Indspire hosted a fundraiser event titled, “A Feast in the Forest” on June 12 with more than 600 guests in attendance at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto.
This year’s event was a celebration coinciding with National Indigenous History Month, offering a unique opportunity to honour the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
“Building on the incredible success of the first ‘A Feast in the Forest’ in 2022, which raised over one million dollars, this year’s event continued to support Indigenous students by funding bursaries, educational programs, and resources by raising over one million dollars. The proceeds from this event will empower students to pursue and achieve their academic aspirations, contributing to a brighter and more inclusive future for all,” said a June 26 Indspire press release.
Indspire President and CEO Mike DeGagné expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“We are thankful for the support from all attendees, sponsors, donors, and everyone involved in bringing ‘A Feast in the Forest’ 2024 to life,” he said in the release. “Your gener-
ous contributions make a profound difference in the lives of Indigenous students, enabling them to pursue their educational dreams and succeed.”
National Indigenous History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the profound contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society. A Feast in the Forest provided an exceptional platform to support Indigenous education while celebrating the vibrant cultures and histories that enrich our collective heritage.
The evening featured a menu prepared by Chef Adrian Niman and inspired by the work of Indigenous chef and Indspire Laureate David Wolfman. The inno-
vative meal offered guests a taste of diverse Indigenous culinary traditions, celebrating the depth and richness of Indigenous cultures.
Andy Pringle, principal and chairperson at RPIA, highlighted the importance of this event.
“Supporting Canada’s future means investing in the education and success of Indigenous students. RPIA is proud to be part of this meaningful event and to contribute to the empowerment and bright future of Indigenous youth across the country,” said Pringle.
Entertainment was provided by celebrated Indigenous artists, including Aysanabee, Alex
Kusturok, Fawn Big Canoe, and Red Sky Performance.
Additionally, Chyana Marie Sage, an Indspire bursary recipient and first-time author, shared her inspiring story, underscoring the impact of Indspire’s support on her educational journey.
“It was such an honour and full circle moment to be able to share my story for Indspire. There is no other organization who I would have wanted to debut my journey to, and all that I have had to overcome in the pursuit of making my dreams come true,” said Sage. “Speaking in front of so many community members and allies made the delivery so much easier on me, and
the support I felt through each step of the way was so encouraging. I hope my story can help other students to recognize that so much is possible when you never give up on yourself, but also when you allow community to help you along the way.”
Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families, communities, and Canada. From 2022 to 2023, Indspire provided more than $27.5 million through 7,500 bursaries and scholarships to Indigenous students across Canada.
Indspire President and CEO Mike DeGagné.
INDSPIRE
Blackeye Boxing wins in Windsor
SNGR investigating soil hauls coming to Fourth Line property
Six Nations of the Grand River said it is investigating for possible contamination after hearing numerous complaints about trucks bringing in soil on a Fourth Line Road property.
Coun. Hazel Johnson, who lives about half a mile up the road from the property, said the community would “rest easier” if people knew what was going on and the soil was tested.
Coun. Dayle Bomberry said the residents did not get authorization from elected council and that police are also investigating.
Elected council is also re-wording its soil dumping policy and has been in contact with the property
owners, he said.
Senior Administrative Officer Nathan Wright said council is investigating the paperwork that the property owners provided.
He also said Six Nations is working with the province regarding its laws about soil contamination, soil dumping and how to stop trucks with contaminated soil from entering the territory.
Community fears have not been allayed, however, and Coun. Johnson said
some community members have suggested putting up concrete barriers to the reserve’s entrances to prevent the trucks from coming in and to check if the soil is contaminated first before allowing it on the territory.
Coun. Lesley Greene said she was concerned the soil was contaminated.
“That can lead to larger diseases in our bodies. That is wrong. I don’t care how much you’re being paid to bring in those dump trucks. The reality is our people want to be healthy here at Six Nations. We’re not a dump. We live here in this community. Just stop bringing that garbage here. Six Nations is a beautiful community.”
Coun. Bomberry said they were working to make guidelines more “stern” and to require property owners to
provide evidence of third party testing and that the truck drivers have the proof on them or face “serious consequences.”
It’s not the first time off-reserve soil dumping has caused concerns in the community, with complaints going back at least a decade about the contents of soil being dumped on some properties in exchange for a profit from the property owner.
Coun. Helen Miller said property owners get paid between $1,000 and $1,500 per truckload of soil, which she said comes from development sites after excavating land to build new homes.
“It’s big money. I know a lot of people are hard pressed for money but do do what they’re doing to our community, it’s not right. I hope we can come up with some kind of a solution.”
SNGR. PHOTO BY X
Brantford's Blackeye boxer jared Werkema gets a unanimous decision win and celebrates his birthday vs a home town boxer in Windsor at Border Cty Boxing Friday night. ARMOUR
Economic development corporation negotiating $48 million battery storage projects
By Donna Duric
The Six Nations of the Grand River Economic Development Corporation is in talks to bring two battery storage projects to Six Nations’ traditional territory with a potential income of $48 million to the community over 20 years.
"These two projects are a valuable addition to our existing economic interest portfolio and will considerably increase our capacity to give back to the Six Nations community through avenues such as the Economic Development Trust,” said Matt Jamieson, President and CEO of SNGRDC in a press release. “I encourage community members to attend our information sessions to see how these projects will benefit our community in the years to come.”
Two community input meetings will be held this month in the SNGRDC
boardroom on July 20 from 10 am to pm and July 25 from 5 pm to 8 pm.
The project proposals come after three SNGRDC battery energy storage system (BESS) projects were awarded Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) contracts in May.
SNGRDC and its partner, Aypa Power, will be conducting what it calls a “community investment review” for two of these projects: the Hedley and Elora BESS Projects.
Both are located on Six Nations traditional territory.
The Hedley BESS Project will be located in Haldimand County just outside of Hagersville, and the Elora BESS Project will be in Centre Wellington Township.
The projects have a combined nameplate capacity of 422 megawatts and will inject energy back into the grid during peak
usage times, SNGRDC said.
The Hedley and Elora BESS Projects are expected to result in numerous benefits to the Six Nations community over their operational lifespans, said SNGRDC, including over $2.4 million in combined average annual revenue to the community.
The projects will also bring “significant investments in post-secondary education and more,” as well as offsetting an estimated 3.6 to 4.9 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
SNGRDC said that equates to the amount of carbon 60 to 80 million would absorb after growing for 10 years.
“Our collaboration with the SNGRDC on the Hedley and Elora BESS Projects represents a valuable partnership, reflecting the remarkable legacy of resilience and self-deter-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Catholic Church and First Nation unveil covenant on residential schools
The leader of Vancouver's Roman Catholic archdiocese says the church was wrong to administer residential schools in British Columbia, and he hopes a newly released covenant with a First Nation can act as a road map for redress.
Archbishop J. Michael Miller said the covenant between the archdiocese, the diocese of Kamloops and the Tkemlups te Secwepemc First Nation, signed in March, can be "an instrument of further dialogue and accountability" in guiding reconciliation between Indigenous and Christian communities across Canada.
"In that sense, it's not a finished document," Miller said during an online news conference Wednesday alongside Tkemlups te Secwepemc Chief Rosanne Casimir.
"It's a living, dynamic statement of moving to the future in hope. By embracing these commitments, and the shared truths outlined in the document, we have a solid foundation.
"We hope that other First Nations and Christian communities across Canada will begin similar journeys, their own journeys," Miller said.
The covenant comes about three years after the Tkemlups te Secwepemc said about 200 possible unmarked burial sites had been found around the
former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
That announcement touched off similar searches in Indigenous communities across Canada at other residential school sites, which have resulted in similar discoveries.
Casimir said the covenant includes a number of "commitments to actions" that are central to the agreement, including the church's provision of "technical and scientific expertise" to address questions about ground-penetrating radar surveys for potential unmarked graves at school sites.
The archdiocese has also committed to full transparency in providing records and making available historians and archi-
vists to identify children missing from residential schools.
Casimir said just as important as the technical assistance will be the mental health and counselling support that the church has promised to families of the missing children.
"I believe that it sets a lot of precedents," she said of the covenant in both finding justice and healing for community members. "It takes everybody at every level to be walking that path and journeying together. So I would encourage others to also build and establish those relationships, to be able to take those meaningful steps."
Outreach from the Catholic Church to In-
digenous communities has also been made in the United States, where the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stated in a document earlier this month that it "recognizes that it has played a part in traumas experienced by Native children.”
Bishop Chad Zielinski, chair of the conference’s subcommittee on Native American Affairs, said the document is meant to reinvigorate the ministry after the church's involvement in boarding schools strained its relationship with Indigenous church members.
Other groups such as the Catholic League have expressed skepticism, referring to "mass grave hoaxes" in Canada.
"I haven't even heard the notion of hoax being applied to the situation," Miller said.
"There's no doubt that there are some things that are still contested about the numbers and so on, but to deny that the residential school system had a negative effect — and that many students died while registered at the school … We know for sure that was the case."
— By Chuck Chiang in Vancouver. With files from the Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2024.
Miller said such views were "just wrong" and "wouldn't be shared by very many people here in British Columbia."
mination within the Six Nations community,” said Moe Hajabed, CEO of Aypa Power. "We look forward to building a strong and enduring relationship in the years ahead."
Community members are also invited to provide feedback in person, online or via email on the projects during the project commentary period, which ends Aug. 9, 2024. Feedback can be submitted in person to the SNGRDC office at 2498 Chiefswood Road,
Ohsweken, online at www. snfuture.com, or via email to info@snfuture.com.
SNGRDC manages the Six Nations’ economic interests in 20 renewable energy projects and numerous other economic development projects, in and around the Six Nations territory, including the Six Nations Bingo Hall.
SNGRDC said its current green energy portfolio is capable of producing over 1300 MW of renewable energy through its direct or indirect involvement in
seven solar and 13 wind projects.
Aypa Power is a Blackstone portfolio company that develops, owns, and operates utility-scale energy storage and hybrid renewable energy projects.
Battery energy storage systems are systems that collect and store energy from renewable energy sources to be used at a later date.
The Hedley and Elora projects would be operational by 2027.
OPINION
How deep does the Grand River go?
JIM WINDLE jim@tworowtimes.com
SIX NATIONS - Over the past 45-50 years, the archaeological study of the Grand River basin has become known as one, almost continuous, cache of evidence of Onkwehonwe and other native occupations for 13,000 years or more.
That means these original wandering tribes in small groups, were walking and hunting along the banks of the Grand River around the same time as the emergence of the first monument building civilizations of Mesopotamia and what is known today as the Middle East.
The remains of Jericho, one of the first cities known to man, was recorded in the Hebrew scriptures, was still brand new with its protective walls and towers. Even then, ancestors of the indigenous peoples of this part of North America knew of the abundance of food and materials for trade with other nomad tribes the river held, and used its bounty often and continuously ever since.
“In the Grand River watershed of Archaic times, there would have been no more than 400 inhabitants,” according to Prof Gary Warrick.
In spite of the indigenous way of treading softly on the land, artifacts still remain proving their presence.
“In a 2002 archaeological survey of the river’s edge in northwestern
Brantford, a continuous blanket of artefacts was found in a series of overlapping Aboriginal sites covering the last 3,500 years,” Warrick wrote in 2004.
In the late 1500’s and 1600’s, an early Iroquoian tribe named by Samuel de Champlain as Neutrals because of their neutral stance in the French-English wars. They were later all but decimated by successive waves of European-brought disease. The remnant absorbed into the Seneca and Cayuga of Five Nations under its umbrella of protection.
In the 1630s, the Grand River Iroquoians, named “la Nation Neutre” or “Neutral Nation” by Samuel de Champlain, lived in villages and camps along the Grand River including Fairchild Creek, Big Creek and other tributaries.
Since there was no written language of the Iroquois until relatively recently, oral traditions were the only way these stories and ceremonies of the Haudenosaunee and pre-Iroquoian tribes were passed on. The archaeological work, most of what is now known as fact, only corroborates many of these oral traditions.
Richard Hill Sr., a member of the Haudenosaunee Standing Committee on Burial Rules and Regulations, explained to Warrick why Six Nations people object so vehemently to the archaeological study of burials:
“We believe that the dead have power, and it is dangerous to neglect the spiritual needs of the
dead.… We believe that the remains, the associated burial objects, and the actual soil in which they rest is sacred.… In the past, our ancestors buried many objects along with the body with the belief that in the afterlife one would need all the things that one needs in life.… The removal of these objects from the grave is a theft from the dead.” (Hill 2006)
There are merits in both points of view these days. If excavated, honour must be given to the dead and ceremonial objects, if not, be sure those remains stay undisturbed, even by housing developments. Others have found a middle ground where artifacts and remains are repatriated to the closest known tribe for proper reinterment.
As technology brings archaeology into a new phase, more and more of the ancient world along the Grand River, 1,000 years before the Pyramids of Egypt, will be coming to light. Consider the pros and cons when it happens.
“Methodist preacher and Mississaugas chief, Peter Jones, amassed a collection of Aboriginal artefacts and ethnographic items, which was inherited and augmented by his son, Peter Edmund Jones,” says Warrick.
His artefact collection is now on display at the Woodland Cultural Centre, in Brantford, Ontario.
'Egregious exploitation': Toronto woman sentenced to 3 years for Inuit identity fraud
to one count of fraud over $5,000.
A Toronto woman has been sentenced to three years in prison after she falsely claimed her two daughters were Inuit in order to obtain thousands of dollars in benefits.
"This is an egregious example of the exploitation of Indigenous Peoples," Nunavut Justice Mia Manocchio said Thursday at the sentencing hearing for Karima Manji.
"Ms. Manji's case must serve as a signal to any future Indigenous pretender that the false appropriation of Indigenous identity in a criminal context will draw a significant penalty."
Manocchio issued a sentence more severe than the Crown prosecutor’s recommendation of 18 months to two years in custody.
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the organization that oversees enrolment under the territory's land claim agreement, said it's believed to be the first such fraud case in the territory and the first time someone has been jailed for such a crime in Nunavut.
"Justice Manocchio set a precedent with her ruling today, making it clear to potential fraudsters that Indigenous identity theft will not be tolerated," NTI president Aluki Kotierk said in a statement.
Manji, who is not Inuk, pleaded guilty in February
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In 2016, she applied for enrolment cards for her twin daughters, falsely claiming their Inuit status, making them eligible for benefits.
The twins — Nadya and Amira Gill — were born in Mississauga, Ont. They were close to turning 18 at that time. In the application, Manji stated the girls were Inuit, that their birth mother was Kitty Noah, an Inuk woman, and that Manji was their adoptive mother.
Court heard the Gill twins then used the enrolment cards to receive monetary benefits from two organizations. Over the course of more than two years, starting in September 2020, the sisters received more than $158,000 combined.
Noah has since died. The case came to light after Noah's family raised concerns about Manji and the twins falsely claiming family ties.
Charges against the daughters were dropped after Manji pleaded guilty.
Court heard the twins were unaware the cards had been acquired by fraud.
Noah Noah, Kitty Noah's son, has told court his mother was a loving, caring, considerate woman who was taken advantage of.
Manocchio said Manji's actions were an insult to the Noah family.
She added the Gill sisters were also victimized by
Manji's deception, saying their lives and careers have been compromised by the crime.
Manji, who has returned $130,000 of the money, was ordered to pay back the remaining balance. Her lawyer, J. Scott Cowan, argued his client intended to make full restitution, that her crime did not involve "crafty or prolonged" deception, and the funds were used for academic purposes rather than greed or to support a lavish lifestyle.
Cowan recommended a conditional sentence or nine to 12 months. In an email after the sentencing, he said, "It is apparent that the unique features of this case led the judge to impose an exemplary sentence.”
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada, which is responsible for criminal prosecutions in Nunavut, said the sentence “will warn those tempted in the future of what awaits them if they attempt to make such false claims.” Manji had a prior a criminal record for fraud. In August 2017, she received a conditional sentence of two years less a day, followed by one year of probation, for fraud over $5,000.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2024. — By Brittany Hobson in Winnipeg
Canada Day festivities attract hundreds at ceremonies, parties across the country
By Sarah Ritchie and Maura Forrest
Parks and public spaces across the country teemed with flag-waving revellers on Monday as thousands of people marked Canada Day, with many — including newly minted citizens — celebrating the unique privileges that come with being Canadian.
Under a cloudless July sky, thousands of people dressed in red and white made their way to Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park for the annual celebrations in the national capital.
People were in high spirits as they strolled down Wellington Street to the festival site, taking the airport-style security checks and porta-potties in stride. The sun was blazing by the time things got underway at noon, and many ducked under umbrellas they brought for shade.
Algonquin elder Claudette Commanda opened the events with an Indigenous reflection, talking about the importance of the canoe as a symbol of hope and healing.
"Learn from the past, appreciate the present and honour the future, for the future belongs to the children. Together let us journey in peace and friendship," she said. Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland also spoke. Freeland was greeted with loud cheers as she said it was time to set aside "our national modesty" and declare that Canada is the best country in the world.
"Most importantly, ours is a country of good, kind people," she said. Freeland was there in place of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who offered greetings via a recorded video while he attended events in St. John’s, N.L.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, July 1 begins as Memorial Day, a time to honour soldiers who have died in combat. This year marked the 100th anniversary of the
National War Memorial in St. John’s, and Trudeau attended an interment ceremony for a soldier from Newfoundland who died on the battlefields in France during the First World War.
The Unknown Soldier was flown home from France in May and was laid to rest on Monday in a black granite tomb. Trudeau also attended a Canada Day party at an arena in nearby Mount Pearl. He shook hands, took selfies and hoisted babies for about 20 minutes as kids jumped in bouncy castles and local band KitchenParti played a few traditional Newfoundland folk songs.
Back in Ottawa, Melchor Turdanes travelled from Winnipeg to watch his son perform with a choir group. His excitement was palpable as he explained it was his first trip to the capital in the 17 years he's lived in Canada.
"It's awesome, everybody here is friendly and we like the atmosphere," he said.
After musical performances by Bedouin Soundclash and Montreal artist Marie-Mai, attendees turned their eyes to the skies.
More than 40 planes, helicopters and jets buzzed
over Parliament Hill, making their way along the Ottawa River to the main stage where the crowd craned their necks to see the "parade in the sky."
The aircraft represented the past, present and future of the Royal Canadian Air Force, explained the two commanders on stage who introduced each one in turn — from Second World War-era planes to modern Chinook and Cyclone helicopters.
The grand finale featured the tremendous roar of a pair of F-35 fighter jets, travelling at more than 350 knots, or around 650 km/h.
Canada has a $19-billion deal to buy 88 of the jets, but the first of them won't arrive until 2026. This pair was flown in by the Vermont Air National Guard.
It was, for Garrett Morgan and his five-year-old son Owen, a true highlight of the day.
"I'm proud to be Canadian, a Quebec Canadian as well," said Morgan, who came in from Valcourt, Que., for the day. "I like what Canada stands for: friendly, open."
At Thomson Memorial Park in Toronto, families set up picnics and children played on inflatable boun-
cy castles.
"Honestly, (Canada Day) didn't really mean that much to me until I had my own family, and now it means a lot more," said Darren Yeh, who has attended the festivities in Toronto for the last five or six years. "I'm very lucky to travel around the world. I've seen other places and Canada is a great place to live."
Eight-year-old Diya Patel said Canada is a beautiful place.
"It's fun to have friends and learn new things and explore a lot of new stuff," she said.
Bhuwan Ghimire, who immigrated to Canada from Nepal in 2015, said he hopes all Canadians will try to get along and "work with each other rather than against each other."
"Let's make it a better country," he said.
His nine-year-old son, Shuvam, was particularly excited about the bouncy castles. "I love this place," he said. "Everything's been fun."
In Vancouver, 40 people from 18 countries became Canadian citizens in a ceremony to mark the beginning of the festivities at Canada Place.
Beauty Mosquiola came
from the Philippines 10 years ago and her husband, Dwight Santillan, joined her in 2020. The pair said becoming citizens was a momentous part of their journey as a couple.
"I am so blessed. I am so grateful and thankful for Vancouver, for British Columbia, for Canada to give me an opportunity to be a Canadian citizen at the same time we celebrate Canada Day," Santillan said.
Nicolaj Erhold, who is part Danish and part Austrian, said being able to attend his citizenship ceremony in person rather than virtually was particularly special.
"I just want to get started on my future here. Canada has become my home and I just feel even more connected now that I have become a citizen," he said.
Leslie Benisz has attended each Canada Day citizenship ceremony since 1990 and calls them the highlight of the holiday.
Benisz, who took his citizenship oath in 1980 after spending his first 10 years in Israel, said he doesn’t take the freedoms in Canada for granted.
"I have met so many people who sometimes risk their lives to come here.
They were sometimes coming from places where their lives were in danger or where they didn’t have the same rights we have," he said.
Not all cities marked the occasion in their usual style. The organizers of Montreal's Canada Day parade announced last month the event had been cancelled, citing politics and logistical red tape for the move.
The celebrations in the national capital will be capped off by a fireworks display at the LeBreton Flats Park around 10 p.m. Last year's record wildfire season disrupted fireworks shows in a number of cities across the country because of air quality concerns, but that has not been a factor in this year's festivities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2024. — With files from Ashley Joannou in Vancouver, Sarah Smellie in St. John's, N.L., and Rianna Lim in Toronto This is a corrected story. A previous version said Beauty Mosquiola arrived in Canada 20 years ago. in fact, she came 10 years ago.
The grand finale featured the tremendous roar of a pair of F-35 fighter jets, travelling at more than 350 knots, or around 650 km/h. Canada has a $19-billion deal to buy 88 of the jets, but the first of them won't arrive until 2026. This pair was flown in by the Vermont Air National Guard. FILE
Notice of Public Information Centre #1
Project Information
The City of Brantford (City) has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment study (Study) for improvements to Powerline Road, from Paris Road to the east municipal boundary.
Powerline Road is forecast to experience significant growth in traffic volumes over the coming years that will result in the majority of Powerline Road approaching or exceeding capacity during the future 2051 planning horizon. This Study will identify and evaluate alternative solutions and design concepts to address transportation capacity constraints along Powerline Road to accommodate future growth to 2051.
