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Cara McKenna

@caramck.bsky.social
325 followers 252 following 25 posts

editor @ IndigiNews | journalism in the Guardian, the Globe and Mail, APTN, CP/AP etc. | based in amiskwaciywâskahikan

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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
In Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, people gathered at the same site where white nationalists demonstrated earlier this week — and cleansed the area with songs and prayers. "We don’t want our children growing up in a world like this." Story by Aaron Hemens indiginews.com/news/tkemlup...
indiginews.com
In Tk̓emlúps, community gathers to ‘reclaim our space’ and denounce white nationalism
During two events this week, people came together to support survivors and their families in the wake of masked denialists demonstrating on the reserve: ‘They don’t win, and they’re not going to’
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
In "Fort Carlton," where Treaty 6 was signed 150 years ago, the air was heavy with the weight of history and the visions of Youth. “Treaty is a living relationship … It’s our spiritual and legal obligation.” Story by Brittany Boschman indiginews.com/features/150-year-anniversary-treaty-six
indiginews.com
‘A living relationship’: Cree Youth honour 150 years of Treaty 6, vowing to carry it forward
At multi-day anniversary commemorations in pêhonânihk (Fort Carlton), young people envision their future
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
If you've ever appreciated Aaron Hemens's incredible work, please consider contributing to this campaign to support his coverage in the Okanagan
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 19/08/2026
For the last three years, Carl Olsen has stood on the side of the Malahat highway, protesting a planned expansion that would damage Goldstream Park — formerly a W̱SÁNEĆ fishing village — and its critical salmon habitat. A co-publication with @indiginews.bsky.social: thenarwhal.ca/bc-goldstrea...
thenarwhal.ca
An Elder’s fight to protect Goldstream Park in B.C. | The Narwhal
The Malahat highway expansion could affect at-risk species and remove over 700 trees. Carl Olsen is holding B.C. to account
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
On Osoyoos Indian Band lands, snakes share the landscape with one of the country’s most imperilled ecosystems. “Having land like this that’s protected and not developed — it’s just so rare.” Story by Aaron Hemens 🐍 indiginews.com/features/in-...
indiginews.com
In the Okanagan desert, snakes offer lessons on protecting a fragile ecosystem
For two decades, researchers at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre have tracked snakes across syilx homelands — while helping people appreciate the often-feared creatures
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
It was a beautiful experience to attend, and write about, the first annual IndigiNews ReFocus fellowship in Kjipuktuk! We will be sharing some of the fellows' work in the weeks ahead, but in the meantime, you can read my story about the closing event here: indiginews.com/news/kjipukt...
indiginews.com
In Kjipuktuk, Indigenous photojournalism fellows wrap week with emotion-filled presentation
IndigiNews’s first annual ReFocus training ended with a blanket ceremony and celebration, as participants were wrapped in ‘love and acceptance and support’
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Framed by grassy hills, 9-year-old John Smithers released a burrowing owl under the warm sunshine with the help of a field technician. It was part of a decade-long effort by the Upper Nicola Band territory to bring the tiny bird of prey back to their homelands. indiginews.com/features/syi...
indiginews.com
In 'B.C.'s' interior, a syilx program is returning burrowing owls to the grasslands
The Upper Nicola Band released 11 captive-born owls in spax̌mn — part of a decade-long effort to reinstate the tiny birds of prey whose populations have plummeted
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
“To implement the declaration, they need a watchdog,” Kenneth Deer said. “They need somebody over them to make sure they’re carrying out their responsibilities.” Story by Dionne Phillips, published through the Indigenous News Alliance. indiginews.com/news/at-the-...
indiginews.com
At the UN, Mohawk leader calls for UNDRIP watchdogs to ensure standards are met
Worldwide, Indigenous leaders say colonial governments aren’t meeting human rights criteria outlined in the declaration — Kenneth Deer says independent oversight is needed
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Today we published this very moving profile of U of A Cree instructor Dorothy Thunder, which was written by one of her former students and now-journalist, Deena Goodrunning! Featuring stunning portraits by Amber Bracken ❤️
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
It was a privilege to edit this first person piece by Grassy Narrows writer Taina Da Silva — for which we commissioned some beautiful illustrations by Anishinaabe artist Jessie Boulard. Read more below 👇
indiginews.com
Through generations, my family at Grassy Narrows has been harmed by mercury pollution
Sitting in a wigwam with my mother Judy Da Silva, I'm reminded how far-reaching the crisis is in our community — and how justice is still possible
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
“This is a very layered fight that we’re up against,” said Secwépemc land defender April Thomas, “because it’s right down from the individual level, right up to fighting for collective rights and title.” Story by Aaron Hemens. indiginews.com/news/land-de...
