Two Row Times, May 29, 2024

Rez Rocket Romance: A love

Pete and Rita Bomberry met on a TTC streetcar in the sixties that spawned a modern Indigenous love story and a family legacy that will be featured on TTC streetcars and buses for Indigenous History Month in June. It was like the Montagues and the Capulets - but with an Indigenous twist.

The late Rita Bomberry was Anishinaabe and raised Catholic on Christian Island in Georgian Bay. She was a residential school survivor, having attended the Spanish Indian Residential School on the north shore of Georgian Bay.

Pete Bomberry - who is happily enjoying his life as the family patriarch on the Bomberry homestead on Fourth Line Road, affectionately called “The Bomberry Patch” - was from a traditional Longhouse family.

He never attended a residential school and was raised in Burlington, Ont., where he went to a secular school.

The two lovebirds met by fate on a spring evening on a Toronto streetcar in 1960. Both were headed to a dance at the North American Indian Club. Elaine Bomberry, one

of four children the couple eventually had, said her mother reminisced, “He was the most handsomest Indian man I had ever seen.”

Pete got off the bus before the two had a chance to meet but little did Rita know he was headed to the same dance as she.

The two met at the dance later and ended up hitting it off so well that Rita gave Pete her number.

Four months later, Pete proposed.

Their parents were not happy about the impending nuptials.

Coming from two entirely different backgrounds brought them concerns.

Pete’s family wanted him to marry a traditional

Haudenosaunee girl and Rita was supposed to marry a Catholic man.

The day of their wedding, which was being held on Christian Island and was only accessible by ferry, was to be presided over by a Catholic priest.

But the priest never showed.

Decades later, the family found out about the priest bragging to parishoners on Christian Island how he had once “saved” a young woman from marrying an “Indian Savage” years before by purposely not showing up to perform the nuptials.

But the loving couple insisted on tying the knot and got married at a church in Toronto two weeks later and the two

families eventually accepted the union.

The happy young couple started their family in Toronto, where they eventually had three girls and boy: Elaine, Mike, Tracy and Nancy.

The kids spent their childhood split between Toronto, Six Nations and Christian Island, their summer getaway, where they fished, swam and enjoyed sun-soaked summers for years on end.

Rita went back to school to learn Anishinaabe and Pete was fluent in Cayuga.

Later, their grandchildren Jayden and Jared would attend a Cayuga immersion school on Six Nations to keep the language alive.

Rita passed away from

breast cancer at 59.

Pete, now a great-grandfather, is enjoying the beautiful, large and fun-loving family he and his wife created with endless laughter and get-togethers at the Bomberry Patch.

On Sat. June 8 at 1:30 p.m., the "Rez Rocket Romance" Toronto Transit Commission's (TTC) streetcar will launch at the Main Street Subway station.

The TTC is honouring Indigenous Peoples Month in June by wrapping four streetcars, four buses, and four handicap vehicles with Indigenous Artwork by various indigenous artists.

Pete and Rita’s family photos and story will be one of the wraps.

Earlier this year, Elaine was approached by Denise McLeod, Indigenous Consultant at the TTC to ask if the story could be reflected through artwork that would wrap a streetcar and of course, she said yes.

“My mom left quite the life lesson to our family: you’re never too old to learn your language and never too old to go back to school,” she said.

“She graduated from her Anishinaabe language program at Lakehead University but only substitute-taught for one semester before she passed away from breast cancer in 2000.”

The TTC is honouring Indigenous Peoples Month in June by wrapping four streetcars, four buses, and four handicap vehicles with Indigenous Artwork by various indigenous artists. FILE

LOCAL keeping you informed.

The Six Nations of the Grand River Economic Development Corporation report shows $40 million in revenue for 2023

The Six Nations of the Grand River Economic Development Corporation faced a slight drop in revenue, by about $2 million, in 2023 compared to 2022.

The SNGRDC annual report, released last week, also shows the corporation had a significant increase in expenses.

SNGRDC brought in $40 million in revenue in 2023, compared to $42 million in 2022, but $33 million of that went toward expenses.

There was a stark contrast in some revenue streams from 2022 to 2023: nation enterprises (on-reserve business, such as the Bingo Hall), made $28 million in 2023 but only $22 million in 2022.

Conversely, off-reserve enterprises, such as energy projects, brought in $9.9 million in 2023 compared to $18 million in 2022.

Joint ventures decreased significantly from $896k in 2022 to $235k in 2023.

Out of the $40 million in revenue in 2023, $2 million of that went to

community groups and projects through SNGRDC’s economic development trust fund.

General operating expenses also rose from 2022 to 2023, from $16.4 million to $22 million.

Salaries and benefits rose slightly from $6 million to $6.4 million.

Total expenses rose from $27.2 million in 2022 to $33.9 million in 2023.

The excess in revenue also dropped significantly in 2023.

