Lead the future of local healthcare and join the NGH Board of Directors
Ontario First Nations possibily missing out on $100 million in gaming funds annually
Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) is seeking four new board members to help shape the future of healthcare in our community.
Lead the future of local healthcare and join the
NGH Board of Directors
Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) is seeking four new board members to help shape the future of healthcare in our community.
Steve Williams, former
First Nations Limited Partnership (OFNLP) since 2011.
and how and where those revenues are being distributed, council heard.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with experience in business, risk management, board governance, or legal expertise though it’s not required. What matters most is your passion for making a difference.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with experience in business, risk management, board governance, or legal expertise—though it’s not required. What matters most is your passion for making a difference.
As a board member, you’ll attend nine meetings per year, help guide hospital strategy, and ensure high-quality care for those who rely on NGH.
Lead the future of local healthcare and join the NGH Board of Directors
Six Nations elected chief and board member of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, says First Nations could be missing out on $100 million annually because of the exclusion of certain gaming revenues.
The OFNLP revenue sharing agreement was finalized with the OLG in 2011, giving 1.7 percent of all gaming revenues from the province to 131 First Nations in Ontario.
Williams calculated that could amount to $100 million a year.
As a board member, you’ll attend nine meetings per year, help guide hospital strategy, and ensure high-quality care for those who rely on NGH.
Six Nations has received about $115 million since the inception of the 2011 agreement, Williams said.
OFNLP gaming funds were intended to help First Nations in Ontario develop their economies and infrastructure but Six Nations has been using the funds to offset departmental deficits every year.
We should have the opportunity to advance our gaming opportunities to fill in funding gaps from the government, said Frazer.
Six Nations is the most populated reserve in Canada but the funds aren’t distributed on a per capita basis.
We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from Indigenous community members and newcomers to our community.
We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from Indigenous community members and newcomers to our community.
Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) is seeking four new board members to help shape the future of healthcare in our community.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds especially those with experience in business, risk management, board governance, or legal expertise though it’s not required. What matters most is your passion
As
Apply by: April 25, 2025
Contact: Charlene Charles, Coordinator of Board Affairs,Norfolk General Hospital Board of Directors at ccharles@ngh.on.ca
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2025 �������� Contact: Charlene Charles, Coordinator of Board Affairs, Norfolk General Hospital Board of Directors at ccharles@ngh.on.ca �������� Scan to Learn More & Apply
Make a difference. Join us today!
Williams told Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council’s finance committee Monday that a percentage of certain online gaming and sports betting isn’t included in the current agreement giving First Nations 1.7 percent of OLG revenues every year, estimated at about $100 million a year.
In 2024, the OLG made about $9.7 billion in gross revenue, said Williams, with about $166 million of that equaling 1.7 percent and distributed to First Nations last year.
�������� Apply by: April 25, 2025 �������� Contact: Charlene Charles, Coordinator of Board Affairs, Norfolk General Hospital Board of Directors at ccharles@ngh.on.ca �������� Scan to Learn More & Apply
Six Nations gets about $11 million annually from that agreement, formally managed by the Ontario
Williams said the OLG keeps bringing in more revenue every year and in 2025, Six Nations’ share of OFNLP funds is expected to be about $14 million.
The current issue, he said, is with the definition of “new lottery schemes”
Coun. Greg Frazer equated the annual funds to “hush money.”
He said, “it’s hush money to keep us quiet. It doesn’t allow us to advance. We got elders needs, we got Jordan’s Principle needs. We’re always backtracking, paying bills.”
He said Six Nations is circumventing economic opportunities by paying the bills with the gaming monies instead of building Six Nations’ economy.
The money is distributed through a formula, with 50 percent based on the population of the First Nation, a 40 percent base amount for all First Nations, and 10 percent determined by the remoteness of the community.
Williams sits on the board of the OLG, however, he said he is looking to retire and is encouraging others to apply for a seat on the OLG board.
Elected Council accepted his report as information.
Incoming Student Trustees Ready to Lead to Way
Three
and advocate for
Members of the Student Senate recently elected Prabhsidak Singh to represent students in Brantford and Brant County, Harper Thompson to represent learners in Haldimand and Norfolk
counties, and Ryleigh Staats, elected through a process of consensus-building to represent Indigenous students across the Grand Erie District School Board.
