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Amnesty International Canada announces 2022/2023 Media Awards winners

September 28, 2023

Amnesty International Canada is thrilled to announce the winners of its 28th annual Media Awards, a celebration of the best human rights reporting by Canada-based journalists and Canadian journalists working abroad.

Among the winners are richly reported, expertly told stories digging into the Wet’suwet’en Nation’s struggle to defend its rights and territory, the heartrending plight of a Hazara Afghani family dreaming of freedom and safety in Canada, and the bewildering disappearance and death, and growing legacy, of human rights defender Karima Baloch.

Amnesty International Canada will hand out the honours on October 19 in Toronto at the organization’s first in-person Media Awards ceremony since 2019. This year’s winners are:

“On behalf of Amnesty International Canada, congratulations to the winners on your impressive achievements. Thank you for your commitment to telling honest, eye-opening, nuanced stories about people defending human rights,” said Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada’s English-speaking section. “Without exception, this year’s winners profiled people and communities bravely speaking truth to power, exemplified by their decision to share their stories through the press. Their testimonies serve as beacons of hope for everyone whose rights are threatened and offer the crucial reminder: you are not alone.”

Celebrating human rights reporting ‘as important now as it has ever been’

A former journalist herself, Nivyabandi said celebrating standout examples of human rights reporting is as important now as it has ever been, given the unprecedented challenges facing Canadian journalism and the people who produce it. “High-quality, human-centred, factual journalism is essential to understand the world around us. We desperately need more of it today to make informed and principled decisions about our future.”

The 2022/2023 Amnesty International Canada Media Awards will be handed out at a private, in-person ceremony on October 19. Emceeing the event will be trailblazing journalist, educator, and media personality Ginella Massa. Now a sought-after public speaker and a journalism instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Massa is best known for making history as the first woman to anchor a national newscast in North America while wearing a hijab. Her on-air credits include CBC, CTV News, CityNews, Newstalk 1010, and Rogers TV. Her writing has been published in The Globe and Mail, National Post, Chatelaine, and Refinery29 Canada.

This year’s panel of judges featured a diverse group of experts in Canadian media:

  • Megha Bahree is an award-winning journalist who has reported stories from across Asia and the U.S. Currently she is the Americas business editor for Al Jazeera Digital and is based in Vancouver.
  • Tayo Bero is an award-winning journalist and culture critic whose work covers the intersections of pop culture, social justice, and health and wellness. She is a regular columnist with The Guardian and a former radio producer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
  • Willow Fiddler is Anishiniini Oji-Cree from Sandy Lake First Nation in Treaty 5 territory. She is a national reporter for The Globe and Mail, working out of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and writing about issues affecting Indigenous peoples.
  • Peg Fong is a journalism instructor at Langara College in Vancouver and teaches business communication at UBC’s Sauder School of Business and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She was a reporter at The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun, and the CBC. She is now the Vancouver correspondent at The Economist.
  • Thandiwe Konguavi is a Canadian Church Press, Canadian Association of Black Journalists, and Radio Television Digital News Association Canada award-winning journalist, born in Zimbabwe. She is a web writer and editor of First Person columns at CBC Edmonton. She is also digital producer of CBC’s fall 2023 docuseries Black Life: Untold Stories, debuting on CBC Gem and CBC Network TV in October.
  • Justin Ling is an award-winning investigative journalist who covers national security, policing, politics, and plenty of other things. He is also the author of Missing from the Village, and he hosted the podcasts The Village and The Flamethrowers.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University associate professor Asmaa Malik’s research and teaching interests focus on journalism innovation, equity in media, and collaborative approaches to graduate supervision. She has held several editorial leadership roles at the Montreal Gazette and Toronto Star, and her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Walrus, and the Star.
  • Vinita Srivastava is a journalist, educator, and media innovator. She is the host and producer of Don’t Call Me Resilient, the Conversation’s weekly news podcast on race. She has reported internationally from places like New York, Mumbai, and Johannesburg and has worked in both big and community media organizations, including: the New York Times Magazine, Savoy, VIBE, the Village Voice, and WBAI and CKLN Radio.

“We are honoured to have the participation of such a remarkably diverse, experienced, and accomplished panel of judges,” Nivyabandi said. “You, too, represent the best Canadian journalism has to offer, and we thank you for helping us celebrate the outstanding achievements of your peers.”

NT6

Leaders meet for Yukon Forum in Dawson

27/09/2023

Premier Ranj Pillai, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston, members of the Yukon government Cabinet and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met over two days at Äłät Nëhëjël (Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Community Hall) in Dawson for the Yukon Forum.

On September 26, leaders discussed efforts to address ongoing efforts to combat the Substance Use Health Emergency, emergency preparedness and coordination and wildland fire resiliency.

On September 27, the leaders discussed legislative and policy priorities including the Yukon Wetlands Policy and successor minerals and lands legislation. Additionally, the leaders discussed preparations for their upcoming collaborative outreach to the federal government.

This week we are reminded that the heartbreaking legacy of residential schools continues to live on to this day. Our collaborative work through the Yukon Forum to advance reconciliation and our shared priorities remains as important as ever.

Premier Ranj Pillai

The Council of Yukon First Nation and Yukon First Nations joined Yukon government to meet on the Traditional Territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in for Yukon Forum and were presented with the preliminary findings resulting from the the ground-penetrating radar and archival research of the Yukon Residential Schools and Missing Children Project. Yukon Forum provides a space for Yukon First Nations and Yukon government to come together to address priorities including sensitive matters that impact our communities.

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in lands have been alienated by mining for over 125 years without our consent. Today, 25 years after the effective date of our Final Agreement, and with solemn promises made to protect our way of life, our lands continue to be mined without Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in input and direction. The Yukon’s antiquated mining laws are harmful to First Nations and we need interim steps to protect our lands. These interim steps must be strong enough to hold until we have new mining laws that are reflective of our values and interests. Demonstrated action is required. We need to pause mining staking and exploration of land immediately – until the Yukon has new mining laws, and a fulsome Yukon government and Yukon First Nations developed and approved Wetlands Policy that conform to our Agreements and Chapter 11 Land Use Planning has been completed.

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Hähkè Darren Taylor

Quick facts

  • The Yukon Forum is a meeting of the political leaders of the Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations governments and the Council of Yukon First Nations.
  • The goal of the Yukon Forum is to build strong government-to-government relations and collaborate on shared priorities.
  • Since signing the Working Together Declaration in January 2017, the Yukon Forum has met on a quarterly basis.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Shari-Lynn MacLellan
Communications, Aboriginal Relations
867-336-0777
shari-lynn.maclellan@yukon.ca

Lael Lund
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-335-3227
communications@cyfn.net

Valerie Williams
Communications, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government
867-993-2954
valerie.williams@trondek.ca

NT5

Akwesasne Artist’s Mural Unveiled at Seaway International Bridge

AKWESASNE, Sept. 28, 2023 — The employees and Board of Directors of The Seaway International Bridge Corporation Ltd (SIBC) are proud to announce the unveiling of a remarkable mural on the historical northern pier at the Seaway International Bridge, created by Akwesasne artist, Kirby Thompson. This mural, titled “We the People” (Onkwakiòh:kwa in Mohawk), represents generations of Akwesasronon (People of Akwesasne) and underscores the evolution of the sport of lacrosse, termed “The Creator’s Game”, which has deeply entrenched cultural roots in the Mohawk community of Akwesasne since the early 1700s.

Born in Akwesasne, Kirby Thompson, aged 23, is a freelance mural artist. Her artistic journey began at SUNY Potsdam, where she pursued the Art Studio Program. It was there that she cultivated a passion for large-scale projects and mural art. Her artworks embellish the walls of SUNY Potsdam University, the SIBC’s administration building in Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island), Akwesasne, and the historical pier at the Three Nations Bridge Crossing that connects Canada, Akwesasne, and the United States.

Kirby’s association with SIBC began as a seasonal maintenance worker in 2022. It was during this time that her exceptional talent as a muralist was discovered. Kirby’s artistic contributions to SIBC also include the design of an “Every Child Matters” logo for t-shirts to be worn by SIBC employees on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and the captivating mural affixed on the SIBC administration building. Currently, Kirby continues to contribute to the SIBC team as a Toll Attendant.

Historically, lacrosse, as detailed in the book “Tewaarathon (Lacrosse) Akwesasne’s Story of our National Game” produced by the North American Indian Travelling College, was more than a sport; it served as a means to settle significant disputes that could not be resolved through discussion. Additionally, Akwesasne is renowned for having a rich history in lacrosse stick making, which was not only an expression of Mohawk artisanship, but also a valuable trade item among various Indigenous Peoples playing lacrosse in the northeast.

