All posts by Rochelle Baker

Rochelle Baker is a staff reporter with Canada’s National Observer, thanks thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada. She previously worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer in BC’s Lower Mainland for over 7 years.
Forests, Indigenous Nations

Are Fairy Creek Activists aligned with First Nations?

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National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Huu-ay-aht Chief Coun. Robert J. Dennis Sr. is blunt in his assessment of old-growth activists in southwestern Vancouver Island who remain in First Nations’ territories despite being asked to leave.

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Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

Ottawa says “no” to restocking fish farms

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The federal fisheries minister has denied an international aquaculture company the right to stock contentious fish farms in the Discovery Islands for a second time.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has rejected two recent applications by Cermaq Canada to transfer 1.5 million fish to the company’s Venture Point and Brent Island sites following a decision by Ottawa last year to phase out salmon farms in the region by July 2022.

Minister Bernadette Jordan also denied Cermaq’s request to extend its current licences to operate the sites to February 2023 — beyond the deadline set by DFO last December.

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Indigenous Nations History, Politics

Jody Wilson-Raybould tells Ottawa to take responsibility for reconciliation

Warning: This story contains details that may provoke distress or trauma in some readers.

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Jody Wilson-Raybould endured a salvo of emotions as news broke confirming the unmarked graves of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

The Independent MP for the riding of Vancouver Granville, former justice minister, and member of the We Wai Kai Nation was in her home community on Quadra Island, B.C., when she heard.

The initial surge of incredible sadness was pursued by increasing anger and a fixed sense of frustration.

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Finances, Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

Ottawa’s strategy to save Pacific Salmon

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The federal government released the broad strokes of its plan to save plummeting wild salmon stocks on the West Coast on Tuesday.

Federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan outlined the initial framework and guiding principles for Ottawa’s $647.1-million Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI), announced as part of the recent federal budget.

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Environment, Indigenous Nations

Feds fund 10 First Nations guardians Initiatives

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It’s abundantly clear Canada has much to learn from Indigenous Peoples when it comes to conservation and stewardship, said Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, hours after announcing $600,000 in funding Thursday morning for 10 new First Nations Guardians initiatives across the country.

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