Windspeaker Publication

OTTAWA - April 1, 2015

In a stunning and unexpected
development, Windspeaker has learned that the Harper government
is planning to announce a significant campaign targeting
Indigenous people and Canadians' attitudes towards them.

The idea being floated? To begin the process of dissolving National Aboriginal Day and replacing it with a "Get Over It" campaign.…

The First Nations Health Authority, Simon Fraser University, and St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation have established the First Nations Health Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness at St. Paul’s Hospital. The position, the first of its kind in Western Canada, will offer a holistic focus on cardiac health, and put First Nations communities in the driver’s seat of heart health research.

A federal court decision sided with the Haida Gwaii and ruled that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans cannot open a herring fishery in the territory this year. The Haida were granted an injunction that prevented the re-opening of a commercial herring fishery on the nation’s north coast.

“This win is another step to building herring stocks, and in doing so, contributes to an economy…

Ovide Mercredi, the former national chief of the AFN, has been elected the first Aboriginal president of the NDP in the Manitoba party’s history. Mercredi was endorsed by Premier Greg Selinger and was elected on the second ballot.

“I think it is a good indication that Selinger’s endorsement made a big difference in my election,” Mercredi said after he won, adding he had only decided to…

Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation and Nibinamik First Nation have purchased shares in NativeOne Financial Holdings LLC, and gained a presence on Wall Street’s New York Stock Exchange. NativeOne is the only Native-owned broker-dealer with such a seat. It gives the nations a major voice in mining developments in Canada, reports Associated Press.

“This gives them a lot more leverage,”…

The Makah Tribe of Washington State has applied for another whale hunt, requesting to take up to five grey whales per year for ceremonial and subsistence purposes. The Makah tribe historically hunted whales, and the 1855 Treaty of Neah Bay protects their right to continue the hunt. In 1999, the Makah took a whale officially, and in 2007 Makah charged five members for whaling outside their…

The Polotek First Nation in Chapel Island, N.S. wants a wooden altar back that has been in an area church for a century, reports CTV Atlantic. Mi’kmaq Elders say the altar, rescued during a British attack on a French fort, was a gift from French missionaries in the late 18th century.

“The Natives took this from the church before it burned down and they hid it in the woods,” said Mi’…

A draft strategy on hydraulic fracturing produced by the Yukon

government represents a breach of trust, said the Trondek Hwechin First Nation.

In a report by CBC, Chief Roberta Joseph said it came as a shock to learn what government was planning. Her nation, based in Dawson City, has passed a resolution stating it was opposed to fracking.

“This brings a real lack of…

Wabowden Mayor
Reginald Mead (right) attends the One Laptop per Child Canada presentation at
Mel Johnson School where 65 tablets were given to students in kindergarten
through Grade 6.

Technology
expands learning opportunities

Thicket Portage, Pikwitonei and Mel Johnson
schools in…

Michael Thrasher will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Trent University for contributions in creating a climate of respect for Indigenous and Traditional knowledge in Canada and internationally.

Thrasher, an Elder of the Turtle Clan, is a nationally recognized teacher of First Nations philosophy, tradition, and knowledge.

“I’d like to accept this honour on behalf of…

The work of Winnipeg artist KC Adams will be displayed around the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry, Bannatyne and William Norrie campuses.

The exhibit, called Perception, will challenge viewers to see a series of portraits through a different lens. The portraits confront the racist stereotypes Indigenous people face. One image of a woman shows her somber face with the insult “…

It’s very hard to disregard the very high level opposition to Bill C-51, the anti-terrorism legislation proposed by the federal government, but we fear that’s the plan of this Harper Conservative government.

In March, the Canadian Bar Association said the vague and broadly worded language of the legislation would limit freedoms and liberties, while not improving Canadian’s safety at all…

In the early hours of March 4, Amber Lightning Raine, 20, joined the ever-growing number of young Aboriginal people who have committed suicide.

Her death was not the result of a horrific childhood, nor was she facing insurmountable life challenges or suffering a lack of family and social support.

“Yes, she was struggling with her relationship … she had a boyfriend on and off, and…

In 1967, Canada’s centennial year and the year Winnipeg first hosted the Pan American Games, 10 young First Nations men were chosen to run 800 kilometers over an ancient message route with the Games torch.

The young men, nine of whom were students at residential school, started their run in St. Paul, Minnesota and arrived six days later in Winnipeg. When they tried to enter the stadium…