Over 130 students employed through $2.6M Tuglirijavut program
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Youth across Nunavut are wrapping up their summer jobs funded by the $2.6-million Tuglirijavut Student Employment Program, which has funded more than 130 positions this year, according to the Government of Nunavut. That doesn’t count student jobs at the Qulliq Energy Corporation or students who have completed their contracts. The final number of hires is expected to be available in September. Municipalities across the territory also make use of summer students. Kyra Aviak, 18, has been working as a receptionist at Kugluktuk’s hamlet office. The best part of her first job is finding out how quickly she can pick up new skills, she said. “ I find that cool how I learn new things suddenly, and it doesn’t really take me...
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Cleared NAN deputy grand chief says misconduct allegations were for ‘questioning of process’
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY — The deputy grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation who was recently cleared of misconduct allegations says they centred around him questioning how the organization conducts business. Bobby Narcisse was cleared of misconduct by an independent investigation, the final report of which was presented in closed session on Aug. 13 to NAN’s chiefs-in-assembly at the 2025 Keewaywin Conference. The territorial organization first received the investigator’s report in June, at which point all restrictions on Narcisse and his performing of his official duties were lifted. “They centred around governance issues across Nishnawbe Aski Nation, how we run the corporation,” Narcisse told Dougall Media in an interview on Tuesday, adding that the conduct violations he was accused, and subsequently cleared of, “centred...
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Quebec government renews promise to make changes to forestry reform bill
The Quebec government is renewing its promise to modify a forestry bill that has provoked blockades and growing tension in the province. Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière said Tuesday evening that the forestry reform bill must be amended to take into account the rights of First Nations. His social media statement came after a six-hour meeting with First Nations leaders and representatives of the forest industry. He and Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina are expected to meet today with the Assembly of First Nations Quebec–Labrador and the office of Premier François Legault. The legislation would designate certain areas of public land as forestry zones, but Indigenous leaders say it infringes on their rights. A series of blockades in recent months in opposition to the bill has disrupted operations for...
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bbno$, the Beaches warn approaching TikTok Canada closure will hurt homegrown artists
By Alex Nino Gheciu In 2021, a TikTok of Canadian rapper bbno$ raising his eyebrows to the beat of his single “Edamame” started gaining traction — and eventually changed the course of his career. The platform’s Canadian team suggested he recreate the clip with a safari-themed filter, then helped push it globally. “When that happened, the song just skyrocketed,” he says of the track, which features Indonesian rapper Rich Brian and went six-times Platinum in various countries. bbno$ is among several Canadian artists worried about losing social media support that can make or break their careers as TikTok prepares to comply with a federal order to shut down its operations in Canada. For Canadian musicians, TikTok can be as vital as radio play once was. Its algorithm lets songs leap...
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Chiefs down host Lakers to take 2-0 series lead in MSL final
By Sam Laskaris Writer Halfway there. Thanks to an 11-7 road victory over the Peterborough Lakers on Tuesday night, the Six Nations Chiefs now find themselves up 2-0 in their best-of-seven Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) championship final. Six Nations had kicked off the series with an 11-6 home triumph in the series opener held Sunday at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena (ILA). The Chiefs, the two-time defending national Mann Cup champions, will now host Game 3 on Thursday. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. If Six Nations manages to also register a W on Thursday, the local squad will then be looking for a series sweep in Game 4, set for Saturday at 7 p.m. in Peterborough. This year’s MSL champs will travel to British Columbia for the best-of-seven...
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ROPE Squade issues Canada Wide Warrant for federal offender Michael Lockyer
Michael LOCKYER Hamilton, ON – The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result of a breach of his Statutory Release. Michael LOCKYER is described as male white, 36 years of age, 6’2” (188cm), 200 lbs (91 kgs) with brown hair and green eyes. LOCKYER has a Tattoo of a Broken Heart on his right hand, and a Flower and Star on his right arm. Michael LOCKYER is serving a 7-year, 10-month and 7-day sentence for; Sex Assault X4 The offender is known to frequent Hamilton, Brantford, Simcoe and Delhi, Ontario. Anyone having contact with this offender or information in regards to their whereabouts is asked to contact the Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad at...