Excess revenue in 2022 was $15.7 million while in

2023, it was $6.5 million.

The SNGRDC was created in 2014 and manages a number of on-reserve and off-reserve projects, including green energy partnerships with the province of Ontario.

SNGRDC boasted its projects took the equivalent of 9,000 vehicles off the road and 30,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.

Other reductions

SNGRDC projects contributed to, according to the annual report:

-68,000 litres of oil reduced

-13 million litres of gas reduced

-24,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases reduced from wind projects

-6,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases reduced from solar projects

SNGRDC said twothirds of its workforce is Indigenous.

So far in 2024, SNGRDC has approved $783k in community investments through its trust fund.

Altogether, SNGRDC says it has invested $18 million back into the community since 2016.

Shooting on Bateman Line leads to arrest

STAFF REPORT editor@tworowtimes.com

TWO ROW TIMES

OHSWEKEN - On Tuesday, May 28th, 2024 at approximately 7:05AM, the Six Nations Police Service responded to shooting on Bateman Line between 1st Line and Indian Line Road.

Officers arrived on scene and as a result of the investigation, two suspects have been taken into custody. There are no injuries being reported as a result of the shooting and there is no danger to the public.

The investigation into this incident is still ongo-

ing. Please expect police presence in the area of Seneca Road between 2nd Line and 3rd Line. The roadway is open. Updates will be provided when they are available.

The police are asking for any witnesses in the area or anyone with information to contact SNPS at 519-445-2811.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.crimstoppersbb.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

DONNA DURIC

SNGRDC boasted its projects took the equivalent of 9,000 vehicles off the road and 30,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. FILE

Six Nations Police Service responded to shooting on Bateman Line between 1st Line and Indian Line Road. FILE

Multiple vehicle crash on Chiefswood Road

OHSWEKEN - Members of the Six Nations Police along with Six Nations Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Fire responded to a head-on collision involving three vehicles.

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at approximately 9:15PM, officers received information of a motor vehicle collision located on Chiefswood Road north of Third Line Road. Police arrived on scene and observed three vehicles with severe damage. Officers spoke to one of the victims who advised police that the suspect vehicle hit them head on and attempted to flee the

location but subsequently collided with another vehicle. The victim of the third vehicle confirmed this information. Officers observed the suspect vehicle and approached the male driver, who displayed signs of impairment.

As a result of the investigation, Timothy Allan HILL (37 years old) of Ohsweken, Ontario has been charged with the following offences: Fail to stop at accident, impaired operation, dangerous driving x2, Operation while Prohibted x2, failure or refusal to Comply.

The accused was held in custody pending a formal bail hearing. The accused's vehicle was impounded and was placed on a 45-day hold.

Books about Indigenous life shortlisted for Amazon Canada First Novel Award

Four books about Indigenous life are among the finalists for the $60,000 Amazon Canada First Novel Award.

The six-book short list includes "Empty Spaces" by Jordan Abel, a reimagining of "The Last of the Mohi-

cans" from the perspective of a contemporary Nisga'a person and "And Then She Fell" by Alicia Elliott, which follows a Mohawk woman made to feel like an impostor in her wealthy Toronto neighbourhood.

Kōtuku Titihuia Nuttall was also shortlisted for "Tauhou," a hybrid novel that imagines Vancouver Island sits in the ocean beside Aotearoa, New Zealand's north island.

Also in the running is "The Berry Pickers" by Amanda Peters, which was a finalist for the Atwood-Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize and tells the story of a Mi'kmaq family that moves to Maine to pick berries, only for their daughter to disappear.

Janika Oza's "A History of Burning," the intergenerational saga of an Indo-Ugandan family uprooted by colonialism, made the list as well. It's also up for

the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction and was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award.

Rounding out the short list is "As the Andes Disappeared," written by Caroline Dawson and translated by Anita Anand, a comingof-age story about a girl whose family moves from Chile to Montreal.

The award will be handed out on June 6, and each of the runners-up will receive $6,000.

"And Then She Fell" by Alicia Elliott, which follows a Mohawk woman made to feel like an impostor in her wealthy Toronto neighbourhood. FILE

Chief says grave search at B.C. residential school brings things 'full circle'

in relation to the residential schools … you knew at some point Lejac was going to be on the map to do this too.

Chief Robert Michell says relief isn't the right word to describe his reaction as the search begins for unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school he attended in northern British Columbia.

Michell is the chief of Stellat'en First Nation some 160 kilometres west of Prince George, B.C., and a survivor of the Lejac Indian Residential School where a geophysical survey is underway to find children missing since the facility closed in 1976.

"It's not necessarily a relief," Michell said. "I think it's come full circle because you watch the news every day, you watch what's happening in other parts of British Columbia

"And once the announcement came, then the hard conversation started as to where do we look? What are we looking for?"

