Harper’s B.C. energy envoy urges more Aboriginal consultation
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s special energy project envoy may have delivered some optimistic words for bringing together the Crown, First Nations and industry in B.C.
Category Archives: Windspeaker newspaper
Windspeaker is Canada’s most widely distributed Aboriginal news publication, with a print circulation of 145,000 readers.
Nelson Mandela remembered across Indian Country
When anti-apartheid fighter Nelson Mandela was laid to rest on Dec. 15, South Africa’s revered first black president was accompanied by a symbol of leadership for many Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island: an eagle feather.
Elsipogtog hopes for healing, braces for treaty fight
On Dec. 6, SWN Resources announced it was halting its shale gas exploration for the year, incomplete. Now, as the community awaits the Texan firm’s likely future return, Windspeaker has learned the community is launching healing circles to deal with the trauma of the police raid, as well as contemplating a court battle over their treaty rights.
Tribal same-sex marriages spark sexuality conversation
A number of Indigenous tribes across the United States have moved to recognize same-sex marriages this year, bringing the total to eight, many of which are in states that moved in the opposite direction. But where do First Nations in Canada stand on sexual and gender diversity?
Aboriginal land defence with a bush culture philosophy
Review of Peter Kulchyski’s provocatively titled new book, Aboriginal Rights are not Human Rights (Arbeiter Ring, 2013).
Taseko fires warning shot at feds over rejection of gold-copper mine
Despite failing two environmental assessments in a row over its controversial Prosperity mine near Williams Lake, B.C., Taseko Mines Ltd. raised eyebrows when it fired a rare shot at the federal regulator, claiming its decision was flawed.
Cheslatta hopeful dam diversion will restore river
It’s been 62 years since the Cheslatta Carrier Nation faced an offer they couldn’t refuse from B.C.: abandon their soon-to-be-flooded villages and cemeteries in two weeks, or go to jail.
RCMP crackdown on Elsipogtog anti-fracking blockade spurs over 50 protests in support
A New Brunswick anti-fracking blockade organizer claims an officer punched her in the head so hard her glasses flew off, sparking an escalating confrontation that ended with 40 arrests, six torched police vehicles, and RCMP allegations they found bombs, rifles and bear spray in the camp.
Reconciliation ‘bigger than residential schools’: Grand Chief Ed John
As thousands participated in a week of events surrounding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings, including the canoe event, many expressed hope for healing the broken relationship with Canadians. But for many survivors, the anger remains.
Spate of police killings, injuries re-ignite calls for reform
A spate of disturbing police incidents across Canada has re-ignited calls for law enforcement reform, in a summer that saw Alberta police shoot an Aboriginal star from the reality TV show Mantracker, and Québec police under fire for the beating of an Innu man, captured on video.
David P Ball 