Media Clips

Please see below for upcoming events and 2021 Federal Election Media Clips.

Ontario logs more than 600 new COVID-19 cases, seven-day average continues to climb

August 30, 2021

Ontario health officials are reporting more than 600 new cases of COVID-19 after three days of cases over the 700 mark. The province confirmed 694 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday, which comes after officials reported case counts of 740 on Sunday, 835 on Saturday and 781 on Friday.

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-logs-more-than-600-new-covid-19-cases-seven-day-average-continues-to-climb-1.5566455

Beausoleil First Nation to create a digital legacy

August 30, 2021

The Beausoleil First Nation Public Library is planning to create permanent copies of artifacts and recordings of Elders through a $25,000 Our Legacy – Our Home (Digitizing Project) funded by the federal government.

https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/08/30/beausoleil-first-nation-to-create-a-digital-legacy/

Indigenous Services Canada providing mental health support to Wunnumin Lake

August 27, 2021

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) said it’s working to provide additional mental health and crisis support to Wunnumin Lake following the sudden deaths of three community members over a 36-hour period.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/isc-wunnumin-lake-1.6155765

Cobalt company collaborates with Timiskaming First Nation on medicinal, edible plant study

August 30, 2021

The Toronto mining company that’s overhauling a metals refinery outside the town of Cobalt has launched a unique environmental and community initiative with an area First Nation.

https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/cobalt-company-collaborates-with-timiskaming-first-nation-on-medicinal-edible-plant-study-4247867

Indigenous IT Course – guaranteed job for successful graduates

August 27, 2021

Our PLATO Testing Indigenous software tester training program began in 2015, and has since trained more than 150 Indigenous software testers, many of whom still work for the company today in and around their home communities. We are currently recruiting for new students in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

https://www.sootoday.com/classifieds/careers/information-technology/1686994

A decade of broken promises: How Canada failed to meet its goal for protecting land and water

August 28, 2021

Canadian politicians are great at making promises about protecting the environment. They’re not always great at keeping them. In 2010, former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper’s government agreed to protect 17 per cent of Canada’s land and freshwater by 2020.

https://globalnews.ca/news/8146846/a-decade-of-broken-promises-canada-land-and-water/

How this mentorship program is helping Kanien’kéha speakers learn from elders

August 29, 2021

For the last two months, Brandyce Tewateronhiakhwa Barnes has spent a lot of time visiting an elder in her community to practise speaking her language. “Every time we lose a speaker, we lose all their knowledge,” said Barnes, who is from Kahnawake, south of Montreal.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/kanien-keha-language-mentorship-kahnawake-1.6156033

BEHIND THE CRIMES: Brutal killing of Indigenous teen still haunts community member

August 27, 2021

The brutal killing of a 16-year-old Indigenous teen, Teddy Bellingham, still haunts Tim Bisaillon, who moved to Smiths Falls from North Bay just months before the homicide.

https://www.bramptonguardian.com/news-story/10454102-behind-the-crimes-brutal-killing-of-indigenous-teen-still-haunts-community-member/

After Video of Abusive Nurse, Canada’s Indigenous Seek Health Overhaul

August 28, 2021

As Joyce Echaquan, a 37-year-old Indigenous mother of seven, moaned in pain at a hospital in Quebec, in the final hours of her life, the torrent of insults began.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/28/world/canada/canada-indigenous-health-care.html

‘Telling ourselves into the future’: Quebec Cree finish rollout of new history curriculum

August 27, 2021

For Sarah Pash, a new history curriculum making its way into some Cree high school classrooms in northern Quebec this fall is about so much more than teaching the past.  Pash is the Chairperson of the Cree School Board, and the new curriculum, developed by the board, teaches history from a Cree perspective.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/cree-history-quebec-residential-school-healing-curriculum-education-1.6153672

‘We are the majority’: How Indigenous representation could change Manitoba’s largest federal riding

August 30, 2021

Representation could be a deciding factor in the next federal election for voters in Manitoba’s largest geographic riding, according to some who live there.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/churchill-keewatinook-aski-federal-election-2021-indigenous-representation-1.6156598

Celebrating 75 years of Indigenous sovereignty in Sask.

August 28, 2021

This summer the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding. First Nations political organizing has a long history in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

https://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/columnists/cuthand-celebrating-75-years-of-indigenous-sovereignty-in-sask

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s president says it’s ‘a transformative time’; here’s what he wants to do next

August 27, 2021

Natan Obed will serve a third — and final — term as the president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the national organization representing the Inuit, after he was acclaimed at the end of the nomination period on Aug. 18.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/q-a-with-itk-president-natan-obed-1.6152659

Non-Kaska hunters so far observing ban, Liard First Nation says

August 27, 2021

The Liard First Nation (LFN) says it’s seeing early results from its declared hunting ban in parts of its traditional territory. Earlier this month, the First Nation issued the ban over concerns about caribou and moose populations. Non-Kaska hunters were adding to the pressure on wildlife populations, the First Nation said.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/hunting-ban-observed-kaska-liard-first-nation-1.6155944

‘A tribute to those they’ve lost’: MMIWG commemorative painting unveiled

August 27, 2021

A commemorative piece of art in honour of the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) of P.E.I. was unveiled Thursday at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-indigenous-women-awa-1.6156070

‘Sending the wrong message’: Indigenous Albertans react to province not recognizing Sept. 30 as stat holiday

August 28, 2021

The regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations Alberta Association is angered the province will not legislate the recently created federal National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday.

https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/sending-the-wrong-message-indigenous-albertans-react-to-province-not-recognizing-sept-30-as-stat-holiday-1.5565211

2 Alberta First Nations search former residential school grounds for unmarked graves

August 28, 2021

Two First Nations in northern Alberta have begun investigations of former residential school grounds. In separate news releases this month, Ermineskin Cree Nation and Kapawe’no First Nation said ground-penetrating radar would be used to search areas around Ermineskin Indian Residential School and Grouard Indian Residential School for unmarked graves.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/2-alberta-first-nations-search-residential-school-grounds-1.6156835

Calgary neighbours unite with Indigenous community in effort to strengthen relationships

August 28, 2021

In the spirit of respect and reconciliation, Calgary neighbours invited members of Tsuu’tina nation to the community of Lake Bonavista this weekend in a celebration of friendship and culture.

https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-neighbours-unite-with-indigenous-community-in-effort-to-strengthen-relationships-1.5565286

Report finds systemic racism at northern B.C. school board

August 28, 2021

An independent report has found systemic racism in a northern British Columbia school board and calls for a provincewide investigation of the issue.

https://globalnews.ca/news/8148933/report-finds-systemic-racism-at-northern-b-c-school-board/

Indigenous entrepreneurs poised to make big impact on Canadian economy

August 27, 2021

Ashley O’Neil is fighting wildfires in B.C. this summer: It’s a job, and a calling. Fighting fires has given her the grit, stamina and toughness necessary for her latest venture as a businesswoman.

https://vancouversun.com/news/indigenous-entrepreneurship-a-benefit-to-all

RCMP complaints commission flooded with complaints against police at Fairy Creek

August 27, 2021

The RCMP Civilian Review and Complaints Commission has been flooded with complaints against police at the Fairy Creek protest site on Vancouver Island. An email from the commission says the police watchdog has received 73 complaints – 17 of which qualify for an investigation.

https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/rcmp-complaints-commission-flooded-with-complaints-against-police-at-fairy-creek/

Nisga’a leaders take 800-km journey to connect with members in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

August 27, 2021

The Nisga’a Nation says it hopes to create a healing and detox facility with the aim of inviting members living with substance use back to their home territory to recover.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/nisgaa-leaders-downtown-eastside-citizens-1.6148342

