Topic: Today’s News

In 2019, UBC approached the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm [Musqueam] and Syilx Okanagan Nation to collaborate on a project that would add Indigenous symbols of host Nations of each respective campus to the academic regalia. 

A working group was formed and in early 2020, a call for artists went out to both communities. Chrystal Sparrow, a xʷəməθkʷəy̓əm artist was chosen to create the design. Chrystal had previously designed a stole which was gifted to past president Stephen Toope to wear over his academic regalia on the Vancouver campus.

The newly designed regalia acknowledges the relationship between UBC and the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, and UBC and the Syilx Okanagan peoples. UBC’s Chancellor, the Honourable Steven Point (xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl) and President and Vice-Chancellor, Santa J. Ono will wear the newly designed regalia during the university’s fall academic ceremonies this month.

About the design

“I believe the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm [Musqueam Indian Band], UBC and the Syilx Okanagan Nation share together knowledge, distinctive cultures and respectful relationships,” explains Chrystal. “I created a simple Coast Salish Eye design to represent all three communities. There are four design elements: the middle circle represents people, the dart represents water, the crescent represents land and the arrow represents everyone moving forward. The eye design also represents education as a significant role and connection within all three communities. 

The colour red represents the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm and the Syilx Okanagan Nation. The colour black represents UBC. 

The eagle design for the clasps represent the knowledge keepers and the distinctive cultures of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm and the Syilx Okanagan Nation. The Coast Salish eye design in sequences of three will adorn the front of each robe to represent the three communities. The two eagle clasp designs will symbolize all three communities upholding successful futures together.”

About the artist

Chrystal Sparrow is a third-generation xʷməθkʷəy̓əm artist and carver from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm [Musqueam] Indian Band, whose ancestral and unceded territory is located on what is now called Metro Vancouver. She was traditionally mentored by her late father Irving Sparrow, a master carver; he taught her the significance of Coast Salish designing and carving techniques. Chrystal’s work represents feminine expression that is unique in both traditional and contemporary Coast Salish art forms. She designs and carves red and yellow cedar panels, qeqən [Houseposts], sculptures and works with other art mediums. Chrystal has public art at the YVR Airport, Vancouver School Board, Starbucks, BC Children’s Hospital and other locations. 

Chrystal is the inaugural artist and first Coast Salish artist to work in the xʷəməθkʷəy̓əm, Squamish and səl̕ilwətaʔɬ [Tsleil-Waututh] Cultural Residency in Stanley Park from July 2018 to July 2020. In 2019, Chrystal and her brother Chris Sparrow carved a 20 foot Female Welcoming qeqən [Housepost]

In its ongoing effort to support Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement deal with the  current COVID-19 pandemic, the Nunatsiavut Government is pleased to announce today the release of a  second round of emergency response programs. 

COVID-19 emergency response programs announced last spring were suspended on September 30, and  a review was carried out with the goal of making improvements to ensure efficient and effective delivery  of future support initiatives. That review has now been completed. 

The revised programs will provide support to Labrador Inuit to purchase food items, as well as to  community freezers and food banks. Funding has also been set aside to provide home-heating subsidies  as well as to assist harvesters in accessing country foods for community freezers and food banks within  Nunatsiavut. Gasoline allowances will also be provided to allow Beneficiaries within Nunatsiavut to  harvest their own country food and/or wood for home heating. All seniors who are 65 or older are  eligible for the food supplement program. 

Public notices, outlining eligibility requirements for all applicable programs, will be issued to  Beneficiaries residing in the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area, Upper Lake Melville and the Constituency  of Canada.  

“As was the case during the first round, these emergency response initiatives will provide much-needed  assistance to Labrador Inuit during these difficult and uncertain times,” says Nunatsiavut President  Johannes Lampe. “As we continue to see increases in cases across the country, we must remain vigilant  by following all public health protocols and by supporting those most vulnerable.”

Today we mark 15 years of the birth of Nunatsiavut  and the establishment of self-government. While this  has been a trying and difficult year, as we all strive to  cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,  there is still much to celebrate.

December 1, 2005 was a momentous day for Labrador  Inuit, as it marked the end of more than 30 years of  negotiations and hard work on the part of a lot of  people, and began a new chapter in our history.

We have made significant strides over the years addressing the many social and economic needs of our  people and our communities. While we still face  enormous challenges, we realize we are the architects of our own fate, and history has  demonstrated that we are resilient, determined and, above all, proud. The challenges we  face today, will make us much stronger tomorrow as we continue to adapt to modern  society.

While we remember those who survived before us, and acknowledge the hardships Inuit  have overcome over the years, we must also look forward and appreciate just how far  we’ve come. We must also continue to embrace all of the positive changes that are taking  place around us. As we celebrate Nunatsiavut Day and prepare for the holiday season, I ask that we all  remain vigilant, by continuing to follow all public health COVID-19 protocols: wash  your hands, practice safe social distancing, wear a mask, and avoid gatherings.