"Leadership should reflect the diversity of the students it represents, and more importantly, every student — regardless of their background — should feel that their voice is genuinely heard and valued at the board level," said Prabhsidak Singh, who is a student at Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School.
"My main goal and
focus for the year ahead is to ensure that student needs and mental health supports are prioritized, improving awareness of and accessibility to mental health resources for all students," said Harper Thompson, a student at Simcoe Composite School. "Every decision made in Grand Erie impacts students. It's vital that student input is provided, heard and considered, ensuring they are understood, accepted and supported in their schools."
Thompson says Grand Erie's vision — to learn,
lead and inspire — is one she takes to heart. She hopes to show her fellow learners what's possible by setting high standards, overcoming challenges and not being afraid to seize opportunities. Her own inspiration to run for the role came from seeing what a previous student trustee was able to achieve, and she plans to carry that through as a positive change-maker next year.
Two years of strong student leadership, from left to right: Olivia Prince, Harper Thompson, Ryleigh Staats, Aidyn Hill, Prabhsidak Singh and Caitlyn Shields
"For me, the inspiration to run for student trustee comes from past and current generations in my family; past generations before me were residential school survivors who had to fight hard for me to have a voice now," said
Ryleigh Staats, who is Haudenosaunee, Turtle clan, and a student at Delhi District Secondary School who plans to draw on this strong legacy and work ethic to advocate for and uplift the voices of Indigenous students across Grand Erie. "Being Indigenous, you don’t just endure generational trauma, you take that power and resilience with you every day."
2025-26 student trustees, from left to right, Harper Thompson, Ryleigh Staats and Prabhsidak Singh. SUBMITTED
Brantford Expositor 1950 - "Delewares Came For Night - a Long Night"
By Jean H. Waldie
- as published in the Expositor 1950
"When the Delewares came here, they asked only to stay all night. It's been quite a long night.” This was a comment made jestingly by some of the Six Nations with regard to the coming of the Delewares to the Six Nations Reserve. The story of how the Delewares became linked with the Six Nations confederacy forms an interesting part of the Indian history of the Grand River Valley.
The story, as told by Jesse Moses, a farmer on the Reserve and himself a Deleware, follows: years ago, enemies of long standing, whose ambitions rose no higher than to excel in the hunt or in war, made a peace which has endured. The Indians concerned in order of establishment of peace were: The Iroquois or Six Nations and the Dele-
wares of the Algonquin nation, both migrants from the present eastern United States, and secondly, the Six Nations and a band of Chippewas, a native people of Canada, also Algonquins.
The Six Nations were the only one of the three parties in a position to demand terms.
The first applicants to them at a date set as 1812-14 were the Delewares, a band estimated as numbering 200 and made up of parts of the shattered tribes of the eastern Indian people or Wapanacki, They were an enemy of pre-white days who had lost all to the whites and their Six Nations ally and now had come to the later, their former enemy, in their need. Bitter experience had taught them that annihilation was their lot for resisting seizure of their lands and, eventually, as the result of unceasing hostility toward the
whites, being so thoroughly broken, they fled to Canada.
They feared the same fate as befell the Penobscot, another Wapanacki tribe which attempted hold its lands and the el extermination of which was officially authorized by the British Crown and House of Representatives in the infamous Proclamation of June 10, 1756. A reward of money was offered to soldiers and private persons for killing and producing the scalps of the said Indians.
They crossed Niagara River pursued by the knowledge of the fate of the Penobscot and under constant acts of hostility, ever moving westward, the Delewares crossed the Niagara River and on the sand flats of the River, they settled at the present site of the Town of Dunnville, some time in the 1750's.
They lived unmolested there until the War of
1812 when they fought on the side of the British under their chief, Blackbird. Victory was followed by the expansion and development of industry the idea of making the Grand River a navigable water trade route was undertaken.
In this scheme the Six Nations lent private promoters a large sum of money which was not repaid by them, When the dam at Dunnville was built, the resultant rise of the water level flooded the Delewares out of their homes and destroyed their crops. For this inconvenience and loss they were not indemnified.
They were, again homeless, moneyless without friends except for a neighbourliness which had existed between them and the Lower Cayugas of the Iroquois when both resided in their former territory in the newly formed republic. These people, as their ancestors had been,
were forced to move. But to where in a country now entirely under British claim and occupancy? The one exception was that area set aside for the Six Nations.
Accordingly, the Delewares moved westward up the river toward the Iroquois settlement. These people were 500 miles from the Atlantic coast where their forefathers had been the first American natives to extend the hand of friendship to the first English-speaking colonists. They had not had a permanent home or known what peace was for 150 years. In desperation they came to the door of the Iroquois. What the procedure was and who acted as sponsor for their application for a home on the Six Nations Reserve is not definitely known.
However, they were officially admitted by the Six Nations Council with provisions so generous that even the most advanced
nations of today would not think of extending them to a former enemy. They were admitted and placed under the protection and guardianship of the Cayuga tribe. They were to have an equal per capita share and all of the rights and privileges connected with the ownership of land as had a member of the Six Nations. They were to share equally in the drawing of Six Nations interest money. They were to have a representative in the Six Nations Council appointed by themselves according to their own custom. No restrictions were imposed or obligations demanded. Since the discontinuance of the hereditary system of representation in the Six Nations Council, Delewares have, under the elective system, represented various districts and the same spirit of amity employed at the time of their admittance continues.
A glimpse from the past - news articles from the 1950s Expositor
Head of Production: Dave LaForce Writer: Jace Koblun
"Forty-eight Indian children from the Mohawk Institute at Brantford, spent the month of July, 1957, in a holiday camp of their own on Christian Island in Georgian Bay, through the generous assistance of Indian Bands of Ontario. Seen in this group are from left; Roberta Hill, Phyllis Sandy, Barbara Whiteye, Ann Wenham (craft leader), Elaine Simon, Victoria Powless. Ann Wenham, 16, was born at a trading post near Ungava Bay, and the adopted daughter of an Anglican clergyman." Originaly published in Indian News, Sept. 1957.. FILE
"Do you know this girl? Mary Ann Laforme, of Ohsweken is the 1959 Cooking Cover Girl. She offers a taste of loganberry pie made by Rachel George of the Munci Reserve. Both girls are Grade 7 students in Home Economics at the Mohawk Institute." Originally published in the Brantford Expositor 1959.
EXPOSITOR
OPP officer murder trial shows thermal video imaging of suspects’ arrest
More evidence and testimony was revealed during the first-degree murder trial in Cayuga last week of Randall McKenzie and Brandy Stewart-Sperry, including a thermal imaging video showing OPP officers arresting McKenzie in the dark bush on Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation the evening of Dec. 27, 2022.
One officer testified hearing gunshots from the bush as they were searching for the suspects that cold December evening.
The video played in court also revealed the male suspect, McKenzie, carrying what one officer identified as a weapon which McKenzie threw away.
The weapon was later found and identified as a Glock 19 handgun.
Ontario Provincial Police Const. Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala was shot in the afternoon on Dec. 27, 2022 while responding to a vehicle in a ditch just west of Hagersville.
Police said at the time that Pierzchala was killed the same day he learned he had passed his 10-month probation period with the OPP.
McKenzie, 27, who has ties to Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Stewart-Sperry, 32, were each charged with first-degree murder in the 28-year-old officer's death. Both of the accused have pleaded not guilty. In the jury trial taking
place in Cayuga, Ont., the Crown is looking to prove that McKenzie was the shooter, and that Stewart-Sperry intentionally helped him.
Police reports say around 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2022, Pierzchala was responding to reports of a stolen 2021 black Chevrolet truck that had landed in the ditch on Townline Road near Concession 14, just west of Ojibway Road between Hagersville and the
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN).
According to police, the suspects opened fire on Pierzchala, who police believe did not have a chance to draw his own weapon.
Police reported to emergency medical services that the officer received gunshot wounds to the chest and leg, and was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died.
The two suspects fled in the stolen vehicle, and then on foot into the bush behind a home on Mississauga Road on the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Police had issued an Ontario-wide shelter in place order as they searched for the suspects.
Stewart-Sperry was found nearby and arrested at a site just off Ojibway Road at around 6:30 p.m. while McKenzie was
caught east of that location around 6:50 p.m. in a field near Ojibway Road.
The second week of trial heard that the two had been hiding out in a trailer on the property of McKenzie’s brother Richard McKenzie at 3566 Mississauga Road.
Richard said he had come home from an appointment to find the two in the trailer.
“I don’t want nothing to do with what you’re doing but you can use my tools,” Richard testified that he told his brother. “I told him to get his shit and get out of here.”
Richard said Stewart-Sperry was Randall’s girlfriend and that he had met her before.
