Robert Washburn

Professor of e-journalism Publisher of Consider This

Recent Posts

New Marvel series’ portrayal of Indigenous people and critique of recent federal boil water funding

The show:

Marvel Studios is getting praise from some corners for its new series Echo, as some say it is good to see an Indigenous superhero portrayed. Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson will explain what it means to have Indigenous representation in critical roles in the entertainment industry. He will discuss the new streaming series and the history of Indigenous representation and a new mobile game, Contest of Champions, that has added an Indigenous character who is a survivor of the Sixties Scoop. Then,  Simpson will discuss a new $6-billion investment in the water infrastructure of First Nations reserves. It is part of an ongoing promise to fix the boil water advisories plaguing Indigenous people. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , ,

Relations with Northumberland municipalities and Assembly of First Nations

In December, Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson attended the Assembly of First Nations annual general meeting in Ottawa. A new chief for the assembly, Cindy Woodhouse, was elected. In this show, you will hear Simpson talk about Woodhouse and the significance of her election. And you will also learn about several other key issues, including child welfare, housing, economic development, and policing. In the second segment, Simpson will discuss a critical concept called the duty to consult. It addresses the responsibility of various levels of government to consult with Indigenous people. Continue Reading →

Filed under:

Understanding treaty obligations and 10th anniversary of the solar farm

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING 2023

The show:

Understanding treaty obligations is critical to appreciating how Indigenous people respond to a long list of issues. In the first segment, Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson explains treaty rights and their significance for other First Nations and Alderville. In the second segment, he talks about a community celebration. This past fall, Alderville’s solar farm commemorated its 10th anniversary. This pioneering project to generate green energy was completed in October 2013. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , ,

Local farmers facing many challenges locally, provincially, and federally in 2024, NFA president says

Allan Carruthers

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Farmers rarely get a break. Operating a farm is a 24/7/365 job. Besides running their operation, the men and women who provide us with our food daily also spend time lobbying politicians at all levels of government. In this interview, Northumberland Federation of Agriculture President Allan Carruthers outlines some of the challenges local farmers face. He will talk about the carbon tax, legislation stalled in the Senate, and local efforts to keep good agricultural lands in Northumberland County out of the hands of developers. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , ,

No changes to recycling program for residents, but big changes behind the scenes

Northumberland County recycling

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Last month, a major change to the local recycling program took place. And while residents may not notice any difference right away, it is a huge shift with serious implications. Northumberland County is no longer in charge of its recycling program. You will still see the same trucks coming around to pick up your recycling. That will not change. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , ,

All options open as council seeks public input on future of Alnwick-Haldimand Memorial Arena

Alnwick Haldimand Memorial Arena

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

For decades, Alnwick Haldimand Township council has wrestled with the future of the nearly 75-year-old Memorial Arena. The stacks of reports sitting on shelves are a testament to the debates over the years. Various councils have edged along with repairs and replacements as time has taken its toll. Now, with accelerated development near Grafton and a council struggling to keep the facility open, politicians are seeking public input on the future of the ice pad. As the mayor said in the interview, all options are on the table. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , ,

Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate explains rising cost and future fiscal impact of new arena

NEW CAMPBELLFORD ARENA

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate gets pretty excited when he talks about the new $22 million arena under construction in Campbellford. It is with good reason. The new facility boasts an NHL-size ice pad, a lap pool, space for fitness programs, and daycare. It was a long road to get to this point. Originally a $16 million project, the price tag has jumped. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , , ,

New warden explains the ins and outs of a three-year budget for county

Northumberland County road repair

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

What a difference a year can make. In this interview, you will hear from the new county Warden, Brian Ostrander. He was elected only a few weeks ago. The focus of our conversation is a new three-year budget passed by county council two weeks ago. You will learn how this approach works and the aspirations of politicians for the upcoming year. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , ,

Former warden interview revisited, giving a chance to reflect on the past year

The show:

A new year is about to begin. It can be a valuable exercise to reflect on the past 12 months. In this interview from a year ago, you will hear former Warden Mandy Martin. County council had just passed the 2023 budget. This is a great chance to compare what was promised with what happened. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , ,

Transition House moves to new facility as county approves $2.3 million purchase

New Transition House

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

If everything goes smoothly, Northumberland County will purchase a former retirement residence at 310 Division Street in Cobourg to become the new home for Transition House. It means 35 low-barrier shelter spaces will be available to those in need. It will have accommodations, food, and support services. It will also provide a 24-hour drop-in centre year-round, giving unsheltered people a place to get out of the cold of winter or the heat of summer or a place to go anytime. In this interview,  Rev. Neil Ellis, former acting interim executive director for Transition House, will share the story behind the purchase and what it means to those who do not have a home. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , , , , ,