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The Independent

@independentnl.bsky.social
2.6K followers 20 following 316 posts

Non-profit media outlet producing reader-supported, public-interest journalism in Newfoundland & Labrador.

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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
In 2021 Radio-Canada reported Jean Chretien was part of a secretive plan to bury nuclear waste from other countries in #Labrador. Former Premier Andrew Furey said he told Chretien, "It's not on." Has the group lobbied NL's new PC government? Here's what Premier Tony Wakeham said on Sept. 11.
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
EVENT: Join us in Corner Brook (Oct. 5) and St. John's (Oct. 7) with award-winning journalist and author Rob Csernyik about his new book, A Losing Hand, and his investgiation into gambling-related suicides in NL and Canada. Click the link for more info 👇 theindependent.ca/announcement...
theindependent.ca
EVENTS: In Conversation with Award-winning Journalist and Author Rob Csernyik – The Independent
Join us in Corner Brook (Oct. 5), St. John's (Oct. 7), or online
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini says it’s disappointing to open the Innu Pakassiun exhibit without the provincial government’s participation, but #Innu know their history and who they are #nlpoli #Labrador theindependent.ca/news/as-innu...
theindependent.ca
As Innu exhibit opens in Labrador, Grand Chief says truth must come before reconciliation – The Independent
Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini says it’s disappointing to open the Innu Pakassiun exhibit without the provincial government’s participation, but Innu know their history and who they are
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini says it’s disappointing to open the Innu Pakassiun exhibit without the provincial government’s participation, but Innu know their history and who they are. Read the full story from Heidi Atter 👇 theindependent.ca/news/as-innu...
theindependent.ca
As Innu exhibit opens in Labrador, Grand Chief says truth must come before reconciliation – The Independent
Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini says it’s disappointing to open the Innu Pakassiun exhibit without the provincial government’s participation, but Innu know their history and who they are
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
ANALYSIS: With the separatist Parti Québécois leading in the polls and 29 per cent of Quebecers undecided on who to vote for, anything could happen in next week's provincial election theindependent.ca/commentary/a...
theindependent.ca
What Québec’s provincial election could mean for the Churchill Falls deal – The Independent
With the separatist Parti Québécois leading in the polls and 29 per cent of Quebecers undecided on who to vote for, anything could happen on Oct. 5, and beyond
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
EDITORIAL: The Wakeham government doesn’t care about Indigenous Peoples #nlpoli #TRC theindependent.ca/commentary/e...
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The Wakeham government doesn't care about Indigenous Peoples – The Independent
11 years later, the province is still not publicly sharing details on its alleged efforts to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney is using his majority government to push through a suite of legislative changes Liberal voters did not give him a mandate for, ones that would “make Stephen Harper blush,” federal NDP leader @avilewis.ca said in St. John’s Saturday. theindependent.ca/news/liberal...
theindependent.ca
Liberals’ Bill C-39 a wake-up call for Canadians: Avi Lewis – The Independent
‘Cracks starting to show in the Carney consensus,’ Lewis tells N.L. NDP convention in St. John’s
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Former #NLNDP candidates say it’s a steep hill to climb, but there are ways. Read the new story from Kenny Sharpe 👇 theindependent.ca/news/as-ndp-...
theindependent.ca
As NDP convention gets underway in St. John’s, will N.L.'s third party prioritize growing rural support? – The Independent
Former party candidates say it's a steep hill to climb, but there are ways
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
OPINION: Instead of handing Quebec another half-century of profits from N.L. resources, maybe we should consider merging the two provinces, writes 'Energy Futures' columnist Angela Antle. #nlpoli #ChurchillFalls theindependent.ca/commentary/e...
theindependent.ca
Churchill Falls MOU2: Hold your nose for a tiny sliver of Hydro Quebec’s 7500% profits – The Independent
Rather than lock ourselves into another half-century deal, maybe N.L. should consider merging with Quebec instead
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
@independentnl.bsky.social asked Premier Tony Wakeham to address news Grand Chief Jodie Ashini has said the Innu Nation cannot support the new Churchill Falls deal until major tensions are resolved. + read the new story 👇 theindependent.ca/news/skeptic...
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Grand Chief Jodie Ashini says Innu Nation won’t support proposed #ChurchillFalls deal ‘while fundamental issues with the Innu remain unresolved’ #Labrador #Innu #nlpoli theindependent.ca/news/skeptic...
theindependent.ca
‘Skepticism and cynicism’ marring public view of Churchill Falls and Gull Island, says researcher – The Independent
Grand Chief Jodie Ashini says Innu Nation won’t support proposed deal ‘while fundamental issues with the Innu remain unresolved'
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
There were no protests when Pete Hoekstra appeared at Gander's 25th anniversary commemoration of 9/11. But Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, with a little help from Jean Chrétien, reminded America that Canada will not bow to anyone. Full story 👇 theindependent.ca/news/lji/gan...
theindependent.ca
Gander didn’t protest U.S. ambassador during 9/11 visit, but still sent a clear message to Trump – The Independent
There were no boos when Pete Hoekstra appeared at the 25th anniversary commemoration. Instead, Newfoundlanders kept their focus on the nearly 3,000 lives lost — and reminded America that Canada will n...
