FIVE STORIES ON TURTLE ISLAND
1. A big conflict is emerging surrounding how much money the federal government has spent fighting First Nations in court over rights to safe drinking water and housing on reserves.
The lack of transparency is being called unnecessarily secretive and poses the (very sad) question: How much money do Canadian governments spend to deny basic rights — and legal duties — to Indigenous Peoples?
2. In what is one of the most interesting situations in Canada at the moment, the chief of Canada’s RCMP has said he will “review” whether or not Alberta Premier Danielle Smith committed treason under section 46 of the Criminal Code.
On June 16, chiefs from Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 in Alberta asked the RCMP to investigate whether Smith committed treason when she endorsed a referendum question on separatism. Section 46 of the Criminal Code defines treason primarily as the use of force to overthrow the government or sharing with another state information that may be used for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or defence of Canada.
Chiefs aren’t the only ones throwing around the word “treason” to describe separatist sentiments in Alberta.
3. If anyone wants a great story, check out Dallas Cowboys rookie offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete.
Pete is the first Navajo Nation member to sign an NFL contract and is making big waves for his play in the preseason and this emotional speech after he contributed to a 34-13 win over Arizona.
Pete received a standing ovation from the Arizona crowd during the game and it was well earned, with Arizona being one of the homes of the Navajo nation.
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Shiyazh Pete greets fans after a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Saturday in Glendale, Ariz. (Rick Scuteri / The Associated Press files)
4. Climate change may be terrible in many ways but one positive may be the Port of Churchill could become a year-round shipping port.
In addition to technological advances, Premier Wab Kinew said last week a study suggests the northern waterways leading to Churchill could be navigated year-round by icebreakers costing a few hundred million rather than the billions of dollars it would cost for more heavy-duty ships.
This bolsters the Manitoba government’s argument Churchill should become a central hub for Canada’s future economy.
The Port of Churchill could become a year-round shipping port. (John Woods / The Canadian Press files)
5. It’s pretty fascinating to watch the attention Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew gets when he criticizes U.S. president Donald Trump, bans sale of U.S. alcohol, and comments on the Canada-U.S. trade war.
Here are some interesting links to coverage of Manitoba’s premier in the U.K.’s Independent, the U.S.-based The Daily Beast, and the Native American online news source Native News Online.
IN PICTURES
The Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour (centre) takes part in the Grand Entry with Chief Edwin Ananas of Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation (left) and former Frog Lake First Nation Chief George Stanley at the 150th Commemoration marking the signing of Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton Provincial Historical Park, in Duck Lake, Sask., on Sunday. (Matt Smith / Canadian Press files)
RECONCILI-ACTION OF THE WEEK
Every week an action, moment, or milestone forwarding reconciliation is highlighted, illustrating how far Canada has come – and how far the country has yet to go.
The reconciliaction of the week is a big AHO! and congrats to the Winnipeg-based team who collaborated in creating Thunderhead, Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument in Ottawa, which recognizes the historic discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada, including during the LGBT Purge.
Unveiled this week and led by well-known Winnipeg activist Albert McLeod alongside artists Shawna Demspey and Lorri Millan, this installation celebrates the resilience and achievements of those who fought for equality, educates visitors and inspires the change still needed so everyone can openly love who they love and express and identify themselves as they choose.
Officials cut a feather boa to mark the official unveiling of Thunderhead, the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument, in Ottawa on Friday. (Patrick Doyle / The Canadian Press files)
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