Kirby Thompson stated, “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity not only to showcase my art to my community, but also to the surrounding communities.”

Natalie Kinloch, President of SIBC and Chief Executive Officer of The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited, added, “We are honoured to feature Kirby’s work, which resonates with the deep history and culture of Akwesasne. Since the construction of the Seaway International Bridge, members of the Akwesasne community as employees of SIBC have been its stewards. This project illustrates our ongoing commitment to celebrate and acknowledge their legacy and the rich cultural tapestry shaping our region.”

The mural was formally unveiled at a ceremony on Monday, September 25, 2023, on the sidewalk of the North Channel Bridge. Kirby Thompson was joined by SIBC employees and her family alongside SIBC board members for the unveiling.

For more updates on Kirby Thompson’s recent projects, follow her on Instagram @kthomp_art.

For more information:
Alexandre Gauthier
Senior Communications Specialist
The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited
communications@federalbridge.ca

NT6

Sisters In Spirit Event

We are honoured to be hosting a Sisters in Spirit gathering in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, at Edmonton City Hall.

Please RSVP to attend the Sisters in Spirit gathering.

RSVP

Wednesday October 4, 2023
6:00pm – 8:00pm
(Doors open at 5:45pm)
Edmonton City Hall

See you there!

NT5

Orange Shirt Day: Honoring Indigenous Resilience on National Truth and Reconciliation — September 30, 2023

Sep 28, 2023

Introduction

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, September 30th marks a significant day in Canada – National Truth and Reconciliation Day. This day holds a profound significance for Indigenous peoples across the country as it recognizes the painful legacy of residential schools and the ongoing journey towards healing. At Bimaadzwin, an Indigenous business rooted in cultural understanding and respect, we believe it is crucial to acknowledge and commemorate this day, as well as Orange Shirt Day, to remember the missing children and the resilience of Indigenous peoples.

Orange Shirt Day: A Symbol of Resilience

Orange Shirt Day, which is observed on September 30th, is a poignant reminder of the experiences of Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools in Canada. The story behind this day originates from the heartbreaking experience of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School. In 1973, at the age of six, Phyllis arrived at the school wearing a brand-new orange shirt her grandmother had gifted her. The shirt was taken away from her upon her arrival, symbolizing the loss of identity, culture, and self-esteem that so many Indigenous children endured in these institutions.

Orange Shirt Day serves as a platform for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and remembrance. It embodies the resilience of Indigenous communities and their determination to heal from the deep wounds inflicted by the residential school system.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day: A Time for Reflection

September 30th was officially designated as National Truth and Reconciliation Day in 2021, following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report. This day holds a significant place in Canadian history, as it provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to engage in meaningful reflection, education, and dialogue about the legacy of residential schools.

At Bimaadzwin, we recognize the importance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day as a step towards acknowledging the injustices of the past and working towards a more just and equitable future. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities and commit to being part of the healing process.

Moving Forward Together

As an Indigenous business, Bimaadzwin understands that reconciliation is a journey that requires collective effort. We are dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures. Our commitment extends beyond this significant day, as we firmly believe that every day should be a Day of Reconciliation.

In Conclusion

On September 30th, let us wear our orange shirts, hold space for reflection, and come together to honor the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples. As we observe National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day, let us commit to fostering a society where the painful legacy of residential schools is acknowledged, where healing can take place, and where all Indigenous voices are heard and respected.

At Bimaadzwin, we embrace the principles of truth, reconciliation, and unity, and we invite everyone to join us in this essential journey towards a brighter future for all.

NT6

Community organizations will have better infrastructure to offer people healthy food

Sept. 28, 2023

VANCOUVER – People living on low incomes and struggling to put food on the table will have better access to nutritious food with a provincial investment of $14 million into the Critical Food Infrastructure Fund for local community organizations.

“We all want people to have the support and services they need to get healthy, nutritious food on the table,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “We are acting on what we’ve heard from many communities and organizations, that they need better infrastructure to be able to get fresh food to people in need when grocery stores donate their extra food.”

The Critical Food Infrastructure Fund, administered by United Way British Columbia, will provide grants to food infrastructure projects from local organizations to increase their capacity to provide nutritious and culturally appropriate food to the people who need it.

Charitable organizations, including non-profit groups, social enterprises, co-operatives, Indigenous organizations and First Nations can apply for $5,000 to $100,000 in funding.

