Latest news with #Metis
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Aurora College and Indigenous Knowledge Holders release three-year framework
A framework for development of Aurora College's tricameral governance has been released as the institution continues its push to evolve into a polytechnic university. Officials made the announcement on July 7. 'The Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council (IKHC) is proud of the work that got us to this point,' said IKHC chair Deneze Nakehk'o. 'We believe this Flowing Waters Framework will guide us in our work, in our connections to our sacred surroundings, to each other and to learn about ourselves. 'We raise our hands to all the efforts of people that helped shape this pathway. We are honoured to continue our strong traditions but also to endeavour in the careful process of planning and visioning for the College and all the peoples walking their own educational pathways.' Under the three-year framework, the plan is to complete a virtual meet and greet between members of IKHC and staff of Aurora College, then to undergo a KAIROS blanket exercise with students and staff. A blanket exercise is a two to three-hour interactive workshop where participants stand on blankets and assume the role of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. They then read through a script guided by Elders and knowledge keepers to understand the phases of colonization from the people of Turtle Island's perspective. The exercises were developed following the 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. KAIROS is an 'ecumenical movement for ecological justice and human rights' spearheaded by the United Church of Canada. After the blanket exercise is completed, the next step is to develop an options paper for Indigenous honourariums. All this is to be done before the end of the year. Come 2026, the goal will shift to developing safe and sacred spaces on each campus. Both safe spaces and special tipis are to be established at each of the four campuses with a review of and Indigenizing curriculum in 2027. This will include establishing Elders in residence programs to ensure traditional knowledge is integrated into lessons, as well as adopting the Elements of Indigenous Style as a style guide to stand beside the historical academic style guides. 'The establishment of the Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations and underlines Aurora College's commitment to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and values,' stated Aurora College president Dr. Angela James. 'And to foster an educational environment that respects Indigenous ways of life, knowledge, cultures, and worldviews.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Back to Batoche wraps up successful celebration of Métis culture
Back to Batoche opened the final day of celebrations with the procession of the President's Cabin to the graveyard at the Batoche Historic Site. Back to Batoche Days are held annually to commemorate the 1885 Northwest Resistance. It has grown into one of the largest Métis cultural gatherings in Canada. Métis Nation Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum said after the procession that Métis history and the history of the Northwest Resistance is important to celebrate. 'If you take a look at the history of the Métis Nation and Batoche, this is a very interesting place. It's got rich history,' McCallum said. He said that the resistance was defeated, but the culture is still alive. '(Louis) Riel fought here and stood up for the rights of Métis, and to be able to see people gathering here from right across Canada.' According to estimates, on Sunday nearly 40,000 people attended Back to Batoche from July 17 to July 20. McCallum said the annual event helps tell the story of the Metis people. It also helps introduce Metis culture to the rest of Canada. 'That story goes out there, and it hits home to us,' he explained. 'There were people arriving just for the day. I heard about it and they said, 'We're not Metis. We're non-Indigenous. We heard about it. We're here. We're going to come back.' This has to be shared because it's for everyone.' McCalllum said working with governments has helped the Saskatchewan Métis get land back. He said there are roughly 1,900 acres across the river and on the Batoche side. 'We have the historic site working side by side,' McCallum said. 'We're getting crowded, but we're good at that because of the good story that's leaving Batoche with the people that come to visit. It's going to continue to grow.' The weekend included cultural celebrations, music, a jigging contest on Sunday, and sports like slow pitch, the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA), and a rodeo. The last day of CPCA races were cancelled due to rain. 'I look forward to the future in regards to the well-being of our Métis people and the celebration that we have here,' McCallum said. McCallum added that MN-S continues to work with the Federal and Provincial governments, industry and institutions to keep the MN-S name present. During the weekend Premier Scott Moe and other dignitaries came to the annual celebration with Moe speaking at Friday's opening ceremonies. McCallum said he had a very good meeting with Moe, and is confident the MN-S will continue to work well with the province. Going forward, McCallum expects the MN-S to sign harvesting agreements with the government. He said they are also working on health and economic development agreements. 