Category: Archives

Val-d’Or dinner nets a fortune for the Cree Cultural Institute

Val-d’Or dinner nets a fortune for the Cree Cultural Institute

An estimated $72,800 was donated to the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute (ACCI) during a fundraiser dinner June 13 in Val-d’Or. The funds will go towards community activities that support joint-partnerships between the Val-d’Or region and the Cree Nation. The Secretariat […]

The Montreal Native Women’s Shelter Spirit Walk beats fundraising record

The Montreal Native Women’s Shelter Spirit Walk beats fundraising record

  Bigger and stronger than ever, the 2018 edition of the’s Spirit Walk attracted 175 walkers and raised an unprecedented $32,000 to pay for a healing retreat and other services for the women and children staying in the shelter. “It’s […]

Montreal and Val d’Or celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

Montreal and Val d’Or celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

As the solstice sun sparkled on the mighty river, the warm air was full of jubilant song and dance, carrying a spirit of hope and healing for Canada’s First Nations. It is fitting that National Indigenous Peoples Day is held […]

Indigenous artwork showcased at G7 summit

Indigenous artwork showcased at G7 summit

While the recent G7 Summit of world leaders in Charlevoix may be best remembered for Donald Trump’s parting shots at Justin Trudeau, some commentators lauded its achievements in promoting gender equality and ocean protections. Indigenous leaders hoped that the global […]

One man’s treasure

The end of winter finally arrived with the spoils of the year slowly exposed from the melting snow. Yes, I’m talking about garbage taking over my once-pristine yard. At least, it had been pristine with all the snow to cover […]

Keeping the fire burning

It’s kind of like playing political whack-a-mole. When one tries to stamp out an annoying problem it always reappears when one doesn’t address why it appeared in the first place. When Regina police dismantled a teepee, doused a sacred fire […]

Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto turns design into empowerment

Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto turns design into empowerment

Beautifully blending culture, tradition and design, Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto succeeded in presenting something far beyond a conventional fashion show. From May 31 to June 2, models strutted the work of Indigenous designers from around the world up and down […]

First Nations hockey team turns racist incidents during Quebec tournament into positive action

First Nations hockey team turns racist incidents during Quebec tournament into positive action

Members of a First Nations hockey team subjected to racist taunts at a recent tournament in Quebec City are feeling encouraged by the cross-Canada support they have received and hope the resulting attention will help root out racism in the […]

Attention to Val-d’Or policing problem leads to positive change for local Indigenous

Attention to Val-d’Or policing problem leads to positive change for local Indigenous

Often derided as the “Sin City of the North,” Val-d’Or has seen its share of crises over the last decade. There’s also been opportunity in the face of these challenges. Through documenting and developing programing to address the issues, the […]

Protecting Waswanipi’s Broadback forest from a renewed threat

Protecting Waswanipi’s Broadback forest from a renewed threat

When the Cree Nation Government signed a forestry co-management agreement with the Quebec government in 2015, Waswanipi members were unhappy that the protected area did not include their section of the Broadback Valley. A letter from Premier Philippe Couillard was […]