Amnesty joins Bill C-5 criticism
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Human rights organization Amnesty International has joined First Nations leaders across Canada in expressing concern about recently passed legislation that allows the federal government to fast-track certain infrastructure projects. In a July 5 statement, Amnesty International Canada said that Bill C-5, also known as the One Canadian Economy Act, poses a “troubling threat” to Indigenous rights. In addition to reducing barriers towards inter-provincial trade, Bill C-5 enables the government to label infrastructure projects, including dams, mines, pipelines and ports, to be in the “national interest.” By doing so, the government is able to exempt the project from certain regulations, including the Fisheries Act, Marine Act, Species at Risk Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Energy Regulator Act and Impact Assessment Act,...
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Chief of James Smith Cree Nation calls on FSIN to address audit findings
By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca, SASKTODAY.ca JAMES SMITH CREE NATION — In a July 14 press release, Chief Kirby Constant of the James Smith Cree Nation called on the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to provide transparency to the Nations it claims to represent. The statement follows recent media reports citing a forensic audit conducted by Indigenous Services Canada and KPMG, alleging that more than $20 million in FSIN spending remains unaccounted for. “The FSIN has a mandate to represent 74 First Nations across Saskatchewan,” the release stated. “Its role is to protect Treaty rights, advocate for First Nations communities, and advance collective priorities through ethical and accountable leadership. When serious allegations involving public and Treaty-based funds arise, silence from leadership erodes the trust placed in...
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The tariff-driven inflation that economists feared begins to emerge
By Christopher Rugaber And Josh Boak WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation rose last month to its highest level since February as President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs push up the cost of a range of goods, including furniture, clothing, and large appliances. Consumer prices rose 2.7% in June from a year earlier, the Labor Department said Tuesday, up from an annual increase of 2.4% in May. On a monthly basis, prices climbed 0.3% from May to June, after rising just 0.1% the previous month. Worsening inflation poses a political challenge for Trump, who promised during last year’s presidential campaign to immediately lower costs only to engage in a whipsawed frenzy of tariffs that have left businesses and consumers worried. Trump has declared that the U.S. effectively has no more inflation as he...
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Pre-evacuation alert issued for Waskesiu
By Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Albert Daily Herald From Prince Albert to Saskatoon smoke filled the air on Sunday evening as a wildfire has begun to encroach on the Prince Albert National Park and the Waskesiu townsite. Just after 6 p.m. on Sunday, Parks Canada issued a Wildfire Advisory for Prince Albert National Park. According to the alert, the Buhl Wildfire is currently 40 km from the townsite of Waskesiu. Waskesiu Community Council chair Jim Kerby Chair said on Monday they are watching the situation closely, but conditions have improved. “We have had a change in the smoke conditions over the last 24 hours this morning,” Kerby said. “It was actually kind of blue skies here. At the moment. I’d say that I can see about halfway...
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Young Indigenous leaders in Colombia’s violent Cauca gather to resist violence and elect new voices
By Steven Grattan LAS DELICIAS, Colombia (AP) — Adriana Pazu wiped away tears as she remembered a colleague who was shot dead earlier this year by an armed dissident group for defending their land. Pazu, an Indigenous authority from the Nasa territory of San Francisco, Toribío, was attending an Indigenous youth assembly this week in Las Delicias, Cauca, a region long affected by conflict. Despite years of threats and an official security detail, Pazu’s colleague Edgar Tumiña was killed — months after one of his bodyguards was killed in an earlier attack. “He gave everything to protect this land and our youth,” Pazu said, her voice breaking. “Now, there are only a few of us left, holding onto this responsibility.” She said she’s prepared to carry on, even at great...
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First Nations to launch legal challenge against Ontario, federal bills 5 and C-5
By Allison Jones Lawyers representing nine Ontario First Nations say they are launching a constitutional challenge against provincial and federal laws meant to fast-track infrastructure projects that the Indigenous communities say infringes upon their rights. Details of the legal challenge have not yet been made public, but the lawyers say they will reveal more at a press conference on Wednesday. The federal Bill C-5 allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects such as mines, ports and pipelines by sidestepping existing laws, while Ontario’s bill allows its cabinet to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called “special economic zones.” Chief Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin of Attawapiskat First Nation, one of the communities involved in the legal challenge, says in a press release that governments are playing...
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Native American teens kayak major US river to celebrate removal of dams and return of salmon
By Brittany Peterson KLAMATH, Calif. (AP) — As bright-colored kayaks push through a thick wall of fog, voices and the beats of drums build as kayakers approach a crowd that has formed on the beach. Applause erupts as the boats land on the sandy spit that partially separates the Klamath River from the Pacific Ocean in northern California. Native American teenagers from tribes across the river basin push themselves up and out of the kayaks and begin to cross the sand, some breaking into a sprint. They kick playfully at the cold waves of the ocean they’ve been paddling toward over the last month — the ocean that’s seen fewer and fewer salmon return to it over the last century as four hydropower dams blocked their ideal spawning grounds upstream....
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Author encourages people to stand against residential school denialism
By Shari Narine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com Métis scholar Kristy McLeod is bracing for more hateful online comments when Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves hits the stores in mid-August. She wrote the book with Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad. “I’ve made as many (of my social media accounts) private as I can so that it’s not coming at me unexpectedly. But I do expect it will happen and…I don’t really do well in very strong confrontation. I mean, I can stand up for myself, but it’s not my preference…There’s a part of me that’s a little nervous and afraid of what that will be like,” she said. McLeod and Webstad have already had a taste of the vitriol, ignorance and defensiveness that has...
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First Nations to launch legal challenge against Ontario, federal bills 5 and C-5
By Allison Jones Lawyers representing nine Ontario First Nations say they are launching a constitutional challenge against provincial and federal laws meant to fast-track infrastructure projects that the Indigenous communities say infringes upon their rights. Details of the legal challenge have not yet been made public, but the lawyers say they will reveal more at a press conference on Wednesday. The federal Bill C-5 allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects such as mines, ports and pipelines by sidestepping existing laws, while Ontario’s bill allows its cabinet to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called “special economic zones.” Chief Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin of Attawapiskat First Nation, one of the communities involved in the legal challenge, says in a press release that governments are playing...
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Judicial review of Blueberry River First Nations council lies in hands of federal court
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The fate of a judicial review of a northeast B.C. First Nations council’s actions now lies in the hands of a federal court. A judicial review of the Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) council filed by Elders Clarence and Joe Apsassin went before a court in Vancouver last week. The filing sought a review of the entire council after a separate investigation into the former Chief Judy Desjarlais was concluded. The Apsassin’s allegations include that the removal of Desjarlais, who was fired due to accusations of a conflict of interest, was not in conjunction with BRFN’s by-laws, and sought the removal of their family-appointed councillor, Shelley Gauthier. The duo said they wanted to give the BRFN members...
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Halfway River First Nations’ Arbor Days to return for 2025
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca WONOWON, B.C. — A northeast B.C. First Nation’s event will return starting this week, as Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) presents its annual Arbor Days. The festival is described on an event poster as “a weekend of celebration, fun and community spirit,” and is free for all members of the public to attend. The idea to put together a cultural gathering was inspired by the story of Maizie Metecheah, who wanted an arbour where people in HRFN could gather, said executive assistant to HRFN council Joanne West. “A long time ago everybody used to gather,” explained West. “[So, council] approved to get an arbour [fundraising gathering] going. It was finished in 2024.” Arbor Days 2024 was named after Maizie Metecheah to honour...
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Premier offers condolences to Pond Inlet following 3 deaths
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok offered his condolences to the hamlet of Pond Inlet as Nunavut’s coroner investigates three deaths in the community. “I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the community of Pond Inlet during this incredibly difficult time,” Akeeagok said in a statement Saturday morning. “Like many Nunavummiut, I am heartbroken by the tragic events that have shaken your community.” Akeeagok’s statement did not elaborate about the events he referred to. But the territory’s coroner said his office is looking into them. “I can confirm that we are investigating three deaths in Pond Inlet as coroner’s cases,” Dr. Michael Foote, the territory’s chief coroner, said in an email. Foote also did not provide additional information about the deaths. He...
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NAPS says it faces ‘unique hurdle’ in recruitment challenges
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY — The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service says it is in a unique situation, as many police forces across Ontario say they’re struggling with recruitment. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner announced a province-wide hiring campaign along with representatives from a number of policing agencies in the province earlier in July. Kerzner called the current situation a “crisis.” Nishnawbe Aski police became a fully legislated police service in December 2024, meaning it makes NAPS accountable under the same laws as municipal police services in Ontario, and gives it access to regular funding from the province. However, this follows just over 30 years of what the police service calls historic underfunding. “Signing into this act effectively more than doubled our frontline compliment to...