'There are a lot of things we're going to be doing even with the First Nations in Southern Saskatchewan, (and) we have five reserves that we work with in Northern Saskatchewan,' McCallum said. He gave examples of several North Saskatchewan entities like Cameco and Dennison Mines that the MN-S is working with. 'They're all coming to hear us out and hear our story, but more importantly, sign agreements to be able to benefit from what's going on in Saskatchewan,' he said. The Procession pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the Battle of Batoche and are buried at the cemetery on the Historic Site. The Battle of Batoche was a decisive event in Métis history. The Battle of Batoche saw an alliance of First Nations and Métis people against the Canadian militia as part of the North-West Rebellion. The militia was victorious in the battle, which led to the capture of Métis leader Louis Riel, who was eventually executed. McCallum said it is important to remember that history. 'We have to remind people this is actually what happened and to be happy,' he explained. 'We can't be sad all the time. It was a sad moment, but at the same time life continues and the Métis people keep growing and the more that we grow, the more we get to participate in other areas with Metis and First Nations and non-Indigenous people. That's a beautiful thing to see.' After the procession made its way to the cemetery there was a ceremony that included people bringing their Metis sashes to be place on the gravesite. One young boy volunteered his sash which caused a large group of people to give their sashes to the memorial. The MN-S also partners with school divisions in Saskatchewan, including the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division to grow the Michif language. Saskatchewan Rivers offers the Michif language at Queen Mary and St. Louis Public School. McCallum said that MN-S has been able to tap into both Catholic and Public school divisions. 'It's through those organizations that represent schools from elementary to high school, and those are the places that we have to negotiate with, sign agreements, and support them in regards to carrying the language forward,' McCallum said. 'We need to promote it (Michif) more, (and) tell the story of how important that language is.' McCallum said his weekend was busy with interviews and sharing the Métis story. 'It is beautiful. I like people coming to see and to be able to be on the ground and ask these questions and to be able to work together as Canadians. Let's try as much as we can to be able to understand each other more, no matter where we come from, First Nations, Métis, Inuit or non-Indigenous. Let's work together and somehow come with a plan that works for everyone,' McCallum said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Sun
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Premiers to meet with Indigenous groups on first day of Huntsville gathering
Published Jul 21, 2025 • 3 minute read Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, centre, talks with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, left, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe as they arrive at the meeting of Canada's premiers at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ont., on Monday, July 21, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS HUNTSVILLE, Ont. — Canada's premiers are pledging economic reconciliation with Indigenous people as they head into discussions with First Nations, Metis and Inuit groups at a three-day meeting in cottage country north of Toronto. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The premiers have gathered at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ont., to talk trade and tariffs, particularly when they meet Tuesday with Prime Minister Mark Carney. But first they are set to have discussions with leaders from the Assembly of First Nations, the Metis National Council and the Native Women's Association of Canada, among other Indigenous groups. That meeting comes as Indigenous communities have expressed concerns with federal and provincial laws meant to fast-track major infrastructure projects as a way to stimulate the economy facing tariff impacts. 'We think this is a great opportunity for economic reconciliation with First Nations,' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Monday. 'We're going to make sure that they prosper like they've never had before and the door is open for them,' Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'They're welcome to walk through that door and partner with the entire country and partner with Ontario to make their lives more prosperous than they've ever seen before. That's gonna be their choice.' Read More Smith and Ford said time is tight as the country needs to move fast in the trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump. But two new laws aimed at stimulating the economy have sparked outrage from many First Nations who want meaningful consultation on major projects in their territories. The federal law known as Bill C-5 allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big projects deemed to be in the national interest by sidestepping existing laws, while Ontario's Bill 5 allows its cabinet to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called 'special economic zones.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Nine Ontario First Nations have filed a court challenge to the laws. Carney hosted a meeting with hundreds of First Nations chiefs last week and while some chiefs walked out saying they saw an insufficient response to concerns they'd been raising for weeks, others left the meeting 'cautiously optimistic.' Smith said the lengthy regulatory approval process for pipelines and mineral extraction has been a problem and she believes governments can shorten that time frame while also consulting with First Nations. 