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Each week on APTN National News, our Truth & Politics panelists Jennifer Laewetz and Niigaan Sinclair sit down with our hosts Dennis Ward and Creeson Agecoutay to discuss important topics affecting Indigenous Peoples in the news.
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Manitoba's premier says a member of the opposition mocked him as he prepared to speak about his father and the history of First Nations being denied the right to vote. Wab Kinew says the Progressive Conservative MLA made a crying sound and gesture during a speech about protecting the rights of vulnerable groups. Jeff Wharton, the MLA in question, denies the allegation. That's one of the topics up for discussion on this week's Truth and Politics panel. The panel also weighs in on the Canadian Armed Forces' apology to Indigenous soldiers, Ontario's push for Ring of Fire development and Indigenous Disability Awareness Month. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
Canada's auditor general says Indigenous Services is falling short. Karen Hogan says despite an 84 per cent increase in funding, the department has failed to act on more than half of the recommendations made over the past decade to improve services and programs. Access to clean drinking water and emergency management are among the top concerns. That's the focus for this week's Truth and Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
Mi'kmaw Member of Parliament Jaime Battiste is calling for a study that could lead to major changes to the Indian Act. The Liberal MP recently tabled a motion to examine the impacts of sections of the Act known as the second-generation cut-off. Also on the agenda for this week's Truth and Politics panel - cows and plows. Why does this historic agreement remain so controversial? Plus, the University of Manitoba marks a milestone anniversary. Joining host Dennis Ward to break it all down are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
First Nations University of Canada in Saskatchewan is facing scrutiny after an internal investigation into its president was leaked. The report, obtained by APTN News, looks into allegations against FNU president Jacqueline Ottmann involving nepotism and mismanagement. Prepared by Deloitte Legal Canada, the report substantiated many of the claims and found the president created what it called a 'circle of favour' around her office. In a statement, the chair of the board of governors said the board reviewed the reports and voted to retain Ottmann. Joining host Dennis Ward to break it all down on the Truth and Politics panel are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan has broken its silence on the forensic audit of its finances. Indigenous Services Canada and auditing firm KPMG found $34 million in questionable spending. A statement from the organization, which represents more than 70 First Nations in Saskatchewan, says it has faced unwarranted attacks in relation to the audit. For more, our Truth & Politics panel is here. Joining host Dennis Ward on the Truth and Politics panel are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
It's been a busy week with no end in sight as we head into the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. With that in mind, our Truth and Politics panel will weigh in on a range of stories this week, including child welfare reform, Orange Shirt Day, the FSIN audit and vandalism at the constituency offices of two Manitoba cabinet ministers. Joining host Dennis Ward on the Truth and Politics panel are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
Details are beginning to emerge about a forensic audit of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the political advocacy group that represents more than 70 First Nations in Saskatchewan. Indigenous Services Canada says it presented the findings to the FSIN on Sept. 11, with a public summary expected before the end of the month. So far, FSIN has declined to comment. Also on this week's episode, a look at the internal confusion and fallout at Indigenous Services as the cost of Jordan's Principle tops $2 billion and services face a crackdown. Joining host Dennis Ward on the Truth and Politics panel are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
After months of speculation, the Carney government has unveiled a list of major projects deemed to be in the national interest. An Indigenous advisory council has also been announced to guide the work of the new Major Projects Office and ensure equity ownership and meaningful participation for Indigenous Peoples. Joining guest host Tiar Wheatle on this on this week's Truth and Politics panel is Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Winnipeg Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
At least two people are dead, including the suspect, after multiple stabbings in Hollow Water First Nation in Manitoba. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of September 4 and resulted in eight community members suffering from stab wounds. The tragic incident conjures up memories from the mass stabbing in James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, which happened on this very day three years ago. Also on this week's episode, some of the highlights from the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly in Winnipeg. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
The impacts of drugs, alcohol and violence in our communities are often in the news. Next week, a resolution is coming forward at the Assembly of First Nations that calls for a First Nations-wide state of emergency in relation to the drug, alcohol and bootlegging crisis devastating First Nations families and communities across Canada. Tiar Wheatle is filling for host Dennis Ward this week, joined by Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and lawyer Leah Ballantyne. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
