Doig River First Nation discusses Land Use plan with Chamber of Commerce
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Further discussion surrounding Doig River First Nation’s Land Use plans were the topic of lunch last week. The First Nation hosted a luncheon at the Northern Grand Hotel in Fort St. John, with an assist from the city’s Chamber of Commerce. The presentation about DRFN’s land use plan and K’ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park were the focus of the meeting following the public World Cafe event in January. DRFN Chief Trevor Makadahay said the key to the land plan’s success was finding a balance between industry and DRFN’s overall goals for land development. “Misinformation can get out there,” said Makadahay. “We want to work with our neighbours. So we can do this together, for our children and yours.”...
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Homelessness rising in the region: study
By Marissa Lentz-McGrath, Local Journalism Initiative, TimminsToday.com TIMMINS – A new survey reveals a rise in homelessness across multiple communities along Highway 11’s northern corridor. The Point-in-Time (PiT) count findings were presented to the Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) on Feb. 20. The count is one way for the agency to measure and understand homelessness in the region. On Oct. 10, 2024, 390 people experiencing homelessness were documented. The 2021 PiT count — the first time the district participated — there were 312 people experiencing homelessness. KayLee Morissette, who was contracted as the project manager, talked about the findings and the implications for policy and community action. According to Morissette, the PiT count is not just about numbers — it provides insight into the real experiences of people facing homelessness....
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Editorial Roundup: United States
Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: Feb. 20 The Washington Post says Musk’s mass firings are backfiring President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been rapidly firing federal workers with little consideration for which ones are critical to government functioning. So now, the Energy Department is scrambling to rehirepeople abruptly let go from the National Nuclear Security Administration. The Federal Aviation Administration is struggling to explain why 400 stafferswere let go mere days after one of the deadliest airplane crashes in U.S. history. And the Agriculture Department is attempting to bring back peoplefired despite being part of the effort to stop avian flu, which has decimated chicken farms and sent egg prices soaring. Americans widely agree that their government is burdened by “waste, fraud and abuse.”...
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B.C. Conservative MLA backs lawyer in residential school row with Law Society
-CP-British Columbia’s Opposition attorney general critic is questioning the “apparent mistreatment” of a lawyer after he asked for the rewording of Law Society training material about residential schools. Dallas Brodie of the B.C. Conservatives says on social media that she’ll reach out to Attorney General Niki Sharma and the Law Society of British Columbia in the coming days about the situation facing lawyer James Heller. Brodie’s posts on Saturday shared a link to an article about Heller, who unsuccessfully pushed last year for the society’s training material to say there were “potentially” burial sites at a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C., instead of using more definitive language. Heller is now suing the society over what he calls “false and defamatory” imputations of racism that he says the society republished,...
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B.C. Conservative MLA backs lawyer in residential-school row with Law Society
By Chuck Chiang and Marcy Nicholson -CP-British Columbia’s Opposition attorney general critic is questioning the “apparent mistreatment” of a lawyer after he asked for the rewording of Law Society training material about residential schools. Dallas Brodie of the B.C. Conservatives says on social media that she’ll reach out to Attorney General Niki Sharma and the Law Society of British Columbia in the coming days about the situation facing lawyer James Heller. Brodie’s posts on Saturday shared a link to an article about Heller, who unsuccessfully pushed last year for the society’s training material to say there were “potentially” burial sites at a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C., instead of using more definitive language. Heller is now suing the society over what he calls “false and defamatory” imputations of racism...
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Lil’wat using ‘tiny homes’ approach to ease housing crunch
By Luke Faulks, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Pique Newsmagazine The Lil’wat Nation has completed construction on six brand new “tiny homes” in Mount Currie, just off main street before Fish Hatchery Road and the train tracks. These homes have mostly gone to young, first-time renters in the Nation. “All the youth are very excited and happy to have their own first home places,” said Gayle Andrews, Lil’wat Nation’s housing coordinator. The project was in the works for 14 months. Lil’wat Nation provided 30 per cent of the funding, while the remaining 70 per cent was provided by Indigenous Services Canada, which is “responsible for providing and managing housing on reserve.” That funding can go towards construction, lot servicing, renovation, maintenance, insurance, debt servicing, planning and managing a housing portfolio, and...
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Musqueam and Feds make deal to share Vancouver airport lease revenue
By Ashley Joannou -CP-The Musqueam Indian Band has signed an agreement with the federal government to share ground lease revenue from the Vancouver International Airport. The specifics of the agreement are being kept confidential but Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree told a signing ceremony Monday that it’s the first revenue-sharing deal involving major federal government infrastructure. “This marks a serious milestone in our journey together. Essentially, your rights to self determination, your rights over your traditional territories, are being restored in an incremental way, I must admit, but in a very important way,” he said. “It means a stronger partnership between Canada and Musqueam, contributing to economic equality and advancing economic reconciliation.” Chief Wayne Sparrow said in a statement that the deal is an incremental measure that “will undoubtedly...
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Indigenous-led early childhood education course introduced
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Urban Circle Training Centre has launched a new holistic course to recruit more early child-care educators and increase diversity among daycare staff across Winnipeg. The centre has partnered with Red River College Polytechnic to run an accredited diploma program that will equip graduates with academic and Indigenous cultural lessons. Trista Harry signed up to build on her babysitting experience — the third oldest in a family of 11 children, she has plenty of it. The 25-year-old said helping her parents care for her siblings, the youngest of whom is six, sparked both her interest in early childhood education and desire to become a positive role model for Indigenous youth. “It’s really important that they see their own people working. I know when I...
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First Nation report says communication shortfalls hampered B.C. landslide response
By Chuck Chiang -CP-A report from a First Nation says the massive Chilcotin River landslide in the B.C. Interior last year revealed shortfalls in communication and co-ordination of the emergency response from provincial and federal governments. The Tsilhqot’in National Government’s report says it had to overcome “jurisdictional confusion,” and that the province “struggled” to share information about the slide. It says that as a result, the First Nation’s own emergency management was “largely hamstrung” when trying to help residents due to a lack of up-to-date information. In a joint written response, the B.C. ministries of Emergency Management and Water, Land and Resources Stewardship say they will be reviewing the report’s findings and calls to action. The federal government did not provide a response immediately after the report’s release. The July...
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B.C. Opposition law critic defies Rustad’s request to delete ‘zero graves’ comment
By Chuck Chiang and Marcy Nicholson -CP-The B.C. Conservatives’ attorney general critic is defying Opposition Leader John Rustad’s request to take down a social-media post saying there are “zero” confirmed child burial sites at the former residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Dallas Brodie’s post on the social-media platform X was called “racist denialist rhetoric” by Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. “The comments made by Ms. Brodie are deeply disturbing, and ignore the ample physical, archival, and testimonial evidence which detail horrific human rights abuses and atrocities against Indigenous peoples at residential schools,” Phillip said in a statement on Monday. In Saturday’s social-media post, Brodie questions the “apparent mistreatment” of a lawyer who had asked for the rewording of Law Society training material about...
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First Nations must not be forgotten amid Trump threats, outgoing Chief Picard says
By Maura Forrest -CP-Indigenous people risk being pushed aside as Canada looks to defend itself against a possible trade war with the United States, says an outgoing regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Ghislain Picard, who has represented the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador since 1992, is concerned by Quebec Premier François Legault’s recent promise to accelerate energy and construction projects to bolster the province’s economy in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. “It seems like the government of Quebec is trying to stage a response that has not a single consideration for First Nations peoples and their role,” he said in a recent interview. “But we shouldn’t forget the fact that we have to sit down with First Nations and get their approval.”...
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Two charged in Carry the Kettle murders
By Ryan Kiedrowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The World-Spectator Four charges of First Degree Murder have been laid against 18-year-old Darrius Racette and a 15-year-old young offender in the murders of four people on the Carry The Kettle First Nation February 4. In a news conference at RCMP Depot in Regina on Wednesday, Inspector Ashley St. Germaine, Senior Investigative Officer with the Saskatchewan RCMP, Major Crimes Branch officially declared that 18-year-old Darrius Racette has been charged with four counts first-degree murder. The following day the 15-year-old youth was also charged with four counts of first degree murder. “Continued investigation into the quadruple homicides that occurred on Carry the Kettle Nakota Nation on Feb. 4 has resulted in the arrest of two individuals,” St. Germaine told reporters. “Both were taken into...
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Man facing impaired dangerous driving charges
BRANT COUNTY, ON – Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a Brantford resident with impaired and dangerous driving charges in a motor vehicle collision. Brant OPP responded to a call involving a single motor vehicle collision in parking lot off of Powerline Road February 22, 2025, at about 11:10 p.m.. OPP have charged Cody Henry, 34, of Brantford is charged under the Criminal Code with: Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) Dangerous Operation A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Brantford on March 6, 2025. ...
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MLA wants GN to assist in replacing Igloolik arena destroyed by fire
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News A week after a fire destroyed the Kipsigak Arena in Igloolik, Aggu MLA Joanna Quassa is calling on the Government of Nunavut to contribute to building a new facility. “The arena is absolutely not worth trying to renovate,” Quassa said Thursday in an interview. “It would be wonderful if [the] GN could contribute to the hamlet’s needs for funding or … whatever resources they may have where they can help the community to rebuild an arena.” Workers use heavy equipment at the site of the Kipsigak Arena in Igloolik, which was destroyed in a fire Feb. 12. (Photo courtesy of Nunavut RCMP) Igloolik firefighters spent much of Feb. 12 extinguishing flames at Kipsigak Arena, which also housed Artcirq’s BlackBox Studio. Nunavut...
