Politics

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Simpson calls on Ontario minister to return artifacts after years of poor storage and neglect

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Indigenous artifact

The podcast:

Boxes full of artifacts like arrowheads, tools, and other items are stacked up in a number of Ontario facilities. There are items dating back to 800 BC. The storage of some items unearthed by archaeologists is left to the archaeologists themselves. An open letter addressed to the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism calls on them to take action, especially when Indigenous communities try to retrieve those artifacts. Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson is one of the letter’s signatories. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Alderville, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, Politics, Social Justice

Retired head of Green Wood Coalition reflects on more than 30 years of community building

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David Sheffield

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

More than 30 years ago, David Sheffield attended a potluck dinner at Green Wood Towers in Port Hope. The meal changed his life. He went on to create the Green Wood Coalition, a non-profit aimed at helping those who lived on the margins in the community. Slowly, it would gain attention. There would be challenges but also successes. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Warden responds to Cobourg mayor’s suggestion to separate from Northumberland County

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Sign encampment

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a recent committee meeting of Cobourg council, Mayor Lucas Cleveland said Cobourg’s efforts to deal with the encampment on King Street were only dealing with the symptoms, but not the sickness. The sickness the mayor was referring to was Northumberland County’s efforts to address the situation. The county is responsible for housing and homelessness. Cobourg is not. This limits what the town council can do to address the ongoing concerns raised by the public. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Politics

Biologist offer insight into challenges and pluses to fishing sanctuary on Ganaraska River

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Chinook Salmon

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Nearly 30,000 Chinook Salmon migrate through the lower Ganaraska River in Port Hope to spawn upstream. It is one of the largest in Ontario. This magnificent display of nature attracts tourists and anglers from far and wide. However, the stretch from Corbett’s Dam to the mouth of the river is a hotbed of controversy. The shallow waters and pools expose fish to unscrupulous people who illegally snag or net fish. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Environment, Ganaraska River, Northumberland County, Politics, Port Hope

Tragic death leads to debate about opioids within Alderville community, says chief

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Opioids

The show (full interview):

International Overdose Awareness Day was last week. A tragic death caused by a drug overdose took place in Alderville recently. It was a reminder that no community is immune. First Nations people are seven times more likely to die of a drug overdose as compared to non-First Nations people, according to a recent study done by the Chiefs of Ontario. It is an organization representing 133 First Nations in the province. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alderville, Community, Northumberland County, Opioids, Politics, Social Justice

Walk-in clinic re-opens following year of challenges to serve patients who don’t have a doctor

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Port Hope Walk In Clinic

The show:

The full interview:

After a year of hard work and numerous challenges, the walk-in clinic in Port Hope re-opened with a soft launch earlier this month. As everyone slowly finds their sea legs, the clinic hopes to serve a growing population in Northumberland without doctors. In this early stage, the hours are irregular. People need to check the county’s website or call to find the days and times it is open. In this interview, county officials will explain what is going on and why. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health, Northumberland County, Politics, Port Hope

Alderville member and new Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke shares roles, responsibilities, and life

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MARSHA SMOKE

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Marsha Smoke is a quiet, humble individual who lives in Alderville. When you meet her, she is soft-spoken, listens intently, and chooses her words with great care. Marsha Smoke is also the new Southeast Regional Chief for the Anishinabek Nation. Northumberland is part of the area she serves. Smoke is a longtime advocate of Indigenous rights dating back decades. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alderville, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

County residents encouraged to support food banks and reduce food waste

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Fare Share Food Bank

Northumberland County council wants residents to make a special effort to help those who cannot afford food during September. It wants people to participate in various ways over the 30 days to support local food banks and food security programs and reduce food waste. Council approved the initiative at its meeting earlier this month when it proclaimed Hunger Action Month. The suggestion came from Jennifer Glover, the Ontario Works manager for the county, at the Social Services Committee in July. She told committee members the project was supported in the past, involving several events that groups and individuals can participate in over the month. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Community, Food Bank, Food Insecurity, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Northumberland Federation of Agriculture reps give insight into expanded wellness program

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Dairy farmer

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The harvest is in full swing. It is the time of year when we enjoy the bounty farmers provide annually. But at what cost? Three-quarters of farmers in Canada suffer from moderate to high stress. One in four contemplate suicide, according to a study done in 2021 by Guelph University. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Agriculture, mental health, Northumberland County, Northumberland Federation of Agriculture, Politics

Northumberland-wide doctor recruitment proposal sent for further review by county council

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Port Hope Walk-in Clinic

A request to spend $45,000 to create a county-wide doctor recruitment strategy in partnership with the Ontario Health Team Northumberland was sent back for further consideration at the county council meeting on Aug. 14. Council was asked to enter into a shared project to develop a single physician recruitment plan following a presentation in July from the Ontario Health Team Northumberland. However, none of the politicians at the county council meeting supported the request. Instead, it was sent back to the Community Health Committee for reconsideration. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Community, Health, Northumberland County, Politics