Some First Nation leaders in southern Manitoba are calling for a summit on the leadership of their grand chief. This is the second time a non-confidence vote has been requested during Jerry Daniels' leadership at the Southern Chiefs' Organization. Other Indigenous political organizations and governments have also been in the news this week, dealing with questions around leadership. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
The federal government says this wildfire season is already the second worst on record, with tens of thousands forced to flee, largely Indigenous. As smoke blankets parts of the Prairies and evacuation orders remain in place for 28 First Nations, we ask: is Canada handling wildfire evacuations and supports for First Nations the right way? Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
Métis leaders were in Ottawa on Thursday for a meeting with the prime minister and some of his cabinet over Bill C-5; however, the summit has been more notable for who isn't there. As we reported earlier, the Manitoba Métis Federation said they would not be going because the Métis National Council and Métis Nation of Ontario will be there. At the same time, Métis Nation British Columbia also backed out because they were only invited as online observers. Joining guest host Sav Jonsa are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
A new report released this week is highlighting the intersection between the disappearance of Indigenous women and human trafficking in Canada. According to the report by Thomson Reuters, despite being only 5 per cent of the population, Indigenous women and girls account for over 50 per cent of trafficking victims. While the data may not come as a surprise to Indigenous peoples, it is a cause for alarm. Also, this week we're discussing a new poll that finds most Canadians think the country is making progress on reconciliation. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
A northern pipeline, improvements to the rail line connecting Hudson Bay to the Prairies, and expedited critical mineral mining are all on the table with the newly passed One Canadian Economy Act and Ontario's Bill 5. Great for Canada perhaps with U.S. tariffs on the horizon, but there's always one big looming question when it comes to new infrastructure. This week on Truth and Politics, we ask that very question: how will this affect First Nations rights? Host Creeson Agecoutay is joined by Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press and Paskwâw Strategies CEO, Jennifer Laewetz. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
The federal government's controversial Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, is now law. Pushed through in just a few weeks, the bill aims to fast-track development projects deemed in the national interest. But critics say it sidelines Indigenous rights and opens the door to environmental harm. Nine First Nations in Ontario have launched a legal challenge against the legislation. This week on Truth and Politics, we look at how First Nations leaders are responding. Some say the legislation is a threat, others see economic opportunity. Host Dennis Ward is joined by Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press and lawyer, professor and activist Pamela Palmater. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
The controversy continues after Manitoba's minister of accessibility blocked the entire APTN News editorial team on social media. The block followed reporting on Minister Nahanni Fontaine's comments about an American Sign Language interpreter at a public event. In a statement from the minister on Wednesday, Nahanni Fontaine said, "immediately upon learning that journalists were blocked on my social media account, I directed staff to reverse this decision." This week on Truth and Politics, we ask: is it appropriate for an elected official to block a media outlet? Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
The fallout continues after comments made by Manitoba's minister of accessibility about an American Sign Language interpreter. Caught on camera at a graduation ceremony, Nahanni Fontaine said the interpreter was distracting and shouldn't have been on stage. That's on this week's Truth and Politics panel, along with a look at Canada Day and the ongoing infighting at the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
Can you be sued for saying someone isn't Indigenous? That's the title of recent report by Michelle Cyca for The Walrus, where she outlines two cases before the courts where someone accused of being a pretendian has sued their accuser. One of those court cases wrapped up this week. That is one of our topics on this week's Truth & Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
The debate over fast-tracking legislation for so-called national interest projects is heating up. One First Nations leader is promising a long, hot summer if the federal government passes Bill C-5. Others are criticizing the national chief for her involvement in the so-called consultation process. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is apologizing after saying he treats First Nations "like gold" but they keep coming to him "cap in hand." That's on this week's Truth and Politics panel, along with a discussion on the importance of National Indigenous Peoples' Day. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/
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