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“Commonwealth Games is huge and I hope I win. I would love to win.”
Indigenous wrestler readies for Commonwealth Games and world meet
By Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 20—This past week, Justina Di Stasio, a member of Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba, was one of 12 grapplers named to the Canadian roster for this year’s Commonwealth Games, which are scheduled to be held from July 28 through Aug. 8 in Birmingham, England. The elite wrestler competes in the women’s 76-kilogram category and has an impressive wrestling resume.
https://windspeaker.com/news/sports/indigenous-wrestler-readies-commonwealth-games-and-world-meet
“It was inspiring to hear some purpose-driven stories. We knew it was a good fit for us.”
First private investment in fund to provide capital to Indigenous entrepreneurs expected to inspire
By Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 20—Shannin Metatawabin, chief executive officer of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, believes others will follow suit now that the first private investment has been made into the Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF). The IGF is a new $150 million Indigenous investment fund, and now Block, a technology company that specializes in financial services, is investing $3 million more.
“This goes back to Duty to Consult 101. It’s up to the province to identify where the duty arises and to scope that duty and to advise the First Nation of that.”
First Nation accuses Ontario of shirking Sect. 35 duties through amendment to legislation
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 20—The Mississauga First Nation is asking the Ontario Superiour Court to rule legislative changes made by the province to do away with water permitting for hydroelectric dams is a breach of the Sect. 35 constitutional duty to consult. More than that, said Nation co-counsel Kate Kempton, the province has put the responsibility on the shoulders of the First Nation to ensure that Ontario meets that duty.
“We deal with the problem behind the problem. We deal with our clients from a trauma-informed perspective.”
Bigstone Cree Nation moving forward on justice-related programs
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 21—Helen Flamand is confident that a series of justice-system reforms in the strategic-planning stage for Bigstone Cree Nation, recently funded with $100,000 from the Alberta government, will have a positive impact. After all, says the band’s former justice-technician-turned-new-project-initiatives coordinator, that has been the case with the Bigstone’s restorative justice program, initiated in 2015.
“You can’t pin down one style. You can’t pin down one sound. She’s fearless in terms of her creativity.”
New podcast goes deep into the inspiring work of special ‘unicorn creature’ Buffy Sainte-Marie
By Rebecca Medel, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 21—Buffy Sainte-Marie has been in the public eye for six decades, a strong voice and smiling face, unashamedly telling the story of the resilience of Indigenous people through her songs, writing and art. Now, in a five-episode podcast launching on National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, CBC Podcasts is bringing listeners the singer/songwriter’s own story with Buffy.
“It doesn’t matter what you were called as a child or are being called as a child. Be proud of who you are.”
Littlechild shares key to success during speech on National Indigenous Peoples Day
By Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 22—Chief Wilton Littlechild shared some sage advice on June 21. An accomplished athlete, lawyer, Indigenous rights advocate, and former federal politician who also served as a commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Littlechild was in Calgary on Tuesday. He delivered an educational keynote at Central Library.
“It was a practice of hope and it was a practice of connection and that was something that was beautiful and precious to me during the pandemic.”
Letters between authors offer raw, heartfelt insight into struggles of Indigenous, Black people
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 22—Rehearsals for Living is a powerful narrative that speaks reality to Indigenous and Black people and truth to everyone else. The book is made up of a collection of letters written between award-winning authors Leanne Betasamosake Simpson of Alderville Nation and Robyn Maynard, a grassroots activist.
“Everything is figure-outable.”
Strategic planning, traditional teachings combine for success of growing business
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 22—In one year, Mallory Yawnghwe turned a $5,000 start-up grant into a $1.3 million business during the coronavirus pandemic. But, said Yanghwe, who spoke June 21 at Brock University’s second annual Indigenous Leaders Speaker Series, the success of Indigenous Box isn’t marked by money, but as an opportunity “for our Nations to reclaim the space that we once held.”
"Initially we were expecting about 150 people to go through the escape room overall, but at this point we've had more than 4,000 people go through it."
Della’s Story portrayed in online escape room as teaching tool about Sixties Scoop
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWERadio.ca
JUNE 22—The Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth has created an online escape room called “Della’s Story,” a virtual game based on the experiences of Sixties Scoop survivor Della. Thousands of people have already participated. The goal of the escape room is to go through the three locations to gather documents to help piece together the memories and take the steps towards healing.
“The MNA will continue to resist the Kenney government playing ‘divide and conquer’ with Métis communities in Alberta.”
MNA opposed to Alberta's credible assertion process but calls long wait for its own approval ‘endangering’ to Métis rights
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 22—The Métis Nation of Alberta is accusing the provincial government of “endangering Métis rights across the province” with its “inexcusable” delay in approving the MNA’s application for credible assertion, which outlines nine points that if met by a Métis organization commits Alberta to consult with them on Crown land management and resource development.
"Any chance to get together and bring as many Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs together so people can find local."
I.A.M. Collective celebrates National Indigenous Day with vendors and entertainment
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWERadio.ca
JUNE 22— I.A.M. Collective celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market with Indigenous vendors set up across two floors for selling handcrafted items, clothes and food. Lorrie Lawerence, executive director of the collective, says that parties like these are meant for gathering, and to help people connect with local Indigenous vendors and artists at the event.
“It’s anticipated that his principle statement would take place at Maskwacis.”
Pope’s visit to Canada limited by health issues, time but confirmed through itinerary
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
Pope Francis will be coming to Canada at the end of July, but his health has limited his itinerary to include a visit to only one residential school. On July 25, the day after he arrives in Edmonton, the Pope will visit the Ermineskin Indian Residential School in Maskwacis.
https://windspeaker.com/news/windspeaker-news/popes-visit-canada-limite…
“The pope’s visit to Canada will be an important step, although one step among many, in this ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation between the Church and Indigenous peoples.”
Archdiocese confirms Pope Francis' July visit to Edmonton and area
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWERadio.ca
JUNE 23—Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith confirmed the “long anticipated” dates and itinerary of Pope Francis’ visit to Canada. during a virtual news conference Thursday morning.
Archdiocese confirms Pope Francis' July visit to Edmonton and area - CFWE (cfweradio.ca)
“I love coaching this team and I’m looking forward to see how we do at the Games.”
First Nation coach to lead Yukon basketball team at Canada Summer Games
By Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
JUNE 24—Jason Peters will make history later this summer. Peters, a member of Glooscap First Nation in Nova Scotia, is expected to become the first Indigenous person to serve as the head coach of a basketball club at the Canada Summer Games.
Opinion
“The AFN’s decision to suspend National Chief Archibald was necessary…”
AFN national chief “attacked and undermined” organization she was elected to lead—Chief Hare
JUNE 20—The Chiefs of Ontario supports the mandate and the integrity of the AFN, as an organization. COO will continue to work with the AFN.
“We all rely on one another to build this country while at the same time hearing the voices of our ancestors whispering in the wind to protect the land, the water and the very air we breathe.”
Whispers in the wind
By Xavier Kataquapit, Windspeaker.com
June 22—National Indigenous Peoples Day, which annually takes place on June 21, and the wider National Indigenous History Month in June is a significant time for Indigenous people in Canada. Before this special holiday and month were recognized, Indigenous people were more or less seen as insignificant communities that occupied the fringes of society.
https://windspeaker.com/under-northern-sky-xavier-kataquapit/whispers-wind