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CBC
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Former Sask. commander has new job as RCMP's assistant commissioner of Indigenous and support services
The RCMP says Saskatchewan's former commanding officer now has a new job with the force. Mounties say Rhonda Blackmore has been hired as assistant commissioner of Indigenous and support services, replacing Warren Brown, who recently announced his retirement. The position is based out of national headquarters in Ottawa. Blackmore, a 30-year RCMP veteran who assumed the position as the assistant commissioner of Saskatchewan's RCMP F Division in April 2021, was relieved of her duties on June 3. In an emailed statement that day, Blackmore said the decision was "a result of anonymous complaints." The RCMP declined to comment on the complaints and whether they were launched through the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner — an independent federal organization that investigates wrongdoing in the federal public sector, and has jurisdiction over the RCMP. Blackmore has not commented publicly on her removal since June 3. She was not made available for an interview. This week, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations released a public letter, demanding answers about Blackmore's sudden removal. Executive members and several tribal councils from the federation, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, praised Blackmore's commitment to community policing and highlighted her leadership during key crises, including the 2022 mass killings on James Smith Cree Nation. They also said Blackmore had made efforts to improve Indigenous recruitment, foster trust through working agreements with communities and push for systemic reform within the RCMP. "Rhonda showed strong leadership during a time of crisis for James Smith," Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said in the federation's statement. "She, along with her team, worked hard to develop trust through her compassion and understanding." The FSIN said a lack of public explanation and absence of consultation for Blackmore's removal has rattled confidence in the RCMP's internal processes. The federation made three demands: The immediate reinstatement of Blackmore pending a transparent external investigation. The establishment of independent oversight for RCMP disciplinary actions, particularly regarding anonymous complaints. A formal commitment to protect RCMP officers who advocate for reform and community safety. In a statement of its own, the RCMP said it remains "fully committed to community policing and accountability" and values its relationship with the federation. It added that the appointment of an interim commanding officer "will have no impact on front-line policing operations nor the safety and security of Indigenous communities during this interim period."
CBC
6 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Sask. First Nations leaders back recently removed RCMP commanding officer
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is demanding answers after the sudden removal of Rhonda Blackmore as commanding officer of Saskatchewan's RCMP F Division. Blackmore, a 30-year RCMP veteran who took the assistant commissioner job in April 2021, was relieved of her duties on June 3. In an emailed statement that day, Blackmore said the decision was "a result of anonymous complaints." She has not commented publicly on her removal since. "We firmly stand with Assistant Commissioner Blackmore," Tribal Chief Jeremy Fourhorns of the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council said in a joint statement from the FSIN. "Her time as F Division CO has been defined by unwavering integrity, accountability, and a dedication to First Nation communities." Executive members and several tribal councils from the FSIN, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, praised Blackmore's commitment to community policing and highlighted her leadership during key crises, including the 2022 mass killings on James Smith Cree Nation. They also pointed to her efforts to improve Indigenous recruitment, foster trust through working agreements with communities and push for systemic reform within the RCMP. "Rhonda showed strong leadership during a time of crisis for James Smith," Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said in the FSIN statement. "She, along with her team, worked hard to develop trust through her compassion and understanding." The FSIN said a lack of public explanation and absence of consultation for Blackmore's removal has rattled confidence in the RCMP's internal processes. The FSIN made three demands: The immediate reinstatement of Blackmore pending a transparent external investigation. The establishment of independent oversight for RCMP disciplinary actions, particularly regarding anonymous complaints. A formal commitment to protect RCMP officers who advocate for reform and community safety. FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron also urged the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner to investigate what he describes as the potential misuse of the RCMP's whistleblower policy. "We want to ensure justice is done — for Rhonda Blackmore, for the integrity of the RCMP, and for First Nations people across Saskatchewan," Cameron said. RCMP responded with a statement. "The RCMP values its relationship with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and First Nations leadership, and is fully committed to community policing and accountability," the statement said. It added that the appointment of an interim commanding officer "will have no impact on front-line policing operations nor the safety and security of Indigenous communities during this interim period." The RCMP said it is confident that F Division officers will continue to serve Indigenous communities with dedication and professionalism.