The applications are open until Nov. 20, 2023. Infrastructure projects, such as warehouse storage space and equipment, refrigerated vehicles to transport food, and equipment to preserve and process food for an extended shelf life, are eligible for funding.

“Every community in our province has unique food needs,” said Kim Winchell, provincial director, community impact and investment, United Way British Columbia. “By supporting community-led infrastructure projects to increase year-round access and availability of nourishing and culturally appropriate foods, we can help communities become more resilient and ensure vulnerable children and families have the food they need when they need it. United Way BC is grateful to work with the Province of British Columbia on this vital investment.”

Food insecurity has increased because of inflation, supply-chain issues and climate emergencies that interrupt food supply and production. This investment addresses the diverse challenges faced by local community groups and First Nations, strengthening food security for everyone.

Learn More:

To access information about how to apply for funding: https://uwbc.ca/programs/grants/

United Way British Columbia: https://uwbc.ca

TogetherBC, B.C.’s poverty reduction strategy: https://gov.bc.ca/togetherbc

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Media Relations
250 812-9118

BACKGROUNDER

What people are saying about the Critical Food Infrastructure Fund

George Chow, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview –

“Local groups understand the needs of our communities and do such valuable work. This fund will go a long way to help community organizations create long-term solutions to meet the demand for their services for more healthy food and better programming. I look forward to seeing the good results of this funding!”

Sonja Everson, lead spoke volunteer, Peace Church –

“Having more cold storage would mean we can host more community dinners for South Vancouver Food Hub families. It would also increase our collective capacity to build more relationships and support neighbours with holistic services.”

Sharon Dong, director, CityReach Care Society – Food For Families –

“With additional infrastructure, we would be able to sustainably rescue more food to support the growing needs of our community partners and community members. We do not lack food in Canada; we lack the infrastructure to efficiently get the surplus food to the vulnerable families in need.”

Valerie Lai, program manager – Outreach, Family and Children Programs, Pacific Immigrant Resources Society –

“With more support for food infrastructure, we can support more families with food access and do more food skills programming for both women and children so that they can cook healthy meals together.”

Jayne Fenrich and James Boutin Crawford, lead spoke volunteers, St. Thomas Anglican Church –

“With more support for infrastructure, there could be more education on how to cook nutritious meals and take care of ourselves. It would help alleviate the barriers of commuting to access food, especially for those experiencing health issues and illness. It would help us focus on building relationships and reciprocity with our neighbours.”

Michelle Reining, executive director, Vancouver Food Runners –

“Infrastructure problems are front and centre for the majority of our non-profit partners, and we see this on a daily basis. At Vancouver Food Runners, more than 90% of the food we deliver is fresh, and more than 45% is produce, but we regularly encounter non-profits not having enough space nor the fridges and freezers to store surplus food to use in their food programming.”

Prabhi Deol, community navigator, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House –

“During Travis’ 2SLGBTQIA+ barbecue last year, I spoke with an Indigenous mom with an elementary school-aged daughter who says she goes by bus to Mount Pleasant neighbourhood and Commercial Drive for organic food and specialty items because those choices are limited in South Van.”

Cherry Wong, community navigator, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House –

“South Vancouver is always seen as a food desert. There’s basically nothing from 54th all the way down to the Fraser River. It is very challenging for folks to get food, which is a basic human need and right. More food infrastructure and amenities are needed right now to address this equity issue.”

Joey Liu, food security manager, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House –

“One of the challenges we are facing is the serious lack of available and affordable space and infrastructure in South Vancouver. With an increase in investment and infrastructure, the South Vancouver Food Hub could relocate to a more permanent space built for food-security programming, so we can sustainably provide the food access that residents need. It would also help us bring the community together to grow more grocery stores, gardens, food programs and community partners across the region so we can transform South Vancouver from a food desert into an oasis.”

Contact:

Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Media Relations
250 812-9118

NT5

Speech: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Youth Event at TD Place

September 28, 2023

Hello,

Today, I encourage all of us to listen to the insight of Indigenous peoples. Their knowledge and their powerful stories carry much weight, and can teach us so much about our land, our waters, our country. Thank you to the Algonquin Anishinabe people for welcoming us to this unceded land, and for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us.

How wonderful it is to see you all today: thousands of students, from all different backgrounds. It warms my heart to see you committing to reconciliation as we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a very important day for all peoples—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—and for Canada. I look at you and I know that our country is lucky to have engaged and committed youth, like all of you.

Our country is lucky to have engaged and committed youth like you from coast to coast to coast.