The Stellat'en and nearby Nadleh Whut'en Indian Band said this week they have launched a search of the Lejac site. The announcement comes as the Nadleh Whut'en band hosts a gathering of more than 20 First Nations from across B.C. and beyond to share the knowledge gained in their search for unmarked graves.

Representatives from communities surveying 18 former residential schools and three former hospitals are attending the meeting, which is the fifth of its kind.

Nadleh Whut'en Chief Beverly Ketlo said many at the gathering are looking to the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Nation for advice since their May 2021 announcement that ground-penetrating radar had discovered 215 possible unmarked graves at the Kamloops Residential School site.

Ketlo said the gathering also allowed the Nadleh Whut'en to speak directly to members of the 74 bands that had children at the Lejac school during its 54 years of operation.

"We need to learn from each other, what process do we use, what needs to be on the list to make sure we don't miss anything when it comes to the investigation," Ketlo said. "Which teams do we bring in? Which support teams do we bring in for wellness for our survivors?"

About 7,850 Indigenous

children attended Lejac school, and the Nadleh Whut'en band said there were 38 documented deaths at the facility that was razed in 1990.

Ketlo said the survey at the site would involve ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry, as well as possible involvement from archeological teams. The whole process of locating possible graves, including talking to survivors about their memories of what happened, will likely take many years to complete.

"This process is not a one- or two-year project," Ketlo said. "This process is going to take years."

Michell said having other First Nations at the gathering will help guide the community and its handling of survivors' trauma.

"The thing that's going to be the most advan-

tageous is the fact that individual survivors of individual schools do not feel alone or isolated, that there is a group of schools now that are looking into the same trauma inflicted (and) things that took place," Michell said.

"To have all of them gather and exchange stories, exchange ideas, exchange processes going forward on how to deal with the findings and what to do next goes a long way."

The experiences of Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Nation and others would also help understand the complexities of the technical search process, he said.

"I think a lot of people have the misconception that you put a piece of equipment on the ground, you find an anomaly and there it is," Michell said.

"The next step is then to decide, once all the determination has been made that an anomaly could be a body. What do you do with that particular person? Do you move forward with exhuming? Those are the collaborative type of discussions that are involved … things like, 'This is what we've done, whether it worked or not, and we suggest that you do this.'"

A joint statement by the Nadleh Whut'en band, the Stellat’en First Nation and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations says the threeday meeting will end on Thursday.

— By Chuck Chiang in Vancouver

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2024.

"That's not how it works … not every anomaly is going to be a body. So a lot of that has to take it into consideration.

'Language is identity': Indigenous Ontario legislator to make history at Queen's Park

By Liam Casey

Decades after being punished in a residential school for speaking his own language, Sol Mamakwa will hold the powerful to account at Ontario's legislature in the very same language past governments tried to bury.

On Tuesday, Mamakwa, the only First Nation legislator at Queen's Park, will rise in the legislative chamber – with his mother, sister, brothers, friends and elders watching from the gallery – and ask a question in Anishininiimowin, known in English as Oji-Cree.

For the first time in its history, the Ontario legislature will allow, interpret and transcribe a language other than English and French. It will also be a birthday gift to his mom, Kezia Mamakwa, who turns 79 that day, and a nod to his late father, Jerry Mamakwa.

"Language is nationhood, language is identity, language is where history comes from and language is me and my people," Sol Mamakwa, a 53-year-old NDP legislator, said in an interview.

"It's important because there's so many of us who are losing our languages. I think it's a step toward reconciliation and a step toward reviving our languages."

The federal government in decades past, with help from the Catholic and Protestant churches, tried to kill Indigenous languages through various means, including residential schools that ripped children away from their families and forced them to speak English. Indigenous languag-

es have been slowly dying over the past century.

About 25 people from Mamakwa's Kingfisher Lake First Nation in northwestern Ontario will travel to Toronto to watch him make history along with 75 other guests, including Indigenous leaders.

"I think about the people who have lost their language, I think about the people who were not allowed to speak their language in residential schools and I think about my mom," Mamakwa said as he choked up. She lives with dementia and has good days and bad, he said. His family's pride resonates through several phone conversations.

"She's so proud, " Mamakwa's sister Esther Sakakeep, said of her mother. "As I am, for my little brother. I just wish our dad would be there, but I know he will be looking down on us."

His older brother struggled to find words to describe his feelings.

"I went to residential school, and I remember, even though I didn't think of it much at the time as a teenager, they had told us we couldn't speak our language, you just couldn't and if you did, you'd be punished badly," Jonathon Mamakwa said.

"To see this, it's awesome."

SPARKING CHANGE

A chance encounter in March between Sol Mamakwa and Government House Leader Paul Calandra triggered the change. One evening Mamakwa found himself at a reception at Queen's Park where he gave a speech partly in his own language and partly in English.

He told the crowd his parents taught him to speak Anishininiimowin first, and English second. He lamented the fact he could not speak his own language in the legislative assembly, then went on with his speech.

