Two Row Times, March 8, 2023

Six Nations getting in on First Nations Drinking Water Settlement

Six Nations community may qualify for settlement from boil water advisory

Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council has applied to be part of the $8 billion federal First Nations Drinking Water Settlement after originally being left out of the class-action suit.

Only a handful of First Nations across the country were deemed to have bad enough drinking water to receive compensation from the federal government and Six Nations wasn’t one of them.

A massive list of stipulations prevented from Six Nations, and other First Nations, from being part of the settlement.

Six Nations is now working to convince settlement administrators that the community faced a decades-long boil water advisory that occurred during the stipulated claims period that began in the 90s.

Six Nations argues that it did, in fact, have a community-wide boil water

advisory for private water systems during the claim period (November 1995 to June 2021), thereby meeting the minimum one-year criteria for claims at the individual level.

Compensation is available for both communities and individuals affected by bad drinking water.

The settlement also includes commitments to

fund the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure to help First Nations enjoy safe drinking water.

Six Nations has applied to opt in to the settlement as an impacted community and once a decision is made, the community will be notified.

Elected council is encouraging individual

homeowners to visit the water settlement website, which contains an assessment tool to help people learn if they are eligible for compensation.

Elected Council said it has staff available to help community members with questions about the claims process.

Compensation includes $1.8 billion to individuals

and impacted First Nations and an extra $50 million for individuals who experienced particular harm or injuries from drinking bad water during the claims period.

The bulk of the settlement, $6 billion, is going towards upgrading community infrastructure on First Nations to provide safe drinking water to all.

The federal government is also promising, again, to lift all boil water advisories on First Nations and will create a national First Nations Advisory Committee on safe drinking water. People can also apply on behalf of minors and deceased persons.

The ranges of compensation depend on the type of water advisory experienced, the remoteness of the community, and the number of years class members lived on the First Nation.

The deadline to opt in was extended to March 2024 after complaints that this year’s deadline did not give First Nations enough time to opt in.

1045 Brant County Hwy 54 Ohsweken 519-770-3628

DONNA DURIC donna@tworowtimes.com

TWO ROW TIMES

Six Nations is looking to be added to a class-action settlement for unsafe drinking water on First Nations. The community was initially left out of the class but now says it does meet the technical requirements for community to be added for its boil water advisory. SNGR

Community members are getting their first taste of spring this month - and that taste is maple syrup.

Yes, it’s that time of year again, when people all over the eastern woodlands are tapping into maple trees for the liquid gold we’ve all come to love.

Chiefswood Park was host to the first maple syrup event of the season on the weekend, where community members enjoyed a maple syrup pancake breakfast, crafts for the kids, and tree-tapping tour throughout the park.

The sap is flowing on dozens of trees that were tapped at the park, giving hope that spring will soon be here.

Maple syrup season is here

Community members also learned how to identify maple trees, which are harder to identify in the late winter when they’re still bare.

Kerdo Deer helped with the identification of maple trees.

“One of the things you want to look at is the arrangement of the branches so oppositely arranged branches, like a capital T. Maples and ashes are going to be the only trees with branches oppositely arranged.”

The ash tree, however, has buds that look like chocolate chips.

He said there are a lot of different stories regarding when Haudenosaunee people first discovered maple sugar and the importance of it as a medicine and food source.

It’s especially treasured as a food source in the late winter as there was tra-

ditionally no produce or fresh fruits or vegetables available to eat during this time of year.

It’s also referred to as a medicine in the Thanksgiving Address.

For those unfamiliar with boiling sap, it could take days to boil it long enough to evaporate the water content leaving only the delicious sap behind.

When it comes to choosing where to tap a maple tree with a spigot in order to get the most sugar flowing, Deer recommends choosing the south side of the tree. That’s where it would get the most sun during the day.

You can also look up to find where the biggest branch is - that’s where the most sap will be flowing, he said.

EmbracingInternationalWomen’sDay

LeenieHillputsalotofhardworkandheartinto herflowerbusiness.

OwnerofFlowersByLeenie,Hillhasbeenaround thepretty,multi-colourblossomsforaslongasshe canrememberandhasalwayslovedseeingthe smilethataflower,ortwo,or50canputon someone’sface.Hillwantstohelpthecommunity celebrateInternationalWomen’sDaywith,you guessedit,flowers.

“Ilovebeingapartofsomeone’sspecialday,”said Hill.“Whetherit’sawedding,graduation, anniversaryorsomethingsmall—myfavourite partofthejobisjusttobeablessing.”

Theshopalsodoesalotofcustomworkfor funerals.

Hillthinksshegotherloveofflowersfromher mother.So,havingbeeninthebusinessherwhole life,itwasaneasychoicetotakeacourseinFloral Designandopenupherfirstshopbackin1995.

“Sheworkshardanddefinitelyworkswellunder pressure,”saidRachelSkye,oneofHill’s daughters.“Undersupertightdeadlinesshestill putsoutgreatwork.”

FlowersByLeenieisawell-established,yetstill growingbusinessintheOhswekenVillagePlaza. Nextyeararoundthistime,Hillwillberetiringand

lettingherthreedaughterstakeoverthebusiness. “Ihopethecommunitycontinuessupportingthe business,”saidHill.“Ialsohavebeenwritinga book,whichcomesoutnextMarch.NowIcan finallytravel.”

Hilllovesherfamily,jobandallhercustomers— yetcan’thelpbutchuckleeverytimeshehelps anotherfrantic,forgetfulmanpickoutthatperfect bouquetofrosesforhiswifeonValentine'sDay,or betteryet,InternationalWomen’sDay.

“Ohyea,”shesaidwithasmile.“Wegetsomeevery year.”

Kerdo Deer gave a demonstration and teaching about Maple sap harvesting and syrup making at Chiefswood Park. DURIC

Limited edition Hershey chocolate bars to celebrate women

Five special edition bars available across Canada celebrating International Women's Day

JACE KOBLUN jace@tworowtimes.com

Hershey Canada has partnered with Girl Up to launch five limited edition HER for SHE chocolate bars to celebrate International Women’s Day. Available at participating locations across Canada, each bar highlights a Canadian woman taking action to build a more positive future. This is part of a global initiative from The Hershey Company, which has been ranked as the World's Top Female Friendly Company, to shine a light on the voices of women making an impact in their communities.

This year's HER for SHE initiative spotlights five Canadian women working to build a better future through their passion, activism, and work in their communities:

Autumn Peltier, Indigenous rights and water activist; Fae Johnstone, LGBTQIA2S+ advocate;

Rita Audi, gender and education equality activist; Naila Moloo, climate tech researcher; and Kélicia Massala, founder of Girl Up Québec.

Hershey Canada worked with Toronto-based mural artist, Gosia Komorski, to bring the women's stories to life. The designs illustrate

how each woman is using her voice and advocacy to contribute to lasting change.

“The HER for SHE 2023 campaign is crucial to empower women to become leaders and to teach young girls that anything is possible,” said Audi. “By featuring the accomplishments of local women,

Hershey's raises awareness of both the progress we have made towards gender equality and the amount of work we still have to do.”

The campaign is a continuation of the 2022 Canadian campaign.

“Last year's initiative exemplified Hershey Canada's larger values and

commitment to support and advance gender equity,” said Brittany Chopra, senior marketing manager at Hershey Canada. “We're so excited to extend the message even further in 2023. Having the bars on sale across Canada only serves to amplify women's voices and stories and will encourage more Canadians to spotlight those making change in their own communities.”

The Hershey Company is working to make advancements in gender equity through meaningful partnerships and programming that provide young girls and women the support to

develop their skills and get involved in leadership opportunities.

In working closely with Girl Up Canada to amplify women's stories, Hershey Canada hopes to spark a movement and inspire more women to continue fighting for the future they want to see.

“As a society, it is ever more important to continue to uplift and recognize the strength of all women,” said Peltier, who is excited to see her bar wrapper and story come to life. “Everyone deserves a seat at the table — there is power in the word she.”

Autumn Peltier, Indigenous rights and water activist; Fae Johnstone, LGBTQIA2S+ advocate; Rita Audi, gender and education equality activist; Naila Moloo, climate tech researcher; and Kélicia Massala, founder of Girl Up Québec. HERSHEY CANADA

This year's HER for SHE initiative spotlights five Canadian women working to build a better future through their passion, activism, and work in their communities. HERSHEY CANADA.

Six Nations in court to challenge timeline for Indian Day School class action claims

Elected Chief Mark Hill.

Six Nations and Indian Day School (IDS) survivor Audrey Hill moved forward with legal action against the Government of Canada last week to extend what they say are unrealistic claims deadline for IDS class action.

Hearings began in court last week, on Mar. 2 to extend the application deadline for another two years.

Six Nations and Hill are calling on the federal government to extend the time for Indian Day School survivors to get compensation for the abuse and trauma they suffered.

"We are disappointed to be forced to take these steps by the Federal Liberal Government to seek justice for IDS survivors, who have suffered long-lasting trauma as a result of the abuse they faced at these schools," said Six Nations

"We cannot be silent as members of our communities are left uncompensated for the wrongs committed against them by Canada. IDS survivors must have a fair and meaningful opportunity to make a claim—that is what reconciliation requires."

The case kicked off with conference last week to deal with procedural matters in the lawsuit, which aims to compensate survivors of systemic abuse at government-run schools for Indigenous children.

Six Nations and Hill have filed statements that set out how the process for IDS survivors seek compensation, which ended on Jan. 13, 2023, saying the process was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

They believe a significant number of survivors have not been able to make a claim before the deadline due to the lack of culturally sensitive

supports and an “unfairly short timeline,” SNGR noted in a press release. “To give class members a true opportunity to seek compensation, Six Nations and Hill argue the deadline should be extended to Dec. 31, 2025."

The federal government has not yet filed materials responding to Six Nations and Hill's legal action.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit almost immediately after the IDS claims process opened in January 2020.

SNGR said the schools had a massive impact on Indigenous communities like Six Nations.

Information and assistance regarding the claims process were largely provided online, but about two-thirds of households in Indigenous communities do not have access to high-speed internet.

Six Nations and Hill also identify several other barriers facing IDS survivors, such as the lack of culturally sensitive and trau-

Guelph’s Private Tree Protection By-law update

Have your say by April 14

Visit haveyoursay.guelph.ca/tree-bylaw

We want to know:

If you’ve heard about the Private Tree Protection By-law before?

What you think about the current bylaw?

How you think the bylaw can be improved?

City of Guelph’s new community micro-grant program

To learn more visit guelph.ca/grants

Are you a local artist with big dreams?

Are you passionate about building community in your neighbourhood?

The City of Guelph invites you to apply for the new Activating Community Micro-grant program before March 23, 2023.

This new micro-grant program will fund initiatives that focus on either activating art or activating neighbourhoods.

ma-informed supports.

"People who saw abuse at the day schools need to have support and time in order to engage with their memories and disclose the things that happened to them," said Hill. “There was a 1-800 number for support and assistance but that is not a meaningful support for our people, many of whom went through unspeakable things. You can't rush the process. There are people out there who are eligible for a claim but haven't made one because they are not ready to talk about what happened to them."

To date, no extension to the claims process has been granted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite Canada's agreement to extensions in other class action settlements such as the First Nations drinking water class action.

"Indigenous leaders have been raising concerns and calling for an extension for over a year,

but the Federal Liberal Government has not addressed our concerns at all," said Chief Hill. "The government needs to move quickly to extend the claims process. It is long past time for mere acknowledgments and empty words about reconciliation. We need a systemic solution so no survivors are left out."

Through the courts, Six Nations and Hill are seeking an extension of the claims deadline to Dec. 31, 2025. The same class action settlement is also being challenged in another proceeding before the Federal Court of Appeal, where survivors are seeking a declaration that they may amend claims that have already been made to be more fully compensated for their harms.

Generations of Indigenous children suffered systemic emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at Indian Day Schools (IDS) operated and controlled by the Government of

Canada for over a century. IDS survivors launched a class action lawsuit against the federal government. In 2019, a settlement agreement was established to compensate class members (Agreement).The Agreement arbitrarily set the claims period at two and a half years, compared to five for the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, which affected approximately half as many class members.

The Agreement specifically called for cultural sensitivity to minimize the risk that class members would be retraumatized when claiming compensation. This did not happen.

Class members did not receive adequate notice and assistance to complete their claims, and the claims period was too short for a trauma-based case, particularly in light of the pandemic.

The court challenge was launched on Dec. 20, 2022.

MCFN and Oakville come together for allyship celebration

lationship between Mississaugas

of the Credit First Nation and the City of Oakville is blossoming.

The City of Oakville and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation are forging a strong relationship together, rooted in allyship and truth.

Peter Schuler, an MCFN elder, has been working as an advisor for the Oakville Community Foundation since 2020 and through that, the re-

The two communities shared cultures at the MCFN community centre on Saturday night, with drumming, dancing and a feast catered by renowned chef Tawnya Brant.

“(Peter) suggested we should have a community feast and bring the two communities together and celebrate our dif-

ferent cultures,” said Wendy Rinella, CEO of the Oakville Community Foundation. “That’s the genesis.”

One of the projects the two communities are working on is called Debwewin, which means “truth” in Anishinaabemowin, and involves bringing the history of MCFN to the city.

“If you go to Oakville, there’s not much Indigenous history in Oakville, so what we’ve been

trying to do is bring back that Indigenous history,” she said.

Rinella lamented the fact there was no Indigenous friendship centre in Oakville but there is some treaty signage around the community.

There are two MCFN treaties that cover the land in the City of Oakville - Treaty 14 and Treaty 22. Both are pre-Confederation treaties.

“They’re on treaty

land,” said Rinella. “When people go to Oakville, they don’t realize it.”

These are friendship and allyship treaties, she said.

“What we wanted to do was make people understand that history and that past. Allyship, to me, is based in friendship and reciprocity. The idea is what we do in Oakville, we also do at Mississaugas of the Credit, as our treaty ally.”

Last May, the two com-

munities held a treaty celebration in Oakville, featuring Inuit singer Susan Aglukark, and this year, the celebration was brought to MCFN.

“This is the beginning of what we hope will be an annual event between the two communities. We have a lot more work in gaining the trust, trust-building to do, and showing that we’ve come with good intentions and that we’re committed to it.”

First Nations are using 'creative disruption' to foster economic growth in their communities

By Gregory C Mason, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Manitoba

First Nations have been resisting the historic and ongoing impacts of Canada's extractive economy on their communities by exercising their right to self-governance and taking control of their economic futures.

Creative disruption stands in contrast to creative destruction, a term coined by Austrian political economist Joseph Schumpeter. Schumpeter argued that capitalism causes old ideas and technology to quickly become obsolete through the process of innovation. In the pursuit of profit, capitalism ruthlessly and relentlessly eliminates old ideas and installs new ones.

Creative disruption, on the other hand, aims to make space for new ideas by forcing the old ways to adapt and adopt. First Nations communities are doing this in a number of ways.

As an academic with a background in urban land economics, I have studied how First Nations are using creative disruption to shape businesses, urban communities and the health-care system in Canada.

Sen?a?w development project

One of the ironies of

modern Indigenous land law is how the reserve system defined by the Indian Act, originally designed to assimilate Indigenous nations and communities into mainstream Canadian culture, has morphed into a strategic asset for First Nations.

As author Bob Joseph notes in 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, the Squamish Nation lost 14 acres (about 0.05 square kilometres) of their territory in Vancouver to a lumber company through expropriation in 1904.

After a century of litigation, the Squamish Nation recovered some of the lost land and is now in the process of building Sen?a?w, a massive economic development project in Kits Point, Vancouver.

Sen?a?w is the largest Indigenous-led housing retail development in Canadian history and will add much-needed housing supply to a market that has become unaffordable for most. The development plans to build 11 towers and 6,000 housing units.

officially established after the land the reserve sits on — the former Kapyong Barracks — was recently repatriated to the seven Treaty One First Nations.

Treaty One Nation fought to have the land returned to them under the provisions of the Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement after the Canadian government tried to transfer the land to a Crown corporation years ago.

After a prolonged legal process, a judge ruled the federal government failed to adequately consult with Treaty One Nation and the land transfer was ruled illegitimate in 2015.

An incorporated consortium run by the Treaty One Nation, called the Treaty One Development Corporation, will oversee developments on Naawi-Oodena.

system. Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta entered into an agreement with contractors to create a private health clinic offering simple hip and knee surgeries.

The provincial government will fund the procedures through medicare and publicly funded hospitals will still handle more complicated surgeries.

Enoch Cree Nation joins a growing number of private health clinics in Canada forming public-private partnerships. They are not the first First Nation to get involved with health care, either.

back through treaties all the way back to the Royal Proclamation of 1763 to widen Canada's constitution beyond the formal acts to include treaties with First Nations.

Institutional changes supporting disruption include Article 35 of the 1982 Constitution Act that recognizes the ``existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada.'' This clause is widely interpreted as creating a nation-to-nation relationship between First Nations and Canada.

Indigenous communities in Canada still face many barriers to economic participation. By engaging in the examples of creative disruption here, First Nations are working toward economic prosperity for their communities and, in the process, are also working toward reconciliation.

Naawi-Oodena

urban reserve

A second example of creative disruption is the creation of the Naawi-Oodena urban reserve in Winnipeg. It's the largest urban reserve in Canada, covering 64 hectares.

Naawi-Oodena was

As a self-governing nation, Treaty One will set its own land management policies, potentially in contrast to the zoning and building codes of Winnipeg. In reality, it's likely to gently push or disrupt urban development, rather than outright destroy current practices since its goal is to attract tenants, the majority of which will be non-Indigenous.

First Nations health care

First Nations entrepreneurs are also seeking out ways to revolutionize the Canadian health-care

In 2012, Westbank First Nation announced a plan to build a private, for-profit hospital. Some constitutional experts warned that Westbank First Nation was violating the Canada Health Act, but the nation responded by arguing that, as a self-governing nation, it was not bound by federal laws.

Enoch Cree Nation's private clinic will face other challenges. While COVID-19 has shaken the faith Canadians have in our health-care system, and receptivity to private health care may be growing, the affinity for public health care remains strong.

Legal redress

First Nations have also become creative disrupters by pursuing legal redress for past injustices. The courts have reached

Equally important for commercial ventures is Article 87 of the Indian Act which exempts First Nations land from taxation by any order of government. This means an urban reserve does not pay property tax to a municipality.

Despite criticism of the Indian Act by authors like Joseph, Article 87 offers a major fiscal benefit for First Nations individuals and businesses on reserve. Although a complex area of law, this tax exemption is an important reason why First Nations may prefer to add land to existing reserves or to create new reserves, rather than owning land conventionally like corporations.

Furthering reconciliation

Despite some First Nations regaining rights and titles to their lands,

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples — the framework for reconciliation according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada — states Indigenous people have the right to pursue their own means of economic development. By starting their own entrepreneurial and developmental projects, First Nations are engaging in their inherent ``right to maintain and develop their political, economic and social systems or institutions.''

Reconciliation also works best when all parties involved benefit from changes. These examples of creative disruption will benefit non-Indigenous Canadians as well as Indigenous people by increasing the housing supply in Vancouver and Winnipeg, bringing remote First Nations into the economic orbit of cities and offering increased health treatment options.

To improve drinking water quality in First Nation communities, a collaborative approach is important

The Canadian Press

Recently the federal government announced its intention to fulfil its responsibility and fund the construction of a new drinking water pipeline between the Oneida Nation of the Thames and the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System.

A long-term drinking water advisory has been in effect on the Oneida Public Water System since 2019, affecting community homes and buildings. For this reason, the federal government's announcement is hopeful news.

Much of our research, which we review in this article, explores the potential of collaborative arrangements to improve drinking water quality outcomes in First Nations communities.

Water sharing arrangements, like the proposed one between the Oneida Nation of the Thames and the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System, have the potential to enhance

water security, but they require strong communication and co-ordination between community leaders in addition to adequate financial support.

Key issues

In one of our recently published papers we point out that water sharing agreements between Ontario municipalities are commonplace. For example, York Region receives water from the City of Toronto.

That said, the commonness of water sharing between Ontario First Nations and municipalities is far lower than it is between municipalities.

These differences are associated with factors like remoteness. A high proportion of First Nations are located in Northern Ontario and located relatively far from nearby communities who could enter into a water sharing arrangement.

But some First Nations, like the Oneida Nation of the Thames, have munic-

ipal neighbours within a feasible distance, where water sharing for access to safe drinking water is a viable option.

A few other First Nations are also engaged in similar arrangements. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation now receive water from Haldimand County via a connection in Hagersville, Ont. Six Nations of the Grand River have joined in this arrangement with the Mississaugas of the Credit through a boundary watermain. Meanwhile, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation are collaborating with Durham Region regarding the potential to service Port Perry.

Positive effects of water sharing agreements

In a recent article we find a positive association between enhanced drinking water quality and Indigenous-municipal drinking water arrangements in Ontario.

Using historic data, and controlling for many

factors, we find that First Nation drinking water systems in Ontario are more likely than municipal water systems to experience a drinking water advisory.

However, the presence of water sharing arrangements between First Nation systems and nearby municipalities are associated with reductions in the likelihood that a First Nation water system will experience a drinking water advisory.

This is a welcome outcome for all communities.

Partnerships beyond water Indigenous-local intergovernmental partnerships are not limited to water.

There are numerous types of agreements for community services that exist between First Nations and municipalities. These agreements include fire protection, trash collection, animal control and co-ordinated efforts to recruit medical

professionals to serve the communities.

The success of these agreements, as well as the water sharing ones, relies on the acknowledgement of the unique histories and aspirations of the communities and the governments before exploring any partnership.

This includes an appreciation of the nation-to-nation relationship between First Nations and the federal government, Indigenous rights and autonomy, cultural differences, funding, longterm sustainability of the projects and a host of economic considerations, like the costs to implementing and developing any legal contract.

Path to a collaborative future

There is no silver bullet to addressing any specific issue — especially one as chronic and complex as drinking water quality in First Nations communities.

Water servicing agreements should only be

viewed as one component of the portfolio of efforts to address this historic problem.

Voluntary mutually beneficial exchanges, like the water sharing agreements, require leadership that enhances trust, transparency and communication between First Nation, municipal and federal governments. And we hope that the evolving relationship between the Oneida Nation of the Thames and the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System will prove mutually beneficial.

Our research suggests this collaboration has the possibility of improving drinking water quality by reducing the likelihood of persistent drinking water advisories. The emergence and success of collaborative relationships like these will depend on a host of factors that will require purposeful efforts to develop understanding and trust.

Six Nations mourns former principal and councillor Linda Staats

By Donna Duric

Six Nations is mourning the loss of a community leader.

Former principal and Six Nations Elected Councillor Linda Staats passed away on Feb. 27 surrounded by family and is being remembered as having lived a “marvellous life.”

Staats was an elected councillor for district five under the 52nd elected council from 2001 to 2004.

She was an avid edu-

cator in the Six Nations community, as well.

Six Nations Council said in a statement Staats was dedicated to advocating for proper education on the territory and knew the need for an education plan and strategy.

She was the founding Chief Executive Officer of Six Nations Polytechnic from 1993 to 2009.

Additionally, Staats was a principal in Northern Ontario and later the Principal of the private language immersion school

Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo for several years.

“Kawenni:io/Gaywenni:yo (K/G) Immersion Elementary and High School families, students, staff, and board members send condolences to the family of Linda Staats,” said KG Chair Ruby Jacobs. “Linda served as Principal of K/G from 2014 to 2020. She accepted a call to serve as Principal after the passing of the former Principal. This was a challenging period, but Linda was able to successfully and

competently navigate the school through this trying time due to her strength, knowledge, and skills as a principal, acquired over years in education. She understood the meaning of the K/G education philosophy importance to the community. Her contribution to keeping the program intact will never be forgotten and we are thankful for her service at K/G. May she rest in the arms of the creator.”

Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council

expressed sympathy for the family and friends of Staats.

“We hope they are comforted and encouraged by the love surrounding them during this difficult time,” council said in a statement. “Our thoughts, prayers, and good medicine are with her loved ones as we mourn and reflect on her magnificent contributions to Six Nations throughout her marvellous life.”

Elected Chief Hill said, “We are honoured to be

able to witness Linda’s work and advocacy for the Six Nations community. Her leadership and mentorship of many Six Nations families will not be forgotten. Linda’s wisdom and knowledge will live on through many generations who had the privilege to learn and be mentioned by her through their educational journeys.”

Visitation will take place at Styres Funeral Home in Ohsweken,

Trudeau says appointing Indigenous RCMP commissioner is an 'excellent idea'

His comment came in response a call from some First Nations leadership for the Liberal government to ensure the next top Mountie is Indigenous.

the decision will be made through an independent process, the details of which have yet to be announced.

OTTAWA — Naming an Indigenous person as the next commissioner of the RCMP is ``an excellent idea,'' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday, but he cautioned against thinking that such an appointment would be enough to solve the force's problems.

Speaking to reporters in Winnipeg, Trudeau said, ``I think it's an excellent idea.''

``Seeing more and more Indigenous leadership throughout systems and institutions across the country, we should absolutely look at more diversity.''

However, Trudeau said

``We will always look to try and make sure the full diversity of Canada and Indigenous representation is part of our considerations.''

Trudeau has made reconciliation one of his top priorities since taking office in 2015. Besides spending billions on various initiatives he named

Mary Simon, an Inuk leader, as the first Indigenous Governor General.

His office also confirmed Justice Michelle O'Bonsawin, an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation, as the first Indigenous justice for the Supreme Court of Canada.

RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki plans to retire this month, just before the end of her five-year term.

She was appointed in April 2018 and led the force during a chaotic few years that included the deadliest mass shooting in modern Canadian history, along with growing calls to defund the police and allegations of systemic racism in the force.

When she was selected, Lucki became the first woman to permanently hold the role.

The force, which marks 150 years in May, has faced criticism over its historic and current relationship with Indigenous people. The RCMP is the main police force for many First

Nations, Inuit and Metis communities through contract policing agreements with the provinces and territories.

Officers have faced allegations of failing to properly investigate or take seriously the disappearances and deaths of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

In 2018, Lucki apologized to the families of some women who were part of an inquiry into the issue, saying that, ``for too many of you, the RCMP was not the police service that it needed to be during this terrible time.''

In June 2020, Lucki said in a series of media interviews that she ``struggled with the definition of systemic racism.'' Those comments were met with sharp criticism, including from Indigenous leaders who pointed out she had pledged to improve relations with their communities.

Afterward, she released a statement saying she should have more defini-

tively acknowledged that systemic racism exists within the ranks of the RCMP.

On Friday, Trudeau pointed out that choosing an Indigenous officer to lead the Mounties will not in and of itself fix the force's problems.

``We have to understand that it's not just about putting the right person at the top of an organization that makes the systemic change necessary,'' he said.

``There is a huge amount of work on structures within our institutions, including the RCMP, to ensure that the entire force, the entire system, is fully respectful of Indigenous people, respectful of diversity.''

An internal report of the RCMP's progress on reconciliation released in 2022 outlined its struggle to recruit and retain Indigenous members in its ranks.

The report found that Indigenous representation had dropped to seven per cent in 2020, down from eight per cent in 2010.

Metis Nation of Ontario votes to remove undocumented members

The Canadian Press

The Metis Nation of Ontario has voted to remove members who do not provide full documentation of a Metis connection or ancestry.

The organization, which represents Metis people in the province, said its members voted over nearly three months on the issue

and while removals won't be immediate, the results provide direction for the future.

``The results are clear that MNO citizens want to ensure that the MNO can verify that all of its citizens are Metis rights-holders,'' the organization's president Margaret Froh wrote in a statement. ``We will

move forward on this basis.''