The Study will investigate opportunities to enhance traffic safety, improve multi-modal transportation infrastructure (including active transportation), assess intersection configuration and specifications (including potential roundabouts), improve City and inter-regional traffic operations, and support new growth in the expansion lands.
Public Involvement
A Public Information Centre (PIC) is scheduled to take place on: Wednesday, July 10, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course and Learning Centre 320 Balmoral Drive, Brantford, ON N3R 7S2 Presentation at 5:20 p.m. with open question-and-answer period to follow.
We want to hear from you!
Input and comments received during the PIC and throughout the study will be taken into consideration when selecting the technically preferred alternative solution/design concepts. If you have any comments or would like additional information regarding the project, please visit the project website Brantford.ca/PowerlineRoadEA or contact the project team with any comments or questions:
James Clarke, C.E.T., PMP Senior Project Manager
City of Brantford
58 Dalhousie Street, PO Box 818, Brantford, ON N3T 5R7
Note: Personal information is collected and authorized under Section 10(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, and will be used to assist in the decision-making process throughout the study. Except for personal information, including your name, address and property location, all comments received throughout the study will become part of the public record and included in project documentation. Questions about this collection can be directed to the Senior Project Manager, 324 Grand River Avenue, Brantford, ON N3T 4Y8, 519-759-4150 Ext. 5198. In addition, personal information collected will be used in accordance with the purpose noted above, as well as with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This notice was first issued on June 27, 2024
know the score.
NHL teams splash cash on first day of free agency: 'A lot of money spent'
By Joshua Clipperton
The Atlantic Division got down to business ahead of NHL free agency.
The Nashville Predators then made the biggest splash once the opening bell sounded as teams doled out more than US$1-billion in contracts Monday.
The Tampa Bay Lightning signed prized winger Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, US$63-million deal — roughly three hours before players on expiring contracts went to market at 12 p.m. ET — after acquiring his rights over the weekend.
The Lightning later signed Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons to a three-year contract worth an average annual value of $850,000.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, meanwhile, locked up Chris Tanev on a sixyear, $27-million pact that will see the defenceman play in his hometown. Those deals bookended the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers announcing 57-goal man Sam Reinhart had signed an eight-year extension worth a reported $69 million.
The salary cap is climbing to $88 million next season — up $4.5 million from 2023-24 and the first significant rise since the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged league finances.
"A lot of cash," Leafs general
manager Brad Treliving said of the overall market. "It's competitive league, people are trying to improve. You hear it all the time: 'The cap's going up.' I heard it from a lot of the agents."
"July 1 is an interesting day," Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin added. "But it's also a scary day … some of the deals might have surprised me a little bit."
The Predators made three major additions.
Nashville signed former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, who leaves Tampa after 16 seasons, to a four-year, $32-million contract, got winger Jonathan Marchessault on a five-year, $27.5-million deal, and inked defenceman Brady Skjei for seven years at a total of $49 million.
The Predators also locked up goaltender Juuse Saros with an eight-year, $61.92-million contract beginning in 2025-26.
The Canucks signed winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year, $38.5-million deal and forward Danton Heinen to a two-year, $4.5-million contract.
The Seattle Kraken got defenceman Brandon Montour on a seven-year, $49.98-million agreement and centre Chandler Stephenson for seven seasons at $43.75 million.
The Bruins — not to be outdone by the Lightning, Panthers and Leafs
in the Atlantic — added centre Elias Lindholm on deal worth a reported $54.25-million over seven seasons. Boston also added defenceman Nikita Zadorov, reportedly on a six-year, $30-million pact.
The Montreal Canadiens looked to the future by signing winger Juraj Slafkovsky to an eight-year, $60.8-million contract extension beginning in 2025-26.
The Blue Jackets got centre Sean Monahan on a fiveyear, $27.5-million contract.
The Flames re-upped winger Yegor Sharangovich on a five-year, $28.75-million deal that begins in 2025-26. They also signed two forwards — Anthony Mantha for one year at $3.5 million and Ryan Lomberg for two years at a total of $4 million.
"Every team is in a different situation, what they're going for," Calgary GM Craig Conroy said. "Some teams are just saying, 'We're going
to go all-in right now and go for it.'
"In their situations, it probably made sense."
The Ottawa Senators, meanwhile, traded Jakob Chychrun, who's set to enter the final year of his current deal, to the Washington Capitals for fellow defenceman Nick Jensen. The Senators also signed David Perron to a twoyear pact worth a reported $8-million, while the Edmonton Oilers gave the same dollars and term fellow winger Viktor Arvidsson.
