A scathing report on the mining industry by B.C. Auditor General Carol Bellringer is being received by First Nations with cautious optimism. It’s their hope that it will bring positive changes to protect the environment in their traditional territories.

In her May 3 report, “An Audit of Compliance and Enforcement of the Mining Sector,” Bellringer concluded that both B.C.’s Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of the Environment had failed to meet expectations in both compliance and enforcement.

May 5, 2016.

The sole remaining Métis trapper’s cabin in downtown Fort McMurray has burned to the ground.

“Harvey was just able to grab a few papers. The fire was coming down the hill so they had to take off,” said Bill Loutitt, vice-president for the McMurray Métis local. “There’s nothing left.”

Standing in front of his cabin is Harvey Sykes (left) with Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk and (second from right) Bill Loutitt. (Photo: provided)

May 5, 2016

The province plans to start bringing evacuees from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, who fled north for emergency accommodations, to the south Thursday afternoon.

“With respect to evacuees our latest numbers show that there are roughly 25,000 people who were evacuated north of the city and our focus right now is getting those people south as quickly as possible,” said Premier Rachel Notley.

The Canadian Nurses Foundation is excited to announce its One Million in One Year campaign, with the goal to double the number of scholarships it currently funds for Indigenous nurses.

The aim is to raise $1 million to help support Indigenous nursing and education.

"CNF, in collaboration with stakeholders, is committed to make change happen through its support of Indigenous nurses," said Christine Rieck Buckley, CEO of the Canadian Nurses Foundation.

Funding will also support initiatives to increase the knowledge and skills of Indigenous nurses in mental health.

In honour of the one-year anniversary (June 2) of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s release of its calls to action report, a group called Kairos Canada is planning special  events, called the Blanket Exercise, across the country.

Boil water advisory issued for Wood Buffalo area

MNA opens local office to Métis impacted by Fort McMurray fire

Photo: Rupertsland Institute, a Métis Nation of Alberta affiliate, has been providing outreach services since Tuesday as the mobile van has delivered food, water, toiletries and other essentials to evacuees in Lac la Biche.
(Photo: Métis Nation of Alberta)

Wildfire threatens Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation residents

May 4, 2016. Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation residents are on one hour evacuation notice as a precautionary measure, Scott Long, executive director, provincial operations with Alberta Emergency Management Agency, said shortly after 3 p.m. today. A wildfire burning in Lac Ste. Anne County is being fought by wild fire aviation assets and ground forces, he said. There is a First Nations field officer on location.

CCAB asks for businesses to support Fort McMurray

May 4, 2016.

Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan has followed through on his promise to do away with a bill that led to First Nations leaders and members protesting on the steps of the Legislature in 2013.

On Tuesday, Feehan introduced legislation to repeal Bill 22, the Aboriginal Consultation Levy Act.