The Metis Nation of Ontario made the decision to conduct the vote after holding its annual general assembly last August.

That came after it began assessing the completeness of its citizenship files in 2017, as part of its negotiations with Canada and

Ontario on Metis self-governance.

Work over the last six years has indicated approximately 18 per cent of its membership — or 5,400 members — could not be verified as Metis rights-holders due to missing documentation, the organization said.

Seventy-one per cent of

members who cast ballots between early December and late February voted to remove members with incomplete citizenship files from the organization's registry.

A special meeting will be called to amend bylaws and policy to remove citizens with incomplete files, the organization said.

Issues to be considered will include the need for a reasonable notice period for removal, an appeals process and clarity that removed citizens can re-apply at any time for membership if proper documentation is provided, the Metis Nation of Ontario said.

The organization said it recognizes that the issue of Metis ancestry is a sensitive and significant one and noted that it spent years offering support to citizens trying to ``complete'' their citizenship files.

``The MNO wants to acknowledge how sensitive of an issue this is for many,'' chair Hank Rowlinson wrote in a statement.

``We will continue to be transparent and sensitive, while also respecting the collective will of Metis rights-holders and rights-bearing Metis communities in Ontario.''

Lynn Lavallee, the strategic lead of Indigenous resurgence at Toronto Metropolitan University's community services department, said the Metis Nation of Ontario — of which she is a member — has been under scrutiny for giving out membership cards too easily.

She said she believes the organization has gone ``above and beyond'' by making their registry review public.

Lavallee said, however, that certain individuals with genuine Metis ancestry may not have supporting documentation for a variety of complex reasons.

``People may have found out about their Metis ancestry much later because of people trying to withhold the fact that they were Indigenous,'' said Lavallee.

Some could also be reconnecting with their Indigenous identity or unable to afford or even locate documentation, like relatives' birth or death certificates.

``It would be good if the MNO could support citizens whose files are not complete where clearly there's a strong suspicion that they are Metis,'' she said.

Members who could lose their Metis citizenship status could lose out on rights and benefits such as federal funding dispersed amongst members by Metis nations, she said.

GOODLUCKTOALLIN LILNHL

NOTICE OF COMPLETION

Pressure District 2/3 Water Storage Tank Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

The Study

The City of Brantford has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment study for siting a new water storage tank to service existing and future residents in the City’s Pressure District 2/3. The need for additional storage in PD 2/3 was identified in the recent City of Brantford Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Master Servicing Plan Update.

The study has evaluated various alternatives for siting a new water storage tank to address the need for additional storage within the distribution system, in addition to associated transmission watermains and modifications to existing pumping stations to meet service area demands. The preferred solution is to site a new elevated water storage tank on King George Road with accommodation for future additional storage, pending growth.

The Process

The study has been conducted in accordance with Schedule ‘B’ requirements of the Municipal Engineers Association “Municipal Class Environmental Assessment” manual (October 2000, as amended in 2015) which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

How to Review the Project File

The Project File documenting the planning process is available for public review and comment for a period of 30 calendar days starting on March 8, 2023 and ending on April 7, 2023. To facilitate public review of this document, the Project File report is available on the project page at brantford.ca/WaterStorageTankEA. Details on where to direct any comments or concerns can also be found in the full Notice of Completion located on the project page.

SIX NATIONS — Eastern Arena Lacrosse League games continued this past weekend with cur-rent standings showing the Toronto Monarchs in the first place spot, followed by the Brampton Express, Oshwa Outlaws, Whitby Steelhawks, Paris RiverWolves, Six Nations Snipers, Ohsweken Bears and Peterborough Timbermen consecutively.

Friday, March 3 started with a postponed match that was to be held at the Brampton Memorial Arena between the Oshawa Outlaws and the Brampton Express. The following day, the Six Nations Snipers travelled to the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre to face the Toronto

know the score.

Snipers and Bears look for victories this weekend

Monarchs.

Despite the Monarchs leading the league in standings, the Snipers kept up throughout the match.

Another close game was had, as the first goal went the Snipers from Nolan Fehr, with a second goal from Andrew Vradenburg. The Monarchs responded once, with three more from Cheyton King, Brent Longboat and Nolan Fehr for his second. The Monarchs came through with one more, but Nolan Fehr closed the period with a hat-trick goal, finalizing the period at 6-2.

Coming into the second period with a strong lead, Cheyton King put his second goal of the game away while the Monarchs put two more on the board. But Todd Thomas and Haodais Maracle put singles away to block the

Monarchs from advancing.

Justin Porga put two more away before two more came for the Monarchs by the end of the period, closing it out 11-5 for the Snipers.

In the third, a single goal went up for the visitor, while Nolan Fehr went for his fourth goal of the game. Two more went up for the Monarchs, finishing the period with a closer

lead 12-8 for the Snipers.

In the fourth, Brent Longboat opened scoring with a single, which opened for eight goals in a row in a blitz for the Monarchs.

Cheyton King mustered a

single, but the Monarchs finalized the period after a double. This finished the close game 14-18 for the Monarchs.

Nolan Fehr was awarded a third place star for 4 goals, making for points total for the Snipers.

Later on Sunday, March 5, the Whitby Steelhawks took on the Paris RiverWolves at the same arena. The River Wolves won a close match 15-14.

The next scheduled game for the the Ohsweken Bears will see them play at the Millbrook Arena against the Peterborough Timbermen on Saturday, March 10. While the Six Nations Snipers will face the Timbermen at home on Sunday, March 12 at 4:00 p.m., the Bears will be taking on the Toronto Monarchs earlier in the day at 1:00 p.m..

Six Nations bull riding champion Noah VanEvery honoured

ahead of its 25th anniversary. Among those recognized was Six Nations Noah VanEvery, who won both the 2022 Junior Bull Riding Finals buckle and the 2022 Year End Junior Bull Riding Champion buckle. On the RAM website, VanEvery is written as a Youth Steer Riding champion specifically. As explained on the Ram website as well, “The cowboy must hang on for eight seconds with one hand. In this case, it's a flat, braided "bull rope" tied around the bull's belly. His riding hand is wrapped into the rope and he cannot touch himself or the bull with his free hand. Strength, flexibility, coordination and a strong mental attitude are just part of the skills a cowboy needs to successfully ride a bucking, spinning bull. The Bull Rider receives points as the animal bucks but he is also judged on his ability to stay on the bull. Unlike Bronc Riding, the uglier the action of the bull, the more points a rider will score for being able to stay on. Each bull is different with its own personality and traits for bucking hard, spinning and changing directions.” VanEvery’s achievements were recognized by relative Alex VanEvery, who noted his recognition on Facebook. SUBMITTED

The Six Nations Snipers and Ohsweken Bears faced opponents that brought losses this past weekend in the Eastern Arena Lacrosse League; this coming weekend is hoped to see team improvement against the Monarchs and Timbermen. TRT

ONTARIO

—

On Monday, March 7, 2022 champions of the RAM Rodeo Tour were honoured

Six Nations ILA to host Lacrosse Invitational

By TRT Staff with notes from iswo.ca

SIX NATIONS — The Ontario Native Lacrosse Invitational (ONLI) is set to bring teams together from across Ontario to compete in a friendly, yet competitive invitational tournament this month at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.