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Sullivan calling for the MOU to be scrapped. saying Wakeham is pushing "liberation day" from 2041 to 2077. "If Quebec wants to walk away from the table, let them!"
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Des Sullivan aka Uncle Gnarly is now speaking, said Premier Wakeham did not plan for success, and that Wakeham should have walked away from the negotiating table asking for 75 per cent of all benefits. "Not even close to what he agreed to." People chanting "Phony Tony."
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
150 people here with a few RNC officers protesting: concerns ive heard about include not wanting 50 year deal, should be shorter; their should be more immediate money for reducing people's power bills; and protesters saying its hard to access and find documents and info on whats being proposed.
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Noah Davis Power has revealed himself as the creator of the NL Proud Facebook page, which has amassed 100k followers, he's one or the organizers of the protest today -- people chanting "Liar" to Premier Wakeham asking that he comes out.
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Liberal leader John Hogan criticizing Wakeham and his government calling them hypocrites, and saying theyve given no clear answer why he backed out of holding a promised referendum on the new energy agreement.
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Wakeham says they have long conversations ahead with the Innu Nation and Grand Chief Jodie Ashini, and that building a dam at Gull Island will be transformational for "her people" Says final choice will rest with the Innu. "I hope they partner with us on this deal."
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Wakeham opening remarks now says he knows people are disappointed with his choice not to hold a referendum. But says he is confident the debate will provide people with the clarity they need on the new energy agreement with Quebec & future resource development in Labrador.
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
We are proud to launch #FeministSpotlight, a collaboration with the St. Johns Status of Women Council profiling unsung heroes of Newfoundland & Labrador's feminist movement. Today, an in-depth Q&A between Anna Swain and trans and sex work advocate Daze Jefferies 👇 theindependent.ca/news/feminis...
theindependent.ca
Daze Jefferies: an overflown chorus – The Independent
On International Sex Worker Pride Day, the Newfoundland artist and academic explains why there is 'no feminist future without sex worker justice'
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Incredible scene playing out just 15 mins into the Churchill Falls debate, Russell crossed the floor to sit as independent so they are literally moving his desk and reconnecting wiring -- he is now set to sit next to Eddie Joyce & behind the NDP. @independentnl.bsky.social
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sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
@independentnl.bsky.social is at Confederation Building where a 4 day debate begins on a new electricity MOU negotiated under Tony Wakeham, Quebec's Priemier Fréchette & Ottawa. A next step in what could lead to the construction of a new hydro dam at Gull Island on the Churchill River in Labrador.
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A major development moments into the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's special sitting on the #ChurchillFalls MOU with Quebec and Canada. Follow @sharpeindependent.bsky.social for regular updates! #nlpoli
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“To say I am upset is an understatement,” Lesa Winsor tells the RNC officer in the video. “With all the crime that goes on in this city. They are wasting taxpayer’s money.” Read the new story from Kenny Sharpe 👇 theindependent.ca/news/police-...
theindependent.ca
Police should not have fined them over their dog, Quigley, say St. John’s B&B owners – The Independent
Lesa and Gery Winsor say their 6-year-old Border Collie-Retriever is trained to sit at the end of his driveway; officer told couple RNC gets ‘a lot of complaints about dogs being off leash'
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
EDITORIAL: Workers deserve allyship, not lip service Some Labour Day advice for N.L. Labour Minister Lloyd Parrott theindependent.ca/commentary/e...
theindependent.ca
Workers deserve allyship, not lip service – The Independent
On Labour Day 2026, some tips for Labour Minister Lloyd Parrott
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
A trove of emails released through FOIs reveal #MUNL admins considered head of Harlow campus' departure a reason to divest of the the UK campus. Meanwhile, VP reported finances were improving. Read the new investigation from @sharpeindependent.bsky.social 👇 theindependent.ca/news/harlow-...
theindependent.ca
Harlow operating within budget before Memorial decided to sell it: former head of U.K. campus – The Independent
Emails show President Janet Morrison ‘inundated’ with messages over sale of Harlow Campus, while documents suggest former campus head was making progress at reducing costs
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
#NorthOfNorth is back. Season 2 premieres Sept. 1 on APTN, Sept. 8 on CBC, and this fall on Netflix. Last winter Nunatsiavummiut shared their thoughts on the hit show with Indy reporter Frey Blake-Pijogge. Read the full story 👇 theindependent.ca/news/lji/hit...