Richard’s wife Katelyn Garlow, said she testified seeing Randall on the property that afternoon pacing.
“Randall was walking back and forth,” she said. “Frantic. Pale. Like something happened.”
The trial is expected to resume today (Wednesday, Apr. 8).
The trial began on Mar. 27 and is expected to last six weeks.
thermal imaging video still of police arresting Randall McKenzie in the bush on Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation the evening of Dec. 27, 2022 in the shooting of OPP officer Greg Pierzchala. SUBMITTED
DONNA DURIC donna@tworowtimes.com
The Latest: US stocks drop again as uncertainty reigns about tariffs
The Canadian Press
U.S. stocks dropped after a second day of stunning reversals.
The S&P 500 fell 1.6% Tuesday after wiping out an early gain of 4.1%, which had it on track for its best day in years. That brought the index nearly 19% below its record set in February.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 320 points after giving up an earlier surge of 1,460, while the Nasdaq composite lost 2.1%. Uncertainty is still high about what President Donald Trump will do with his trade war.
The latest set of tariffs, including a massive 104% levy on Chinese imports, are scheduled to kick in after midnight.as big swings rocked Wall Street for a second straight day. The S&P 500 erased nearly all of a 4% gain by early afternoon and was up just 0.2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 254 points, and the Nasdaq composite was near breakeven.
Here's the latest: Energy prices fall Energy commodities gave up early gains to finish lower. U.S. crude fell 1.8% to $59.58 a barrel. Natural gas dropped 5.2%.
Shares of most oil and gas companies closed with losses. Occidental Petroleum dropped 6.8%, ConocoPhillips fell 3.5% and Exxon slipped 2.2%.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says in a trade war ‘everybody tends to lose’
He told reporters Tuesday that he’s particularly worried about the effect of U.S. tariffs and the trade war it’s unleashing on “the most vulnerable developing countries in which the impact will be more devastating.”
Is the United Nations secretary-general worried a trade war will lead to a global recession?
“I sincerely hope that we will have no recession because a recession will have dramatic consequences, especially for the poorest people in the world,” Guterres said. ‘Magnificent Seven’ rack
up more losses
The dominant group of U.S. stocks known as the “Magnificent Seven” racked up more losses Monday after a broad Wall Street rally gave way to another market rout. Shares in Tesla and Apple fell the most, declining 4.9% and 5%, respectively. Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta Platforms and Google parent Alphabet all closed between 0.7% and 2.6% lower.
The “Magnificent Seven” are so massive in size, their movements carry more weight on the S&P 500 and other indexes than other stocks.
Since the major market sell-off last Wednesday, the “Magnificent Seven” have shed a combined market value of $2.12 trillion.
China charges that Trump’s sweeping tariffs violate World Trade Organization rules Beijing on Tuesday requested consultations with the United States over the 34% “reciprocal’’ tariff Trump imposed on Chinese imports.
The request is the first step the World Trade Organization’s dispute resolution process. If the issue is not resolved in 60 days, China can request that a WTO panel hear its case.
The Geneva-based organization was set up to enforce the rules of global trade.
It’s unlikely the Chinese complaint will amount to much. The United States in 2019 blocked the appointment of judges to the WTO Appellate Body, its supreme court. So cases that get appealed end up in limbo with no one to decide them.
US stocks drop after another stunning day of reversals
U.S. stocks dropped after a second day of stunning reversals. The S&P 500 fell 1.6% Tuesday after wiping out an early gain of 4.1%, which had it on track for its best day in years. That brought the index nearly 19% below its record set in February.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 320 points after giving up an
earlier surge of 1,460, while the Nasdaq composite lost 2.1%.
Uncertainty is still high about what President Donald Trump will do with his trade war. The latest set of tariffs, including a massive 104% levy on Chinese imports, are scheduled to kick in after midnight.
Bitcoin moves lower
The price of bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency, fell to around $76,600 as it gave up an earlier gain, similar to stocks.
Also, the Justice Department announced it is disbanding a team of prosecutors who targeted cryptocurrency crimes and is shifting its focus away from complex crypto-related cases involving banking and securities law, according to a memo reviewed by The Associated Press.
Survey shows more negative views from Americans towards increased tariffs on China
Increased tariffs on China received more negative than positive evaluations
from Americans, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey of views on Trump’s early foreign policy actions.
The survey was conducted before Trump’s April 2 announcement of the 34% reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods but after he had levied tariffs totaling 20% on Chinese goods over Beijing’s alleged failure to stem the flow of fentanyl precursors.
About half of U.S. adults said increased tariffs on China will be bad for the U.S. and a similar share think the tariffs will be bad for them personally, the poll found.
While Democrats overwhelmingly said the tariffs would be bad for the U.S. as well as for them personally, more Republicans said they would be good for the U.S. But when it came to tariffs’ impact to them personally, Republicans are more likely to say the impact will be bad, although about half express uncertainty or say the impact will be limited.
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SIX NATIONS AND NEW CREDIT
know the score.
Canada determined, but dented, heading into women's world hockey championship
By Donna Spencer
Canada is battle-tough, a bit beat up and leaning on its veterans again at the 2025 women's world hockey championship.
Canada opens defence of the gold medal Thursday against Finland in Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.
In the constant tug of war with the United States for women's international hockey supremacy, Canada heaved on the rope for a 6-5 overtime win over the hosts in last year's final in Utica, N.Y., and gained a measure of revenge for the Americans taking the 2023 crown in Brampton, Ont.
"We know what happened last year, but it's a brand new year. It's a brand new tournament," Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin said Tuesday at Budvar Arena.
"We have to focus on every detail for us.
"It's a short tourna-
Wayne
ment, but a long one at the same time, so just getting better every day and go from there."
Canada's Pool A of topfive seeds includes the U.S., Finland, host Czechia and Switzerland.
Canada's preliminary round features back-tobacks with Finland and Switzerland on Thursday and Friday, and the U.S. and the Czechs on Sunday and Monday.
Japan, Germany, Sweden and promoted Hungary and Norway comprise Pool B in the tournament that begins Wednesday and concludes with medal games April 20.
The defending champions not starting until Thursday gives Canada a useful rest day.
Of the 57 players from the Professional Women's Hockey League sprinkled across seven of 10 rosters, Canada carries a tournament-high 23.
And while the six-team
PWHL in its second season has given players the fiercely competitive games multiple times per week that they craved, there is more attrition heading into an international event. Canada arrived with dents in its chassis.
"It's no secret we're coming in a little bit banged up," head coach Troy Ryan said. "We don't have as much of a runway to prepare, but our medical staff have done a great job, and the athletes are so committed to getting better, so I don't think that's going to be a factor."
The coach felt more optimistic about his team's health Tuesday, in part because goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens participated in full practice.
Canada's starter in recent world championship finals and in the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games last played March 18, when the Montreal Victoire goalie went down
awkwardly in a PWHL road game against the Boston Fleet. The 30-yearold from Clermont, Que., left the ice favouring her left leg.
Desbiens was limited to two drills, and then three, in her first two skates with Canada before she was sent to the dressing room. Her participation wasn't curtailed Tuesday. "I just happened to skate down by her around the third or fourth drill, and she just reached over and grabbed both her posts as if to say 'I'm not going anywhere,'" Ryan said.
Forward Sarah Nurse has played three PWHL games after sitting out nine. She sustained a lower-body injury Feb. 6 in Canada's Rivalry Series game against the U.S.
And forward Natalie Spooner is trying to regain the form that made her PWHL MVP in the league's inaugural year.
A knee injury during the
Gretzky says he has 'no political power' over the president or prime minister
TORONTO (AP) — Retired
NHL great Wayne Gretzky downplayed his influence on Donald Trump in his first public comments since the U.S. president began his second term and began making references to making Canada the 51st state.
On a radio show Monday hosted by Ben Mulroney, son of former conservative Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Gretzky never used Trump’s name and was never asked about Trump's tariffs and trade war or the 51st state comments. Mulroney instead asked Gretzky if it registered with him that others attempt to use his name to further their agendas.
“I don’t worry about
those kind of things because you can’t make everybody happy,” Gretzky said on the show on AM640 in Toronto. “But, trust me, I have no political power with the prime minister or the president. That’s between those two guys, and that’s why you hold elections and that’s why people get to do what they want to do and say what they want to say. But trust me I have no pull or power with either the prime minister or the president.”
Some Canadians have openly wondered why Gretzky doesn’t speak out against Trump’s comments and they have noted his relationship with the Republican president dates back some years. Asked about having his NHL career goals record broken by Alex Ovechkin, a Russian player, Gretzky also brushed that aside and said he and his teammates never talked about politics during his playing days.