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Land For Homes discusses importance of knowledge and community context
By Kira Wronska Dorward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Nunavut is taking another small step in addressing the housing crisis. Land for Homes (L4H) brought together representatives from several groups including Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC), Nunavut Association of Municipalities (NAM), regional Inuit associations, development corporations, and all levels of government to talk about challenges and collaborations to remove barriers to access housing. L4H is a partnership between NTI, NAM and NHC and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation since 2023. Wayne Olsen, project lead with Arctic Strategies Consulting, said having conversations about housing in Nunavut is always important. “There’s a lot of pressure on finding land for housing over the next five to eight years,” he said. “All of the partners involved in planning and preparing and...
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Tsleil-Waututh Nation youth artist picked for national Pink Shirt Day design
By Abby Luciano, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A design crafted by a 13-year-old from the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) will be featured across Canada as a powerful symbol of kindness and respect. Kadence Lánahmats George’s butterfly design was selected as the official artwork for this year’s national anti-bullying campaign, Pink Shirt Day Canada. The pink and purple kilila, butterfly in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, ties back into Indigenous values of respect, kindness, inclusivity and community, fitting into the campaign’s message. “I really like butterflies. In my mindset, butterflies are so pure of kindness, something about them touches me,” George said. Killia embody the spirit of Nəc̄əmat, where togetherness and collective strength are celebrated, she said. George first heard about the Pink Shirt Day design contest through the Tsleil-Waututh siʔáḿθət School’s art therapist. George then...
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A running list of Ontario election promises in campaign for snap Feb. 27 vote
-CP-A running list of election promises announced by the Ontario Progressive Conservatives, NDP, Liberals and Greens in the province’s snap election campaign. The vote is set for Feb. 27. Progressive Conservatives Feb. 23 on critical minerals: Spend $500 million over three years on a fund to incentivize projects and leverage more private capital in the critical minerals processing space. Feb. 22 on First Nations: Put an additional $70 million into the Aboriginal Participation Fund to help train workers so they can benefit directly from critical mineral development. Launch a new, $3-billion program to support First Nations equity participation in several sectors, billed as a tripling of an existing loan guarantee program. Feb. 20 on interprovincial trade: Remove all of Ontario’s remaining party-specific exemptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement. Enable...
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B.C. RCMP investigates swastika graffiti on tribal building as hate crime
-CP-Mounties in Fort St. John, B.C., say they’re investigating graffiti including swastikas spray painted on the Treaty 8 Tribal Association building as a hate crime. Staff Sgt. Scott Watson says in a statement that police are in the process of obtaining video surveillance from surrounding businesses to assist with timelines and trying to identify suspects. Videos from local media show swastikas and profanities spray painted on the walls of the First Nation building in the city. Police say they received a report Sunday afternoon that the swastikas and a “derogatory message” were spray painted onto an exterior wall sometime in the overnight hours. The graffiti, which has since been painted over, was denounced this week by political leaders. B.C.’s Indigenous Relations Minister Christine Boyle said “hate crimes, racist remarks and...
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Randy Boissonnault’s former company ineligible for government contracts for 5 years
By The Canadian Press staff The company that was co-founded by former federal cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault is now barred from doing business with the federal government until 2030. Global Health Imports was suspended in November and has been deemed ineligible for contracts with the government. The company, which Boissonnault started before he was elected in 2021, was at the centre of a series of scandals that eventually forced the Edmonton MP to quit cabinet. This fall, the National Post revealed that the company described itself as wholly Indigenous-owned to apply for government contracts that were meant for Indigenous businesses. Boissonnault said he did not know that claim was made, but he also came under fire over his shifting claims to Indigenous identity. In November, Boissonnault stepped down from cabinet...
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First Nations oppose territorial claims in Heiltsuk constitution
By Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Williams Lake Tribune Three First Nations in B.C. are asking the Heiltsuk Nation to meet and resolve territorial matters before finalizing the adoption of their written constitution. In a Feb. 18 letter to the Heiltsuk Nation, the Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais and Wuikinuxv nations said they “strongly disagree” with the territorial claims made in the Haíɫzaqv Constitution, approved by Heiltsuk members in a referendum which concluded on Feb. 20. The letter, signed off by leadership of the three nations, explained they were compelled to unite in a request to the Heiltsuk to correct the “inaccurate and historically false statement” within their constitution which asserts territorial claims in regions the nations said are their own, undisputed traditional territories. The leaders stated they have held...
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