Mamakwa said his comments were deliberate, trying to plant an idea for change inside the mind of Calandra, who also spoke at the event.

It worked. Calandra was irritated, believing Mamakwa was peddling untruths.

The next morning, Mamakwa sipped coffee at the cafeteria in the basement of Queen's Park with his northern New Democrat friends, Guy Bourgoin, a Métis man representing Mushkegowuk-James Bay, and John Vanthof, a farmer representing Timiskaming-Cochrane. Calandra, a staunch Progressive Conservative who runs multiple ministries, strolled by with his staffers and, as he is wont to do, chirped at the Official Opposition members.

"I asked Sol if I should cross the floor to help them ask better questions," Calandra said with a laugh.

He also chided Mamakwa for his belief he could not speak his language in the legislative chamber. Mamakwa, getting irritated himself, said he had tried to speak several times before, but was cut off by the Speaker every time.

Owen Macri, Calandra's chief of staff and a walking encyclopedia of legislative procedures, then told his boss Mamakwa was right. The only official languages at Queen's Park are

English and French, he told Calandra. It had been that way since Confederation in 1867, with the rules laid out in a standing order.

"For the first time in six years, I walked out of the room and said, 'I'm wrong, you're right,'" Calandra recalled telling Mamakwa. Over breakfast, the pair decided to fix it.

"It was just wrong," Calandra said. "It just seemed like this is common sense and I can't believe that we don't actually allow it to happen."

Mamakwa is widely respected among the different parties. Both the governing PCs and the Ontario Liberals tried to persuade him to join their sides at some point since he was elected for the riding of Kiiwetinoong, including a personal invitation from Premier Doug Ford to cross the floor. Within days of that encounter, Calandra's chief of staff had two standing orders ready to go, one specifically for Mamakwa and a second allowing all future Indigenous members of the provincial parliament to speak their language.

The new rules are now enshrined: "Every Member desiring to speak must rise in his or her place and address the Speaker, in either English, French or an Indigenous language spoken in Canada. If a Member wishes to address the House in an Indigenous language, they shall, prior to taking their seat for the first time, notify the Clerk of the House of the language in which they intend to speak so the Speaker may arrange appropriate interpretation and translation capabilities."

The change means the world to Mamakwa.

"I guess I'm friends with Paul Calandra now," he said with a big laugh.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The change set in motion a flurry of activity to prepare for Tuesday.

The legislature's broadcast and recording service department currently provides a live simultaneous interpretation of English to French or vice versa in the chamber, in committee hearings and on television and online.

Adding a third language has presented some technical challenges, said Jeff Goodman, operations manager of the broadcast service, but there are plans to address them.

On Tuesday, one Indigenous interpreter will be in a broadcast booth inside the chamber usually occupied by the French interpreter, Goodman explained. The French interpreter will shift upstairs to an empty committee interpretation booth as part of a makeshift relay that's been set up.

When Mamakwa speaks, his words will be translated to English and sent to the earbuds inside the house, out for broadcast and up to the French interpreter on the fifth floor for further translation – all in real-time.

The legislature may eventually need to add a third interpretation booth to accommodate anyone speaking an Indigenous language, but they will also need to figure out how to perform the same act remotely if interpreters are not physically in Toronto. Indigenous interpreters have been difficult to find,

Goodman said, but the legislature has two OjiCree interpreters ready for Tuesday.

Mamakwa will speak for about 10 minutes in his language before the question period.

In addition to live translation, one interpreter will help transcribe Mamakwa's speech and questions so they can be represented in syllabics, an Indigenous writing system, in Hansard, the official record of proceedings at Queen's Park.

"It's a big challenge, but, it's amazing to see all of these different groups work together, and we're excited to be a part of something really important," Goodman said. Indigenous leaders are expected to take in the historic moment, including Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nations in northwestern Ontario.

"I continue to be amazed by Sol's leadership," Fiddler said. "This is just an example of how effective he can be as a provincial parliamentarian to advancing our language initiatives, to restore our language and our culture and for him to do this at that level is pretty incredible."

For Mamakwa, the change is part of his goal to better the lives of First Nations people and keep his roots strong.

"This is change for the good at Queen's Park because there will be others behind me," he said. "It will be a good day."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2024.

Free, confidential help, advice and support for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women

Billy-Ray Belcourt on using fiction to show Indigenous experiences

By Nicole Thompson

Billy-Ray Belcourt has populated his first short story collection with a pantheon of Cree characters, each presenting a different possibility for modern Indigenous life. The cast of "Coexistence" started with just one couple. Belcourt wanted to write a story about queer, Indigenous partners who stay together, in which nothing traumatic happens.

"I didn't see that represented in the literary landscape and so I felt a certain degree of urgency in portraying that kind of story," he said.

But as he was writing their story, which comes second in the collection of 10, more characters presented themselves to him and the book began to take shape — along with

an expanded mission.