theindependent.ca
Hit comedy series North of North makes Nunatsiavummiut ‘feel seen’ – The Independent
‘I was completely obsessed with it from the very beginning,’ says Makkovik artist
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
NEW: Last fall we broke the story about Deloitte's use of #AI in a $1.6M government report which contained hallucinated academic citations. Internal emails show #Deloitte helped craft, and then approved, the government's response to our investigation. #nlpoli theindependent.ca/news/lji/wat...
theindependent.ca
Watchdog says it can’t investigate Deloitte over use of AI in $1.6M government report – The Independent
Internal emails reveal Deloitte helped craft government's response to The Independent's investigation
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
NEW: Last fall we broke the story about Deloitte's use of #AI in a $1.6M government report which contained hallucinated academic citations. Internal emails show #Deloitte helped craft, and then approved, the government's response to our investigation. #nlpoli theindependent.ca/news/lji/wat...
theindependent.ca
Watchdog says it can’t investigate Deloitte over use of AI in $1.6M government report – The Independent
Internal emails reveal Deloitte helped craft government's response to The Independent's investigation
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Three provinces in Atlantic Canada have declared gender-based violence an epidemic. But is that enough to quell violence against women, girls and gender-diverse people? Read the full story from @justinbrake.bsky.social 👇 theindependent.ca/news/lji/wil...
theindependent.ca
Will declaring an epidemic help end gender-based violence? – The Independent
Three provinces in Atlantic Canada have made formal declarations — but is that enough to quell violence against women, girls and gender-diverse people?
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
“I’m a parent and I know that my son needs accountability for his choices and his actions. But at the end of the day he needs help with his addiction and mental health – what got him in jail in the first place.” Read @sharpeindependent.bsky.social's full story 👇 theindependent.ca/news/mother-...
theindependent.ca
Mother of incarcerated youth calls for dedicated addiction care at new St. John’s prison – The Independent
Government scant on specifics but health authority says new prison will have two new mental health units and larger clinical space for psychiatry and opioid dependency
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
With poverty skyrocketing in St. John’s, frontline workers plea for stable funding, better income supports and adequate housing theindependent.ca/news/people-...
theindependent.ca
People dying in the streets, advocates say, as PCs draft new poverty reduction strategy – The Independent
With poverty skyrocketing in St. John’s, frontline workers plea for stable funding, better income supports and adequate housing
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
During a public town hall Wednesday in St. John's, residents challenged Mayor Danny Breen on safety, development, council fights. One resident even threatened a class-action lawsuit over a local music festival. Full story from Kenny Sharpe 👇 #YYT theindependent.ca/news/residen...
theindependent.ca
Residents confront St. John’s mayor, who says city is ‘in pretty good shape’ – The Independent
During public event, Danny Breen acknowledged issues as residents challenged him on safety, development, council fights, and even the threat of a class-action lawsuit
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Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) @jhrnews.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
JHR’s BIPOC Youth Journalism Training Fellowship is back for its fourth year! The 2026 partner newsrooms include @breachmedia.ca, @cabinradio.ca, @independentnl.bsky.social, @indiginews.bsky.social , @theresolvenews.bsky.social, and @therovermedia.bsky.social: jhr.ca/jhrs-bipoc-y...
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Organizer Shaylin Smith says the July 16 #DykeMarch will mark a ‘return to grassroots protest’ Read the full story from Rhea Rollmann 👇 theindependent.ca/news/st-john...
theindependent.ca
St. John’s to host first Dyke March – The Independent
Organizer Shaylin Smith says the July 16 event will mark a ‘return to grassroots protest’
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Equinor says the controversial #BayduNord offshore oil project still on track despite BP's exit. Meanwhile, concerned residents ask oil execs tough questions during public meetings this week. Read the latest from Kenny Sharpe & Justin Brake 👇 theindependent.ca/news/bp-with...
theindependent.ca
BP withdrawal from Bay du Nord a ‘win’: climate advocates – The Independent
Equinor says controversial project still on track, as concerned residents ask oil execs tough questions during public meetings this week
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
“If there’s hate and discrimination, bigotry in your heart, you will read that into scripture. If you come from a place of love and inclusion, you read that into scripture,” said Memorial University Dean of Theology Robert Cooke. Read the full story 👇 theindependent.ca/news/in-hist...
theindependent.ca
In historic first, St. John’s Anglican Cathedral set to host Pride service in 2027 – The Independent
Congregants gasped in support when they heard the announcement, made during a special queer-inclusive worship at St. Mark’s Church
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Elizabeth Yeoman @elizabethyeoman.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The province’s position “amounts to the erasure of Innu history,” Innu Nation Grand Chief Simon Pokue said. “It is contrary to the accepted historical and archaeological record and dismisses the knowledge, history, and lived experience of our people.”
