British Columbia's Overdose Crisis Claims Beloved Homeless Woman
May 15, 2017
Marnie, a homeless woman who was loved by the executive director and staff at the Atira Women's Resource Society, overdosed and died in 2016.
News
News on Aboriginal issues is gathered from a variety of sources and reposted here. If you'd like us to post your news, let us know on our contact page.
MMIWG Commission Postpones Hearings Despite Families' Protests
May 15, 2017
Officials from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiry commission say they were advised that the summer months would be a bad time to conduct hearings with family members. However, family members disagree with this decision.
Oil Tanker Moratorium Act Introduced to Improve Marine Safety
May 15, 2017
The Heiltsuk Nation has worked for a tanker ban for many years. Now, legistlation has been introduced that would formalize an oil tanker moratorium along the north coast. This law will help protect the lands and waters of the Heiltsuk Nation.
Indigenous Nurses Needed to Bridge Gaps in Health Care System
May 11, 2017
Tania Dick, a nurse who will soon become the first Indigenous president of a British Columbia nursing association, followed in the footsteps of her mother, who was an activist and nurse.
Children in Government Care Need Additional Representation on Child Intervention Panel
May 11, 2017
Spokesperson for Protecting Canadian Children, Velvet Martin, believes that recent additions to the all-party panel on child intervention are not sufficient to deal with the issue.
Danette Burden Finds Fulfillment as a Carpentry Instructor for SIIT
May 10, 2017
Danette Burden pursued a career as a carpenter before becoming an carpentry instructor for the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). Through her postition as an apprenticeship instructor, she is able to help other Indigenous women find careers as carpenters.
Families Frustrated with Lack of Communication about MMIW Inquiry
May 10, 2017
After the hearing set for May 29, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will not hear from families and loved ones until the fall.
Newly Elected British Columbia Officials Include Four Indigenous Candidates
May 10, 2017
The recent election in British Columbia resulted in the election of four Indigenous candidates.
Fourth Indigenous Child in Group Home Dies
May 9, 2017
A fourth teenage girl who was living in a group home around 500 miles from her home died on May 4. Chiefs in Ontario have passed a resolution demanding an inquest into the disparity between the care provided for kids who live on-reserve versus those from non-First Nations communities.
Additional Hearings by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Commission Not Yet Set
May 8, 2017
With formal hearings set to begin on May 29, the National Inquiry for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is providing few details about the process moving forward, leaving First Nations families and loved ones concerned.
Squamish Nation Distributes Canned Salmon to Keep Tradition Alive
May 6, 2017
The Squamish Nation in British Columbia relies on salmon returns each year to uphold a long tradition of distributing fresh fish to its people each August. Due to low returns in recent years, leaders of the Squamish Nation decided to can frozen, surplus salmon for distribution.
Number of Indigenous Children in Group Homes Not Tracked
May 2, 2017
The government of Ontario does not keep track of the number of children it places into group homes. Since October, three youth have died while in group homes.
First Nations Authorities to Gather Data on Fentanyl Overdoses
May 1, 2017
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is working with authorities in British Columbia to begin collecting data about the number of Indigenous deaths due to fentanyl overdoses.
Canadian Universities Recognize the Value of Indigenous Knowledge
May 1, 2017
Canadian universities are starting to understand the value of Indigenous knowledge, especially in the field of science. Marlee and Valerie Willier, 18-year-old Indigenous twin sisters, are planning to attend university to become scientists.
Esquimalt High School Students Learn to Connect to Culture in Agricultural Class
April 30, 2017
Students at Esquimalt High School are participating in a land-based learning class. This class gets students out of the classroom and onto the farm, where they learn new skills and how to connect with their culture.
New CEO of Forest Products Association of Canada Discusses Future of Forestry Industry
April 28, 2017
The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) recently hired new CEO Derek Nighbor, who is focused on working with Indigenous communities and youth to promote the forestry industry. The Candadian forestry industry is admired around the world for its environmental reputation.
First Nations Working to Implement Green Energy Projects
April 26, 2017
Grand River First Nation, along with 120 other First Nations, has a signed a treaty alliance to oppose the expansion of oil sands and pipelines across North America. Many First Nations are looking to implement clean energy alternatives.
BC Treaty 8 First Nations Oppose Site C Dam
April 26, 2017
Treaty 8 First Nations in British Columbia have a legal right to be involved in projects such as the Site C dam and are asking if proper consultations have been conducted between BC Hydro and First Nations.
