By Jacob Cardinal, Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(ANNews) – In January of this year, B.C announced the extension of its controversial wolf reduction program for another five years and is set to target the Kootenay, Cariboo, Omineca, Skeena and Peace regions of the province.
Continue reading B.C. Scapegoats Wolf Population, Blaming Them For The Caribou DeclineBy Jacob Cardinal, Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(ANNews) – On Wednesday February 23, 2022 Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief RoseAnne Archibald held a press conference as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ended the government’s use of the Emergencies Act.
The National chief expressed her concern over the Act during the press conference, believing the federal and provincial governments would use the act against First Nation activists should a protest arise.
Continue reading AFN National Chief Explains Her Concerns About Canada’s Emergency ActBy Jacob Cardinal, Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(ANNews) – On February 14, 2022 Canada made history as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enacted the Emergencies Act, a “last resort” effort to bring an end to the trucker convoy protests and blockades. On February 23, after the international border blockades were cleared and the Ottawa three-week “occupation” disbanded, the Act was revoked.
Continue reading Controversial Emergency Act revoked following the dismantling of blockades and occupation of OttawaBy Jacob Cardinal, Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(ANNews) – On February 2, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief and Council released a statement regarding the current U.S-Canadian border blockade in Coutts, Alberta.
“Over the past several days we have watched in dismay as the border blockade at Coutts, Alberta is allowed to continue without intervention from authorities,” said the statement. “The Critical Infrastructure Defense Act (CIDA), which was passed in 2020, was created in response to Indigenous railway blockades protesting pipeline developments on Indigenous territories.”
“This law was used to end Indigenous blockades — so the question that must be asked is why the blockade at Coutts is allowed to continue?”
Continue reading Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation criticizes Alberta government’s approach to border blockadeBy Jacob Cardinal, Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(ANNews) – In an effort to proactively reclaim sovereignty over their territories in British Columbia, the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC) released a new report — supported by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the BC Assembly of First Nations — demanding the right to exercise sovereignty and consent in relation to mining activities in the province.
The Indigenous Sovereignty: Implementing Consent for Mining on Indigenous Lands report sets out 25 recommendations which, if implemented, would compel mining companies and prospectors to secure the approval of First Nation governments in order to obtain consent-based access to First Nations’ lands.
They would further be required to agree and abide by conditions set by those First Nations governments.
Continue reading New report recommends that BC First Nations gain control of mining in Indigenous territory