In you, I see inspiration.

I see energy.

I see people who want change.

And we need your voices … now more than ever, because your voices have power.

Today, you will hear from survivors of residential schools.

They are using their voices to share their stories…

…Stories of their childhood.

…Stories of pain and loss.

…Of residential schools.

These are hard stories to tell and they are entrusting you with them.

It’s now up to you to carry them forward.

It’s up to you to say in one, powerful voice, “I will tell others what you tell me today. I will be shaped by what I hear. We will do better for each other.”

Together, let us build bridges of understanding, respect, healing and reconciliation, because each of us must contribute to our collective journey of reconciliation, in big and small ways.

In two days, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day of action and reflection.

It is a day when we all commit to creating a country where people can live and practice their culture without fear. A country where we can be proud of our identities. A country where we promise to never repeat the mistakes of the past.

This will be your legacy. And I have great hope for our future with you leading the way.

One act at a time, you will change the world.

Thank you.

NT6

First Budget 2023-24 Update

September 28, 2023

The first update on Budget 2023-24: More Healthcare, Faster reflects historic investments in healthcare, settled workforce agreements and the cost of responding to emergencies, including wildfires and flooding.

Finance and Treasury Board Minister Allan MacMaster presented the update today, September 28. The government is forecasting a deficit of $402.7 million for the 2023-24 fiscal year, a $123.8-million increase from the $278.9-million deficit presented in March.

“We continue to deliver on this year’s budget that invests in transforming healthcare,” said Minister MacMaster. “Nova Scotians have also faced unprecedented natural disasters this year, and the support we provided to people, businesses and communities is reflected in this update.”

Finance and Treasury Board provides budget updates to the public every September, December and as a final forecast with the following year’s budget. The final report on the budget is presented through public accounts the following summer.

Quick Facts:

  • total revenue is projected to be $14.6 billion, including $232.3 million in new revenue and a $178.7-million accounting adjustment in net income, for an overall revenue increase of $411 million
  • expenses are projected to be $15.2 billion, up $363 million from the budget estimate, mainly because of additional investments in healthcare and keeping nursing home and hospital beds open, settled workforce contracts and disaster response
  • additional appropriations totalling $623.2 million are required for 10 departments, one office, debt servicing and refundable tax credits

Additional Resources:

September forecast update: https://beta.novascotia.ca/budget-forecast-updates

Budget 2023–24: More Healthcare, Faster: https://novascotia.ca/budget/

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NT5

Library and Archives Canada highlights National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

2023-09-28

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) takes place each year on September 30 to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools. Formal public commemoration of their tragic, painful and ongoing impact remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Library and Archives Canada’s (LAC) Indigenous Initiatives Division invites you to a commemorative event featuring the documentary Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair by director Alanis Obomsawin. Seating is limited, so please register in advance. We encourage you to wear orange.

To highlight this important day that honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities, the Preservation Centre and Preservation Storage Facility in Gatineau will be illuminated in orange on Saturday, September 30, from sunset to 11 p.m.

In anticipation of NDTR and to build on the efforts toward reconciliation, LAC presents some of its ongoing initiatives and resources available for all Canadians to learn more about Indigenous Peoples and to explore our collective past. Knowing and acknowledging the past and its continuing impacts is the first step toward healing and reconciliation.

  • Guided by the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, LAC’s Indigenous Heritage Action Plan sets out 28 concrete actions that LAC will undertake by 2024 to demonstrate recognition of the rights of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in a way that is meaningful, respectful and transparent.
  • LAC’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission web archive allows access to archived websites of organizations connected with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
  • The Indigenous Initiatives Division at LAC was established in 2021 to lead activities identified in the Indigenous Heritage Action Plan. Predominantly staffed by First Nations and Métis people, the Indigenous Initiatives Division delivers internal and external digitization initiatives, as well as internal and external engagement and cultural awareness activities.
  • Listen, Hear Our Voices is a core component of the Indigenous Initiatives Division and funds initiative that supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governing entities and non-profit organizations in their efforts digitize language and culture materials in their own collections. The funding also supports communities and organizations to enhance their capacity to undertake digitization work in the long term.
  • We Are Here: Sharing Stories is another core component of the Indigenous Initiatives Division. We Are Here: Sharing Stories is an initiative to digitize and describe hundreds of thousands of Indigenous-related collection items in the holdings at LAC. Over the last year, more than 360,000 images related to First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation have been digitized, including a collection of more than 100 rare books in Indigenous languages.
  • Co-Lab is a collaborative tool that allows users to transcribe, tag, translate and describe digitized images and documents from the collections in LAC’s care. The Indigenous Heritage challenges (under Themes) collect contributions from users to help provide better descriptions in the collections at LAC.
  • The e-book Nations to Nations: Indigenous Voices at Library and Archives Canada features 28 essays written by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis staff at LAC, accompanied by over 140 images, offering personal interpretations of collection items such as journals, maps, artwork, photographs, publications and audiovisual recordings.
  • You can also read the blog post “Pidji-ijashig – Anamikàge – Pee-piihtikweek – Tunngasugit – ᑐᙵᓱᒋᑦ – Welcome.” It provides an introduction to the e-book mentioned above and explains the importance of applying Indigenous insights to archival documents.
  • The podcast “Healing Journey: Project Naming at 15” celebrates the project that has supplied a virtual space for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities to access Canada’s historic photo collections and engage in the identification of people and locations.
  • The Flickr album “Healing Journey: Project Naming at 15” was created to accompany the podcast.