To take place from March 31 to April 2, youth ages 13-19 will travel with their teams and family members to compete in the first ONLI hosted by the Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario (ISWO). The event is set to build upon similar provincial tournaments such as the Ontario Native Volleyball Invitational (ONVI) and the Ontario Native Basketball Invitational (ONBI).

“The goal of hosting ONLI is to build confi-

dence, create friendships on and off the court, and strengthen community, while creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to participate in competitive sport with their peers.

The ONLI will act as an identifier for participation in the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG),” reads the ONLI section of the ISWO website.

The age divisions mirror the ONVI and ONBI divisions with a male U16, U19, and female U19 options for athletes.

“Athletes will be drafted to their teams for the weekend, on Friday, March 31st during the Athlete Combine, where we will be hosting a skills session, skills competition. Players must register individually, as all players will be assigned to teams for the weekend on Friday, March 31. To register,

players (or their legal guardians), must create an account and submit the required information, including emergency contact information, health information and sign-off on waivers. Parental or guardian permission is required for youth under the age of 18.”

The deadline to register is set at March 20, with a deadline for payment on March 27.

It was noted that the 2023 ONLI competition schedule will be posted to this website one week before the event. All registered and paid players will receive a 2023 ONLI Information Package, with everything that you need to know, including the game schedule, competition format, code of conduct rules, and more, prior to the event.

CALEDONIA — The Caledonia Pro-Fit Corvairs are in the midst of their first series match up with the Thorold Blackhawks, coming into Game 5. Starting with a home game for the Corvairs at the Haldimand County Caledonia Centre (HCCC) on Wednesday, March 1, they earned their first win of the series 8-1 over Thorold. Game 2 took them to the Vale Centre on Friday, March 3, where they won again 4-2. Game 3 took place last Saturday at the HCCC again, but the Corvairs took their first loss at home 4-1. By Monday, March 6, the Corvairs came through with a Game 4 win 4-2 at the Vale Centre. Game 5 will be held on Wednesday, March 8 at the HCCC at 7:30 p.m..CORVAIRS

A province wide lacrosse tournament is coming to Six Nations of the Grand River -- the Ontario Native Lacrosse Invitational. TRT

By TRT Staff with notes from NLL.com

As Week 15 gets underway within the National Lacrosse League, transactions from Week 14 are visible with standings making showing solid effort in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

The Buffalo Bandits remain on top of the Eastern, followed by the Toronto Rock, Rochester Nighthawks, Philadelphia Wings, Halifax Thunderbirds, Georgia Swarm, Albany FireWolves, and New York Riptide. In the West, the San Diego Seals still sit on top, followed by the Calgary Roughnecks, Panther City Lacrosse, Saskatchewan Rush, Colorado Mammoth, Las Vegas Desert Dogs and Vancouver Warriors. As for internal movement:

On February 28: The Albany FireWolves placed Practice Player Justin Scott on the Practice Player List from the Active Roster. The Buffalo Bandits placed Chase Fraser on the Active Roster Eval-

NLL Transactions for Week 15

uation List from the Protected Player List. The Calgary Roughnecks placed Practice Player Keegan Bell on the Practice Player List from the Active Roster, and placed Practice Player Dylan McIntosh on the Active Roster from the Practice Player List. The Las Vegas Desert Dogs have placed Griffin Hall on the Active Roster from the Practice Player List and have removed the Practice Player Tag, and placed Jon Phillips on the Active Roster from the Practice Player List and have removed the Practice Player Tag. The Panther City Lacrosse Club have traded Jake Fox to the Albany FireWolves in exchange for their third round selection in the 2026 Entry Draft and their sixth round selection in the 2024 Entry Draft, and placed Brooker Muir on the Active Roster from the Practice Player List and have removed the Practice Player Tag. The Rochester Knighthawks has signed Riley Hutchcraft to a one year agreement. The Vancouver Warriors

have placed Aden Walsh on the Active Roster from the Physically Unable to Perform List and placed Brody Harris on the Injured Reserve List from the Active Roster.

On March 2: The Albany FireWolves have placed Nick Chaykowsky on the Injured Reserve List from the Active Roster, placed Ethan Walker on the Injured Reserve List from the Active Roster, placed Brett Manney on the Active Roster from the Short Term Hold Out List and placed Zac Tucci on the Active Roster from the Short Term Hold Out List. The Halifax Thunderbirds placed Broedie Birkhof on the Evaluation List from the Physically Unable to Perform List. The Las Vegas Desert Dogs released Emerson Clark from the Suspended List, signed Emerson Clark to the Practice Player List, placed Jackson Suboch on the Injured Reserve List from the Active Roster and placed Practice Player Nick Ellerton on the Active Roster from the Practice

Player List.

On March 3: The Albany FireWolves released Jules Heningburg from the Hold Out List. The Buffalo Bandits placed Josh Byrne on the Injured Reserve List from the Active Roster, and placed Practice Player Sam La Roue on the Active Roster from the Practice Player List. The Las Vegas Desert Dogs placed Jackson Suboch on the Physically Unable to Perform List from the Injured Reserve List. The San Diego Seals placed Jesse Gamble on the Active Roster from the Injured Roster List, released Jake Govett from the Active Roster, and signed Jake Govett to a Protected Practice Player agreement. The Toronto Rock placed Dan Dawson on the Active Roster from the Injured Reserve List and placed Practice Player Josh Dawick on the Practice Player List from the Active Roster.

On March 4: The Albany FireWolves placed Greg Downing on the Active Roster from the Injured Reserve List, and

placed Practice Player Jackson Reid on the Practice Player List from the Active Roster. The Georgia Swarm placed Craig Wende on the Hold Out List from the Short Term Hold Out List. The Las Vegas Desert Dogs released Joe Robertson from the Short Term Hold Out List, and signed Joe Robertson to the Practice Player List. The Panther City Lacrosse Club released Dean Fairall from the Active Roster, placed Cameron Wengreniuk on the Active Roster from the Hold Out List, placed Liam Byrnes on the Hold Out List from the Active Roster and placed Ryan McLean on the Active Roster from the Injured Reserve List.

The Philadelphia Wings placed Ian Llord on the Active Roster from the Injured Reserve List, released George Downey from the Active Roster and signed George Downey to a Practice Player agreement. The Saskatchewan Rush have placed Mathew Dinsdale on the Injured Reserve List from the

Active Roster, placed Marshal Powless on the Injured Reserve List from the Active Roster, placed Clark Walter on the Active Roster from the Injured Reserve List and placed Mike Mallory on the Active Roster from the Injured Reserve List.

On March 5: The Philadelphia Wings placed Alex Crepinsek on the Injured Reserve List from the Active Roster, placed Sam LeClair on the Injured Reserve List from the Active Roster, placed Practice Player George Downey on the Active Roster from the Practice Player List, and placed Practice Player Christian Scarpello on the Active Roster from the Practice Player List.