indiginews.com
‘I’m standing up for everything that I believe in,’ say land defenders preparing to appeal TMX convictions
Secwépemc and Nlaka’pamux activists arrested at pipeline site ceremony await Supreme Court of Canada’s green light to appeal, as allies fundraise for legal costs
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
This week, IndigiNews is launching a new fellowship with the goal to support and train emerging Indigenous photojournalists! Please apply and share with your networks. indiginews.com/first-person...
indiginews.com
We’re launching an Indigenous photojournalism fellowship in Mi’kma’ki
Introducing the IndigiNews ReFocus program — apply now to join us in May
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Today, we're proud to launch our NEW IndigiNews Refocus Photojournalism Fellowship: Mi’kma’ki! This is a chance for Indigenous photojournalists in Canada to learn from industry-leaders in a paid one week intensive from May 17 - 23, 2026. Learn more: www.refocusfellowship.ca
refocusfellowship.ca
ReFocus Photojournalism Fellowship | Join, Learn, Capture Now
Discover the Indigenous Photojournalism Fellowship in Mi’kma’ki, offering hands-on training and mentorship for Indigenous photojournalists across Canada. Apply by February 28, 2026.
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
When choreographer Cameron sinkʷə Fraser-Monroe was asked to create a piece for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, he knew he wanted to tell a story from his home community of Tla’amin Nation. "It was something that had a universal appeal and access." Story by Abby Francis. indiginews.com/arts/tlaamin...
indiginews.com
Tla’amin choreographer brings 'Wild Man of the Woods' ballet home to the West Coast
Cameron sinkʷə Fraser-Monroe is debuting his piece around ‘B.C.’ — but his sold-out show in his home territories feels particularly special
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 13/01/2026
It's day two of our press freedom trial against the RCMP. You can read coverage of the first day's proceedings in The Globe and Mail. ⤵️ www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Photojournalist’s arrest at B.C. pipeline standoff weakens democracy, lawyer argues in civil trial
Lawyer for the RCMP, provincial and federal governments argues the trial is not about how police treat media as a whole
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
A 16-year-old's stabbing earlier this year wasn’t merely the result of bullying, his foster mom believes. To her, his experiences reflect a history of colonial systems failing to uphold the safety, rights, and well-being of an Indigenous Youth. Story by Amy Romer. indiginews.com/news/indigen...
indiginews.com
After Indigenous teen’s stabbing, his family says the system failed to stop his bullying
Foster parents in ‘Courtenay, B.C.’ speak out after a string of alleged incidents targeting them and their 16-year-old foster son, as they wait for trial
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
IndigiNews is excited to announce that we are hiring for two new positions in our award-winning newsroom indiginews.com/uncategorize...
indiginews.com
IndigiNews is hiring for two new positions
We’re looking for an Operations Manager and Audience Engagement Editor to join our team
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Grateful for @briellemimi.bsky.social’s ongoing, careful reporting on this case 👇
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
I’m so proud to work alongside brilliant nêhiyaw-iskwêw @edenfineday.bsky.social! She has shown me what is possible in the journalism industry and makes me feel seen and inspired each day ❤️🔥
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
IndigiNews is launching a fundraising campaign to support our storytelling into 2026. Please read and share if you feel inclined ❤️‍🔥👇
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
It hasn’t been an easy journey for the Gitxsan community of Gitanmaax to take power back from colonial child ‘welfare’ agencies — but the newly launched Wila Dildilsdi’m is counting every small victory. First in a three-part series by Amy Romer. indiginews.com/features/git...
indiginews.com
In Gitanmaax, new family services department is fighting to protect children
It hasn’t been an easy journey to take power back from colonial child ‘welfare’ agencies — but the newly launched Wila Dildilsdi’m is counting every small victory
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
❤️
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
I love this piece by @amyromer.bsky.social, which documents a Squamish Youth bike trip around their territories. “The kids visit their relatives and receive teachings and guidance from them along the way.”
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Police have confirmed that Achakapis (Samuel Bird) is presumed dead — and identified a specific area outside “Edmonton” where the body is believed to be. "His soul cannot rest while his body is kept from the land and our family." indiginews.com/news/police-...
indiginews.com
‘He was full of spirit, promise and love’: Police confirm Samuel Bird is presumed dead as search area narrows
The 14 year old, whose spirit name is Achakapis, is believed to have been left ‘no more than 150 km’ from ‘Edmonton’ on land, as investigators reveal specified area for search
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
proud to be part of this amazing group of CAJ mentors! Apply below if you want to learn about editing from me, an old news curmudgeon trapped in a 35 year old’s body.