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Quebec government tries to ease growing tension over forestry blockades
Two Quebec ministers are meeting with First Nations communities amid rising tensions around forestry blockades in the province. Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina and Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière are meeting with three Atikamekw communities in Quebec’s Mauricie region, roughly 200 kilometres north of Montreal. Blanchette Vézina says she’s “very concerned” about the situation in the region, where there have been tense standoffs between protesters and forestry workers in recent days. An Indigenous rights group has organized a series of blockades in recent months that have disrupted operations for some in the forestry industry. The group is protesting a new bill that would divide public forests into zones designated for conservation, multi-purpose use or forestry. Some Indigenous leaders say the bill infringes on their rights and the Quebec government...
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Black bear killed by vehicle in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Long Beach, BC – Parks Canada is reminding drivers to slow down after a black bear was struck and killed by a vehicle on Aug. 10 in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The bear was hit on the Pacific Rim Highway 4, in the middle of the day, just north of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations community of Ty-Histanis. “The driver of the vehicle involved is unknown,” said Todd Windle, Parks Canada human-wildlife coexistence team lead, in an email statement. “There is no charge for accidentally striking wildlife with a vehicle. If, however, a driver was found to be speeding, driving recklessly, or intentionally harming wildlife, related charges could apply. In this case, as noted, the driver remains unidentified,” Windle continued. Parks Canada...
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Family, community mourn 8-year-old Toronto boy killed by stray bullet while in bed
By Natasha Baldin An eight-year-old Toronto boy killed by a stray bullet while he was in bed with his family is being remembered as a compassionate and fearless child as the community prepares to hold a vigil in his memory later this week. JahVai Roy was killed in his home in the city’s north end early Saturday morning in what police have called a “cowardly act.” Marcell Wilson, a friend of the family, said they are still in shock and trying to make sense of the death while making arrangements to bury the boy. Wilson described JahVai as “a genuinely good, happy, compassionate, kind, curious child,” who always made sure to look after his mom and his two siblings. “He was the type of boy that wanted to climb a...
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Six Nations Police arrest three, after drugs and weapons found in vehicle search
OHSWEKEN, SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-Three people are facing drug trafficking and weapons charges after Six Nations Police (SNP) searched a vehicle at a traffic stop on Sour Springs Road Aug., 13th. The Six Nations Drug Enforcement Unit officers arrested three people travelling in the vehicle who were wanted on outstanding warrants. During the arrest police said they spotted illicit drugs in plain view. During a search of the vehicle Six Nations office seized a Glock handgun with an extended magazine containing 33 rounds of ammunition, bulk drugs including cocaine, crack cocaine, hydromorphone and methamphetamine. hydromorphone pills. Six Nations Police have jointly charged three Ohsweken residents – a 28-year-old male and two females ages 35 and 38 – with: possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl; possession for...
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OPP investigate Highway 403 accident that sent four people to hospital
BRANT COUNTY, ON – The Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a Highway 403 West accident that saw a single-vehicle becoming airborn before rolling and coming to rest on its roof. OPP said the accident occurred at about 12:35 a.m. on Highway 403 West just east of Garden Avenue Aug., 19, 2025. Emergency services responded to scene and found a vehicle had left the highway via the north shoulder and become airborne before rolling and coming to rest on its roof. The driver, a 21-year-old man, and three passengers, a 19-year-old woman, 20-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man were all transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the collision. Highway 403 West remained open east of Garden Avenue while the...
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Province finalizing teacher competency standards
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press Manitoba’s independent education commissioner will have new powers to field and probe complaints about teacher performance in time for back-to-school season. Following a mid-summer consultation process that critics are calling “hurried,” the Education Department is finalizing teacher competency standards for Sept. 2. A draft version suggests teachers must be knowledgeable about the curriculum, committed to student success and positive collegiality, foster a safe and inclusive environment and respect Indigenous people, languages and cultures. The approved list will replace a patchwork of expectations currently released by unions and employers. “If I was a new teacher starting out, I think it would be reassuring to me to know what the standard is across the province,” said Bobbi Taillefer, who oversees the new...
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Canmore abstract artist selected for world-class London art show
By Leah Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Rocky Mountain Outlook CANMORE — With two hours left before the deadline, Canmore artist Stephen Bend pressed submit on his application to the renowned London Art Biennale — an international event featuring a collection of museum-quality contemporary artwork. Selected as one of 350 artists from over 10,000 applicants, Bend’s piece, “Passion Ascending”, hung on the walls of the historic Old Town Hall in Chelsea, London, from July 16-20. “When I think about it, I was very emotional. [I was in] total shock … overwhelmed with emotion and the first thing I did was call [my son], Chris,” said Bend, recalling the moment he found out his piece was accepted. A gift to his wife, Bend’s “Passion Ascending” is an abstract oil painting celebrating...