'I think in this new world that we're in, we have to figure out a way to get to 'yes' faster. It doesn't mean that there isn't a robust consultation that has to happen, but it has to happen in a time frame where a proponent is going to know that the answer is yes and how we get there,' she said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has asked the prime minister and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew to formally include First Nations' regional representation at Tuesday's meeting with the premiers and Carney. 'These discussions can't happen without us. First Nations aren't just affected by international trade decisions, they are directly involved in the regions, the economies, and the lands these decisions will touch,' Wilson said in a statement. 'We are governing nations with existing mandates and responsibilities. Ignoring that weakens the response and risks repeating the same mistakes we've seen for decades.' Ford has said that over the course of their meeting this week, the premiers will also talk about emergency management, energy security, sovereignty and national security, health and public safety. – With files from Alessia Passafiume in Ottawa. Celebrity Celebrity Toronto & GTA Canada Other Sports
Calgary Herald
14-07-2025
- Calgary Herald
In Calgary courts: Calgary man who lured 13-year-old over internet, had her send graphic photos handed prison term
The traumatic upbringing and family history of a Calgary man who lured a teenage girl over the internet was not enough to keep him out of jail, a judge ruled Monday. Article content Justice Jayme Williams said that while the 3½-year sentence sought by the Crown was excessive, a conditional sentence to be served in the community wouldn't adequately punish Jade Joven Fenton on charges of luring a minor and possession of child pornography. Article content Article content Article content Defence counsel Andrew MacKenzie had sought the maximum conditional sentence of two years less a day for Fenton, but Williams said that wouldn't adequately reflect the consequences of his crimes. Article content Article content The Calgary Court of Justice judge acknowledged Fenton's tragic past, both personally and within his family history. Article content At his sentencing hearing in May, MacKenzie put the offender's grandmother on the witness stand to detail the generations of sexual abuse family members endured. Article content 'It was not something that was ever dealt with.' Article content She recalled initially learning about her grandfather abusing his own daughters. Article content 'I was sexually abused at seven years old by a foster sister, and at 12 years old by my uncle, and then at 17 years old I was raped by a motorcycle gang.' Article content Article content She told MacKenzie that created an element of distrust and inability to form relationships by members of her family, including Fenton. Article content 'My father was a pedophile and so was my mother.' Article content Williams acknowledged Fenton, who is Metis and comes from an Indigenous family impacted by colonialism and residential school abuse, was also himself sexually molested as a child. Article content But she said that didn't excuse his decision to take advantage of a 13-year-old girl who had gone to an online site for people looking for friends. Article content Williams noted Fenton, 23 at the time, steered their internet discussions towards sex. Article content 'It was Mr. Fenton who converted the conversations from friendly to sexual by asking her for nude photographs,' the judge said. Article content She also said the impact on the victim, identified in court as E.M., was severe. Article content 'It is clear she continues to process the emotional trauma resulting from these offences,' Williams said. Article content She added, 'Often victims of luring feel they actively participated in their own abuse.' Article content While the offender and victim never met, Fenton convinced the teen they were in love and would run away and get married when she turned 18. Article content 'Mr. Fenton has had a difficult life to this point … but he knew from the beginning that E.M. was 13,' Williams said. Article content
CTV News
07-07-2025
- CTV News
Escaped Quebec prisoner has ties to southwestern Ontario
OPP are searching for a man accused of escaping a Quebec prison Sat., July 5, 2025. Photo: submitted Provincial police were advised about an escapee from a Quebec correctional institution on Sunday. The Surete du Quebec Police Service said that an inmate convicted in 1992 of murder, had escaped from the Archambault Incarceration Centre in Quebec. The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit is now assisting in this investigation. Police say that the wanted man, Lory Bill Germa, may be in Southwestern Ontario, more specifically in the South Bruce or Hanover areas. Lory Bill Germa, 69, is described as Metis, bald head, brown eyes, five foot eight inches, 165 lbs, with a scar on his left eyebrow. Germa has many tattoos including: a sword, 'Carol', flying skull, seahorses, dragons, grim reaper, cloud and lightning bolts. Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating this man but say if he's observed do not approach him but do immediately contact police at 911. The investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released when they become available. If you have any information that may assist the OPP in locating Germa, please contact police at 911 or 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
