New study shows voting for Native Americans is harder than ever
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (AP) — A new study has found that systemic barriers to voting on tribal lands contribute to substantial disparities in Native American turnout, particularly for presidential elections. The study, released Tuesday by the Brennan Center for Justice, looked at 21 states with federally recognized tribal lands that have a population of at least 5,000 and where more than 20% of residents identify as American Indian or Alaska Native. Researchers found that between 2012 and 2022, voter participation in federal elections was 7 percentage points lower in midterms and 15 percentage points lower in presidential elections than among those living off tribal lands in the same states. Earlier studies show voter turnout for communities of color is higher in areas where their ethnic group is the majority, but...
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AFN women’s council ‘grateful’ Anaida Poilievre no longer addressing gathering
OTTAWA- Canadian Press-The Assembly of First Nations’ women’s council said it’s grateful Anaida Poilievre will no longer be addressing their gathering after the group raised concerns about her participation. Poilievre, spouse of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, was scheduled to speak on Wednesday about human trafficking on a panel with singer and advocate Paul Brandt. A Conservative Party spokesperson and the women’s council both confirmed Tuesday she would not be participating. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum told those gathered in Ottawa for the AFN’s special chiefs assembly that the AFN’s women’s council was not consulted on the agenda item. With about a dozen delegates gathered around her, Achneepineskum said there are First Nations peoples who are strong voices and advocates on the issue. “We’re grateful that Mrs. Anaida...
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What would Squamish look like if Indigenous Peoples had been at the table all along?
By Bhagyashree Chatterjee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter What would our towns and cities look like if Indigenous peoples had been at the table all along? For urban designer Sierra Tasi Baker, also known as K̓esugwilakw (pronounced Kay-soo-gwii-laow-kwoo), this question shapes their work. A member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and principal of North Vancouver’s Sky Spirit Studio Inc., Baker focuses on integrating Indigenous knowledge and values into urban planning and design. “Squamish is part of our territory—it’s our family’s land,” Baker said, recalling their first visit to the district for a ceremony with their father. “Ch’ḵw’elhp and Stá7mes are two of our ancestral villages. These places are so important to our history—they’re where our people rebuilt after the last Ice Age.” Stá7mes is Stawamus Indian Reserve No. 24, where...
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Festival of Lights kicks off on reserve
By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Kainaiwa Children’s Services hosted their fourth annual Ka Mo Taan Festival of Lights grand opening on Monday evening on the Blood reserve. Lucynda Russell-Rabbit, community program coordinator for Kainaiwa Children’s Services, says they were happy with the turnout, even without the use of the arbor. “We ran out of our 250 lunches and I think we only have 60 candy bags left of 500 so it was a pretty big event,” said Russel-Rabbit. Youth mentors came at 2 p.m. Monday afternoon and helped set up the event. Russell-Rabbit says it’s always a pleasure to see the youth mentors enjoy making a difference in the community. “We have 10 youth mentors here and they always enjoy themselves. Its stressful, but it’s always worth it...
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Trump’s picks for key positions in his second administration
WASHINGTON-(AP)-President-elect Donald Trump has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty to him after he felt bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term. Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and one candidate has already withdrawn from consideration. Chad Chronister, sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, pulled his name from consideration to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration just days after being tapped for the post, following backlash from some conservative figures. Here’s a look at Trump’s choices: CABINET: Secretary of state: Marco Rubio Trump would turn a former critic into an ally as the nation’s top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to...
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Results of Alberta town’s crosswalk vote reflects democratic process: mayor
BARRHEAD,ALTA-(CP)An Alberta mayor says his town’s vote to ban decorative flags and crosswalks from public property reflects democracy in action, while others say it’s a step in the wrong direction. More than 1,100 residents of Barrhead, Alta., voted Monday for a bylaw that would bar such adornments, like those recognizing the LGBTQ+ community, from municipal land. Roughly 57 per cent of those who went to polls in the town northwest of Edmonton voted yes to council passing the “neutral space bylaw.” The bylaw was drafted after a petition signed by more than 700 people called for neutrality. “Council responded to the valid petition in accordance with the (Municipal Government Act) and gave the community the opportunity to voice their opinions,” Dave McKenzie, mayor of Barrhead, said in a statement Tuesday....
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Assembly of First Nations chiefs turn attention to child welfare
OTTAWA-(CP)-The Assembly of First Nations special chiefs assembly continues today, with child welfare expected to be one of the main agenda items. Nine resolutions are dedicated to reforming the First Nations child and family services program after chiefs in October voted against a $47.8-billion deal with Canada that was intended to do just that. They passed resolutions at that assembly calling for a new negotiation and legal team in hopes it would bring more transparency to the deal. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is also expected to speak with media about First Nations policing. Chiefs passed a resolution Tuesday demanding the federal government launch a national inquiry into systemic racism in policing and the deaths of First Nations people. The resolution came after a string of incidents between Aug....