LAC acknowledges that many records related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in the collections lack important contextual information. As outlined in Vision 2030: A strategic plan to 2030, LAC is doing more to place collections in context, making them easier to understand by setting them in a wider historical and cultural landscape. This is done in various ways, including by offering theme-based collections and programs, and by encouraging a variety of uses for the collections. The We Are Here: Sharing Stories and Listen, Hear Our Voices initiatives support this commitment.

Reconciliation will take time, a great deal of effort, and, often, discomfort. It is a journey that requires commitment from everyone in Canada.

#NDTR

Associated Links

Mental health supports available

The residential school system is a topic that can cause trauma invoked by memories of past abuse. Messages around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can be an unwelcome reminder to those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous Peoples.

A 24-hour support line at 1-866-925-4419 provides crisis referral services to Survivors and their families and explains how to obtain other health supports from the Government of Canada.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

NT5

MMF expands investment in downtown Winnipeg through historic property acquisition

September 28, 2023

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, proudly announced the acquisition of 200 Main Street and adjacent 165 Fort Street.

“It’s a proud day for all Red River Métis Citizens, as we increase our footprint in the heart of our Homeland, in what is now called Winnipeg,” said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. “This beautiful, well cared for building will become a cornerstone of our government operations, housing MMF affiliates and departments, while inspiring pride in our Citizens.”

The property was built in 1990 and was acquired and extensively renovated by the current owner in 2003. It features seven storeys, with 111,778 square feet of space, as well as 320 underground parking stalls and 35 electrified surface parking stalls.

“Wawanesa Insurance is committed to the future of downtown Winnipeg and congratulates the Manitoba Métis Federation on this significant acquisition,” said Wawanesa’s SVP & Chief Financial Officer, Gord Dowhan. “As Wawanesa looks forward to our new headquarters at True North Square – a major investment in the future of Downtown Winnipeg and the Manitoba economy – it has always been important to us that we find a purchaser who is going to be a positive force downtown. There is no doubt that the Manitoba Métis Federation is the right occupant to move into this building and develop it for the future.”

More than half the building’s space will be occupied by MMF departments and affiliates to deliver the Red River Métis Government’s programs and services to Citizens. It will also include a culturally-focused Red River Métis child care centre.

The purchase of this building marks an investment of over $31.3 million in capital acquisitions and developments in Winnipeg by the MMF since 2019. Once this purchase is finalized, the MMF will be investing $91.2 million in Winnipeg over the next 3 years, combined with our current planned capital investments. Of the total of $122.5 million in capital, $86.5 million has and will be invested in downtown Winnipeg.

The MMF has now purchased properties at 280 Fort Street and 200 Main Street, as well as 335 Main Street for our Red River Métis National Heritage Centre, which will deliver a one-of-a-kind experience in North America and the world. With these investments alone, we anticipate bringing over 300 employees into to the downtown area, as well as welcoming thousands of visitors to our heritage centre annually.

“There is no doubt that we are investing in downtown Winnipeg because we believe in it and want to play a key role in its revitalization,” said President Chartrand. “This is the birthplace of our Nation, which speaks to our hearts. It is also the site where Canada once took away our land through the scrip – acquiring this land back is one of the ways we can honour our Ancestors, returning this land to our people, acre by acre and building by building.”

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada’s Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

NT6

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