First Nations people who are still feeling the impacts of a catastrophic tailings dam breach are speaking out against a permit that will see more mine effluents released into a nearby lake.

The B.C. government granted Imperial Metals the two-year discharge permit for the Mount Polley mine northeast of Williams Lake in order to avoid overflow from an open storage pit.

The permit will allow the company to release tailings water below the surface of Quesnel Lake through a pipeline.

The statistics are sobering. But not surprising.

The RCMP recorded homicide rates for the first time in 2014 as they pertained to Aboriginal people. Nationally, 23 per cent of the 516 murder victims were Aboriginal, while one-third of those accused of murder were Aboriginal people. Aboriginal people account for only five per cent of the Canadian population.

Canada’s Indigenous people had strong representation at the Paris climate change conference where 195 countries came together to negotiate a practical plan to deal with greenhouse gas emissions to slow down climate warming.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde accompanied Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and two federal ministers in the four-person Canadian delegation to the opening ceremony. He was invited by Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna.

The Speech from the Throne on Dec. 4 was short on pages and details, but for Indigenous people it underscored the promises made during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s election campaign.

Trudeau reiterated his commitment to “undertake to renew, nation-to-nation, the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples, one based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.”

He renewed that pledge four days later when he addressed the Special Chiefs Assembly for the Assembly of First Nations. He said it is a priority he has made clear to his MPs.

Calgary mayor proposes resiliency fund in light of economic downturn

December 14, 2015

Jesse Cardinal is disappointed that the COP21 climate change agreement only urges nations to consider Indigenous right and traditional knowledge. Indigenous peoples were seeking stronger language to ensure respect and implementation of Indigenous rights.

The coordinator for the Keepers of the Athabasca says maybe she was naïve to think more than that would happen - naïve to believe an international agreement on climate change would entrench Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge.

December 11, 2015

From the modest beginnings of simply working in her husband’s company to now being CEO of Bouchier Group, Nicole Bourque-Bouchier remains humble. Even her newest title as one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women hasn’t swayed her.

“I’m just me and one of everybody else on the team,” she said.

December 10, 2015. High River and area first responders conducted their 3rd Annual Charity Checkstop raising $6,290 in cash and gift cards and a truck bed of groceries. This year’s monetary donations will be shared between Rowan House and Foothill Victims Services.  All food items have already been turned over the Salvation Army for their food bank.  

December 10, 2015. The Alberta Court of Appeal has dismissed two applications by the O’Chiese First Nation for leave to appeal regulatory licence decisions by the Alberta Energy Regulator made in favour of Shell Canada Limited. The decision clarifies that a right to a regulatory appeal is not automatic simply because development is occurring on treaty lands.

December 11, 2015. Health Minister Sarah Hoffman has issued ministerial orders allowing more health professionals to prescribe, administer and distribute naloxone. Naloxone is a drug that can be used immediately to reverse fentanyl overdoses. The ministerial orders will expand the scope of practice for registered nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and emergency medical responders. Hoffman is following an early recommendation made by the Mental Health Review Committee.