"I was interested ultimately in what I've been calling the Indigenous domestic: the ways that Indigenous people go about their daily lives, how history manifests in that daily sphere, but also how they make choices around love, identity, art in ordinary ways."

Some of the stories are connected — that first couple Belcourt wrote is at the centre of two tales, one from the perspective of each man. A mother who stayed in the First Nation where she was born is the subject of the first story; her son who left is the subject of the last.

Other stories stand alone. A man is released from jail determined to live up to his grandmother's expectations in the face of a justice system

that seems designed to push him down. A woman returns to her mother's home, which used to house the nuns who ran a nearby residential school. The stories serve as portraits, slivers of people's lives drawn in sharp detail and pieced together.

"My life only represents a certain facet of being bound up in history, whereas if I write other characters into being, I can touch on and grasp toward these other experiences, historical embeddedness. So I'm really interested in the sociology of these characters' lives and not just their interior existence."

All of Belcourt's protagonists are Cree and from northern Alberta, like him. Many are queer; some have moved far from home; some are intellectuals or academics.

Hamilton Arts Week is celebrating its tenth year with festivities across Hamilton from June 5-14th.

There’s live music, interactive exhibits, workshops, dances, and educational tours, with a new focus on Indigenous arts and artists.

Executive Director David Hudson sees supporting Indigenous arts as necessary in creating a festival that offers exciting events while challenging what an accessible and inclusive arts community looks like. “I don’t think we truly appreciate the role that the arts play in our lives.

Artists help us understand our society through the introspective nature of art. There’s unparalleled opportunity for self-discovery. Artists are archivists, reflecting on where we come from, narrators informing us to the immediacy of our current events, and they’re visionaries, showing us what we could be.”

Megan Divecha, the council’s community engagement coordinator, sees Arts Week as “an opportunity to celebrate diverse forms of art and be inspired by these new ideas and perspectives. We want to shine a light on all the amazing artists in the area.”

One of this year’s adjudicators for Arts Week is noted Indigenous fashion designer Angela DeMontigny. “I loved being part of the process and having the opportunity to see the types of artists that were applying. I was so happy to see the diversity in our community of artists.”

She recalled a talk several years ago organized by Cable 14 about the arts community. “It was the first time Indigenous artists were being engaged as part of the wider arts community. People said they wanted to see Indigenous arts in the city because they didn’t know anything about us or who we were and they wanted to learn more.”

She believes events like Arts Week open the door to discussions of different cultures as well as creating opportunities for education. “It’s a way to help teach people about who we are and confront stereotypes and prejudices, to see that we are not just figures from history but relevant, contemporary people. It’s an opportunity for Indigenous youth to embrace their culture and identity and see how complex and multilayered we are.”

Arts Week’s biggest signature Indigenous event is a concert by The Sultans of String. Known for sharing their stage with diverse artists, the free concert on June 9, 7pm at the Westdale Cinema will feature several Indigenous artists. Strings’ leader Chris McKhool is passionate about learning more about different communities, leading to Strings’ new project “Walking Through the Fire” being inspired by seeking ways to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action.

McKhool was challenged by artist Duke Redbird to work with Indigenous communities similarly to the work accomplished by the Strings’ “The Refuge Project”. The challenge resonated deeply, leading McKhool to learn about the history of Indigenous peoples and what real reconciliation looks like. “Arts can be a form of social work, teaching receptive audiences, bringing people together and sharing ideas. I want to use my platform responsibly and the artists we’re working with here just scratch the surface regarding the depth of Canada’s Indigenous artistry.”

Strings bandmate Marc Merlianian added that he hopes the concert inspires people to dig deeper into Indigenous music and culture. “There’s a lot of misinformation and stereotypes that need to be challenged. I want the community to have a good time and see that the Indigenous community is properly represented. Education is a step towards reconciliation and I’m optimistic we’re moving in the right direction.”

For Yuma Dean Hester, leader of The Bawaadan Collective, being one of the two signature Indigenous events for Arts Week provides an “opportunity to hear community stories and see what emotional weight people are carrying.” He sees reclamation of identity as key to Bawaadan’s project, which focuses on the experience of racialized artists in Hamilton. “We want to hear their career highlights, challenges, their hopes for change. There’s an opportunity for quiet, intimate conversation and by creating a safe space for these stories to be shared, there’s power to affect real change here.”

Collective member Marjan Verstappen added, “We want people to be able to speak to how the Hamilton arts community is becoming a refuge for artists from other cities and communities. I hope that those who have the power to change how institutions work will see that Hamilton can be a place where these important conversations can happen.”

Bawaadan is seeking 8-10 participants for their project and anyone hoping to be part of it can reach them at Bawaadancollective@gmail.com. For me, an Ojibwe writer and filmmaker, being an Arts Week adjudicator for the past two years has helped me reflect on the long journey of discovering my Indigenous heritage. I was adopted, raised outside my culture, and growing up it often felt like the only time I ever heard about Indigenous people in the news was during events like the Oka Crisis. Since then, I’ve used the arts to explore what it means to be Indigenous and I’ve discovered just how complex and nuanced that answer can be.

