‘Here We Stand’: River journey protests controversial bills
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer A 20-year-old university student from Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario is putting his summer on hold — to take a 400-kilometre boat journey in protest against new provincial and federal bills he says threaten his people’s land, culture and way of life. Jeronimo Kataquapit is leading a grassroots movement called “Here We Stand,” a direct response to Ontario’s recently passed Bill 5 and the proposed federal Bill C-5 — pieces of legislation that, according to Indigenous leaders, accelerate mining and development in the Ring of Fire region without proper Indigenous consultation. Kataquapit’s journey, which began Monday from Attawapiskat, is a physical reassertion of Indigenous presence and inherent rights in a territory he argues is wrongly portrayed as uninhabited. “One...
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Manslaughter plea leads to more jail time in courthouse stabbing case
By Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince George Citizen A judge sentenced a 25-year-old woman June 9 in Prince George Provincial Court to another year-and-a-half in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter. Danika Rose Payou, 25, was originally charged with second-degree murder after stabbing Cassie Larocque twice at the Sunrise Valley Mobile Home Park after midnight on Feb. 14, 2023. “The injuries were severe and catastrophic, and almost immediately fatal,” Crown prosecutor Robert Climie told Judge Martin Nadon. Payou and Larocque had been at a man’s residence with another woman where they ate dinner and socialized for several hours. Court heard that Payou and Larocque had been consuming methamphetamine before the incident at 12:21 a.m. The man they were visiting found Larocque lying on the floor, bleeding from stab...
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CRTC says its wholesale internet rules balance need for competition and investment
By Sammy Hudes Canada’s telecommunications regulator has once again determined the country’s largest internet companies should be able to provide service to customers using fibre networks built by their rivals — as long as they are doing so outside their core regions. It marks the CRTC’s final decision on the contentious matter — which has pitted Telus Corp. against BCE Inc. and Rogers Communications Inc., along with many smaller providers — after a lengthy process filled with several interim rulings and reconsiderations. Bell has argued against the policy, saying it discourages the major providers from investing in their own infrastructure, while some independent carriers have raised concerns that it could make it more difficult for them to compete against larger players. Meanwhile, Telus has defended it as a way to...
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Want to plant trees to offset fossil fuels? You’d need all of North and Central America, study finds
By Melina Walling Planting trees has plenty of benefits, but this popular carbon-removal method alone can’t possibly counteract the planet-warming emissions caused by the world’s largest fossil-fuel companies. To do that, trees would have to cover the entire land mass of North and Central America, according to a study out Thursday. Many respected climate scientists and institutions say removing carbon emissions — not just reducing them — is essential to tackling climate change. And trees remove carbon simply by “breathing.” But crunching the numbers, researchers found that the trees’ collective ability to remove carbon through photosynthesis can’t stand up to the potential emissions from the fossil fuel reserves of the 200 largest oil, gas and coal fuel companies — there’s not enough available land on Earth to feasibly accomplish that....
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California is to examine its Amazon oil ties following pleas from Indigenous leaders from Ecuador
By Steven Grattan And Godofredo Vasquez RICHMOND, California (AP) — An oil tanker sat docked at Chevron’s sprawling refinery in Richmond on Thursday — a visible link between California’s appetite for Amazon crude and the remote rainforest territories where it’s extracted. Just offshore, bundled in puffy jackets against the Bay wind, Indigenous leaders from Ecuador’s Amazon paddled kayaks through choppy waters, calling attention to the oil expansion threatening their lands. Their visit to California helped prompt the state Senate to introduce a landmark resolution urging officials to examine the state’s role in importing crude from the Amazon. The move comes as Ecuador’s government prepares to auction off 14 new oil blocks — covering more than 2 million hectares of rainforest, much of it Indigenous territory — in a 2026 bidding...
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Federal power to sidestep Indian Act removed from major projects bill
By Alessia Passafiume The federal government’s major projects legislation was amended by opposition parties on Wednesday to withdraw the power the bill gave cabinet to sidestep the Indian Act, following weeks of criticism from First Nations leaders. But Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Nepinak Woodhouse said Thursday the “limited changes” made to the bill don’t go far enough. She still wants the government to give members of Parliament more time to study the legislation. The Liberal government’s controversial legislation, which would allow cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects like mines, ports and pipelines, was introduced on June 6, and sailed through the committee study in about eight hours on Tuesday and Wednesday. Amendments to the bill made in committee include removing the Indian Act...
