K to boost Coast Salish programming
By Abby Luciano, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, North Shore News The Museum of North Vancouver has received a hefty chunk of cash to continue its programming tied to local Coast Salish education and culture. BMO gifted $400,000 to the Museum and Archives of North Vancouver (MONOVA), which will go to education, hands-on activities and events related to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). “We recognize the ethical responsibility that museums and archives have in deepening understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples,” said Zoe Mackoff de Miranda, director at MONOVA. “Coast Salish programming and Indigenous storytelling are integral to the work we do towards truth and reconciliation.” The recent gift is a renewal of previous funding the museum received from the bank in 2021. Since then, the museum...
Register
Ottawa set to miss 2026 deadline for establishing $10-a-day child care: report
By Alessia Passafiume Ottawa is expected to miss its 2026 deadline to implement $10-a-day child care services across the country, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a new report published Wednesday. The analysis concluded that just six provinces and territories are meeting that fee target now. David Macdonald, an economist with the centre, said even though fees have dropped significantly everywhere, the federal government is unlikely to meet its self-imposed deadline. “It’s almost certain that even after the 2026 deadline passes, many parents in five provinces will be paying more than $10 a day for child care,” Macdonald said. “That being said, the fee drops for parents so far have been staggering in Ontario, Alberta and Nunavut, as these jurisdictions had let fees get far too high before...
Register
KTC offering more online career courses for members
By Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council (KTC) members can take more online career and learning courses because of a new partnership. “The KTC Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program has partnered with Capacity Partners to deliver a powerful new library of online courses to support clients on their learning and career journeys,” says Teena Richards, Loon River First Nation ISETP education coordinator in a written response to questions from The Leader. “At the heart of this initiative is a new Learning Management System (LMS)—a user-friendly platform that brings all training materials together in one convenient place. Learners can easily access courses, track their progress, and work with their ISET coordinator to map out personalized learning pathways.” The LMS was built...
Register
First Nations call for Ontario environment minister’s resignation
By Liam Casey Several dozen First Nations in Ontario called for the resignation of the province’s environment minister Wednesday after he asked the federal government to not reintroduce a bill that would enshrine clean drinking water rights in law. Last month, Todd McCarthy and Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz wrote to federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin asking her to move away from legislation that they say would “delay project development and undermine competitiveness.” They singled out Bill C-61, legislation introduced in the last Parliament that sought to ensure First Nations have access to clean drinking water and can protect fresh water sources on their territories. The bill faced a lengthy committee process but was not passed into law before Parliament was prorogued earlier this year, and Dabrusin said last week...
Register
Duchesnay Elders’ Lodge strengthens community care
By David Briggs, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, BayToday.ca Nipissing First Nation (NFN) has opened a new Elder’s Lodge in Duchesnay. The facility provides 10 assisted living units, and offers round-the-clock staffing, meal services, cleaning, with the possibility of personal care through Home and Community Care staff. In a release, NFN noted, “The new facility will provide much-needed assisted living units that allow NFN Elders to remain in their home community, surrounded by culture, family and familiar spaces.” Yvette Bellefeuille, a NFN councillor, emphasized, “This project has been decades in the making. The vision has evolved over the years, but the goal has always been the same – to keep our Elders close to home, in a space that reflects their culture and importance to our Nation.” Nipissing First Nation held...
Register
Report says all B.C. events should get risk review, in wake of festival tragedy
By Chuck Chiang Terry Yung says that when he attends Vancouver’s Chinatown Festival this weekend, he’ll enjoy himself knowing that the work has been done to make him and other attendees feel safe. British Columbia’s minister of state for community safety said pursuing that sense of security was “the foundation” of a report he released Wednesday making six recommendations on improving safety for community events in the wake of the April 26 attack on Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival, that killed 11 people and injured dozens more. Yung said the point of the report was “not to look at one moment in time in the past which we cannot change.” “I can’t speculate what could or could have happened but what we can do in future to make us all...
