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‘We will not be poisoned again’: Environmental advocates protest proposed nuclear waste dump site

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A hundred protesters gathered in Winnipeg on World Water Day to oppose a proposed nuclear waste repository near Ignace, Ontario.

The planned site is located near critical watersheds that flow into Lake Winnipeg, prompting concerns about potential downstream contamination. Indigenous land defenders and environmental advocates warn that any risk to these systems could have lasting impacts on communities that rely on them.

Grassy Narrows land defender Judy Da Silva spoke at the rally, saying her community “will not be poisoned again,” referencing the long-term effects of mercury contamination they have already endured.

Opponents of the project argue that storing nuclear waste in the area poses serious long-term risks. They point out that radioactive materials can remain dangerous for thousands of years, and that leaks—if they occur—could be impossible to fully contain or reverse.

Indigenous leaders and environmental groups are calling for the project to be halted, emphasizing the need to protect water sources, Indigenous lands, and future generations from potential harm.

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$6M announced for Indigenous tourism in Canada, includes Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre

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The federal government announced $6 million in new funding for Indigenous tourism across Canada through the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES) program.

Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Rechie Valdez says, “Indigenous Peoples are the original storytellers of this land, and Indigenous tourism gives visitors the chance to experience those stories, cultures, and traditions first-hand.”

Officials say funding will support the construction of the new Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) near Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia where the announcement took place. 

MDCC Executive Director Tim Bernard says, “Our Elders have created a place where people can come together, spend time on the land, and learn about Mi’kmaw history and culture directly from Mi’kmaw voices.”

Funding also reaches areas of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. According to a release, the investment will create over 100 jobs, draw 500,000+ annual visitors, and boost Indigenous economies by expanding cultural tourism, infrastructure, and growth.

Bernard adds, “In the years ahead, Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre will be a place where we will welcome visitors to deepen their understanding of Mi’kmaw history, culture, and understand our 13,000 years of connection to this land.”

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NAN says federal budget weakens Treaty commitments

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Leaders with Nishnawbe Aski Nation say the federal government’s new budget weakens Treaty commitments and undermines progress toward closing major gaps in housing, infrastructure, and health across Northern Ontario.

The comments come during Treaties Recognition Week, with NAN leadership gathering for their Fall Assembly in Thunder Bay.

Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said the budget “offered little comfort” for First Nations, pointing out that funding for Indigenous Services and Crown–Indigenous Relations has been reduced, without clarity on where those cuts will fall.

“Treaties Recognition Week should be a time to honour the sacred agreements that built this country,” said Fiddler. “Instead, we are watching those commitments weaken — in Parliament, in budgets, and on the lands our ancestors protected for all future generations.”

NAN leaders say shifting funding from long-term investments to short, year-to-year cycles will make it harder to plan and sustain community development.

They also raised concerns about resource and infrastructure projects moving ahead in their territory without proper consultation.

“We are not opposed to development, but that means truly together — not us left behind while others drive through our lands toward their own prosperity,” said Eabametoong First Nation Chief Solomon Atlookan.

Ginoogaming First Nation Chief Sheri Taylor added that Canada “cannot write its own future based on the erosion of our rights and our lands,” noting many communities still struggle with unsafe water, housing shortages, and limited road access.

NAN is calling on both the federal and provincial governments to uphold their constitutional and Treaty obligations, and to work in true partnership with First Nations.

Fiddler says closing the gaps that keep northern communities from sharing equally in Canada’s prosperity must be prioritized ahead of profit.

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Funding opens up more internet access at First Nations Libraries

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More First Nations libraries in Ontario will soon be able to provide free internet access to the public.

The Ontario government announced it is making a $78,000 increase to the Internet Connectivity Grant program, which helps reimburse rural, northern and First Nations Public Libraries for their connectivity costs.

The province says that additional amount of funds will allow 30 public libraries in Ontario the ability to join the program.

“Accessible and reliable internet elevates education, economic opportunities, and community connection,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation in a news release.

“In expanding the Internet Connectivity Grant, we are ensuring that all First Nation public libraries can continue providing this critical service at no cost to their communities.”

Since 2018, the Internet Connectivity Grant program has provided the province’s public libraries with more than $4.3 million to ensure communities have reliable internet access.

According to a recent report, nearly one in three northern Ontarians without home internet rely on public libraries for online access to remote education, job searches and other services.