Indigenous people taking their place on prominent stages across Canada may be long overdue, but Arts Week’s commitment to Indigenous artistry can help ensure that new voices will have a place ready for them. We are storytellers, it’s in our blood, and I believe the time that our voices will be heard loud and clear is finally here.

To see the full list of Arts Week festivities please visit https://www.hamiltonartscouncil.ca/artsweek

Written by Shane Pennells

Matachewan land claim settlement

The Canadian Press

The Ontario government says it has reached a settlement in a treaty land entitlement claim linked to the Matachewan First Nation.

Under the settlement, the First Nation located southeast of Timmins, Ont., will receive $590,000 and more than 2,000 hectares of provincial Crown land, which may be added

to its reserve. Treaty land entitlement claim settlements are meant to remedy instances where First Nations did not receive the amount of reserve land promised to them under numbered treaties.

The province says Treaty 9, also known as the James Bay Treaty, provided First Nations with nearly 260 hectares of land per family of five, or just over 50

hectares per member. However, the Matachewan First Nation did not receive all the land it was entitled to. Since it began settling claims with Indigenous communities in 1983, Ontario says it has handled 65 land claims and other agreements.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2024.

140”WBBackUpCam55,281KM $32,99500

Queen's Park speech in Oji-Cree

By: Liam Casey and Allison Jones

After decades of being told his first language should be forgotten, Sol Mamakwa stood on the floor of the Ontario legislature about to make history. But he couldn't shake the thought that he should continue in English and not Anishininiimowin, also called Oji-Cree, the language his mother taught him.

"I thought I was breaking the laws and the rules of this house and I tried to remind myself that there's nothing wrong with this, 'You're allowed to speak,'" Mamakwa said. And so he did.

In a moment that made

history, the New Democrat – and the only First Nation legislator in the province – addressed Queen's Park in his own language on Tuesday, marking the first time a language other than English and French has been allowed by officials in Ontario's legislative chamber.

In the process, the 53-year-old Mamakwa secured a pledge from the premier to build a longterm care home in Sioux Lookout, Ont.

"I want to say thank you to everyone present. I'm very grateful, thankful for the opportunity to be able to speak my Anishininiimowin, in Indigenous Oji-Cree language in this legislature," Mamakwa

SIX NATIONS POLICE

said through an interpreter at the start of his speech. "I am speaking for those that couldn't use our language and also for those people from Kiiwetinoong, not only those from Kiiwetinoong, but for every Indigenous person in Ontario."

Ontario's legislature had not previously allowed interpreting and transcribing a language other than English and French. About 100 supporters gathered in Toronto to watch the historic moment, including Mamakwa's mother, siblings, friends and First Nation leaders. It was a gift to his mom, Kezia Mamakwa, who turned 79 on Tuesday.

Constable - Contract Position

Applications for a contract position for Constable with the Six Nations Police are now being called for.

All applicants must fill out a standard application form available at the Six Nations Police Station.

CRITERIA for applicants are as follows:

Minimum Requirements to be considered for a career in First Nations Policing with the Six Nations Police Service, you must:

- Be 19 years of age or over and able to provide an official birth certificate or proof of age;

- Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position having regard to your own safety and the safety of members of the public

- Have successfully completed at least 4 years of Secondary School education or its equivalent (official transcripts and diplomas will be required)

- Be of good moral character and habits, meaning that you are an individual other people would consider being trustworthy and having integrity, with no criminal record;

- certified by a physician to be fit for duty as a front line Six Nations Police Constable and able to pass physical tests which are required in the recruiting process

- Possess a valid driver’s license with no more than 6 accumulated demerit points, permitting you to drive an automobile in Ontario with full driving privileges

- Be able to pass a security clearance as well as background investigation, credit card and reference checks

If you have any criminal convictions under a Federal Statute you must obtain a pardon.

Special Requirements – for the Six Nations Police Service, in order to address the unique and at times urgent needs of the Six Nations of the Grand River Community and Haudenosaunee culture, additional requirements include:

- Extensive knowledge of the unique social dynamics of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory

- A sound understanding of Haudenosaunee culture, customs, traditions and social political issues of the Six Nations of the Grand River

- Six Nations of the Grand River Band Membership/Citizenship and residency is considered a preferred asset and

- Membership or extensive working experience with any Indigenous Nation will also be considered an asset

Desirable Qualifications:

Six Nations Band member preferred

Assets:

Previous policing related experience Law and security courses, etc.

Closing Date: Applications must be received by 3:00 p.m. June 20, 2024. Applications in complete form are to be mailed or hand delivered to:

Six Nations Police P.O. Box 758 2112 4th Line Road Ohsweken, Ontario N0A 1M0

Attention: Policing Administrator

For further information, please contact the Policing Administrator at 519-445-4191.