Register
Fort St. John first stop on UNBC summer sports camp tour
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A university’s themed sporting camps will take a road trip throughout July and August, with its first stop being Fort St. John. Prince George’s University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) will host camps throughout the remainder of summer in northern B.C. communities, including on July 14th and 15th at North Peace Secondary School. Other stops on the tour include Burns Lake, Smithers, Terrace and two First Nations communities: Gitlaxt’aamix, a Nisga’a community north of Terrace, and Yekooche First Nation northwest of Fort St. James. According to UNBC’s athletics and events coordinator Dorion Van Caeseele, the Fort St. John camp is unique. While other camps showcase basketball, the Fort St. John camp is soccer-exclusive. She added that plans...
Register
Family services society to host event for International Overdose Awareness Day
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An Indigenous family services society is finalizing plans to bring awareness to those suffering from substance abuse. International Overdose Awareness Day takes place on August 31st and began in 2001, with the aim of raising understanding around drug use and lowering the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths while providing support for grieving families. First organized in Australia, it is now recognized in 40 countries around the globe. The Nenan Dane Zaa Deh Zona Family Services Society has said it is organizing an event to mark the day in Fort St John. For Hailey Testawitch, the topic is very personal. Testawitch, who works with Nenan Dane Zaa Deh Zona, is an organizer of an event scheduled to take place...
Register
Ford gutted Ontario’s environmental laws. Now he wants Ottawa to clear the last line of defence
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz Local Journalism Initiative Canada’s National Observer If the Bill 5 megaprojects proposed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford — like mining in the Ring of Fire or building Highway 413 — push federally listed species, such as the boreal caribou or redside dace, to the brink, only the federal Species at Risk Act still stands in the way. Now, Ford is demanding that Ottawa clear that last line of defence — and this time, he’s brought an ally: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Backed by Alberta, Ford’s government is calling on Ottawa to repeal some of Canada’s key environmental laws, which experts warn are now the only measure preventing species’ extinction, climate backsliding and unchecked industrial expansion. Both provinces want Ottawa to repeal the Impact Assessment Act, carbon-pricing...
Register
Six Nations Elected Council looking to shut down live streaming of council meetings
By Lynda Powless Editor Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) is considering shutting down the live streaming of its meetings and holding in-person public sessions only to prevent non-Six Nations people access to SNEC data. Councillor Dean Hill, Chair of the Data Governance Committee, says while he wants to share information with members he only wants to do it in-person. “When we stream it live, anybody and everybody can watch, right?” Hill said. “We want to share the information with the community members, not necessarily the entire world.” Hill told SNEC’s July 8 council meeting he and the data committee are exploring new ways to share information with community members while protecting sensitive data including having in-person access to meetings only. He did not explain what the sensitive data was that...
Register
Nunavut premier prioritizes family in decision not to seek re-election in fall
By Jill Westerman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News In a ‘family-first’ decision, Nunavut’s Premier Pauloosie Jamesie (P.J.) Akeeagok will step away from politics during the upcoming fall election. The premier made the surprise announcement on his official government page July 8th, one day before the territory celebrates the 32nd year of Nunavut Day. “I am stepping away because this is the right moment to spend more time with my young family—time that public life often demands we set aside,” Akeeagok said in his detailed post addressed to the people of Nunavut. Born in Grise Fiord, Akeeagok attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut and then studied political science and Indigenous Studies at the University of Ottawa, where he met his wife Parniga. Prior to entering the political arena, he was the two-term president...
Register
Reflections, uncertainty: Nunavut premier plans life after politics
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News After announcing he won’t seek re-election on Oct. 27, Premier P.J. Akeeagok spent the rest of Tuesday taking phone calls, speaking with reporters, even greeting a group of visitors from Edmonton at the Nunavut legislative assembly. “It’s been a lot of reflection, actually, as I feel very content with the decision,” Akeeagok said in an interview, adding he decided “just in the past few days.” In a statement released Tuesday, Akeeagok said he wants to spend time with his family and he’s “not stepping away for another role.” MLAs picked him to be premier in 2021 after he won his first term as MLA for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu that year. Before entering territorial politics, Akeeagok was president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association for...
Register