Hamilton Spectator
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
First Nations leaders provide national response to King's Speech
(ANNews) – First Nations leaders from across Canada gathered in Ottawa to provide a unified response to the May 27 Speech from the Throne delivered by King Charles III, with a statement from some of the leaders highlighting the 'profound gap between ceremonial gestures and the reality of unfulfilled Treaty obligations.' Prime Minister Mark Carney asked the King to deliver this year's Speech from the Throne, normally delivered by the governor general as the King's representative in Canada, as a symbol of Canada's independence from the United States. A small group of First Nations leaders were invited to the Senate for the King's speech as dignitaries, including Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. In a joint news release from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Confederation of Treaty 6 First Nations, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) and AMC, Wilson said she finds it 'concerning that not all First Nations leadership were present or included in this historical moment.' Grand Chief Wilson struck a more optimistic tone at an Ottawa news conference responding to the Speech from the Throne, noting that it's a positive development that the King mentioned Indigenous rights and reconciliation in his speech. 'That makes me hopeful [for] the renewed relationship that we can have as First Nations people with the Crown,' she said. 'Going forward, my hope is that Canada can respect our Treaties, respect who we are as First Nations people and work together, because we are not going away.' FSIN Vice Chief David Pratt of Muscowpetung First Nation, located 65 km northwest of Regina, called on Carney 'to meaningfully engage our chiefs.' 'Don't just placate us with nice words. That day and age is over,' said Vice Chief Pratt. 'Don't come and try to take resources out of our backyards without sitting first with our Elders and treating us with the respect that we deserve.' Carney has come under criticism from First Nations leaders , as well as labour, climate and faith groups, for legislation enabling projects deemed to be in the 'national interest' to receive approval before moving through regulatory and consultation processes. In the Throne Speech, which is written by the government but delivered by the Crown, King Charles said the government wants to reduce the average timeline for approving major projects to two years from five. Pratt called it 'a shame' that not a single Cabinet minister or representative of the Crown attended the First Nations' pipe ceremony on Parliament Hill. He added that it would be a meaningful gesture for the King to return to Canada to visit Treaty First Nations, with the 150th anniversary of Treaty 5 coming up in the fall and Treaty 6 occurring next year. Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais, who also serves as the chief of Frog Lake First Nation in eastern Alberta, said he was 'very disappointed' that the King spoke of reconciliation without any mention of the Treaties. 'I'm grateful to be here to share some words, to encourage each and every one of you, the chiefs, to keep pushing, for the people to get behind the chiefs, the leadership, and not to fight,' said Desjarlais. Chief Derek Nepinak of the Minegoziibe Anishinabe, located on the western shore of Lake Winnipegosis in Manitoba, was another chief invited to the Senate to hear the Speech from the Throne. He told First Nations people to 'get ready' for the government fast-tracking resource projects. 'This is the time for us to be prepared for what's next. Some of you can participate, some of us won't, but let's protect the water first,' said Chief Nepinak. 'That's the most important thing we have.' Chief Kelsey Jacko of Cold Lake First Nations in Treaty 6 said he was one of the First Nations leaders who 'travelled across Turtle Island hoping to speak to the King of the nation we entered into Treaty with.' 'I know he is busy, but imagine if you haven't seen your business partner in 150 years,' said Jacko. He called on King Charles to collaborate with Prime Minister Carney to establish a Royal Commission on Treaty in the 21st Century to uphold and affirm Treaty rights in the face of changing biodiversity and growing loss of water. Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi of Treaty 8 First Nations in Alberta, in which the oil sands are located, noted the amount of 'resource revenue … coming from our lands each and every day while our people are suffering.' 'Our people come here in duress today. We don't come here with peace on our minds,' said Mercredi, the former chief of Beaver First Nation. He added that it was 'unacceptable' that most Treaty First Nations leaders were forced to stand 'outside here on the sidewalks' while King Charles spoke in the Senate. When the King spoke of 'barriers and red tape removal, he's talking about us,' said Mercredi. National Dene Chief George Mackenzie, who represents five First Nations in the Northwest Territories, contrasted the 'modern infrastructure' in downtown Ottawa with the 'broken windows' and poverty on First Nations reserves. 