Series  November 30, 2020 – Thunder Bay, Ont. 

Lakehead University’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives, International and the Department of  Indigenous Learning have collaborated to host a Virtual Global Indigenous Speaker Series,  Imagining Possibilities through Indigenous Knowledge Systems. 

Critical issues of our time including climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have  challenged the current state of affairs, provoking an inward gaze among our global community  on the resiliency and sustainability of our current philosophies, structures and systems.  

Indigenous knowledge systems which are relational and well-established can offer alternative  approaches to contemporary issues and support the re-imagination of our global future. 

This invitational speaker series highlights the theory, research, and practice of international  Indigenous scholars, offering students and faculty across disciplines inspiration, creativity and  paths forward in uncertain times. 

Register and watch previous events here.  

lakeheadu.ca/indigenous/global-indigenous-speakers-series 

Talks include:  

∙ Watch now – Jorge Cocom Pech (Mayan), Mexico. 

∙ Watch now – Dr. Wendy Smythe, (Alaska Native Haida) University Minnesota Duluth,  Duluth, USA 

∙ Wednesday, Dec. 2, 11:30 – 1 pm EST – Dr. Juan Illicachi Guzñay (Kichwa),Universidad  Nacional de Chimborazo, Ecuador 

∙ Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 10:00 am – 11:30 am EST – Rauna Kuokkanen (Sámi)  Professor of Arctic Indigenous Studies University of Lapland (Finland) and Adjunct  Professor of Indigenous Studies and Political Science University of Toronto. ∙ Wednesday, March 3 – Australia, Charles Darwin University 

Lheidli T’enneh Territory, BC  – The Board of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) announced today that it will provide capacity support to the Clarke Lake Geothermal Project as requested by Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN). The project involves taking hot water from depth at a former natural gas well and bringing it to the surface to generate clean electricity. The project will produce between 7-15 MW of clean sustainable electricity on a year-round basis. That is enough to supply between 5000 and 11000 homes. And, with no CO2 emissions, the project will help the BC Government achieve its Clean Energy and Climate Change targets.

FNMPC Vice Chair, Chief Corrina Leween, said “A huge piece of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery for BC is about First Nations taking charge of their economic, social and environmental futures. Clean energy is an important part of that process. In this case, the Fort Nelson First Nation has determined that one of Canada’s largest geothermal projects is a key piece of their economic and sustainability development plans. The Clarke Lake Geothermal Project is a game- changer project in an area of the province known more for its natural gas reserves than geothermal reserves. FNMPC supports economic sustainability for all its members and we are pleased to be working with Fort Nelson to help them advance the Clarke Lake Geothermal Project.”

FNMPC Executive Director, Niilo Edwards adds “The Clarke Lake Geothermal Project is an energy game-changer not only for BC but for Canada. A First Nation driven $100 million clean energy project that will provide clean energy and benefits to Northeast BC for generations to come. FNMPC supports Fort Nelson in their work to secure a commitment from the BC Government to help fund part of the project. The BC Government has in the past been very supportive of the Clarke Lake Geothermal Project and now that the recent BC Election results are final, we feel now is a great time for the new government to demonstrate its support for clean energy from this project with a financial commitment.”

Chief Justin Napoleon of Saulteau First Nations said, “We congratulate Chief Sharleen Gale and Fort Nelson First Nation on leading the way forward with this innovative geothermal project, and we encourage BC and Canada to continue to support indigenous leadership on green energy.”

Wendake, 26 novembre 2020 – Le chef de l’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador  (APNQL), Ghislain Picard, demande à tous les partis politiques représentés à l’Assemblée  nationale de porter une attention immédiate, au-delà de toute partisannerie, au Principe de Joyce  proposé par la Nation Atikamekw. 

Le Principe de Joyce est un ensemble de propositions concrètes exigées par sa Nation à la suite de la mort d’une femme Atikamekw, Joyce Echaquan, dans un contexte de racisme inacceptable qui  a bouleversé le Québec entier. 

« Je lance aujourd’hui un appel à tous les partis politiques présents à l’Assemblée nationale pour  qu’ils unissent leurs forces vers l’adoption et la mise en œuvre rapide du Principe de Joyce. Ce qui  est en jeu ici, sur le plan humain, social et politique, ne doit laisser aucune place à la mesquinerie  partisane. L’APNQL ne l’acceptera pas », déclare le chef Picard. 

À propos de l’APNQL 

L’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador est l’organisme politique qui regroupe  43 chefs des Premières Nations au Québec et au Labrador. Suivez l’APNQL sur Twitter  @APNQL.  