The Capitals signed blueliner Matt Roy to a six-year, $34.5-million contract and the Carolina Hurricanes gave defenceman Jaccob Slavin an eight-year, $51.69 extension that begins in 2025-26. The Canes also signed defenceman Shayne Gostisbehere to a threeyear, $9.6 million deal on Monday. The 31-year-old Gostisbehere compiled 56 points, including 10 goals,
with the Detroit Red Wings this past season.
The New Jersey Devils added Brett Pesce to their back end with a six-year, $33-million deal.
The Chicago Blackhawks signed wingers Teuvo Teravainen (three years, $16 million), Tyler Bertuzzi (four years, $22 million) and Pat Maroon (one year, $1.3 million).
The Lightning acquired Guentzel's rights Sunday from Carolina for a 2025 third-round pick after clearing more than $11-million in cap space when they traded defenceman Mikael Sergachev and winger Tanner Jeannot.
"The winning culture," Guentzel said when asked what attracted him to Tampa. "A lot of high-end players that really made it intriguing."
Similar to the weekend move for Guentzel, the Leafs jumped the queue to negotiate with Tanev when they made a minor trade
with the Dallas Stars for his rights Saturday before the floodgates opened at noon on Canada Day.
Toronto also signed blueliner Oliver Ekman-Larsson for four years at $4.75 million per season.
"You try to build the bones of your roster through the draft, through trades," Treliving said. "And then when you get to free agency, it's an opportunity to supplement your roster and fill certain spots.
"There were some really good players available. You saw teams be aggressive."
Conroy, however, cautioned that some of the moves will eventually be looked back on with regret.
"A lot of money spent," he said. "(July 1) really can set it up for a positive or it can set it back.
"There's always a catch."
-With files from Gemma Karstens-Smith in Vancouver and Donna Spencer in Calgary.
Blue Jays place infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on 10-day IL
By John Chidley-Hill
Leo Jimenez can't believe he's in a Major League Baseball clubhouse, preparing for a game with players he used to watch as a fan.
Jimenez was recalled by the Blue Jays from their triple-A affiliate in Buffalo, N.Y., on Tuesday afternoon, hours before Toronto hosted the Houston Astros. Although the 23-year-old middle infielder is just a couple of years younger than first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette, he's proud to be on the same roster as them.
"It's nice to be here, sharing a locker room with them and being able to talk to them a lot," said Jimenez in the home dugout at Rogers Centre. "That's something that I really take pride in.
"I never thought I would be in this position, being that close to them."
Jimenez was called up for his MLB debut to replace infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who was placed on the 10day injured list with a left knee sprain. The move was retroactive to Monday after Kiner-Falefa hurt himself warming up.
Originally a shortstop,
Jimenez has started playing some second base in the Blue Jays' organization. He's hitting .271 with seven home runs and 23 runs batted in over 57 games for the Buffalo Bisons this season. Most impressive is his .416 on-base percentage thanks to 30 walks drawn in 226 plate appearances.
"It's been something that I've been working on throughout the years, to make my game better every season," said Jimenez, who is from Chitre, Panama. "I think this year in Buffalo has been a great year so far.
"A lot of learning, a lot of great experiences over
there. Ups and downs, but I guess that's how the game works."
Kiner-Falefa was on fire the past 10 games, hitting .421 with a .488 on-base percentage. He had 16 hits and three home runs in that stretch, scoring 13 times. Blue Jays manager John Schneider said it was a hard loss for Toronto (38-46).
"I think production aside, he's just such a baseball player," said Schneider. "Obviously, you miss all the little aspects that he brings everyday and the production, obviously. "Especially lately. He's been consistent all year, but
lately he's been great, so it's a tough loss."
The 29-year-old Kiner-Falefa signed a two-year, US$15 million contract with the Blue Jays on Dec. 29, in part because he wanted to be an every day player.
Kiner-Falefa's increased playing time was paying off, as he leads Toronto with a 3.2 Wins Above Replacement, an advanced statistic that measures a player's value in all facets of the game by deciphering how many more wins he's worth than a replacement-level player at his same position.
"I was expecting quite a bit just from seeing him
play (for the Yankees) from the other side of the field and talking to people with New York," said Schneider. "He brings a lot of the focus, the intensity, the attention to detail, with every little thing.
"His energy is kind of infectious."
Relief pitcher Jordan Romano of Markham, Ont., was scheduled to see a specialist for his ongoing issues with elbow inflammation on Tuesday. Schneider did not have an update on how that examination went. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2024.
Christmas in July SALE!