Treaty 11 anniversary events helped me connect with my ancestors

August 28, 2021

The Treaty 11 commemoration and the special events that took place all down the Mackenzie Valley this summer offered a good time to reflect and acknowledge the real outcomes of that treaty signed 100 years ago. Many promises have not been honoured, and it is time for the Canadian government to be held accountable.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/karalyn-menicoche-first-person-1.6154668

‘It hit us hard:’ N. W. T. dealing with worst COVID-19 outbreak to date

August 27, 2021

Tommy Kakfwi says walking through Fort Good Hope in the Northwest Territories is a bit like being in a graveyard. The community of about 500 people has 89 cases of COVID-19, so one of every five or six residents is infected. It has been under a lockdown order since Aug. 15.

https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/it-hit-us-hard-n-w-t-dealing-with-worst-covid-19-outbreak-to-date/

Charge dropped against N.L. correctional officer in Inuk inmate’s death

August 27, 2021

Charges have been dropped against a Newfoundland and Labrador correctional officer in the killing of an Inuk inmate in St. John’s.

https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/charge-dropped-against-n-l-correctional-officer-charged-in-inuk-inmates-death/

It takes a village – and partnership – to protect water in the N.W.T.

August 27, 2021

Water stewardship gatherings in Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation – Kakisa, Northwest Territories – are all about exchanging knowledge. The five-day get-together is a partnership between Kakisa, Ecology North and Wilfred Laurier University.

https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/it-takes-a-village-and-partnership-to-protect-water-in-the-n-w-t/

American Indigenous boxer fights to raise awareness of Canada’s residential school scandal

August 29, 2021

Even after 10 hard-fought rounds, battling with one of the biggest punchers in women’s boxing history, Kali Reis had her greater purpose in mind.  Reis, a two-spirit Native American and Cape Verdean woman, is regarded by boxing historians as the first Indigenous American women’s world boxing champion. On Aug. 21 at the Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, Calif., Reis defended her World Boxing Association junior welterweight title with a majority decision victory over Diana Prazak.

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/american-indigenous-boxer-awareness-residential-school-scandal-1.6151193

2021 Federal Election

Where the main party leaders are on Day 16 of the federal election campaign

August 30, 2021

Here’s what you need to know about where the leaders of Canada’s major political parties are on Day 16 of the election campaign. You can watch streaming video of available live events on this page throughout the day. All times are eastern time (ET) unless otherwise noted.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2021-where-the-leaders-are-day-16-1.6157744

Federal parties prescribe health measures on the campaign trail

August 27, 2021

Health issues dominated the federal campaign trail Friday with the Liberals stressing the importance of vaccination against COVID-19, a Conservative pledge to enhance benefits for seriously ill workers and a prescription for universal pharmacare from the NDP.

https://torontosun.com/news/election-2021/trudeau-and-singh-to-campaign-in-ontario-otoole-to-visit-two-atlantic-provinces

Liberals promise $1B over 10 years to restore big lakes and river systems

August 30, 2021

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is promising to spend $1 billion over a decade to restore Canada’s big lakes and river systems. He says a re-elected Liberal government would also build on its budget commitments by fully funding the creation of a new Canada Water Agency to co-ordinate freshwater initiatives, with a launch set for 2022.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-election-2021/liberals-promise-1b-over-10-years-to-restore-big-lakes-and-river-systems-1.5566466

Liberals promise to regulate oil and gas emissions, electric vehicle sales

August 29, 2021

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau vowed to regulate total emissions from Canada’s oil and gas producers as he laid out his first major climate change promises of the campaign Sunday, a plan that was welcomed by several environmental and climate organizations.

