All posts by Guest Post

Mining companies are snapping up claims to develop Indigenous land. But what happens when a nation doesn’t consent?

By Matteo Cimellaro, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Reconciliation isn’t the only thing threatened when mining exploration companies fail to get consent from Indigenous nations, says one ethical investor.

Provinces — and the junior mining companies that obtain exploration permits connected to a nation’s ancestral territories — ignore consultation with Indigenous Peoples at their own peril, as the oversight can set the stage for future conflict, court challenges and delays, hampering any future economic development before it begins.

Continue reading Mining companies are snapping up claims to develop Indigenous land. But what happens when a nation doesn’t consent?

Community rallies for Carsyn Seaweed, as RCMP apologize for ‘miscommunication’ in her case

By Anna McKenzie,  The Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

People gathered outside of an RCMP detachment in Cowichan territories on Friday to demand justice for 15-year-old Carsyn Mackenzie Seaweed, whose sudden passing has rattled the community. 

On May 15, Carsyn was found in “Duncan” in a “semi-conscious state under suspicious circumstances,” according to a statement from police issued Thursday. Family members of Carsyn say she was found covered under pallets, cardboard and twigs. Tragically, Carsyn did not make it.

Continue reading Community rallies for Carsyn Seaweed, as RCMP apologize for ‘miscommunication’ in her case

Municipal governments respond to public drug consumption amid decriminalization project

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Jan. 31, 2023, the province of British Columbia decriminalized personal possession of some drugs, which would allot for 2.5 grams of opioid (heroin, morphine, and fentanyl), crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy) for personal use, for a three year period.

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Port Moody to explore training city’s frontline staff on use of naloxone kits

By Patrick Penner, Tri-Cities Dispatch, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Port Moody’s frontline staff may soon receive training with naloxone kits to help save people suffering from a lethal dose of drugs. 

Following the 7th anniversary of the provincial declaration of the public health crisis in April, Port Moody councillors vowed to take more action

Continue reading Port Moody to explore training city’s frontline staff on use of naloxone kits

Local band celebrates 20-year-anniversary with live show

By Louis Belcourt, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

Editor’s Note: Greg Osoba is a CKTZ News contributor. 

A local band is hosting a free show to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Six Foot Johnson — a band including Garden Stein on drums and vocals, Danfver Johnson on harmonica, rhythm guitar and vocals, Dave Murray on lead guitar, and Greg Osoba on bass and vocals — has practiced “over 800 times at about 40 practices a year,” including numerous live shows, over their 20 year career. The group considers themselves “Cortes Island’s house band.”

Continue reading Local band celebrates 20-year-anniversary with live show