First Nation leaders will gather in Ottawa/Gatineau from Oct. 2 to Oct. 4 for a chiefs’ assembly on education where strategies will be developed to identify critical areas, such as treaty rights, jurisdiction, funding and language. “First Nations leaders established education as a key priority, with our ultimate goal being First Nations control of First Nations education,” said National Chief Shawn Atleo.

Members of Saugeen First Nation, located about 400 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, are walking to Ottawa to gain equal housing rights for First Nations people who live off reserve, CBC reports. Darlene Necan was among those who built a house this spring for an Elder who was living in an old chicken coup. Now she says there are others who need her help and are living in make-shift shacks next door to the Saugeen First Nation. And Ottawa, she said, needs to hear about it. Last year, she and a group of others decided to build a home for a 74-year-old.

The Edmonton Journal reports that a new land-use plan for Alberta’s Lower Athabasca region is being soundly rejected by the chief of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Chief Allan Adam said the plan will impact the treaty rights of Aboriginal people and this will likely be met with action.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has responded to the Seaway International Bridge Corporation (SIBC) Limited’s plans to permanently locate its toll booth plaza in the City of Cornwall at the base of the new 3 Nations Bridge. “The best location for the toll booth plaza is at the former Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Port of Entry on Kawehnoke,” said Grand Chief Mike K. Mitchell.

The Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and John Duncan, minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development on Aug. 21 to see if they could get negotiations for fair and equitable funding for the First Nation back on track. The C/TFN is a self-governing First Nation located in the Yukon’s southwest. Their territory surrounds a portion of the Klondike highway that runs from Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon, including the Nares River Bridge, which is a vital gateway for Yukon commerce and trade.

Tall Cree First Nation, located near Fort Vermillion, Alta. has partnered with Native American Resource Partners Canada Inc. to create Tall Cree Energy, which will pursue the development of resource projects both on and off Tall Cree’s reserve lands. The nation has secured with the partnership both the industry expertise and investment capital necessary to evaluate and fund associated exploration and development costs. Tall Cree Energy will initially be focused on oil and gas opportunities and, depending on its success, will also evaluate other energy related investments.

Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) and Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see up to eight affordable family homes built within the TFN community. The agreement follows discussions held over the past few months, including a community meeting in June, where nation members were briefed on the Habitat for Humanity family-partner model. “As a growing community with a range of housing needs, Tsawwassen First Nation is excited about our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity,” said Chief Kim Baird.    

Smoke from the sacred fire and sage smudges swirled in the breeze during the Elders’ Council held in Sheguiandah First Nation, Ont. on Aug. 10.

Elders from the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising First Nations (UCCMM) met on the side of Highway 6 in front of the Elders’ building in Sheguiandah, a protest site where members had been camping for 18 days. A few tipis are up, along with a few tents where people have been sleeping.

The situation was serious enough to warrant Elders from other communities from around Manitoulin Island to attend.

Smoke from the sacred fire and sage smudges swirled in the breeze during the Elders’ Council held in Sheguiandah First Nation, Ont. on Aug. 10.

Elders from the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising First Nations (UCCMM) met on the side of Highway 6 in front of the Elders’ building in Sheguiandah, a protest site where members had been camping for 18 days. A few tipis are up, along with a few tents where people have been sleeping.

The situation was serious enough to warrant Elders from other communities from around Manitoulin Island to attend.

Book Review

Hope Faith & Empathy
Written By Monique Gray Smith
Published By Printorium Bookworks and Little Drum Consulting
139 Pages

“Hope, Faith & Empathy” is the story of Tilly, a young Indigenous woman growing up in Canada and the many ups and down she learns to navigate in the journey we all call life. The story is also about the people who have helped shape Tilly, her survival and her resilient spirit.