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Thirty new homes being built at a former Tla’amin village represent a homecoming for the nation, after a long journey to regain the site. "Our ancestors used to build their houses right along the same river. It’s very special for us to go back home to the same spot.” indiginews.com/news/new-hou...
indiginews.com
New housing project at tiskʷat represents homecoming for Tla'amin Nation
'Our ancestors used to build their houses right along the same river,' says public works director. 'It's very special for us to go back home to the same spot'
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
With court win, Quw’utsun Nation sees a ‘spiritual homecoming’ after 150 years As the 9,000-member nation celebrates what's potentially 'a Pandora’s box decision' — others worry about its implications Great reporting from @davidpball.bsky.social 👇 indiginews.com/news/quwutsu...
indiginews.com
With court win, Quw’utsun Nation sees a ‘spiritual homecoming’ after 150 years
After landmark ruling grants ‘Vancouver Island’ First Nations title to Tl'uqtinus summer village and nearby fishing rights, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm see it as a ‘disheartening’ betrayal
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
At Penticton Indian Band, researchers work to find remedy for bighorn sheep disease The Okanagan population of yilíkʷlxkn has been depleted by up to 70 per cent by mange over two decades — a year-long project aims to find a drug to treat it indiginews.com/news/pib-res...
indiginews.com
At Penticton Indian Band, researchers work to find remedy for bighorn sheep disease
The Okanagan population of yilíkʷlxkn has been depleted by up to 70 per cent by mange over two decades — a year-long project aims to find a drug to treat it
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
Amanda Follett Hosgood @amandafollett.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Mount Polley will be allowed to continue expanding its tailings facility, after a court challenge by the Xatśūll First Nation failed. The nation said it's reviewing the decision to allow the dam, which failed catastrophically in 2014, to hold more mine waste. @thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
thetyee.ca
Mount Polley Can Continue Tailings Expansion, BC Supreme Court Says | The Tyee
Xatśūll First Nation had applied to stop construction on the project.
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
Bobsession @bobservo.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
love when a paywall sounds like it’s drawing a gun on you
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
‘Truly amazing and really emotional’: Historic mortuary poles returned to Tla’amin Nation after decades-long search The nation celebrated the repatriation during the opening of a new cultural centre, part of a wider reclamation for the community indiginews.com/arts/histori...
indiginews.com
Historic mortuary poles returned to Tla’amin Nation after decades-long search
The community celebrated the repatriation during the opening of a new cultural centre, part of a wider reclamation
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 10/07/2025
For this collaboration with @indiginews.bsky.social, reporter @ainsliecruickshank.bsky.social went to Kelowna to find out if it’s possible to prioritize housing — and also protect sensitive ecosystems thenarwhal.ca/bc-housing-a...
thenarwhal.ca
Can Kelowna build housing and leave room for nature? | The Narwhal
Kelowna hopes to increase housing density, instead of sprawl, while a proposed Okanagan wildlife corridor seeks to conserve rare ecosystems
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
So happy to see Aaron recognized for his crucial work on this series — you can read the stories here: Part 1: indiginews.com/news/similka... Part 2: indiginews.com/news/concern... Part 3: indiginews.com/news/in-simi...
indiginews.com
Similkameen people say once-pristine waterways tainted by mine waste as company doubles down: ‘It’s scary’
Questioned at a private community meeting about contamination in Wolfe Creek, a Hudbay Minerals representative insists she ‘would drink the water’
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Congratulations to the wonderful Crystal Greene, who just won the silver Emerging Indigenous Journalist award from @jhrnews and @caj for her portfolio of work. Congratulations, Crystal!!
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
Ethan Cox @ethancox.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
At the #CAJawards with friends from IndigiNews, The Rover and Press Progress! Good luck to all the nominees!
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Exclusionary rules aside — the fact that CJC is distributing funds to news outlets based on how much they spent employing staff in past years will reinforce powerful legacy institutions while keeping the ones without resources in scarcity. It isn't equitable.
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
Hilary Beaumont @hilarybeaumont.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Feeling grateful for the thought and care put into this story by editors @tahtone.bsky.social & @caramck.bsky.social, and I absolutely love the stunning illustrations by @jessieboulard.bsky.social Check out the story on @indiginews.bsky.social ⤵️ indiginews.com/features/cli...
indiginews.com
Climate change is melting ice roads — a lifeline for remote Indigenous communities
As the key winter connectors disappear, First Nations are looking for all-season solutions amid a push for mineral extraction on their lands
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
Tristan Ahtone @tahtone.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
From @hilarybeaumont.bsky.social & @jessieboulard.bsky.social for @grist.org & @indiginews.bsky.social: More than 50 First Nations depend on approximately 3,700 miles of winter roads. There are no paved roads connecting these Indigenous communities to the nearest cities. 🧵 grist.org/indigenous/i...
grist.org
Ice roads are a lifeline for First Nations. As Canada warms, they're disappearing.
