Category Archives: Politics

Indigenous Nations, Politics

IndigiNews: Let’s talk sovereignty

By Chehala Leonard, The Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In this weekly roundup, we share the latest news from across the Okanagan and Turtle Island. This week, let’s talk about sovereignty. In Kelsie Kilawna’s latest article, she explores what the concept actually means in response to common misconceptions and questions raised by readers. As well, we take a look at water rights and land disputes at Sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ (Little Falls), also known as Okanagan Falls. 

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Politics

How The Green Party Would Address The Opioid Crisis

Carl Meyer, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This summer, British Columbia saw the most devastating two months ever for illicit drug overdoses. This week, all nine contestants for Green Party leader put forward ideas on how to address the opioid crisis.

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Politics

SRD Livestreaming May Arrive In September

In accordance with Provincial Ministerial Order (M-192), the Strathcona Regional District considered letting members of the public attend the August 19th board meeting. As board members do not have to attend themselves, Chief Administrative Officer David Leith described this as letting the public come into the boardroom and watch television. The only advantage being that they could see the meeting live instead of waiting for the YouTube video comes out. He added that Livestreaming may arrive in September. 

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Indigenous Nations, Politics

Indigenous SoverEignty & Rights On Unceded Territory

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By Kelsie Kilawna, The Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite being raided twice last month by the Province of B.C.’s cannabis enforcement agency for operating without a provincial license, Vernon-based Indigenous cannabis dispensary Tupa’s Joint has been seeing a rise in customers.

Cory Brewer, shop owner and Okanagan Nation member, is taking a stance and exercising his rights as a sovereign member of his traditional territory. He and his employees say they will continue to stand behind Tupa’s Joint and the movement it’s creating in order to achieve respect for Indigenous sovereignty.

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Politics

Sayward Residents Not Getting Answers

Campbell River Mirror, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sayward’s July 14 council meeting took an ugly turn when a council member threatened aggressive behaviour towards a resident and yet another resident was told to leave the meeting for asking questions. One thing that was evident at the council meeting – which was the first one held after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March – was that the residents had a lot of unanswered questions. The meeting was held at the Kelsey Recreation Centre and acting mayor Norm Kirschner and fellow council members declined to comment on or respond to most questions that the Sayward residents in attendance asked. 

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