Disqualified driver charged
OHSWEKEN, ON- A 42-year-old man is facing charges after Six Nations Police said they spotted the man, known to be a disqualified driver, driving a vehicle on Tuscarora Road at about 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 2. Police said they activated emergency equipment and conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle as it pulled a residence along Tuscarora Road. Police said after stopping and checking the vehicle they found both a male driver and female passenger in the vehicle, who were both known to police as disqualified drivers. Police said the male driver was successfully arrested without incident but, police said the man became “actively resistant while in custody and verbally threatened the officers.” As a result of the investigation, police have arrested and charged Trevor McNaughton ,42, of Ohsweken, ON...
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Teenager facing First Degree Murder charge in death of Mississauga Road resident
Six Nations Police and OPP are cotninuing a murder investigation at a home on Mississauga Road. (Photo by Auston Evans) SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER- A 17-year-old has been charged with First Degree Murder in the death of a Mississauga Road resident Wednesday, July 3. Six Nations Police and Ontario Provincial Police were called to the scene of the death at about 2:05 p.m. Wednesday and upon arrival found a deceased individual at the scene. Officers secured the scene and a suspect was arrested at the scene. Police said there is no further risk to the public at this time. As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old from Hagersville, ON has been charged with First Degree Murder. Police said because of the age of the accused no...
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First Nations win Quebec Superior Court decision
By Marc Lalonde Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 04/07/2024 08:44 A recent Quebec Superior Court decision agreed that the provincial government has an obligation to consult with First Nations on wildlife considerations on their traditional unceded territory, it said in a decision late last month. The June 21 decision from Quebec Superior Court Justice Marie Cossette ruled the government not only failed in its duty to consult First Nations on matters of caribou hunting and conservation – but also ruled the consultation must be launched by September 30. “In addition to violating their right to be consulted, the situation of the caribou deteriorates further during this time and the government is still not in a position to indicate to the tribunal when the proposed protection strategy will be communicated,” she said...
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Kahnawake Mohawk Council joins AFNQL in denouncing Northvolt
By Marc Lalonde Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 04/07/2024 08:40 The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake came out publicly in support of a recent Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador resolution condemning the provincial and federal governments’ failure to consult First Nations on a new electric-battery recycling facility near Hemmingford. The AFNQL resolution denounced Canada and Quebec’s failure to fulfill their obligations to consult and accommodate Indigenous people in regards to the Northvolt project — and demands that the governments of Canada and Quebec fully respect their obligations to Indigenous people regarding the Northvolt Project and all related activities along the battery production chain, from mining to recycling. Specifically, the MCK and the AFNQL are alleging the government’s failure to consult Indigenous people constitutes a violation of the United Nations...
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Three Individuals Charged in Major Drug Bust on M’Chigeeng FirstNation
By Jacqueline St. Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 04/07/2024 01:58 M’Chigeeng, ON, June 24, 2024 — On June 20, 2024, a coordinated effort between the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Anishnaabe Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) led to a significant drug bust on Hill Street in M’Chigeeng First Nation. The operation, which involved the OPP’s Community Street Crime Unit, Emergency Response Team (ERT), and K9 unit, resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of illicit drugs valued at approximately $15,000. The individuals arrested have been identified as Shayla Debassige and Savanah Eshquib, both from M’Chigeeng, and Tasin Rahman from North York. They face multiple charges, including: Production of a Schedule I Substance (CDSA 7(1)) Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of...
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Expert Witness Cross-Examined Amid Controversy Over Unregulated Cannabis Stores
By Jacqueline St. Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 04/07/2024 02:02 SUDBURY June 13, 2023 — Cross examination of expert witness Dr. William Newbigging, a professor of History and Anishnaabemowin, began last week in the controversial case involving ten defendants charged with operating unregulated cannabis stores in the communities of Wahnapitae, Henvey Inlet and Garden River First Nations. On January 24 of this year, the Expositor reported on the potentially precedent setting case involving ten First Nations defendants who filed a constitutional challenge four years ago. The defendants contend that that after the legalization of cannabis in 2018, the charges against them violate their rights as First Nations to trade the substance as a means of economic development. The accused are charged with breaking the Cannabis Act and the Controlled Drugs...