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/liberals-promise-regulate-oil-gas-163643312.html

Trudeau says he won’t back down after protesters hurl death threats, racist and sexist slurs

August 29, 2021

For the second time in a week, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has had a campaign event disrupted by protesters shouting obscenities, uttering death threats against the prime minister and hurling racist and misogynist insults at people of colour and women in his protective detail.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-protest-racist-death-threat-sexist-1.6157617

GAFFES AND SCANDALS: O’Toole walked back comments on residential schools

August 29, 2021

Indigenous issues have been front and centre — especially with the traumatizing discoveries of childrens’ remains buried at former residential schools across the country.

https://winnipegsun.com/news/gaffes-and-scandals-otoole-walked-back-comments-on-residential-schools

Conservative climate plan better than before, but still full of inconsistencies

August 30, 2021

Political party election platforms are generally long on aspirations and short on detail. This can make them challenging to evaluate, especially compared to lengthy (and oh so detailed!) policy documents, laws and regulations.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/opinion-election-conservative-party-climate-platform-1.6155156

Singh vows to crack down on billionaires, close corporate tax loopholes

August 30, 2021

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is re-committing to a crackdown on “ultra-rich” tax dodgers. At a campaign stop today across the Rideau Canal from Parliament, Singh said he would zero in on tax evasion and close loopholes that benefit billionaires.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-election-2021/singh-vows-to-crack-down-on-billionaires-close-corporate-tax-loopholes-1.5566449

ANALYSIS: Singh’s NDP seeks new seats with a focus on Indigenous campaigns

August 29, 2021

In all of Canada’s 154-year history, just 48 Indigenous men and women have been elected to the House of Commons. The last two Parliaments, after the 2015 and 2019 elections, saw the high-water mark for Indigenous representatives, with 11 elected each time.

https://globalnews.ca/news/8149043/david-atkin-analysis-canada-election-indigenous/

Singh says he could make good on NDP’s $10B universal pharmacare pledge by late 2022

August 27, 2021

Universal pharmacare would start as early as next year under a New Democrat government, leader Jagmeet Singh said Friday, though the path to achieving that goal remains murky.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-election-2021/singh-says-he-could-make-good-on-ndp-s-10b-universal-pharmacare-pledge-by-late-2022-1.5563688

Mail-in ballots are changing how election campaigns are run

August 29, 2021

Several million Canadians are expected to cast ballots by mail for the first time during this federal election, a pandemic-era shift that’s prompting the major political parties to change the way they’re reaching voters and altering the timing of their campaigns.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-mail-in-ballots-are-changing-how-election-campaigns-are-run/

The pandemic has changed the soundtrack of this election campaign

August 28, 2021

The campaign song is as important to an election event as the leader’s stump speech. Played by staff at high volume when the leader enters or exits the room, it blares out over and over and over again as the leader greets supporters and poses for photos.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pandemic-campaign-songs-1.6157082

How much does Ontario really matter to the federal election?

August 28, 2021

The House of Commons is made up of 338 seats, 121 of which are allocated to Ontario. But when you’re tracking federal campaigns, you might at times be forgiven for thinking there are few, if any, races going on outside the vote-rich province.

https://www.tvo.org/article/how-much-does-ontario-really-matter-to-the-federal-election

Peltier prioritizes First Nations issues

August 29, 2021

A clean environment and better living conditions for local  families are the top of list issues for Chief Duke Peltier  as he runs in a field of four other men and one woman to represent Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing in the Sept. 20 general election.

https://www.elliotlaketoday.com/canadavotes2021/peltier-prioritizes-first-nations-issues-4262495

Nunavut candidates support flags remaining at half-mast on federal buildings

August 29, 2021

Flags on federal government property should remain at half-mast to honour Indigenous children who died at residential schools, but much more needs to be done for reconciliation, say Nunavut’s candidates for the Sept. 20 federal election.

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/nunavut-candidates-support-flags-remaining-031110100.html

Election 2021 Riding Profile: Winnipeg North

August 27, 2021

For Kim Catcheway, crime in the riding of Winnipeg North is top of mind. “The crime, the guns, there’s guns everywhere,” she said. “I’m scared to go out at night.” The riding is a tough neighbourhood.

https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/election-2021-riding-profile-winnipeg-north/