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First Nations leaders in Alberta call on feds to scrap Bill C-5
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Treaty 6 and 8 First Nations leadership have joined fellow First Nations leaders across Canada to call on the federal government to scrap its proposed One Canadian Economy Act, also known as Bill C-5. The legislation, which was introduced in the House of Commons on June 6, has two components—reducing barriers to inter-provincial trade and enabling the government to fast-track infrastructure projects, including mines, ports and pipelines, that it deems to be in the “national interest.” The latter part of the bill, which would reduce the average time for a project’s completion from five to two years, has raised red flags for First Nations leaders, who fear it will undermine Treaty rights, as well as the right to “free, prior...
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First-year student honoured to be chosen for Reconciliation in Action Award
By Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Albert Daily Herald Graduates at the Prince Albert Campus of Saskatchewan Polytechnic crossed the stage at the Art Hauser Centre on Thursday. The convocation ceremony took place in two parts with a morning and afternoon session. Jade Littlechief, a first-year student in Resource and Environmental Law program, received the Reconciliation in Action Award. Littlechief, who is originally from White Bear First Nations in the southeast, said he was shocked to be recognized as a first-year student. “I was very surprised, but also it was a very big boost, and with how I feel about education and all that I’m very honoured to be selected for it,” he said. “I know that the best way I could explain is (to say) I wasn’t...
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First Nation posts hot protest on Instagram
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source BIG TROUT LAKE – The chief and council of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation want Premier Doug Ford’s government to know they offer no support in his Ring of Fire plans. So they sent that message by Instagram. A short video on the social media platform shows council member Samuel Mckay and others in the remote Treaty 9 community burning documents. The many binders contain an environmental assessment, according to the post, delivered by the province through “drive-by consultation.” The video says the Ford government “air-dropped” the documents about work in the Ring of Fire. Mckay explained in an interview with Dougall Media on Thursday that the papers were delivered at the community airport by provincial representatives. “We do not accept...
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Mike Pemberton wins Yukon Liberal leadership race, will be next premier
By Ashley Joannou and Isabel Ruitenbeek Mike Pemberton has been named the new leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and will be the territory’s 11th premier. A local businessman and longtime party insider, Pemberton won the leadership race by 13 votes over former Kwanlin Dun First Nation Chief Doris Bill. Pemberton told supporters gathered Thursday night at the party’s convention in Whitehorse that they have an opportunity to build on eight years of strong leadership and First Nations partnerships. “(It’s) an opportunity to grow together, to grow our party, to show our strong track record of economic growth, our commitment to public safety, affordability and the well-being of all communities, big and small,” he said. No date has been set for when Pemberton will be sworn in as premier but...
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Parliament set to rise today, with MPs to vote on controversial major projects bill
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s major projects and internal trade bill will be voted on today before the House of Commons rises until September. A closure motion the government passed to limit debate says the House won’t adjourn today until debate wraps up on Bill C-5 and it clears the chamber. The Liberal government’s controversial legislation, which would let cabinet quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects like mines, ports and pipelines, sailed through committee in the early hours of Thursday with support from the Conservatives. Indigenous and environmental groups and some opposition MPs and senators have criticized the government for rushing a bill through Parliament that gives cabinet such sweeping powers. The legislation was amended Thursday to withdraw the power it gave cabinet to sidestep the Indian Act after...
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Federal power to sidestep Indian Act removed from major projects bill
By Alessia Passafiume After weeks of criticism from First Nations leaders, the federal government has amended its major projects bill to withdraw the power it gave cabinet to sidestep the Indian Act. The Liberal government’s controversial legislation, which would allow cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects like mines, ports and pipelines, sailed through committee in the early hours of Thursday. Amendments to the bill made in committee include the removal of the Indian Act from a list of laws the government can sidestep when determining whether a project should move forward. The change comes after First Nations leaders warned the bill could violate their constitutionally protected rights. First Nations leaders also said Ottawa could face legal challenges, and its fast-tracked projects could be slowed down, if...
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CAPP survey shows oilpatch spends billions on Indigenous-affiliated businesses
By Lauren Krugel A survey commissioned by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers shows oil and gas companies spent more than $14 billion procuring goods and services from Indigenous-affiliated businesses between 2021 and 2023. Data science firm iTOTEM Analytics collected numbers from 12 members of the industry advocacy group that together represent half of Alberta’s oil and natural gas production. The report says during the three-year period, almost 18 per cent of the industry’s supply chain spending was directed to Indigenous-affiliated vendors, which iTOTEM defines as businesses with some degree of First Nations, Métis or Inuit ownership. In Alberta, where the bulk of those funds were spent, the CAPP members did business with 585 Indigenous-affiliated enterprises across 110 municipalities and 45 Indigenous communities. Most of the spending was on construction...
