All posts by Odette Auger

Odette Auger moved to the traditional territories of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) in 1999. She has worked with island youth as facilitator in local programming for 17 years, and works as Program support for Tides Canada Initiatives project Indigeneyez. She started working with Cortes Radio in 2013, fundraising and project management. Writing and producing for Deep Roots gave an outlet for Odette’s storytelling skills, and a lasting love of the listening, story gathering, and collaborative process. She is one of the Cortes Currents producers for the Cortes Radio 2020 Local Journalism Initiative Grant.
Health, Indigenous Nations

Indigenous People Bare the Brunt of the Toxic Drug Crisis

 The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The B.C. First Nations Health Authority opened its gathering to present a grim report on toxic drug toxic deaths in 2022 with a song, a prayer of hope and  unity for the families and friends affected by toxic drugs. 

The report found toxic  drugs have been taken a disproportionate toll on First Nations members,  who were almost five times as likely to die of drug poisoning in 2022  than non-Indigenous B.C. residents. Although representing only 3.3 per  cent of the province’s population, Indigenous people represented 16.4  per cent of toxic drug poisoning deaths in 2021.

Continue reading Indigenous People Bare the Brunt of the Toxic Drug Crisis →
Indigenous Nations History

Ni’isjoohl memorial pole is coming home

Windspeaker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Nisga’a Nation, and especially the house of Ni’isjoohl, is celebrating a Dec. 1st announcement from the National Museum of Scotland. It will return a memorial pole that was stolen from Nisga’a territory and later acquired by the museum.

“In Nisga’a culture, we believe that this pole is alive with the spirit of our ancestor,” said Sim’oogit Ni’ijoohl, Chief Earl Stephens.

Continue reading Ni’isjoohl memorial pole is coming home →
Indigenous Nations, Justice

Reasonable grounds that officers committed offences in killing of Indigenous man, IIO finds

Windspeaker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Jared (Jay) Lowndes, Wet’suwet’en of the Laksilyu clan, was killed by Campbell River RCMP in 2021. The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) opened an investigation into the officer-involved shooting and today, Thursday Dec. 1, the Chief Civilian Director shared IIO’s findings with Lowndes’ family.

The IIO has determined the actions of three of four subject officers, a dogmaster and two officers who fired shots, were not justified. Subject officers are persons who caused injury or may have caused injury.

Continue reading Reasonable grounds that officers committed offences in killing of Indigenous man, IIO finds →
Education, Indigenous languages

Klahoose education coordinator brings a special something to the classroom

Windspeaker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

There is a glow to Julie Hanuse, education coordinator for Klahoose First Nation in the Salish Sea, located between Vancouver Island and the mainland. She has a warmth and strength that has kept her going in her role for 31 years.

Continue reading Klahoose education coordinator brings a special something to the classroom →
Indigenous Nations, Justice

‘Justice for Jared:’ Family of Indigenous man killed by RCMP demand justice a year later

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

Note: This story contains accounts of police violence, racism and hate against Indigenous people that could be triggering. Please listen with care.

Laura Holland, of the Small Frog house, Wet’suwet’en, sets up the hall at Homalco Nation for a memorial on July 7. The day marks a year since her son Jared (“Jay”) Lowdnes was killed by Campbell River RCMP.

Continue reading ‘Justice for Jared:’ Family of Indigenous man killed by RCMP demand justice a year later →