‘It isn’t just a pipeline protest. It’s actually about land rights’ | AFN Ont. Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald

February 29, 2020

Assembly of First Nations Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald discusses the issue of land rights in Canada in light of the Wetʼsuwetʼen hereditary chiefs opposition to the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/powerandpolitics/it-isn-t-just-a-pipeline-protest-it-s-actually-about-land-rights-afn-ont-regional-chief-roseanne-archibald-1.5480913

Land protection is key to talks with Indigenous groups: AFN Ontario chief

February 29, 2020

RoseAnne Archibald, Ontario regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations, gives her take on the rail blockades in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs and how the federal government can reach out to Indigenous groups to discuss resource development.

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/video/land-protection-is-key-to-talks-with-indigenous-groups-afn-ontario-chief~1911741

Wet’suwet’en chiefs, ministers reach draft arrangement in land dispute

March 1, 2020

Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs and senior government ministers reached a proposed arrangement Sunday following days of discussions over a land dispute that prompted solidarity protests and transport disruptions across Canada.

https://aptnnews.ca/2020/03/01/wetsuweten-chiefs-ministers-reach-draft-arrangement-in-land-dispute/

The key players in the Wet’suwet’en dispute — and how they’re involved in the push for a resolution

February 29, 2020

From Monday’s dramatic police action against Mohawk activists in Tyendinaga, to Friday’s closed-door meetings in Smithers, B.C. between government ministers and the hereditary chiefs, there was a lot happening this week as Wet’suwet’en solidarity demonstrations continued across the country.

https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/02/28/the-key-players-in-the-wetsuweten-dispute-and-how-theyre-involved-in-the-push-for-a-resolution.html

Nipissing First Nation blasts ‘mainstream media’ over Wet’suwet’en coverage

February 29, 2020

Nipissing First Nation chief and council are slamming the “mainstream media” for misrepresenting Indigenous nations and voices in the ongoing dispute over a natural gas pipeline in British Columbia opposed by Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs.

https://www.nugget.ca/news/local-news/nipissing-first-nation-blasts-mainstream-media-over-wetsuweten-coverage

Ministers, Wet’suwet’en chief optimistic as talks continue for third day

February 29, 2020

A Wet’suwet’en hereditary chief and senior government ministers said Saturday they remained optimistic that talks will break an impasse over a pipeline dispute that has sparked widespread solidarity protests and transport disruptions.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/02/29/ministers-optimistic-as-talks-with-wetsuweten-chiefs-continue-for-third-day.html

Trudeau should negotiate directly with hereditary chiefs to find a lasting solution for ‘the defining issue for this government,’ say parliamentarians and pundits

February 29, 2020

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should sit down and negotiate directly with hereditary chiefs to find a lasting solution for the “defining issue for this government,” say some current and former parliamentarians and pundits.

https://www.hilltimes.com/2020/03/02/pm-trudeau-should-negotiate-directly-with-hereditary-chiefs-to-find-a-lasting-solution-for-the-defining-issue-for-this-government-say-parliamentarians-and-pundits/237599

Nipissing First Nation prepares to host Little NHL

March 2, 2020

Gen Couchie is understandably rather busy these days.

http://anishinabeknews.ca/2020/03/02/nipissing-first-nation-prepares-to-host-little-nhl/

Kettle & Stony Point First Nation to see faster internet connectivity by end of 2020

March 2, 2020

On-reserve members of Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation will soon be getting faster fibre-optic internet connections.

http://anishinabeknews.ca/2020/03/02/kettle-stony-point-first-nation-to-see-faster-internet-connectivity-by-end-of-2020/

Fort Severn / Washaho Cree Nation Declares State of Emergency

March 1, 2020

Fort Severn / Washaho Cree Nation has just declared a state of emergency over issues with the water in the community.

http://www.netnewsledger.com/2020/03/01/fort-severn-washaho-cree-nation-declares-state-of-emergency/

NFN vote on governance agreement below threshold

February 29, 2020

A vote by Nipissing First Nation on the proposed Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement has not met the threshold for ratification.

