Volume 18, Issue 20

Algonquin Elder Commanda passes away

First Nations peoples across the country are mourning the passing on August 3 of famed leader, teacher and activist, “Grandfather” William Commanda. He was 97. Born in 1913, Commanda led an inspirational life that touched many, having travelled round the globe to deliver his message of peace and respect for Mother ... read more ››

Bad faith

The federal Specific Claims Tribunal is on the chopping block and October 16 is the execution date. This sudden and radical policy change has many First Nations worried. About 65 current land claims negotiations with First Nations will be immediately affected. Negotiators are saying that government representatives are telling them ... read more ››

Barriere Lake project on ice

After all the struggles, disappointments and broken agreements, Barriere Lake can finally celebrate a victory. The Algonquin community, with the help of Mining Watch Canada, has managed to get a copper mining exploration project put on hold for at least two years. The Rivière Doré copper mining project that Cartier Resources ... read more ››

Better living through hockey

It may have been mid-July, but more than 120 young hockey players who gathered in Waskaganish for the fifth annual True North Wellness Hockey Camp only wanted to get on the ice. Jointly sponsored by Ottawa-based TMSI Sports Management and Ollson Sports Group, the True North Wellness Hockey Camp provides ... read more ››

Bruins get the deal done in the Skag

The business of the NHL never stops, even in Waskaganish. While in town as a guest instructor for the True North Wellness Hockey Camp, Boston Bruins prospect Ryan Spooner signed his first professional contract with the NHL’s Stanley Cup champions. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft ... read more ››

Forest fires threaten First Nations communities

I am loving this hot, dry summer we are having, but it comes with a price. The problem is that many forest fires have been burning throughout Ontario and in particular Northern Ontario. This is a great time of the year for all of us to enjoy the outdoors but ... read more ››

Goldcorp dubs mineshaft after explorer

Goldcorp will be name a mineshaft at its Éléonore project near Wemindji after the acclaimed exploration geologist and mining industry icon responsible for the Éléonore discovery, André Gaumond. “We are naming this Andre Gaumond because Andre had been instrumental in the discovery of the Éléonore project. We see this as the ... read more ››

Making peace movies…

I mentioned in the last issue, a movie in the making was in the works just north of 55. That was two weeks ago and the saga continues… After a few weeks of planning and auditions, the mix matched crew of intrepid film makers decided to go to a remote location, ... read more ››

Redemption and rediscovery at Heavy MTL

Excuse the phrasing, but it is a punk’s game to try to sharply limit music genres these days, especially the many offshoots and sub-categories that shelter under the “heavy metal” umbrella. And that may be the main great thing, among many great things, about the Heavy MTL festival that bludgeoned ... read more ››

Road warriors

Some folks never give up. People like Gladys Radek and Bernie Williams, who are both missing female family members that the rest of society appears to have forgotten. That’s why, since 2008, Radek and Williams have organized annual provincial or national walks to raise awareness for Canada’s murdered or missing women. Reached ... read more ››

The road to economic development

The momentum for Quebec Premier Jean Charest’s cherished Plan Nord received a big boost Aug. 1 with the announcement that Stornoway Diamonds will contribute $44 million to help extend Route 167, which will eventually lead to the company’s planned diamond mine in the Otish Mountains. Stornoway President and CEO Matt Manson ... read more ››

Travel Guides at the Canadian Guild of Crafts

The 21st First Peoples Festival officially began August 2 in Montreal, but the festivities got underway a bit early this year with a vernissage at the Canadian Guild of Crafts on July 21. The Guild, founded in 1906, is known for its efforts to conserve and promote Inuit and First Nations ... read more ››

Wabun Youth Gathering’s traditional teachings

The fifth annual Wabun Youth Gathering at the Eco Centre Lodge in Elk Lake, Ontario, featured presentations by Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy and Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose. Eighty-five Wabun youth attended the event, which ran from July 18 to 29 and was sponsored by Wabun Tribal ... read more ››

Youth cinema fades to black

Despite an eight-year production record that has yielded more than 450 completed film projects, the federal government has pulled the lifeline from Wapikoni Mobile, Quebec’s successful and celebrated First Nations youth cinema program. Just as Wapikoni Mobile’s three trailer units were set to hit the road in mid-July, Human Resources and ... read more ››