At its November 26, 2020 meeting, Lakehead University’s Board of Governors approved a motion that will see the institution divest from its fossil fuel holdings by the end of the University’s current Strategic Plan in 2023. 

“Our decision to divest from fossil fuel companies reflects Lakehead’s goal of becoming a leader in sustainability as reflected throughout our current Strategic Plan and Sustainability Action Plan,” said Board of Governors Chair Angela Maltese. “This move is consistent with our commitment to addressing environmental sustainability and climate change.”

Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Moira McPherson applauded the Board’s decision, which follows extensive consultation with outside experts and with input from the University community.

“Lakehead University has a responsibility to be pro-active in facing the challenges associated with climate change through education, research, and its investments,” Dr. McPherson said. “I am especially proud of our students, who continue to show their commitment and leadership to addressing this global issue.”

Responsible investing nurtures the world’s transition away from the reliance on carbon-based economies by moving funds and investments to sectors and technologies that offer more sustainable options.

Maltese explained that while the divestment process is complex, the Board and the University will fulfill its commitment while adhering to their legal and fiduciary responsibilities to mitigate the potential costs for exiting funds that contain fossil fuel holdings. 

Maltese added that, “While our investment portfolio’s current fossil fuel exposure is a little over 2%, it will still take time to divest properly so that our investment earnings are not impacted.” 

Lakehead’s divestment strategy will be guided by its Responsible Investment Policy, a document that affirms the University’s commitment to responsible investing through consideration of Environmental, Social, and Governance factors as set out in the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing.

Bridging Finance Inc. (“Bridging“) would like to congratulate our partners in the Mi’kmaq First Nations on a truly historic day for Indigenous communities across Canada. The partnership between the Mi’kmaq First Nations Coalition and Premium Brands to purchase Clearwater Seafoods worth over $1B is “the single largest investment in the seafood industry by any Indigenous group in Canada,” said a news release jointly issued by the Coalition and Clearwater. The release continues by saying “This strategic investment represents a transformational change in Canadian fisheries, catapulting First Nations into a leading global position in the seafood industry”. From David Sharpe, CEO of Bridging Finance and member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation: “We are proud of our Mi’kmaq partners in leading the way in Indigenous economic reconciliation in Canada. This transaction serves as a model for engagement and execution in creating wealth for Indigenous groups and a stronger Canada.”

Bridging is a proud leader in the fight for economic reconciliation and is thrilled to see the continued momentum of investment and inclusion of Indigenous communities in the growth of the Canadian economy. The Bridging Indigenous Impact Fund, which was recently awarded 2nd place in the Best 1 Year Return in the Private Debt category at the 2020 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards, has been a catalyst for Indigenous economic development and reconciliation. Across Bridging’s suite of funds, approximately $600 million in First Nation loans and $100 million in Inuit loans have been deployed throughout Canada and we are excited about the countless opportunities that still exist.

Congratulations again to the Mi’kmaq First Nations!

Please contact us if you would like any further information and we thank you for your continued support.

Ian Baele, Senior Vice President, Sales – C: (416) 937-7641, ibaele@bridgingfinance.ca

Scott Miller, Director, Sales – C: (647) 984-7524, smiller@bridgingfinance.ca

David Sharpe, Chief Executive Officer – C: (647) 981-5658, dsharpe@bridgingfinance.ca;

Disclaimer:

The Bridging Indigenous Impact Fund is generally exposed to the following risks. See the offering memorandum of the Bridging Indigenous Impact Fund for a description of these risks: Speculative Investments; Limited Operating History for the Trust; Distributions and Allocations; Class Risk; Repayment of Certain Distributions; Dependence of Manager on Key Personnel; Reliance on the Manager; Possible Effect of Redemptions; Tax Liability; Potential Indemnification Obligations; Not a Public Mutual Fund; Changes in Investment Strategies; Valuation of the Trust’s Investments; Lack of Independent Experts Representing Trustee’s; No Involvement of Unaffiliated Selling Agent; General Economic and Market Conditions; Liquidity of Underling Investments; Credit Risk; Impaired Loans; No Insurance; Joint Ventures and Co-Investments; Litigation; Fixed Income Securities; Equity Securities; Possible Correlation With Traditional Investments; Idle Cash; Currency Risk; Concentration.

The Bridging Indigenous Impact Fund is offered on a private placement basis pursuant to an offering memorandum and is only available to investors who meet certain eligibility or minimum purchase amount requirements under applicable securities legislation. The offering memorandum contains important information about the Bridging Indigenous Impact Fund including its investment objectives and strategies, purchase options, applicable management fees, performance fees, other charges and expenses, and should be read carefully before investing. Performance data represents past performance of the Bridging Indigenous Impact Fund and is not indicative of future performance. Data based on performance history of less than five years may not give prospective investors enough information to base investment decisions on. Please contact your own personal advisor on your particular circumstances. This communication does not contain an offer to sell or solicitation to purchase securities of the Bridging Indigenous Impact Fund. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not residents in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Bridging Indigenous Impact Fund may be lawfully in their jurisdiction.