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Out-of-control wildfire in Cold Lake Air Weapons Range prompts restricted access
By Chantel Downes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeland This Week Classified as LWF132, the wildfire is now burning out-of-control and has grown to an estimated 1,210 hectares, according to Alberta Wildfire. It was spotted roughly 2 km west of Primrose Lake, and fire crews have been refilling water buckets from Marie Lake as suppression efforts continue. “There are 40 wildland firefighters from Alberta Wildfire responding to wildfire LWF132. They are supported by four helicopters who are dropping water on the fire with their buckets. Airtankers are also dropping retardant and water to slow the spread of the fire,” said Josee St-Onge, provincial information officer with Alberta Wildfire. While there is currently no threat to nearby communities, the situation remains volatile. “Strong winds are creating challenging conditions for firefighters, but fire...
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Fires force Manitoba to prep for evacuees, bring alert to jewel Saskatchewan park
By Steve Lambert Manitoba prepared Monday to find shelter for thousands more potential wildfire evacuees while in neighbouring Saskatchewan, out-of-control blazes shut down close to half of Prince Albert National Park, the province’s crown jewel summer destination. Manitoba officials said Monday about 1,300 fire refugees are staying at two congregate shelters in Winnipeg. Other shelters were set to open to provide space if necessary for 7,000 more. That includes 4,000 cot spaces at the city’s cavernous downtown RBC Convention Centre. “We do have additional sites that have been stood up and are on standby should they be required,” Christine Stevens, with the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization, told reporters Monday. “Because hotel space is very limited in Manitoba, we are asking people to stay with family and friends first if they...
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Federal Court says Canada acted ‘unreasonably’ in denying request to repair home
By Alessia Passafiume The Federal Court says Indigenous Services Canada acted unreasonably to deny funding for mould removal in a house for two First Nations children with asthma under its Jordan’s Principle program. The principle stipulates that when a First Nations child needs health, social or educational services they are to receive them from the government first approached, with questions about final jurisdiction worked out afterward. It’s named after Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba who died at five years old without ever leaving the hospital because federal and provincial governments couldn’t decide who should pay for his at-home care. Joanne Powless, the children’s grandmother, has been trying to get the department to fund mould remediation in their on-reserve home since 2022 under that principle, but...
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Federal Court says Canada acted ‘unreasonably’ in denying request to repair home
By Alessia Passafiume The Federal Court says Indigenous Services Canada acted unreasonably to deny funding for mould removal in a house for two First Nations children with asthma under its Jordan’s Principle program. The principle stipulates that when a First Nations child needs health, social or educational services they are to receive them from the government first approached, with questions about final jurisdiction worked out afterward. It’s named after Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba who died at five years old without ever leaving the hospital because federal and provincial governments couldn’t decide who should pay for his at-home care. Joanne Powless, the children’s grandmother, has been trying to get the department to fund mould remediation in their on-reserve home since 2022 under that principle, but...
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Feds approve more wildfire support
By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Brandon Sun Canada’s emergency management minister has approved more support to Manitoba as the province deals with spreading wildfires. Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Eleanor Olszewski released a statement on Sunday announcing that she gave the go-ahead to provide humanitarian workforce support to Manitoba. The support will focus on emergency evacuation and sheltering activities, she said. Details were not provided as of Sunday afternoon, however the workforce program generally exists to help increase staff during emergencies. Funding goes to non-governmental organizations, which then can carry out assistance work, such as deploying nurses when needed. The humanitarian workforce program has recently funded the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, the Salvation Army, and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada. “The...
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Canada’s proposed east-west energy corridors should prioritize clean energy
By Andy Hira Professor of Political Science, Simon Fraser University and Andrew Simon Wright, Adjunct Professor, Department of Political Science, Simon Fraser University Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made establishing east-west energy corridors a priority for Canada. He suggested that such corridors would include new oil and natural gas pipelines, designed to reduce dependence on the United States. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson has gone even further in pushing for subsidization of carbon capture and storage projects that would effectively underwrite the long-term continuation of the fossil fuel industry at taxpayer expense. While there might be short-term political reasons for backing fossil fuels, such an approach goes against Canada’s long-term interests. Prioritizing fossil fuels undermines the country’s commitments to reduce emissions and takes away the investment needed...
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Grand Erie Public Health issues heat warning for region
The acting medical officer of health for Grand Erie Public Health is issuing an extended heat alert for the Grand Erie Public Health region (Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk), effective July 14, 2025. An extended heat warning is issued when the daytime temperatures are expected to reach at least 31 degrees Celsius with overnight temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for three or more days, or when the humidex is expected to reach 40 for three or more days. The warning will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued. While everyone is at risk from extreme heat, older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, those working outdoors, and those without adequate housing or air conditioning are at greater risk of heat related illnesses. Symptoms of heat stroke and other heat related illnesses include: Dizziness or fainting Nausea or...
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