'Our young people should be strong in their culture, language, can survive on the land and be proud of it, [and] at the same time, be the best they can be in education,' said Chief Mackenzie. 'We need to be given that opportunity.' Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro of Mikisew Cree First Nation in Treaty 8 noted that there are few things all Treaty First Nations leaders can agree on. 'Among the chiefs, we all have different agendas, but one thing we have in common is the Treaty, and we must fight for that for the future generations to come,' he said. He said the government's promise to reduce project approval timelines by 60 per cent is 'very alarming' for members of his community, given the impact of tar sands mining on their health. Addressing the federal government, Dene Tha' First Nation Chief Wilfred Hooka-Nooza emphasized the 'shared journey' of reconciliation. 'It requires more than promises. It requires action. It requires you to listen to our stories, understand our struggles and work with us to address the wrongs of the past and present,' he said. 'It requires you to honour the Treaties, not as historical documents but as living agreements that are vital to our collective future.' To his fellow First Nations leaders, Hooka-Nooza offered a message of hope, 'for it is hope that sustains us and guides us towards the future generation.' Error! 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Global News
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Global News
FSIN says First Nations were left out of the first ministers meeting in Saskatoon
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) says the exclusion of Saskatchewan's 74 First Nations from the federal-provincial meeting Monday represents a breach of constitutional obligations. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The FSIN says the discussion will undoubtedly impact First Nation communities, and their jurisdiction. Global's Nicole Healey has the full story in the video above.
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctors face prison after 'selling babies' in twisted £500K plot
Eight doctors and senior clinic officials have been detained in Russia after being accused of orchestrating a sinister scam which saw embryos arranged for birth - for the purpose of selling them abroad A chilling baby-trafficking ring has been exposed in Russia, with eight doctors and senior clinic officials detained for allegedly selling newborns to foreign buyers in a scheme worth more than half a million pounds. The scandal, centred in the Primorsky region, involves at least 13 babies being trafficked abroad - though prosecutors warn the real number could be far higher. Among those arrested are three chief physicians, accused of orchestrating a sinister operation which saw infants sold for profit under the guise of infertility treatments. According to explosive evidence presented by state prosecutors, the group raked in approximately £510,000 through the illegal trade. 'A group of doctors illegally issued medical documentation containing knowingly false information about the infertility of buyers and genetic parents,' read a damning official statement. 'Using assisted reproductive technologies under the guise of infertility treatment, the defendants carried out actions to cultivate embryos and arrange the subsequent birth of children for the purpose of their sale and movement abroad.' The IVF baby scandal centres on private clinics in Vladivostok. The country or countries where the babies were sold has not been disclosed, nor were details given about alleged surrogate mothers. The scam involved six women and two men - doctors, chief physicians, and the owner of a chain of private clinics, according to reports. In total, at least 13 children were sent abroad, flouting Russian laws. The sales happened between 2018 and 2020 but have only come to light now. It is as yet unclear if Russia will seek to repatriate the illegally sold children - now aged between around five and seven. The defendants have not been named. They face up to 15 years in jail for alleged child trafficking, according to prosecutors, with the case due to be heard by the Frunzensky District Court of Vladivostok. It comes just weeks after a Russian psychiatrist was caught running a "torture conveyor belt" at a prison hospital, where more than 20 patients died. Dr Anastasia Potorochina is now hoping to avoid jail by being sent to Vladimir Putin 's war as a medic. The 32-year-old illegally tied inmates to their beds for weeks or months, and injected them with mind-altering 'psychotropic drugs'. A total of 21 patients died on her 'torture conveyor belt' at notorious Interregional Tuberculosis Hospital No. 19, part of Putin's Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN). Some 43 prisoners were tortured, according to the closed-doors court case where she was convicted and sentenced to five years behind bars. One orderly, Artem Pechersky, accused her of being a 'sadist'. He said: 'She liked that patients could be tied up for a long time. She would say: 'That's what they deserve', 'Let them lie there'. She made mean jokes. She believed that they deserved to be tied up'.
