Indigenous People

Recent Posts

Metis rights in Bill C-53 raises concerns for Alderville Chief, plus remembering former PM Brian Mulroney

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Cassidy Caron, president of the Métis National Council

Legislation aimed at providing Metis people the same rights for self-governance returned to the House of Commons for a third reading last month. It gives rights like authority concerning internal governance, citizenship, elections, government operations, and child and family services. In the show’s first segment, you will hear Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson explain the concerns many First Nations representatives express about the legislation, also known as Bill C-53. In the second segment, Chief Simpson reflects on the legacy of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Mulroney died on February 29 at the age of 84. Continue Reading →

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Access to medical care and relations with the federal Conservatives are discussed with Alderville Chief

Former Cree Grand Chief Matthew Mukash

 

Access to medical treatment for Indigenous people living in the far north is a challenge. In this episode of Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Taynar Simpson, the Alderville First Nation chief, will explore this timely issue. Recently, the CBC reported on Cree grand chief Matthew Mukash, who spent four days in an ER hallway. Simpson will also talk about efforts by the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Cindy Woodhouse, who is trying to make inroads with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, hoping to forestall the tensions and angst that marked the party’s last time in power. And, as always, there is lots of news and information about what is happening in Alderville. Continue Reading →

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New show provides insight into Indigenous community in Northumberland County and beyond

Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In November, a new show launched on Northumberland 89.7 FM called Conversations Towards Reconciliation with Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the Indigenous community in Northumberland and elsewhere every month. So far, the show included topics like Indigenous portrayal in movies, games, and TV. There was a chat about the 10th anniversary of the solar farm in Alderville and boil water advisories. Each episode also includes a long list of events and announcements about what is happening in Alderville. Continue Reading →

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Alderville chief angry over lack of consultation regarding proposed Brighton development

Gosport development site

The show:

Last week, I brought you the story of a proposal to develop a 32-unit condominium in Brighton that has many residents worried. It also has the mayor and councillors concerned. The developer, JRB Williams Enterprises, wants to build on lands next to a provincially protected wetland on an area zoned for residential. An archeological assessment report submitted to the council says some Indigenous pottery was found dating back to 600 AD. Alderville Chief Dave Mowat is pretty upset. Continue Reading →

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Looking back and forward as Chief Dave Mowat provides an update

Alderville Pow Wow 2022

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Lots is going on in Alderville. The council has made numerous land purchases over the past year as the reserve expands its boundaries. Economic development continues. There is a band council election coming up later this year. Chief Dave Mowat will update us on all this and more. Continue Reading →

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Rick Beaver sharing personal history and some of Alderville’s past for Indigenous History Month

Rick Beaver

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

June is Indigenous History Month. On June 21, it is National Aboriginal Day. It is for these significant commemorations today’s show has a special guest. Rick Beaver, an artist, elder, and conservationist living in Alderville, will share his personal recollections of Alderville. Plus, he will give insight into Indigenous life celebrated in his art and conservation activities. Continue Reading →

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Freedom Convoy Orange Shirt Day video upsets Alderville Chief

ORANGE SHIRT DAY CONVOY

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Last week, members of the Freedom Convoy posted a video on Facebook urging children and parents to honour Orange Shirt Day. It asked children to walk out of class on February 11. It was meant to be an act of solidarity with those involved with the truckers’ protests in Ottawa and on international borders. However, February 11 is not Orange Shirt Day. It is September 30. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, plus launches new inclusion strategy

Cobourg crosswalk seven feathers

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

This past week, Canadians were asked to reflect on the plight of Indigenous people who suffered in the residential school system. Local municipalities and the county government found ways to engage residents, staff, and politicians in educating themselves and others. Cobourg decided to paint a crosswalk orange with seven white feathers, representing seven sacred truths. But this effort and others are part of a larger change the municipality wants to make. It hopes to implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy to create a more welcoming place. Continue Reading →

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Port Hope working on truth and reconciliation, says mayor on eve of national holiday

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

When you read the 2015 final report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it speaks directly to the various levels of government urging them to act. Mainly, it focuses on things related to the federal and provincial levels of government. The mention of municipal levels of government is not as much. And, yet, it does talk about educating municipal public servants, releasing archival documents related to Indigenous people, engaging Indigenous people in policies that would impact them, and honour the contributions of local Indigenous people to the community. Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson explains how the council and staff are working towards meeting those goals as the town honours the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Continue Reading →

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Alderville chief recalls government’s record as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches

Alderville residential schools

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

On September 30, the federal government set aside the day for Canadians to reflect on a travesty of residential schools. It is a statutory holiday officially called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The government approved it in August. You may recognize the date. September 30 was Orange Shirt Day. Continue Reading →

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