https://www.nugget.ca/news/local-news/nfn-vote-on-governance-agreement-below-threshold

‘Enforcers of the colonizers’: Wet’suwet’en crisis casts spotlight on long, difficult history between RCMP and Indigenous peoples

February 29, 2020

They were the images that Terry Teegee did not want to see.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/02/29/enforcers-of-the-colonizers-wetsuweten-crisis-casts-spotlight-on-long-difficult-history-between-rcmp-and-indigenous-canadians.html

Sagamok-Anishnawbek withdraws from the Union of Ontario Indians

February 29, 2020

FN leaders say the union is now an unneeded level of bureaucracy

https://www.thesudburystar.com/news/local-news/sagamok-anishnawbek-withdraws-from-the-union-of-ontario-indians

Protest Won’t Change Peter MacKay’s Views

March 1, 2020

Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler hosted a protest outside the Finnish Labour Hall on Bay Street in Thunder Bay to raise awareness and share their concerns over comments made recently by Conservative leadership candidate Peter MacKay.

http://www.netnewsledger.com/2020/02/28/protest-wont-change-peter-mackays-views/

Ontario Increases Support for Indigenous Postsecondary Education

March 1, 2020

“Indigenous Institutes are a critical part of our public education system because they provide a culturally holistic learning environment that prepares learners for success in the workforce,” says Minister Romano.

http://www.netnewsledger.com/2020/02/29/ontario-increases-support-for-indigenous-postsecondary-education/

It’s time to stop using the ‘rule of law’ as a weapon against Indigenous peoples

March 2, 2020

Until Canadians and our governments start seeing the rule of law through the lens of colonialism, and recognize the lopsided, inequitable and hypocritical ways in which it has been deployed, there will be no justice for Indigenous peoples and no peace for Canadian’s colonial institutions.

https://www.hilltimes.com/2020/03/02/its-time-to-stop-using-the-rule-of-law-as-a-weapon-against-indigenous-peoples/237351

Reconciliation isn’t dead. It never truly existed

February 29, 2020

Most politicians and business leaders never wanted to do the heavy lifting that is required in order to truly rebuild what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau once called Canada’s most important relationship

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-reconciliation-isnt-dead-it-never-truly-existed/

Legal experts say injunctions not effective in Indigenous-led land disputes

March 1, 2020

The Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law at the University of Victoria says injunctions become more complicated when title and governance issues are at stake, as in the Wet’suwet’en case.

https://theprovince.com/news/local-news/legal-experts-say-injunctions-not-effective-in-indigenous-led-land-disputes/wcm/df35646c-daae-479a-8885-716ddf842310

Indigenous youth group gets death threat over Wet’suwet’en support

February 29, 2020

Assembly of Seven Generations say they’ve changed their drop-in location to keep people safe

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/indigenous-youth-group-in-ottawa-receives-death-threat-for-support-of-wet-suwet-en-demonstrators-1.5480055

Large crowd blocks downtown street in protest against mining industry convention

March 1, 2020

Protesters rally outside convention of Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/protest-front-street-pdac-mining-industry-convention-toronto-1.5481698

During Wet’suwet’en crisis, AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde has been notably quiet

February 29, 2020

As the Liberal government faces its first major episode of Indigenous protest, Wet’suwet’en is proving to be a challenge for the AFN also

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/during-wetsuweten-crisis-afn-national-chief-perry-bellegarde-has-been-notably-quiet/wcm/bd38415e-960d-480a-9725-90cfb902216f

Protesters throwing debris, fire at moving train act of ‘stupidity,’ not terrorism: Lametti

February 29, 2020

Canada’s Justice Minister David Lametti says escalating protests in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en Nation that saw demonstrators light fires near rail tracks and throw pallets at a moving train this week was senseless, yet not an act of terrorism as some Conservatives have suggested.

https://www.theloop.ca/ctvnews/protesters-throwing-debris-fire-at-moving-train-act-of-stupidity-not-terrorism-lametti/

Justice system hardly ‘impartial’ when dealing with Tyendinaga Mohawks: former attorney general

February 29, 2020

Ontario Provincial Police gave up too much information and rolled over too easily when it provided the Canadian National Railway a list of names and intelligence on land protectors involved in the rail demonstration near Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory says a former Ontario attorney general.

https://aptnnews.ca/2020/02/28/justice-system-hardly-impartial-when-dealing-with-tyendinaga-mohawks-former-attorney-general/

On Indigenous rights, kicking the can down the road has a high cost

February 29, 2020

You believe it’s time to negotiate a change in your relationship with your spouse or business partner. They duck, avoid and delay month after month until you finally corner them with an ultimatum. The hostility each of you then brings to the table is understandably very high.

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2020/03/01/on-indigenous-rights-kicking-the-can-down-the-road-has-a-high-cost.html

Nipissing First Nation lights the fires for Wet’suwet’en

February 29, 2020

People came and went, the convenience store owner made up coffees for folks when they got cold, one man brought rabbit stew, kwewok (women) sang and drummed. The fire started small, but as more people brought more wood, it got brighter and hotter.

http://anishinabeknews.ca/2020/02/29/nipissing-first-nation-lights-the-fires-for-wetsuweten/

Public safety minister against Kahnawake Peacekeepers’ policing proposal

February 29, 2020

An Indigenous-led police force to replace the RCMP on Wet’suwet’en land would address a key demand from hereditary chiefs, council says.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/kahnawake-peacekeepers-propose-similar-indigenous-police-force-in-b-c/wcm/80b5a7ed-00b7-4ea4-874f-6391a67e11db

Peaceful demonstration showing support for Wet’suwet’en

February 29, 2020

The solidarity rally will impact Timmins traffic Saturday

https://www.timminstoday.com/local-news/peaceful-demonstration-showing-support-for-wetsuweten-2127580

Conservatives needs to start thinking about approach to Indigenous issues: MP

March 2, 2020

National protests sparked by the opposition of some Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs to a pipeline project in B.C. are also sparking debate in Conservative circles about the party’s own relationship to Indigenous communities.

https://ottawacitizen.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/conservatives-need-to-start-thinking-about-approach-to-indigenous-issues-mp/wcm/d41f9654-4663-4421-b748-3ed585d6b4d4

Peter MacKay says he’s not sorry for controversial tweet

February 29, 2020

MacKay was greeted by protesters during a visit to Thunder Bay

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/mackay-protest-thunder-bay-1.5479943

Standing with Wet’suwet’en

March 1, 2020

“We are human beings. Our rights do exist.”

https://www.northernnews.ca/news/local-news/standing-with-wetsuweten-2

Peaceful demonstration in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en

February 29, 2020

“We’re going to fight for our rights too and our rights have to be recognized.”

https://www.thesudburystar.com/gallery/peaceful-demonstration-in-solidarity-with-wetsuweten/wcm/086023c6-f038-4d61-9c0c-9bef7cdbf7e3

A Tribe Called Red release song ‘Land Back’ in support of Wet’suwet’en nation

February 29, 2020

A Tribe Called Red have released a free song in support of the Indigenous-led protests involving the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2020/02/28/a-tribe-called-red-release-song-land-back-in-support-of-wetsuweten-nation.html

Wet’suwet’en supporters of pipeline don’t think their message is being heard

March 2, 2020

Bonnie George walked out of the Office of the Wet’suwet’en holding her hands up in the air in a triumphant gesture.

https://lfpress.com/news/national/wetsuweten-supporters-of-pipeline-dont-think-their-message-is-being-heard/wcm/587046d9-7874-4cbc-9278-92bbac71eba0

U of T hockey player passes the torch to another young woman from her First Nation

February 29, 2020

As Jana Headrick graduates, another player from Garden River First Nation has committed to the team

https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/varsity-blues-womens-hockey-garden-river-1.5479754

We have many heroes. So why limit the new $5 bill to a single face?

March 1, 2020

Canada’s seventh prime minister has graced the $5 bill for almost half a century. And long before that his portrait was on the $1,000 bill, released in 1935. But Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s currency days are numbered.