Bridging Finance Inc. is the Manager of the Bridging Indigenous Impact Fund. (November/2020)

Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe today extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and  friends of former Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) President and Ordinary Member for Nain, William  Barbour, who passed away at his home yesterday. 

“William was very passionate about protecting Inuit rights, including those to lands and resources, and  in promoting and preserving our language, customs and traditions. He always put the rights of Labrador  Inuit ahead of all things.” says President Lampe. “During the course of his career, as an elected official  and as public servant, William’s intelligence, integrity, sense of humour and humility earned him much  respect in the Inuit circumpolar world as well as with his own people.” 

Born in Nain in 1959, Mr. Barbour grew up as a hunter and fisherman with his father and other elders. He was sent away from Nain to go to residential school in North West River when he was 14 years old  before attending Grenfell College in Corner Brook, NL to continue his studies. 

He spent many years working with LIA, including serving as Special Assistant to the President. He also  worked as a Wildlife Technician, where he was instrumental in developing a project that used Western  science to collar polar bears in northern Labrador to prove the existence of denning bears in the region – something that Inuit already knew. Using science to confirm Inuit Knowledge resulted in the  Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to lifting the prohibition on the hunting of polar bears by  Inuit. He had a measured and insightful way of solving problems. 

Mr. Barbour was elected as President of the LIA in 1994. During his nine-year tenure, he was integral  in the completion and signing of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement-in-Principle, which led to a  final Agreement. He was instrumental during the negotiation of the Impacts and Benefits Agreement  (IBA) between the LIA and the Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company. This IBA is now being used as a model  for Indigenous partnerships across North America and other parts of the world. 

Following his term as LIA president, Mr. Barbour continued to work for Inuit and was elected to the  first Nunatsiavut Assembly as an Ordinary Member for Nain. He was subsequently appointed as the  Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, a position he held until the spring of 2009. He was re-elected  in May 2010 for another four-year term. In 2014 he was hired to work as an interpreter/translator for the  Nunatsiavut Government.“William has left a mark, not only on the history of Labrador Inuit but on those whose were fortunate  enough to have known him and to have worked with him. He will be fondly remembered,” says  President Lampe.

Victoria, British Columbia – The Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA) commenced on-water operations this fall in the territorial waters of Ahousaht and Heiltsuk First Nations, becoming the first Indigenous-led Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary in Canada. CN-CGA response units in Nisga’a, Gitxaala, and Kitasoo/Xai’xais territorial waters will be operational shortly.

The CN-CGA in British Columbia was initiated under the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan. A key pillar of the Plan is working in partnership with Indigenous coastal communities to improve marine safety and protect Canada’s marine environment.

First Nations living in coastal British Columbia have a long history of being first on the scene to respond to marine emergencies and have extensive expertise in navigating local waters. The all-First Nation CN-CGA has more than 50 members who have been trained in marine search and rescue, and are on-call to respond to marine emergencies 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year in remote areas along the coast of B.C.

Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and in partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard, CN-CGA members will work out of five rescue stations to provide marine search and rescue services, promote water safety, and conduct coastal safety patrols in an auxiliary support role to the Coast Guard.

 The Canadian Coast Guard is supporting the CN-CGA with training in search and rescue protocols and other on-water training, as well as providing opportunities to purchase vessels, specialised equipment and communications tools through various Oceans Protection Plan projects.

 The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways. This national plan is strengthening Canada’s world-leading marine safety system, providing economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines and clean water for generations to come. This work is being done in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities.

Quick facts

• The Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA) was sponsored by the Government of Canada and incorporated in mid-2018 with the purpose of providing organized voluntary marine search and rescue services in remote coastal areas of British Columbia.
• The CN-CGA is an all-First Nation volunteer organization that augments the marine search and rescue capacity in federally mandated waters as official partners of the Canadian Coast Guard.  
• The objective of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary program is to provide strategically located, trained and qualified members and vessels that are prepared and available to support Canadian Coast Guard activities.
• In 2020, the Canadian Coast Guard has delivered marine search and rescue training to new members of the Heiltsuk and Nisga’a CN-CGA on protocols including:
  • swift water rescue;
  • searching techniques;
  • marine advanced First Aid;
  • safe towing
  • coordination with the Canadian Coast Guard and Joint Rescue Coordination Centre; and
  • COVID-19 protocols during an incident.   
• Since the Oceans Protection Plan started in November 2016, over 50 initiatives have been announced in the areas of marine safety, research and ecosystem protection that span coast-to-coast-to-coast.