The Toronto Rock placed Practice Player Marley Angus on the Practice Player List from the Active Roster and placed Practice Player Josh Dawick on the Active Roster from the Practice Player List.

The GREAT Job Board is brought to you by Employment Ontario and Service Canada. Only local positions are posted in the paper. For more positions in the surrounding area, visit our job board at www.greatsn.com! To apply for funding, book your intake appointment with an ETC by calling 519-445-2222 (Toll-Free long distance at 1-888 218-8230 or email us at info@greatsn.com.

Two University of Calgary researchers weren't surprised when their survey of Alberta doctors showed biases against Indigenous patients, but they were shocked by some of the comments.

Pamela Roach, who has a PhD in medical and human sciences, and Dr. Shannon Ruzycki sent a survey in September 2020 to every licensed doctor in the province to determine their biases following high-profile deaths of Indigenous patients in Canada's health-care system.

``These types of comments demonstrate a fundamental lack of knowledge about what race is, what racism is like, what power is and what privilege is,'' Ruzycki said in an interview.

``I think that that's really, really worrisome ? the social determinants of health are one of the most important factors in our patients' lives and how they heal.''

One of the survey respondents _ a white doctor _ said he felt racism from Indigenous people, not the other way around.

``The most common sort of racism I have seen is an Indigenous person being racist in words and actions against white people. This is 100 times more common than the converse,'' the doctor wrote, according to a study about the survey published in theonline peer-reviewed journalBMJ Open last month.

Ruzycki and Roach said in some cases, when people of privilege say they're experiencing racism, it comes from a lack of understanding the system of power.

There is already a

power imbalance in the doctor-patient relationship, the researchers said, and that can pose a dangerous environment for Indigenous patients seeking medical help.

``We have so much evidence of the way Indigenous people are treated in the health-care system through the tragic deaths of people like Joyce Echaquan and Brian Sinclair,'' said Roach, referring to the treatment of the Indigenous patients in Quebec and Manitoba that created significant public outcry.

The survey, which had 375 respondents out of about 12,000that it was sent to, used a ``feeling thermometer'' approach in two questions that asked participants to indicate their agreement.

In the question that asked doctors if they preferred white or Indigenous people, 25 per cent said they preferred white people and more than eight per cent said that they felt unfavourably towards Indigenous people.

``(The participants) self-reported an explicit bias,'' said Ruzycki. ``It should be zero.''

Roach, who is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, said that the low survey response was likely due to the timing of when it was sent out, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals were over burdened and many health-care workers were feeling burnt out.

A good response rate for most surveys is about 20 per cent, the researchers said, adding that asking hard and straightforward questions abut race was also a deterrent.

Ruzycki said the response to a demographic question in the survey was about 10 per cent, or just under 1,100 doctors. ``The first anti-Indigenous bias question, that number dropped off to 375. When

we asked a really uncomfortable, challenging question, people opted out.''

Roach said that while it's important to report cases of racism, it's only the first step.

``Where we fall down is what happens after the reporting,'' said Roach. ``There needs to be more reporting structures with accountability.''

Reagan Bartel, health director at the Metis Nation of Alberta, agreed.

``I think that enforcement and accountability are two key things that are missing in the process,'' said Bartel. ``We can write frameworks for days, but I think we need to start holding people accountable for bad care and that is racist care.

``We cannot continue to make excuses that our system is so overrun that we can't afford to lose a physician or a nurse who's racist. That's not acceptable.''

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta has a complaints process for patients and

outcomes vary depending on the unique circumstances of each case, said spokesperson Melissa Campbell.

In an email, Campbell said that the college has established an Indigenous Advisory Circle to help connect Indigenous physicians and patients.

``The work in this area is just beginning. But the goal is to listen to and learn from members of the circle, to help us better understand and support Indigenous patients and better guide the physicians who care for them.''

Alberta Health Services spokesperson Kristi Bland said in an email that the agency also has a process for dealing with complaints. Bland added that the agency has established the Indigenous Wellness Core, formerly known as the Indigenous Health Program, that has dedicated staff who help Indigenous patients through the health-care system.

Obituaries

WILLIAMS, Eva January 24, 1934 - March 7, 2023

Peacefully and with grace in her 89th year, Eva Hazel Williams (nee Beaver) began her spiritual journey.

She will be reunited with her late husband Robert (Bob) Ellis Williams, her late parents Howard Beaver and Stella Beaver (nee Schuler).

Mother of Wanda Green (Rusty), Kathy Francis (Rick) and Howard Williams (Charlene). Sister to the late Grace Patterson (Manny), Violet House, Peter Beaver (Marguerite), David “Bud” Beaver (Thelma), Ruth Mt Pleasant (Frank), Ross Beaver (Betty), Ron Beaver Sr. (Carol) and survived by brother Ollie Beaver. She will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Eva was a skilled seamstress and an accomplished leather worker, making countless pairs of moosehide moccasins, buckskin dresses and jackets.

Eva was a loving grandmother who always had Indian cookies and hot tea at the ready for her family. Often enjoyed by grandchildren; Lea Williams (Mike), Richard Francis, Jessica Robertson (Cory), Ryan Francis (Friede), Jonathan Francis (Chantelle), Warren Green (Magda) and Amanda Green (Jay). The year was often spent preparing handmade gifts which were Christmas and birthday favourites among her treasured grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Thank you to Dr. Trevor, Dr. East and the staff at Iroquois Lodge for the care provided to Eva throughout her stay. All the visits, fabric deliveries and daily chats were much appreciated.

Please visit www.rhbandersonfuneralhomes. com for visitation and funeral service information.

'Really worrisome': Survey suggests some Alberta doctors have anti Indigenous biases

ATTN: send notices

PORTER: Arland Steve

Arland Steve “White Cloud” Porter, 70, of Six Nations, Canada, passed away on Saturday, February, 25, 2023 at Buffalo General with his loving family at his side. Born on September 10, 1952 in Ohsweken, Ontario, he was the son of the late Arland R. and Elizabeth Ann (Johnson) Porter. On April 28, 1973, Arland married the late, former Catharine Pinson. He was employed as a Supervisor at Brunner International Inc., retiring in 2019. He enjoyed listening and playing music and was the lead singer for the Indian Brotherhood Band and Mystic Warrior. He was a sports enthusiast and an avid Buffalo Bills fan. Steve had a love for reading and had an extensive library and enjoyed collecting stamps. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his children, Brandon Jonathan of Fort Erie, Canada, Joshua “Jake” Porter of Medina, NY, Shawn Porter of Six Nations, Canada, Patrick Porter of Medina, NY, Ten grandchildren and Five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three siblings, Joe Porter of Mobert, Ontario, Mark (Kristen) Porter of Grand Island, NY, and Berylann (Don) Keyes of Medina, NY and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Most of all, he cherished being cared for by his devoted grand-daughters, Poodie and Peeparoonie. Besides his parents and wife, Steve is predeceased by his sister, Ellie Schoolcraft and sister-in-law, Helen Porter. Relatives and friends may call on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 4 PM-7 PM at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM at Six Nations Pentecostal Church, 1527 Fourth Line, Ohsweken. Burial to follow at cemetery.  www.rhbanderson.com Please light a candle or share a memory of White Cloud at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