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/01/we-have-many-heroes-so-why-limit-the-new-5-bill-to-a-single-face.html

Human trafficking can happen to anyone

February 29, 2020

The Kenora Sexual Assault Centre, in partnership with the Kenora Coalition to End Human Trafficking, hosted the event.

https://kenoraonline.com/local/it-can-happen-to-anyone-human-trafficking-conference

New apprenticeship opportunities for local students

March 1, 2020

Dryden High School’s Kitah Berens is one of the first in the region to finish a new unique apprenticeship program.

https://drydennow.com/local/new-apprenticeship-opportunities-for-local-students

Saugeen Drystone Crew to Host Another Exhibit at Canada Blooms

February 29, 2020

The 12ft x 7ft Drystone Wall will feature an art piece to draw notice to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

https://www.bayshorebroadcasting.ca/news_item.php?NewsID=115620

Racist comments on Indigenous stories prompts outlets to turn them off

February 29, 2020

In a brief editorial that doesn’t pull punches, SooToday editor Mike Purvis announced this week that the site would be closing all comments on stories about Indigenous issues.

https://globalnews.ca/news/6608185/indigenous-wetsuweten-protests/

U of T professors, students sign petition in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en land defenders

March 1, 2020

30 U of T faculty members condemn Canadian government’s actions

https://thevarsity.ca/2020/03/01/u-of-t-professors-students-sign-petition-in-solidarity-with-wetsuweten-land-defenders-2/

Kahnawake rail barricade to stay in place for now despite Wet’suwet’en agreement, Mohawk leader says

March 1, 2020

‘We want some more clarification from the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs’

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/kahnawake-rail-barricade-wet-suwet-en-agreement-1.5481811

‘It was breathtaking’: Local artist’s MMIWG painting touches family in Nebraska

March 1, 2020

Paintings created by Tristen Jenni Sanderson have been shared thousands of time on Facebook

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/indigenous-art-painting-edmonton-nebraska-missing-murdered-1.5480964

‘It’s not just a song and dance:’ father and daughter connect with roots for Nisga’a Nation’s new year

February 29, 2020

Hundreds celebrate the annual Hobiyee celebration in Vancouver

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/hobiyee-vancouver-1.5481422

‘Is reconciliation dead?’: Debate continues among Indigenous advocates

February 29, 2020

Attendees at weekend event in Saanich say education is a key to justice

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/victoria-dialogue-reconciliation-dead-1.5480927

Indigenous students from Cape Breton use animation to bring Mi’kmaw books to life

February 29, 2020

‘Our culture is dying and I want to be one of the youth who … puts in the effort to bring it back to life’

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/animation-nation-indigenous-students-membertou-mi-kmaw-books-1.5480719

Indigenous cultural practices, sweat lodge brought in for Whitehorse jail

February 29, 2020

A First Nations cultural program is being implemented at the Whitehorse Correction Centre, allowing for sweat ceremonies and drumming circles to be incorporated in the jail’s regular operations.

https://ottawacitizen.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/indigenous-cultural-practices-sweat-lodge-brought-in-for-whitehorse-jail/wcm/e704e412-11b0-42d8-88e9-c2102905b849

Raymond de Souza: Indigenous reconciliation requires resource development

February 29, 2020

If energy projects in remote areas require Indigenous consultation and participation, why not go the whole way and get Indigenous ownership?

https://nationalpost.com/opinion/raymond-de-souza-indigenous-reconciliation-requires-resource-development

Conrad Black: Canadians will tire of disruptions, and Indigenous people will suffer

February 29, 2020

Opinion in this country is tiring of this endless and grating campaign of abuse and provocations being conducted by some fringe leaders

https://nationalpost.com/opinion/conrad-black-canadians-will-tire-of-disruptions-and-indigenous-people-will-suffer

UPCOMING EVENTS

Issue 6 of The Official Chiefs of Ontario Magazine, The Advocate is now online! To view, please click here:https://www.mediaedgemagazines.com/the-chiefs-of-ontario-coo/oo91