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Ojibwe Spirit Horses Return to Their Ancestral Lands in Wiikwemkoong
By Jacqueline St. Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, 04/07/2024 01:55 WIIKWEMKOONG – Marcia Manitowabi’s dream of welcoming her peoples nearly extinct Ojibwa Spirit Horses, also known as Lac La Croix Indigenous Ponies, back to Wiikwemikoong has came true as of sJune 4, of this year. An official welcoming ceremony was held on June 8, inviting Wiky members to reconnect with these sacred horses. Three mares named Lucy, Three Sisters and Thundercloud, along with a gelding named Kind Moon Dancer, nicknamed Giizis (Ojibwe for “moon”), now call Wiikwemkoong home. Canada’s only Indigenous horse breed, the Ojibwe Spirit Horses, are both precious and endangered. By 1977, only four mares stood as the last sentinels of their kind. Their population had dwindled to a mere whisper on the wind, making the dream of...
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CP NewsAlert: Manitoba First Nation reports 150 anomalies at residential school site
The Canadian Press Published: 03/07/2024 17:30 A First Nation community in northern Manitoba says ground-penetrating radar has found 150 anomalies at the site of a former residential school, along with 59 unmarked graves at a nearby cemetery. Chief David Monias of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation says it is shocking, and says more work is needed to determine whether some of the anomalies may be unmarked burial sites. The St. Joseph’s Residential School, managed by the Roman Catholic Church, operated in the community from 1912 to 1969, and housed children from across northern Manitoba. Monias says researchers earlier documented 85 deaths of children at the school. Documents at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation say the school at times suffered outbreaks linked to overcrowding, including a spread of tuberculosis in...
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Garden River citizens each receiving $110,000 in Robinson Huron payout
By K Darbyson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 03/07/2024 17:25 Garden River First Nation approved initial payout in its Robinson Huron Treaty settlement, providing a minimum of $110,000 to each registered citizen. This payout includes all citizens registered with Indigenous Services Canada as of Sept. 9, 2023, with totals roughly 3,300 people according to local Robinson Huron Treaty coordinator Robert Peace. While this doesn’t account for the community’s overall settlement of approximately $610 million, more settlement money will be headed to Garden River down the line, with $200 million being allocated to a legacy trust. An additional $40-50 million is expected from the community’s “war chest fund” that was reduced from 10 per cent to five per cent of the $10-billion annuities settlement earlier this year. “This settlement is a significant...
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Six Nations Police investigating sudden death
Six Nations Police and Ontario Provincial Police are on the scene of a “sudden death” investigation on Mississauga Road between Highway 6 and Ojibway Road. The investigation is located on Six Nations territory. Six Nations Police Chief Darren Montour said no details are being released at this time....
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Collision leads to impaired charge
OHSWEKEN, ON- Six Nations Police (SNP) have arrested and charged an Ohsweken man with Impaired Operation following a single vehicle collision on Seneca Road Sunday, June 30. SNP said on Sunday, June 30th, at about 3:00 AM, members of the Six Nations were “made aware of a single vehicle collision on Seneca Road.” SNP said when officers arrived on scene, they observed a lone male sleeping in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Officers were unsuccessful in their attempts to wake the man and were unable to enter the vehicle to check on the driver’s health and safety. As a result officers made the decision to break a window to extract the man. As a result of the investigation, police have arrested and charged Rodger Miller, 44, of Ohsweken, ON with:...
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Six Nations man facing charges after vehicle fails to stop for emergency vehicle
OHSWEKEN, ON- A 32-year-old Ohsweken man is facing multiple charges after failing to slow down and move over for an emergency vehicle conducting a traffic stop. Six Nations Police said on Friday, June 28, 2024, at about 12:50 p.m. a Six Nations Police officer was conducting an unrelated traffic stop on Mohawk Road, when the officer spotted a pickup truck approaching at a high rate of speed. SNP said the driver proceeded by the officer without moving over or slowing down. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle. Once stopped, police said the driver of the vehicle used aggressive driving maneuvers and was confrontational towards the officer. Officers arrested the individual without incident. As a result of the investigation, police have arrested and charged Jonathan Fraser,...
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Clearing the land: who approved work at Chiefswood National Historic Site
Clearing the land: no one will own up to who approved work at Chiefswood National Historic Site By Lynda Powless and Austin Evans, Writers A naturalization site on Chiefswood National Historic Site (CNHS) has been leveled, and it may have happened without Six Nation Elected Council (SNEC) approval. Last Wednesday (June 26), the last remaining trees on the front yard of CNHS were bull dozed down and removed and the tall grass cleared, creating a muddy field view from the house to Highway 54. Some of the plants on the property were removed and moved down the street to Kayanase. Any remaining plants were ground up and the grounds cleared of waste. A plaque designating the site as a National Historic Site sits on the grounds. As a National Historic...