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In the news today: Services affected by Canada Post strike
Strike disrupts mail-in cancer screening kits, drivers’ licence renewals, book loans Canadians waiting on government documents, such as passports and health cards, can expect delays. The federal government says those who didn’t pay extra to pick up their passports will be affected. Those who need the document urgently are advised to call Service Canada or visit in person to request the passport be made available for pickup instead. Provinces that send residents at-home cancer screening kits are warning people not to send them back by mail during the strike. Some charities are also reporting a drop in donations that they attribute to the strike. In some cases, Canada Post delivers library materials directly to patrons but that is now on hold. So too, are interlibrary loan services facilitated by the...
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Is nuclear next for Nanticoke as Ontario looks to meet energy needs?
The former site of North America’s largest coal-fired power plant could one day host a nuclear station. Nanticoke in Haldimand County is one of three properties owned by Ontario Power Generation currently under consideration by the Ford government as locations for future power plants to meet Ontario’s rising need for energy. At its height, the Nanticoke Generating Station generated 4,000 megawatts of electricity. The coal-fired plant was decommissioned in 2013 after a four-decade run as one of Canada’s most important power producers — and one of the country’s largest single sources of pollution. Last week, Energy Minister Stephen Lecce named the property on the shores of Lake Erie as a possible future home for a new power plant. Along with Nanticoke, the province is looking at Lambton in St. Clair...
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OPP Street Crime Unit seizes $281,000 in drugs charges seven people
(WOODSTOCK, ON) – Seven people are facing 18 charges after police launched raids across seven cities and counties seizig $281,000 in drugs. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit and Woodstock Police Service launched Project NAPOLI in August 2024 conducting raids across the Western region that included towns and cities in Oxford County, Brant County, Elgin County, Norfolk County, Woodstock, London and Waterloo. OPP executed 10 search warants involving Criminal Code (CC), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) charges.. On November 21, 2024, a total of 10 search warrants were executed in Kitchener, Woodstock and Oxford County by members from: OPP CSCU from Oxford County, Brant County, Haldimand/Norfolk County, Essex County, Wellington County, Lambton County, Perth/Huron County and Elgin/Middlesex County OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau OPP Biker Enforcement Unit...
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Warmer winters are fuelling a growth in algal blooms across the Great Lakes
While commonly associated with the summer, algal blooms can also persist into the fall. As of late October 2024, blooms were still present along the southern shores of Lake Erie. In the warm weather, people flock to Ontario’s small lakes to swim, canoe or simply enjoy the tranquil shores. Every year, lakeside areas become bustling economic hubs, home to cottages, waterfront ice cream shops, cafes and restaurants that benefit from the scenic views they offer. However, these idyllic settings can become spoiled when smelly green algae wash up on the shore. Whether in the summer or fall, algal blooms interfere with our ability to fully enjoy time near or on the water. Some blooms can even become toxic, which are harmful to people and even pets. Our new research from...
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Assembly of First Nations special chiefs assembly kicks off in Ottawa
OTTAWA, ONT(CP)The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations says there’s a fundamental shift occurring in the country, and First Nations are at the centre of it. “There’s so much work ahead, but by strengthening our relations — (being) united — we can do anything together,” Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said at the organization’s special chiefs assembly on Tuesday in Ottawa. She was talking about growing Indigenous economies, reconciliation, and about a series of favourable court decisions that held Canada accountable for not living up to its treaty obligations and affirmed First Nations rights. “Each of these victories send a message to provincial and federal governments that First Nations can no longer be left on the sidelines,” she said. The Assembly of First Nations is hosting a three-day special chiefs...
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16-year-old charged with murder in Couchiching First Nation death
COUCHICHING,ONT-(CP)-Ontario Provincial Police say a teenager has been charged with second-degree murder after a death in Couchiching First Nation in northern Ontario. The OPP say Treaty Three Police Service and medics responded Sunday to an incident at a residence where one person was pronounced dead. A 16-year-old who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Police say the accused is in custody pending a bail hearing. They have not released any information about the victim. OPP say their joint investigation with Treaty Three Police Service and other teams continues. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2024. ...