Indigenous peoples are navigating the slow collapse of winter roads — and an even slower pace of help.
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
Michelle Cyca @michellecyca.com · 07/05/2025
always optimistic that the journalism industry can become a fairer and more inclusive place, and pointing out structural failures and biases where they occur is part of building that future. to that end, please read this editorial from IndigiNews:
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Why you won’t see IndigiNews among those sharing in the $100M Google news fund As the CJC hands out millions to ‘Canadian’ media under the federal Online News Act, our Indigenous newsroom is left behind indiginews.com/first-person...
indiginews.com
Why you won’t see IndigiNews among those sharing in the $100M Google news fund
As the CJC hands out millions to ‘Canadian’ media under the federal Online News Act, our Indigenous newsroom is left behind
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
We're disappointed that a new model such as the CJC — founded on commitments to fairness, inclusivity and a robust future for Canadian media — has already demonstrated it is not capable of fulfilling these ambitions. Editorial from the @indiginews.bsky.social team: indiginews.com/first-person...
indiginews.com
Why you won’t see IndigiNews among those sharing in the $100M Google news fund
As the CJC hands out millions to ‘Canadian’ media under the federal Online News Act, our Indigenous newsroom is left behind
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
Michelle Cyca @michellecyca.com · 06/05/2025
so happy & proud to see this nêhiyawêwin story recognized: read @caramck.bsky.social's letter about what makes it so special for us: thenarwhal.ca/buffalo-gras...
thenarwhal.ca
Behind a big beautiful Buffalo story — in English and Cree | The Narwhal
It‘s not common for four journalists who have the same ancestral language to work on a story in both English and ‘the language that the Buffalo were hearing hundreds of years ago‘
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
I’m extremely proud of our amazing team at @indiginews.bsky.social for receiving four nominations, including for general excellence in digital publishing and best one-of-a-kind storytelling (with @thenarwhal.ca)! So grateful 🖤
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
At the UN, Tŝilhqot’in outlines a plan to deal with the toxic drug crisis — but needs the resources A delegation from the ‘B.C.’ nation asked governments for help responding to the emergency, saying they want to expand cultural care indiginews.com/news/at-the-... Story by @caramck.bsky.social
indiginews.com
At the UN, Tŝilhqot’in outlines a plan to deal with the toxic drug crisis — but needs the resources
A delegation from the ‘B.C.’ nation asked governments for help responding to the emergency, saying they want to expand cultural care
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Cara McKenna @caramck.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
At the UN, Tŝilhqot’in outlines a plan to deal with the toxic drug crisis — but needs the resources My latest for @indiginews.bsky.social indiginews.com/news/at-the-...
indiginews.com
At the UN, Tŝilhqot’in outlines a plan to deal with the toxic drug crisis — but needs the resources
A delegation from the ‘B.C.’ nation asked governments for help responding to the emergency, saying they want to expand cultural care
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Reposted by Cara McKenna
IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
‘A matter of justice’: 2025 UN Forum on Indigenous Issues begins with visa challenges for attendees Trump’s border policies are making an impact as this year’s largest gathering of global Indigenous leaders, activists, and policymakers begins in ‘NYC’ indiginews.com/news/2025-un...
indiginews.com
'A matter of justice': 2025 UN Forum on Indigenous Issues begins with visa challenges for attendees
Trump's border policies are making an impact as this year’s largest gathering of global Indigenous leaders, activists, and policymakers begins in 'NYC'
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Ethan Cox @ethancox.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
Before debate started we got locked out due to a security concern. When we got in, it turned out issue was Ezra Levant fighting with reporters and getting into a back and forth. The Rebel gamed the commission, and literally have a dozen people in this room. Now they got the Q&A cancelled.
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 07/04/2025
Thousands of potential infractions were hidden in B.C. regulator records, until our investigation exposed a widespread pattern of lax enforcement. Here are more than 40,000 records and all company responses we received. #bcpoli via @writermjs.bsky.social & @zakvescera.bsky.social
thenarwhal.ca
Data suggests B.C. is failing to hold oil and gas companies accountable | The Narwhal
A rare look inside B.C.’s oversight of the oil and gas sector, thanks to 40,000 records released through freedom of information legislation
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IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Whalers’ shrine returns home to Nuu-chah-nulth territories after 120 years The Yuquot Whalers Washing House, held in AMNH since 1904, is back with its original keepers — representing a ‘very important’ part of Mowachaht/Muchalaht culture indiginews.com/news/whalers...
indiginews.com
Whalers’ shrine returns home to Nuu-chah-nulth territories after 120 years
The Yuquot Whalers Washing House, held in AMNH since 1904, is back with its original keepers — representing a 'very important' part of Mowachaht/Muchalaht culture
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