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Down 2-1, Panthers still have plenty of hope in East final against Rangers

By Tim Reynolds

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.

(AP) — Carter Verhaeghe pulled his vehicle out of the players' parking lot after leaving the Florida Panthers' practice facility on Monday afternoon, only to notice about 50 fans standing on the side of the road clamoring for autographs.

So, he stopped and signed for a while. Brandon Montour did the same. More players, like captain Aleksander Barkov, followed suit a few minutes later. The fans — some kids, some adults, some carrying signs, some wearing jerseys — were, as would be expected, thrilled.

Down 2-1 in the Eastern Conference final to the New York Rangers, the Panthers — seeking a second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final — still believe going into Game 4 on their home ice Tuesday night. Evidently, so do their fans.

“You wake up, the sun is shining, everything's good here,” Panthers forward Sam Bennett said. “It's not too difficult.”

If only beating the Rangers were so easy. New York grabbed homeice back in the series with a 5-4 overtime win on Sunday, a game where the Panthers fired off more than 100 shot attempts — more than doubling what the Rangers tried during the contest. Florida created chance after chance after chance in the third

period, especially late.

And it didn't matter; the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin came up with big stops every time he needed to, Alex Wennberg got a deflection past the Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky to win the game, and the team with the best record in the regular season moved two wins away from claiming the East.

“The third was probably our toughest go in the series so far,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said of the Florida onslaught in the third period of Game 3,

when the Panthers erased a 4-2 deficit but never reclaimed the lead.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice said he believes his team left work on Monday with a firm understanding of what needs to be adjusted for Game 4.

“At no point will our game plan be, ‘Hey, let’s shoot fewer pucks for better opportunities,’” Maurice said.

“What we're trying to create is certainly goals, but we scored three in Game 1 and four in Game 3.

It's not goals. We have to defend. ... We have a pretty

good idea of where we can be marginally better with the puck — I say marginally because we can make slight improvements with it — but we’re pretty good with the puck.”

TROUBA FINED

Rangers defenseman

Jacob Trouba was fined $5,000 on Monday by the league for elbowing Florida forward Evan Rodrigues in the head and neck area on Sunday. The total was the maximum allowed under league rules. Trouba was assessed a minor penalty for elbow-

ing. The Panthers felt it was worthy of a 5-minute major.

“Take the hat, pass it around,” Maurice said when told of the fine.

4 WASN’T ENOUGH Teams that score four goals on the Rangers in the playoffs win 91% of the time.

The odds were bucked in Game 3.

Sunday marked the 17th time — in 175 such games — that an opponent scored four or more goals against the Rangers and didn’t win. New York

is now 16-158-1 in such games, and Sunday’s win snapped a 42-game playoff losing streak for the Rangers in that scenario going back to Game 2 of the 1997 East final against Philadelphia.

The Rangers won that game 5-4, just as they did Sunday. Perhaps a good omen for the Panthers: the Flyers won the next three games of that series and went to the Stanley Cup Final.

THIRD-PERIOD CATS

Florida led the NHL in third-period goal differential during the regular season, outscoring opponents 99-63 in the final 20 minutes of regulation. Form is holding in the playoffs.

The Panthers outscored the Rangers 2-0 in the third of Game 3 and are now plus-13 in that period in the playoffs. Florida has 21 third-period goals in this playoff run, allowing only eight.

The Rangers haven’t been great in the third, outscored 13-11 in that period in the playoffs. But New York has been perfect in overtimes in the postseason; the Game 3 win improved the Rangers’ OT record this spring to 4-0.

AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report.

AP NHL playoffs: https:// apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://www. apnews.com/hub/NHL

Six Nations' Brandon Montour stopped to sign autographs for about 50 fans after leaving the Florida Panthers' practice facility on Monday afternoon.. FILE

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SIX NATIONS AND NEW CREDIT

The GREAT Job Board is brought to you by 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.

ATTN:

PORTER: Walter Sherwood “Woody” May 2, 1942 - May 22, 2024

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dad, Grandpa and Brother, Walter Sherwood Porter known as Woody. He leaves behind his partner of 25 years Joyce, his children Debra & Ray, Glenna, Wendy & Lew, Carmel, Darren & Stacy and Dwayne & Kay, 20 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, his brothers and sister, Victor & Glenda, John (Doc) and Helen.

Predeceased by his parents Walter & Muriel Porter, his brother Carmen & Eleanor Porter, his sister Sheila & Dave Miller, and his nephew Ryan Miller.

