The George Gordon First Nation is one of the groups operating the Legacy camp, a temporary community being built by Bethune. The K+S Potash camp is large enough to house 1,470 construction workers developing the new Legacy Project mine. So far, 360 workers are staying at the facility with the remainder of the rooms expected to be completed and occupied by the end of the year. Each room has its own private bathroom, TV and internet connection. After the mine is built, the small community will likely be torn down or sold.

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority casinos are getting 250 more slot machines because of high demand. “SIGA has done some expansions, particularly in the casinos in [Prince Albert] and North Battleford. And the market studies show that at peak hours, their existing machines are maxed,” Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Minister Donna Harpauer told the Star Phoenix. “The market study does show that they do have the capacity to handle more machines.” The additional machines could result in an increase of up to $8 million in revenue annually.

Before an evacuation order was lifted for two fires threatening Stanley Mission First Nation, 1,300 people were evacuated. The initial evacuation of 600 people came on May 24, with 700 more leaving the following day when the only access road was threatened. The evacuation was a precautionary measure only. The smoke was heavy over the community and the fire was estimated to exceed 6,400 hectares. Residents took up temporary shelter in La Ronge, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and surrounding areas. The Red Cross was called in to help.

The children's advocate has made 18 recommendations to the Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services related to a 10-year-old boy, who is a suspect in the beating death of a six-year-old. In the report, “Derek,” as the older boy is referred to, was left unsupervised despite nine child protection concerns reported to the local CFS. The school and the RCMP had alerted the agency to Derek’s behavioural issues.

Maintaining rooming houses needs to be a priority

Business Vancouver reports an agreement between Avanti Mining Inc. and the Nisga’a Nation regarding the mining company’s proposed $1 billion Kitsault Molybdenum Mine Project. The agreement includes a royalty of up to two per cent based on the price of molybdenum, and promises to address environmental concerns. “We are pleased to have finally reached an agreement with Avanti that will enable the project to proceed while ensuring that our treaty rights are respected, and our nation’s environment is protected,” said Nisga’a Nation President Mitchell Stevens.

The official First Nations host of the 2015 Pan Am/ParaPan Games in Toronto is the Mississaugas of the New Credit.

American Singer Pharrell Williams has apologized to fans
after his cover shot on Elle UK Fashion Magazine after it caused a flurry of outrage. The singer appeared in a First Nation headdress. While the singer is known for his eccentric hats, the photo, said many, was offensive. Wab Kinew tweeted an invitation to Williams to attend a Sundance “so u can learn about the sacrifice that’s put in before someone wears a headdress.” “I respect and honour every kind of race, background and culture,” said Williams. “I am genuinely sorry.”

A derailment on the only rail line to Churchill, Man.  caused a shut down and people from the remote War Lake First Nation are becoming desperate, reported the CBC. They rely on the Omnitrax Canada line to get them to Thompson, a four-hour train ride, for groceries. The community had to charter a plane because they were running out of food, said the chief “We don’t have any of the necessities — bread, eggs,” even formula for babies and milk, said Chief Betsy Kennedy, and community members have become stranded in Thompson unable to return home.

Louise Spence said she was barred from running for chief