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Gane’ Yohs Community Health Centre remains closed ISC says it is assessing
By Austin Evans Writer Two months after Gane’ Yohs Community Health Centre was closed down, SNEC and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) are still deciding how to proceed. Gane’ Yohs has been closed since April 23 after mold was discovered inside the building. Most of the services provided at Gane’ Yohs have been temporarily relocated to the White Pine Wellness Centre, however the dental clinic remains closed for the time being. This closure has not affected the Ohsweken Pharmasave or Six Nations Mental Health which share or adjoin the same building. ISC media relations spokesperson Ryan Tyndall said that they have repeatedly met with SNEC to discuss this issue, with their most recent meeting on June 25 including Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu. The discussions have focused on adding...
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Six Nations Elected Council looking at illegal dumping of “contaminated” soil
Six Nations’ Built Environment and Climate Adaptation Committee is trying to tackle the community’s illegal dumping problem, but they can’t do it alone. Dayle Bomberry, chair of the committee gave Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) an update on the committee’s progress at the General Council meeting on June 25 and said they’ve been putting pressure on the province to crack down on illegal dumping and increase penalties. “This is one of reasons we’re asking the provincial permit people to look at laws and legislations with little more penalizing and stricter enforcement with testing places it can be taken to get cleaned up,” he said. “Bring this all together and take the way stronger, look at other solutions.” SNEC councillors have tried to deal with the issue of illegal soil dumping...
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Six Nations Elected Council members to attend concert
Six Nations Councillor Helen Miller wants to turn an invite to concert into a money maker for Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo’s building. Six Nations Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill told council at its June 25th meeting they had been invited to attend a a benefit concert to support the Heather Winterstein Foundation and Elected Chief Sherri Lyn Hill asked councillors if they want to attend. This concert, dedicated to supporting the Heather Winterstein Foundation is on July 8, at the Meridian Center in St. Catharines. Hill said the concert is sold out, but there may be tickets still available for those communities who were invited. While no councillors volunteered to go, Councillor Helen Miller suggested SNEC look into inviting the lead performer, Jelly Roll, to come to Six Nations to host a benefit concert...
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Six Nations Firefighters Association donates to Ganohkwasra
The Six Nations Firefighters’ Association is stepping out from behind the Mother’s Day fundraising dinner to donate to Ganohkwasra. The Six Nations Firefighters’ Association donated $1,200 raised through the dinner organized and cooked by the firefighters. Six Nations’ Ganohkwasra provides shelter, counselling, and support for women, men, youth, children, seeking safety from violence. The association released a statement honouring Ganohkwasra. “Their dedication and support mean a great deal to us and will significantly help in providing essential services to families.” The donation was made Friday by left to right Captain Martin MacNaughton, Sandi Montour of Ganohkwasra, Brody Thomas, Braiden Shaw and Derek Foam. (Supplied Photo)...
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Six Nations Fire services signs onto Mutual Aid agreement
The Six Nations Fire Services can now coordinate large scale mutual aid responses within the region. Six Nations Elected Council passed a motion to renew Six Nations Fire Services Mutual Aid agreement with Brantford, County of Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk County and Hamilton at its General Council meeting on June 25. Acting Fire Chief Michael Seth told SNEC the agreement is only used when Six Nations or another close fire service requires assistance to handle an emergency. Previously under the Ontario Mutual Aid agreement non-municipal participants were not able to coordinate mutual aid situations, a category which Six Nations falls under. The province has since updated its legislation which allows non-municipal participants to coordinate the program. “Now the province is allowing coordinators regionally, in the past that wasn’t a possibility,” he said....
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Six Nations Elected Council wants community name off federal electoral district name
Six Nations will not support having its name added to the federal electoral district. Six Nations Elected Council unanimously opposed having the federal electoral district name changed to Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations at its General Council meeting on June 25 due to concerns of what the change could mean in the future. Councillor Melba Thomas was concerned the name change may impact the future of Six Nations land claims. “We can still vote. Why would we want our names connected to Brantford in that respect? I don’t understand. There may be repercussions in future with our land claims,” she said. Christopher Mahon, Six Nations political advisor told SNEC every 10 years the federal government reevaluates its electoral districts across Canada to make sure they are representative of current populations. “The process...
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Chiefswood Park…SNEC just dug up the site….why?
Oops! It looks like, once again, Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill’s “council.l” for want of a better word…goofed. By that we mean a member of her council, with or without her knowledge, made the decision to clear the lands on a National Historic Site here at Six Nations… Chiefswood, the home of poetess Pauline Johnson, without consulting the community or for that matter other council members. Why, or how that could happen without anyone’s knowledge is just as astounding as any member of council thinking they could act without permission from the entire council. Now we know there was no approval for the work that went through any open council session. No council motion approved and no information sent out to the community about why the grounds were disturbed. Grounds, by...
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