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B.C. Métis Nation suspends president over complaints about behaviour
Métis Nation British Columbia says it has suspended its president over allegations of behaviour “inconsistent” with the group’s policies. The community organization says in a release that its executive committee decided to suspend Walter Mineault due to the complaints and information from the public. Mineault, who was elected last year, did not respond to a message over social media and could not immediately be reached for comment. Métis Nation British Columbia says the suspension is to protect its “integrity and reputation,” and it will begin a review of Mineault’s tenure before reaching a final decision on his future with the group. The nation declined a request for further comment. The organization voted last November to leave the Métis National Council due to what it called a governance structure that granted...
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Inuvik wind turbine access road still under construction
By Eric Bowling, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North Work on the Inuvik High Point Wind Project access road is still underway, three years after shovels first hit the ground. Completion of the road has been on hold while ongoing issues are before the courts, Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) communications manager Doug Prendergast told NNSL media on Aug. 12 “There is still additional work remaining to complete the access road to the standard that was built into the original contract,” he said. “Completion of the road from raw roadbed to gravel surface will occur once all remaining legal issues have been resolved. “The original contract price to construct the access road was $9.8 million. As the result of ongoing litigation, NTPC cannot discuss the value of payments made to...
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“For the Kids”: Churchill Businesses Join Forces for Summer Adventures
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun When you live in Churchill, the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” you could be forgiven for thinking you know the place. You know which streets the bears sometimes wander down. You know where the belugas roll in summer. You know the restaurants, the winds, the long winter dark. But what if you don’t? What if you are 9 years old on summer vacation and you’ve never once ridden on the whale-watching boats that idle at the dock all July? What if you’ve never stood on a tundra buggy, staring out over the spongy muskeg, or run your hands through frozen soil to see how houses sink into permafrost? This summer, a group of children in Churchill have been learning what...
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‘Chat with us’: Blueberry River Restoration Society to host open house
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An organization with ties to a First Nations community will hold an open house to begin a dialogue with the community. Blueberry River Restoration Society (BRRS) has made plans for an event taking place in September, with the public being invited to spend a part of their day learning about the BRRS, its rebranding and its upcoming projects. The BRRS is a government partnership with Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) and was born out of the 2021 Supreme Court ruling determining the province had violated BRFN’s Treaty 8 rights by failing to account for the impact of cumulative development on cultural practices. BRRS was founded two years later with a focus on providing funding for ecological restoration...
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Judge dismisses part of lawsuit over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration detention center
By David Fischer, Mike Schneider And Freida Frisaro MIAMI (AP) — A federal judge in Miami issued a split decision in a lawsuit over the legal rights of detainees at the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, dismissing part of the suit and also moving the case to a different jurisdiction. U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz issued the decision late Monday, writing in a 47-page ruling that claims the detainees at the facility don’t have confidential access to their lawyers or to hearings in immigration court were rendered moot when the Trump administration recently designated the Krome North Processing Center near Miami as a site for their cases to be heard. The judge heard arguments from both sides in a hearing earlier Monday in Miami. Civil rights...
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Métis Nation British Columbia suspends president amid complaints
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca SURREY, B.C. — The Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) has suspended its president Walter Mineault. In a press release issued by MNBC’s executive committee on Monday, August 18th, the committee said it made the decision “with great dismay” and cited several complaints alleging “behaviour [that was] inconsistent” with the organization’s policies. The committee said it will launch an independent review of Mineault’s time as president to determine whether the suspension will be an outright dismissal. Pending the investigation, Melanie Allard has been named interim president of MNBC. “This is not an easy decision,” reads a part of the statement. “But it protects the integrity and reputation of our Nation.” A resident of Dawson Creek, Mineault was first elected as MNBC president in...
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Magnitude 3.6 quake shakes southeast of Port Renfrew, B.C.
A minor earthquake was recorded on Monday evening near Port Renfrew, about 110 kilometres northwest of Victoria. Earthquakes Canada reports a 3.6 magnitude quake struck at 7:17 p.m. local time, with the tremor occurring 18 kilometres southeast of Port Renfrew. A statement from the province says no damage or injury is expected. Earthquake Canada says the quake was lightly felt in the southern Vancouver Island region. The quake struck at a depth of 35 kilometers. Monday night’s quake came after a 5.4 magnitude earthquake that shook near Sechelt, B.C., on Feb. 21, and on Feb. 24, a 5.0 magnitude quake was recorded off the coast of Port Alice on northwest Vancouver Island. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 18, 2025. ...
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