HILL: Cole David Damien Lloyd

Cole Hill born September 29, 1994 passed suddenly on February 26, 2023 at the age of 28. Son of Genda (Roland) Martin and David Richardson. Grandson of Margaret Busby and the late Kenneth Sears, Leona Hill and Kenneth Greenbird. Predeceased by his special grandparents Maynard and Velma General, and Edwin and Clara Richardson. Cole will be sadly missed by his step-grandparents Darlene and Roger Martin and his siblings Johnathan Hill (Courtney), Brooklyn Hill (Daniel), Hunter, Tyson, Kiara, Ryker & Krymzen Martin, and Zoey & Damien Richardson. Also missed by niece Jasmine and nephew John-Xavier, many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his Brant ACTT Team. Visitation Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 2 to 4 pm. at Hill & Robinson Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Street, Brantford. Visitation also at Styres Funeral Home, Ohsweken, Friday 2 to 4; Evening Service 6 to 8 pm. with Funeral Service Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 11 am. Arrangements by Styres Funeral Home, Ohsweken. www.rhbanderson.com

WILLIAMS: June Cheryl

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of June Cheryl Williams on February 28, 2023.

June will be reunited with her son (the late) Branden, and forever missed by her children Erick and Ericka (Jim). June cherished, went above and beyond, loved and will forever love unconditionally her grandchildren Jesse, Jacob, Kayne, Erick, Zy, Bella, Hannah, Maria, Aaliyah, and Lucas. She also opened her heart as a special grandma to Kylee, Keira, Jaxon, CC, Emma, Madison, and Samantha.

June was also predeceased by her parents Cecil and Charlotte Williams and siblings Vernon, Les, Meryl (Jeannie), and Karen. Survived by siblings Verna (late JR), Dawne, Lori, Shelley, Vaughn (Bonnie), Merlyn, and Guy (late Nancy).

June will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Our family would like to extend a special acknowledgement to the staff and coworkers June had worked with over the past twenty-three years at Grand River Enterprises who she embraced as family.

Honouring her life with visitation at her home at 1149 Seneca Road after 3pm. on Wednesday, March 1. Funeral Service and burial will be held at Onondaga Longhouse on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 11am. Arrangements by Styres Funeral Home. www.rhbanderson.com

On March 2, 2023 after a short courageous battle with cancer we lost our soulmate, world’s greatest Dad and Papa. Cherished husband of 56 years to Audrey. Adored and idolized father to Corry, Pamela, Misty and Miran, and Samantha. Proud papa to Kaylen & Will, Jordyn, Taylor, Shala, Hahes & Angie, Dustin, Kobe, Madison, and Aubrey. Loved great papa to his boss man Greyson, Nolan, and Howenahawi. Traditional medicine friend to Kylee. Special friend to Dan Johnson. Predeceased by his mother Hilda Williams and mother and father-in-law Roy and Beulah Hill. Loving brother to Bill (Gloria) and Sharon, Eva Bomberry, Teresa Longboat, and George (deceased) and Fran Atkins. Loved brother-in-law to Lloyd (deceased) & Darlene Hill, Anna & Bobby Delormiere, Ralph Hill (deceased), Dorothy & Marvin Skye (deceased), Georgina & Gary (deceased) Lickers, June & David Jenkins, Patricia (deceased) & Mike Commandant, Francis & Victor, Ruth Hill, Clyde Hill, Roy (Goldie) Hill. Loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Kervin was a retired ironworker of Local 736 and an Onondaga chief of the wolf clan. He loves watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He also enjoyed playing with his great grandsons. Special thank you to Dr. Amy Montour, the palliative care staff, PSW staff and the Indigenous navigators Richelle and Caroline. He will be resting at his home 2729 4th Line after 4 pm. Friday March 3, 2023. Funeral Services will be Saturday at 11 am. at Sour Springs Longhouse. Arrangements by Styres Funeral Home. www.rhbanderson.com

WILLIAMS: Kervin Lyle

CLUES ACROSS

1. Half-conscious states

8. Unnatural

13. Deep regret

14. Rogue

15. Taken without permission

19. An alternative

20. After B

21. Partner to flowed

22. Weekday

23. Body part

24. World’s longest river

25. One of the Greats

26. Make clean

30. C. Canada indigenous peoples

31. Japanese seaport

32. Most unclothed

33. Small grouper fish

34. Soluble ribonucleic acid

35. Distinguishing sound

38. French realist painter

39. Popular beer brand

40. Views

44. God depicted as a bull

45. Relieve

46. Residue after burning

47. Habitation

48. Poe’s middle name

49. Japanese title

50. TV series installation (abbr.)

51. Beloved country singer

55. Single unit

57. Genuine

58. Develop

59. Traveled through the snow

CLUES DOWN

1. Clues

2. Do again

3. Current unit

Neither

5. Corporate exec (abbr.)

6. Second sight

7. The absence of mental stress

8. Supplemented with difficulty

9. Stop for good

10. College dorm worker

11. Bones

12. Most supernatural

16. Spanish island

17. Unlimited

18. Where golfers begin

22. No charge

25. Print errors

27. Professional drivers

28. Kiss box set

29. Short, fine fibers

30. Administers punishment

32. Czech city

Answers for March 8th, 2023 Crossword Puzzle

34. Normal or sound powers of mind

35. The academic world

36. Crustacean

37. Currency

38. Pastoral people of Tanzania or Kenya

40. Cloth spread over a coffin

41. Grouped together

42. On land 43. Glistened 45. A type of extension 48. One who assists 51. College sports conference 52. Zero 53. Midway between northeast and east 54. Type of screen 56. The 13th letter of the Greek alphabet

SUDOKU

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

A development may have you feeling a bit down, Aries. That is only temporary, though, as your mood and circumstances will rebound in no time at all.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, people you encounter this week may be exceptionally stubborn, so you may need to avoid confrontations. Keep your emotions in check as best as you can.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, the weather may not be suitable for getting much done outdoors, but you can certainly stay busy inside the house with any projects you have been putting off.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

This is a great opportunity for getting rid of any clutter that has been holding you back, Cancer. Start sorting through the garage or cleaning out a desk at work.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, do not worry about the small stuff that you feel could be holding you back. If you step away from the situation, you may find that everything is working out.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, there are plenty of opportunities open to you, but you may not realize they are so close by. A friend may need to guide your way on this for the time being.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You may be feeling bad about something you did in the past, Libra, and now you want to make amends. It’s the little changes you implement that will make a difference.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you may be ready to give your life an overhaul. That may amount to you changing careers in the weeks to come. Do your research before you put in notice.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, stay focused and disciplined this week, especially as it pertains to a diet. You can maintain your commitment, especially with others cheering you on.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, rewards will not come without hard work and dedication. Now is the time to stick with the plan and keep moving forward. Save days off for later.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Do not go up against managers or superiors this week, Aquarius. Doing so likely won’t go in your favor. Just keep out of the spotlight for a little while longer.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

You may be building the blocks of a major life project, Pisces. Use all of the resources at your disposal in the days to come.