SIX NATIONS COUNCIL
In Memoriam Family Picnic
WARD PAUL LAFORME JR. December 13, 1964 – July 05, 2021 www.heartandstroke.com
LETTERS TO MY BROTHER IN HEAVEN
They say there is a reason
They say time will heal;
Neither time or reason
Will change the way I feel.
Gone are the days
We used to share.
But in my heart
You are always there.
The gates of memories
Will never close; I miss you more than Anybody knows…
At Mohawk Park Picnic Shelter “E” (beside kiddy water park)
Children will need a swimsuit and towel.
Hamburgers & Hotdogs will be served.
Please bring your favourite salad or casserole to share.
We have a surprise “Auction” which helps us pay for the next year. We ask if you can please donate a wrapped gift that we will use in the auction.
MONTOUR – BRANT – DAVIS FAMILY REUNION
August 3 and 4, 2024
Six Nations Community Center Saturday, noon – 6P Sunday, noon – 4P Group Reunion Photo being taken each day. Potluck dinner
Bring your best dish! For more information Call Judy Taylor at (226) 208-0254
33 plus acres for sale. Contract Roger Hill 519-770-2873
CLUES ACROSS
1. Six (Spanish)
5. Invests in little enterprises
9. Large dung beetle
11. Gored
13. Partially paralyzed
15. Still a little wet
16. Legal field media company
17. Not working
19. 500 sheets of paper
21. Church structure
22. Sheep disease
23. Small drink of whiskey
25. Weaving tradition
26. Pestilence
27. Body part
29. Nabs
31. Places to stay
33. Witnesses
34. Looked for
36. Arranges
38. Political action committee
39. Middle eastern nation (alt. sp.)
41. Hair-like structure
43. Parts producer
44. Greek city
46. Subway dwellers
48. Norm from “Cheers”
52. Clean a floor
53. Vied for
54. Canned fish
56. Inspire with love
57. Sent down moisture
58. Wrest
59. Partner to carrots
CLUES DOWN
1. Mounted 2. Assign 3. Wrath 4. Self-immolation by fire ritual
5. Parts of an organism 6. Person from England 7. Tropical plants of the pea family
8. Body part
9. Practice boxing
10. Containers
11. Contrary beliefs
12. Bleached
14. Pre-Islamic Egyptian
15. A group of similar things ordered one after another 18. Innermost spinal cord membranes
20. Cassava
24. A restaurant’s list of offerings
26. Annoy constantly
28. Orchestrate
30. Z Z Z
32. Astute
34. Highly decorated tea urn
35. Teach to behave
37. Endurance
38. Urinating
40. Barbie friend dolls
42. Repents
43. Man-eating giant
45. Jewish calendar month
47. Accelerated
49. Husband of Sita in Hindu 50. Lump of semiliquid substance
51. Lying in wait
55. Cease to exist
SUDOKU Answers
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
After some time, a difficult situation is beginning to settle down, Aries. Enjoy this well-earned peace and consider how a new perspective can help going forward.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, a new plan can be just what you need to make notable progress. Finding a mentor or someone who has forged a path already can be a useful step.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, you have a lot going on in your life right now to keep you busy. With so much going on, try not to worry about what is going on with others. Stay in your lane.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
It is a fine week to really think about your future, Cancer. If you have goals to start a business, start hashing out plans and give thought to seeking a partner.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, this week you start out with a lot of energy, but likely will burn through it early on. If you want to reach your goal, you are going to have to learn how to pace yourself.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
A lot of emotions are running through your mind, Virgo. They may be very confusing. It is alright to feel out of sorts. Perhaps talking to someone can offer you perspective.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you may be feeling introspective and philosophical, so much so that people may catch you staring into space and lost in thought. Now is not the time to make heavy decisions.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, this might not be the week for parties or large social events. You are experiencing some introverted feelings right now and are best in situations that have only a few people.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Life isn’t always fair, Sagittarius. Recognize that sometimes things won’t go your way. Your resolve could be tested this week so be aware.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, it may be tempting to let someone else take over when the going gets tough. That likely will not be best for you, so continue to make decisions and let things play out.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you are due for a big break after going through a lot of emotional ups and downs. Your positive attitude has paved the way for some brighter skies ahead.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
No one else is going to do a tough job for you, Pisces. You have to dig in your heels and make a plan. You are ready for this kind of assignment and the pressure that comes with it.
Sun Sept 15/2024
MontHill Golf Club
4925 hwy 6, & Fourth line
Cost: 250$ per person
Format: 4 person scramble
Men’ Ladies' & mixed teams
Includes: cart, lunch, buffet supper
Cash Prizes for putting, closest to the pin, longest drive, & placement prizes $10,000 hole in one
