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.

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 management plan. The U.S. government is currently seeking public comment on the request.

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’kmaq historian Lillian Marshall. It was later given or loaned to Fr. John MacDougall in Johnstown, N.S. in 1891.

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.

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

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.

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

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, which is, at least, the publicly-stated reason for bill.

A combined fundraiser for charitable organizations and a physical fitness awareness campaign to be undertaken by Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison on June 21 will highlight the Meewasin Trail / Trans Canada Trail that is being built. Atchison, who has been training for months, will cover the 54.72 km journey between Whitecap Dakota First Nation and Wanuskewin Heritage Park on foot. Atchison will start his journey at Whitecap early on the morning of June 21 and is anticipated to reach Wanuskewin in the early evening.