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Six Nations assessing flood damage
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) says it will be assessing support following severe flooding which occurred on Wednesday,June 18. The territory and surrounding area experienced multiple heavy downpours, closing roads and delaying traffic. “Closed Road” signage blocked several parts of the territory the next day, The assessment includes “checking the status of SNGR buildings and gathering information from community members who have been affected by the flooding,” as stated in a press release issued on June 19. It acknowledged that many homes and community buildings have experienced flooding, and for some, wastewater backups affecting property. Residents at Iroquois Lodge and Jay Silverheels have been evacuated to other family homes and long-term facilities in Norfolk Delhi. The numbers of residents taken to a new location has...
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford tells First Nations he is sorry
By Lynda Powless Editor TORONTO,ONT- Ontario Premier Doug Ford has apologized for comments he made about First Nations People after First Nation leaders called the remarks “racist” and “deeply hurtful”. In announcing his apology Premier Ford, said “I get pretty passionate, and I just want to say I sincerely apologize for my words, not only if it hurt all the chiefs in that room, but all First Nations,” Ford said Thursday, with First Nations leaders at a news conference. He said “it is important to have consultation.” He said his words were both ” offensive” and “deeply racist.” Ford ‘s apology came after he said Wednesday First Nations should not keep coming “hat in hand” to the government if they say no to mining projects. Ford apologized in a meeting...
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Six Nations assessing rain storm damage after flooding hit
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER- Six Nations band administration office is closed with staff working from home after declaring a “state of emergency” Wednesday, (June 18) when severe flooding hit. Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council (SNEC) announced that, in the wake of a “state of emergency,” it will be assessing support following severe flooding which occurred on June 18. The territory and surrounding area experienced multiple heavy downpours, closing roads and delaying traffic. “Closed Road” signage blocked several parts of the territory the next day, The assessment includes “checking the status of SNGR buildings and gathering information from community members who have been affected by the flooding,” as stated in a press release issued on June 19. It acknowledged that many homes and community buildings have experienced...
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AFN releases First National justice strategy, Kahnawake Peacekeepers continue to lead in reform efforts
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has released the first national First Nations Justice Strategy (FNJS), in an effort to help guide Indigenous criminal justice system, police and corrections reform across Canada. Developed over a five-year period between First Nations and the federal Department of Justice, the FNJS aims to address systemic inequities in the Canadian justice system that have disproportionately impacted Indigenous peoples. “Canada’s current justice model has failed First Nations Peoples,” AFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee said. But when it comes to Indigenous police reform, the Kahnawake Peacekeepers have been leading the effort in both Quebec and across the country. “There are a lot of areas where we have pushed the envelope to receive additional funding to get additional training,”...
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Healing through tradition at the native centre, ‘a cultural home’
By Paige Seburn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Lake Report Losing her father meant losing her strongest cultural connection. Now, during National Indigenous History Month, Halley Irwin is sharing how she found her way back — and how she’s helping others do the same through cultural programs and events offered at the Niagara Regional Native Centre. “These cultural programs matter so much. They help us reclaim who we are,” said Irwin in an email. Irwin returned to the centre after time away in her teens and early adulthood and is now the director of development and community engagement. Since being back, she said she’s been able to pick up the teachings her father, a Six Nations-born artist, once shared. “Being here at (the Niagara Regional Native Centre) has given me...
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From land acknowledgement to land action: hundreds choose to meaningfully recognize Indigenous lands
Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territories (Victoria, BC), June 19, 2025 — Land is valuable, and so is the idea of home. From historic leafy homes in Saanich and Oak Bay, to new builds and condos in Victoria and Esquimalt, residents on the Island are acknowledging home and Indigenous land in a new way. Working with First Nationsacross the CRD since June 2023, Reciprocity Trusts has supported over 300 homes, small businesses and events on the south island to make more than $165,000 in voluntary payments tied to the value of land. Led by Indigenous trustees from ten south island First Nations, the Trust supports ten beneficiary First Nations: T’Sou-ke, Esquimalt, Songhees, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum, Malahat, Pauquachin, Scia’new, and Pacheedaht. Private property is a major ongoing impact on indigenous rights, especially in...
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Doug Ford says he treats First Nations ‘like gold’ but they ‘keep coming hat in hand’
By Liam Casey Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is willing to give First Nations what they want for their support in developing mines, but they cannot “keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government” for more money. Ford is set to meet Thursday with several dozen chiefs who are part of Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 First Nations in the province. First Nations are livid with the province over the passage of Bill 5, which gives cabinet the power to suspend municipal and provincial laws for chosen projects through the creation of so-called special economic zones. The designation of these zones is part of a new omnibus law that Ford’s government says is designed to speed up the construction of large infrastructure projects, particularly mines. Ford...
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