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Eabametoong school opens, almost complete
By Mike Stimpson Local Journalism Initiative EABEMET LAKE – Ten months after a fire destroyed the community’s school, Eabametoong First Nation has a new school up and running. A few things need to be added to truly complete the temporary new learning site, according to Chief Solomon Atlookan, but it is able to accommodate the remote community’s 300-plus children and youth in kindergarten through Grade 10. “We officially opened the new school on the 12th of November,” he said in a phone interview. “The only problem now is we do not have the cafeteria ready yet,” he added. “We’re still waiting for some of the furniture, fridges and stoves and all the things that the cafeteria needs.” Also, he said, “we don’t have a gymnasium. Of course, kids need a...
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Mamakwa’s Truth and Reconciliation bill voted down in legislature
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter KIIWETINOONG – Provincial legislators have decided next Sept. 30 will not be a statutory holiday for Ontario residents. A private member’s bill from Sol Mamakwa, the New Democrat representing the northern riding of Kiiwetinoong, was defeated by a 60-30 vote Monday at Queen’s Park. The bill would have made the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also called Orange Shirt Day, a stat holiday for all Ontarians and not just for those who work for the federal government and federally regulated employers. Mamakwa argued for setting aside Sept. 30 as a “day of reflection,” and he made history by stating his case for the bill in Anishininiimowin (Oji-Cree), his mother tongue. Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford, who represents the Kenora-Rainy River riding to...
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This whale species is so rare it’s never been seen alive. A dissection may decode its mysteries
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — It is the world’s rarest whale, with only seven of its kind ever spotted. Almost nothing is known about the enigmatic species. But on Monday a small group of scientists and cultural experts in New Zealand clustered around a near-perfectly preserved spade-toothed whale hoping to decode decades of mystery. “I can’t tell you how extraordinary it is,” said a joyful Anton van Helden, senior marine science adviser for New Zealand’s conservation agency, who gave the spade-toothed whale its name to distinguish it from other beaked species. “For me personally, it’s unbelievable.” Van Helden has studied beaked whales for 35 years, but Monday was the first time he has participated in a dissection of the spade-toothed variety. In fact, the careful study of the creature —...
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National chief stresses need for additional clean energy projects at conference
OTTAWA-First Nations across the country are doing their bit to advance clean energy. That was a message that was given by Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak during a speech she delivered at the Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) conference in Toronto. The conference, titled The Gathering, was held Nov. 27-29. Woodhouse Nepinak, who spoke on Nov. 28, said First Nations are involved in more than 200 significant clean energy projects across Canada. She also said there’s a need for every First Nation to get off diesel. Many of them are still reliant on diesel because of the lack to clean energy. “We have to help connect those communities if they so wish,” Woodhouse Nepinak said. “And we have to take their lead.” The AFN had declared...
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Is nuclear next for Nanticoke as Ontario looks to meet energy needs?
The former site of North America’s largest coal-fired power plant could one day host a nuclear station. Nanticoke in Haldimand County is one of three properties owned by Ontario Power Generation currently under consideration by the Ford government as locations for future power plants to meet Ontario’s rising need for energy. At its height, the Nanticoke Generating Station generated 4,000 megawatts of electricity. The coal-fired plant was decommissioned in 2013 after a four-decade run as one of Canada’s most important power producers — and one of the country’s largest single sources of pollution. Last week, Energy Minister Stephen Lecce named the property on the shores of Lake Erie as a possible future home for a new power plant. Along with Nanticoke, the province is looking at Lambton in St. Clair...
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N.B. Child and Youth advocate releases monitoring report on First Nation youth mental health
The Child Youth and Seniors Advocate has recommended the government work with Indigenous governments to address youth mental health. A new monitoring report released by the advocate said the unique challenges facing these communities required “dedicated funding and process that empowers First Nations governments to lead.” Advocate Kelly Lamrock said in reviewing government actions in the three years since No Child Left Behind was released, he cited significant failures in collaboration, accountability, and targeted action. Those included: Lack of recognition of the need for a distinct approach and process for reducing rates of youth suicide and mental health emergencies in First Nations communities. Delays in the formation of basic committees and implementation of training recommendations. A lack of transparency in how federal funds for First Nations mental health are allocated...
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West Vancouver Indigenous charity makes lunch to raise funds for youth programs
By Abby Luciano Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A West Vancouver non-profit is raising funds to help provide opportunities for urban Indigenous people to succeed. On Giving Tuesday, which is Dec. 3, the Urban Spirit Foundation is hosting a fundraiser event where people can enjoy chili and bannock along with sales of baked goods, raffle prizes and a 50/50 draw. “Without fundraisers like this, it would be less money in the pot to be able to do the good work that we’re doing,” said Lynn White, executive director of the Urban Spirit Foundation. White says urban Indigenous people are those who reside in cities, but also those who may not have status or are not connected to their First Nation. The Urban Spirit Foundation is a charitable organization that provide opportunities...
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