The family will honour his life with visitation at Styres Funeral Home, 1798 4th Line, Ohsweken on Saturday from 6 - 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Evening service on Sunday at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday May 27, 2024 at 1pm. Interment Ohsweken Pentecostal Cemetery. www.rhbanderson.com

Obituaries In Memoriam For Sale

For Sale Mini Barns/Picnic Tables Free delivery on Reserve Can be seen 1911 First Line 289.253.8866 LM 8x8 - 12x12

Please recycle this newspaper

Gene (Jub) L. Hill Jan 1944 - May 22, 2024

The Broken Chain by Ron Tranmer

We little knew the day that Creator was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you The day Creator called you home. You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as Creator calls us one by one the chain will link again.

Always missed Forever loved Wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren

HILL: John William Mitchell May 23, 2003 - May 24, 2024

It was with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of John at the age of 21 years. Beloved son of Magan & Al, Steven, and Jamie & Amanda. Loving brother

XANIYAH JEAN HESS

March 21,2024-May 22, 2024

It is with immense sadness we announce the loss of our precious baby girl, Xaniyah Jean Hess. Blessing our family on March 21, 2024, Baby Xaniyah is survived by Mom and Dad, Raylene Williams and Wayne Hess III, her siblings, Wayne IV, Layla, Neveah and Wesley Hess, her grandparents, Richard and Wilma Williams, Judy Hill and Wayne “Hammer” Hess II, her aunties and uncles, Richard (Lacey), Rob (Natasha) and Erica and many cousins and great aunties and uncles. She is predeceased by Great-Grandparents Dan and Barb Elliott, Lester and Janice Williams, Wesley and Dolly Hill, Bev and Wayne Hess I, as well as her uncle Patrick “Patty” Montour. The family is gathering at Gramma Wilma and Papa Rich’s house at 3248 6th Line (back house), after 2 p.m. Sunday where funeral service will be held on Tuesday May 28, 2024 at 11 a.m. Interment Stumphall Cemetery. Arrangements by Styres Funeral Home, Ohsweken, www.rhbanderson.com

CLUES ACROSS

1. Fashion accessory

4. Engine additive

7. Small, faint constellation

8. Gives a job

10. Self-righteous person

12. Caucasian language

13. Surinam toad

14. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

16. Former French coin

17. Levels the score

19. What stage performers do

20. Egyptian Sun god

21. Localities

25. Spherical body

26. Licensed for Wall Street

27. Perfect

29. It’s on many people’s heads

30. Boxing’s GOAT

31. Photo

32. Popular HBO show

39. Popular music awards show

41. Pouch

42. Lake in Botswana

43. Unruly group

44. One-fourth

45. Very eager

46. Edward __, author and writer

48. Flying insect

49. Dragged forcibly

50. Thus far

51. Not just “play”

52. Commercials

CLUES DOWN

1. Occur

2. Show up

3. Capital of Taiwan

4. Brother or sister

5. Secret get-togethers

6. Type of tea

8. Where the action is

9. Cast out

11. Crime group

14. Type of vessel (abbr.)

15. Accept and handle

18. Sacrifice hit

19. One who buys and sells securities simultaneously

20. Month

22. Most thin

23. Naturally occurring material

24. Luke’s mentor __-Wan

27. Postmodernist Austrian “House”

28. Aquatic salamander

29. Baseball stat

31. Beginning military rank

32. Talk rapidly and unintelligbly

33. Paddle

34. Caregiver (abbr.)

35. Old Irish alphabet

36. Japanese city

37. In a way, acted

38. Things to see

39. Nursemaid

40. Type of tooth

44. To be demonstrated

47. Defunct European group

SUDOKU

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You may have a chance to get to know someone better this week, Aries. Trust your instincts rather than listening to what is running through the rumor mill.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you may be ready to shake things up in regard to your social life or even with a professional pursuit. Work out the path you want to take.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Following your curiosity may lead you down some interesting paths, Gemini. Things can change on a moment’s notice, so be prepared to respond.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

An intellectual debate could grow somewhat tiresome this week, Cancer. You need to know when to pull out of the conversation to help maintain your mental well-being.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Have an important conversation with a loved one, Leo. You need to clear up a misunderstanding that has been growing more significant. Once you take care of this, smooth sailing awaits.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

You may want to rely on someone else to bring some stability and comfort to your life, Virgo. Now may be the time to seek out a new relationship.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, have a good time over the next couple of weeks. You deserve it. Recognize that fun interactions do not necessarily have to be shallow experiences. You can learn something new even while being entertained.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

It might feel like your peer group has shifted in a way that no longer gels with you, Scorpio. It may be time to find some new friends who share your current interests.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

You may seek validation from peers or even people on social media if you feel like you are being inhibited by current insecurities, Sagittarius. Others can corroborate your value.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Proactive changes you make this week may improve your love life, Capricorn.That can be a good thing if you have encountered relationship issues lately.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, setting out on an impulsive adventure could be worth the effort right now. It can be refreshing to spend time outside your usual surroundings.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Putting up a tough front may be a protection strategy right now, Pisces. Over time, you may need to let your guard down and ask for some help if the situation is chronic.