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
NEW: To help us understand why The Rooms censored Innu from telling their own history, Heidi Atter dug into a 2026 research paper by three provincial archaeologists that lays out why they think the #Innu are relative newcomers to the land known today as #Labrador theindependent.ca/news/inside-...
theindependent.ca
Inside the Provincial Archaeology Office's theory that Europeans inhabited Labrador before Innu – The Independent
Archaeologist Stephen Loring, whose work is being disputed by the provincial government, says archaeology is “wildly political” and can be misinterpreted “to promote a political agenda like land claim...
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Government Promises Tracker update! Healthcare Promise #2: To add 50 seats to the nursing school, and train, recruit, and retain more local nurses. #nlpoli
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
The PCs promised all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians free, no-strings-attached access to a nurse practitioner. Turning to health care, Anasophie shares the latest update for The Indy's Government Promises Tracker. #nlpoli
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Parks Canada, which manages the #SignalHill National Historic Site, says it hopes the neighbouring grounds will continue to be available for public use ttps://theindependent.ca/news/parks-canada-signals-no-involvement-in-johnson-geo-centres-future/
theindependent.ca
Parks Canada signals no involvement in Johnson Geo Centre's future – The Independent
Federal agency responsible for managing Canada’s national parks, historic sites says it hopes Signal Hill grounds will continue to be available public use
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
“With Signal Hill Campus and the Geo Centre we have time. [The sale] has been announced [but] these properties are not sold. So that’s something we are trying to keep on our radar as well, because this is all the same hill," said resident Erin Callahan St. John. theindependent.ca/news/st-john...
theindependent.ca
St. John’s residents uncertain, concerned over Memorial University building sales on Signal Hill – The Independent
Some wonder if a land deed potentially issued from the Catholic Church to the people of Signal Hill could carry some weight
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Announcement: Newfoundland journalist Kenny Sharpe has joined our team and will be reporting from St. John's and the Avalon Peninsula. Read our Q&A with Kenny 👇 theindependent.ca/announcement...
theindependent.ca
Veteran journalist Kenny Sharpe joins Indy as a reporter/editor in St. John's – The Independent
With 20 years' experience, the Conception Bay North native will cover St. John's and the Avalon
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
In her latest #EnergyFutures column, @acantle.bsky.social debunks the myth that solar isn't feasible in N.L. and identifies barriers to developing a solar economy. theindependent.ca/commentary/e...
theindependent.ca
Throwing shade on solar myths – The Independent
‘Someday the sun will shine and have-not will be no more,’ Brian Peckford famously said. Solar ‘someday’ can’t come soon enough, writes Angela Antle
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
On Saturday in Halifax The Independent was honoured with four Atlantic Journalism Awards. Thanks to the AJAs and congrats to our award-winning team! theindependent.ca/announcement...
theindependent.ca
The Independent honoured with 4 Atlantic Journalism Awards – The Independent
Reporters Derek Montague, Heidi Atter, Rhea Rollmann, Yumna Iftikhar and Justin Brake were recognized for their work. Background photo: Atlantic
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Ana Maria Alcantara has a wealth of experience in journalism and social justice work, which will inform a forthcoming podcast series for The Independent theindependent.ca/announcement...
theindependent.ca
Meet The Indy's new Journalists for Human Rights fellow, Ana Maria Alcantara – The Independent
Ana Maria has a wealth of experience in journalism and social justice work, which will inform a forthcoming podcast series
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
“I remember the [Elders’] stories as clear in detail,” Innu Elder Apitet Andrew tells the Inquiry. “They had no doubt or confusion about the truth of what they were sharing." Read the full story from Heidi Atter theindependent.ca/news/elder-s...
theindependent.ca
Elder says long view of Innu history necessary for understanding today's issues – The Independent
Apitet (Ben) Andrew testified at the Inquiry Respecting the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Government of Newfoundland & #Labrador shocks Innu, disputes their history in Labrador Innu Nation cancels cultural exhibit, alleging executives of The Rooms provincial museum told them to remove reference to Innu presence in Labrador prior to 1700s #Innu #nlpoli theindependent.ca/news/provinc...
theindependent.ca
Province shocks Innu, disputes their history in Labrador  – The Independent
Innu Nation cancels cultural exhibit, alleging executives of The Rooms provincial museum told them to remove reference to Innu presence in Labrador prior to 1700s
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The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The PCs promised to "aggressively repair or replace uninhabitable NL Housing units" as part of the government's effort to build 10,000 new homes by 2030. Anasophie Vallée is back with another update for The Indy's #GovernmentPromisesTracker. Visit the GPT here: theindependent.ca/government-p...
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