“We watched basketball, we watched baseball, we talked about the Blue Jays, we talked about the New York Yankees,” Gretzky said. "Hockey players, that’s never on the docket. It’s just something that we stay in our lane. The prime minister and the president don’t tell us how to play hockey, and we don’t tell them how to do politics, right?”
Trump has called Gretzky a friend and once suggested the “Great One” should be Canada's governor if the country becomes the 51st U.S. state. Gretzky sat with Trump's FBI Director, Kash Patel, during the Washington Capitals games in which Ovechkin tied and broke his record.
The 64-year-old from Brantford, Ontario, has generally declined to discuss politics.
“I always say to my kids — I’ve got five American kids, seven American grandchildren, an American wife, a 103-year-old American mother-in-law, and I always tell them every day that you be as proud of the United States of America as I am to be a Canadian," Gretzky said on Mulroney's show. "That’s what your grandfather would have wanted.”
Toronto Sceptres' first playoff round last season required surgery and a long rehabilitation. Spooner's played 11 games this season since her return Feb. 11.
Canada is also an older team that continues to rely on the poise and composure a core of thirtysomethings bring.
"Yes, there are younger legs out there, but for us, it's all about us and all about heart," said Poulin, who joins Hayley Wickenheiser for most women's world championship appearances by a Canadian at 13.
With 35 goals and 42 assists, the 34-year-old Poulin from Beauceville, Que., is within striking distance of Wickenheiser's Canadian tournament records for career points (86) and assists (49) and Jayna Hefford's 40 goals.
Desbiens is two career wins away from surpassing the tournament record
of 20 held by Switzerland's Florence Schelling.
The International Ice Hockey Federation increased world championship rosters from 23 players to 25 this year, although teams still dress 20 skaters and two goalies per game.
Forwards Daryl Watts and Jennifer Gardiner, defenders Sophie Jaques and Chloe Primerano and goaltender Eve Gascon will make their debuts for Canada.
Ten players on the 2025 edition are aged 30 or over, although 18-yearold Primerano brings the average down somewhat. "It's an added bonus that we have so much experience," said 36-year-old defender Jocelyne Larocque. "To me, it's an advantage that other teams don't have."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2025.
victory in St. Catherines
Blackeye Boxing Coach Jackie Armour wrote, "Blackeye boxer Amrit Aulakh gets a big win Friday night in St. Catharines versus home town girl Megan Reynolds." ARMOUR
Blackeye
Wayne Gretzky. WIKIPEDIA
Re-introducing Semiah Smith with The Grand Ole Opry Friday
night concert featuring all old country hits paired
Semiah Smith is re-introducing herself to Six Nations this weekend under her new production company, Semiah Inc., with an event she has titled, The Grand Ole Opry Country Concert.
The concert will be opened by the Brothers Wilde, held at Yogi’s Barn on April 11 and is the first event produced under Semiah Inc. She told the Two Row Times she is excited to host it on home soil, knowing a musical event like this is sure to be a big hit with the community.
“I really wanted to do something the rez would like and something that I didn’t see take place here often,” said the pop-electric music artist. “Every time I’ve performed a country number or set, it is those that seem to get the most
Wynette and more. The recording artist added that while there are great modern country songs set around the turn of the century, she is intentionally sticking to what is known as old country and songs from an earlier era.
“There are some real bangers I considered performing but I decided early on when I was planning this concert to stick to the eras that I know the community resonates most with,” said Smith. She added that she is thrilled to have the Brothers Wilde opening the first hour of the concert.
applause and bring out fans and new faces.”
Smith added that this is the first time she will be performing an entirely country set, which is packed full of old country hits and covers originally sung by the likes of Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Tammy
The Brothers Wilde are a country duo band, consisting of brothers Nolan and Ethan Wilde from Ontario. Lead singer Nolan sings with a country twang, combined with classic rock and roll licks by lead guitarist Ethan. Smith said the Brothers Wilde are great country artists who she is excited to share with
the community for the first time.
“They’ve just released a new album, have amazing music and will be going on for the first hour followed by myself,” she said, adding that her love for country music and the aspects that make country music unique have roots in the traditional music she grew up singing.
“Learning the songs to sing for my concert has been really cool and all use techniques and riffs similar to songs I learned here.
I’m proud to say I’m really excited to share what I’ve been working on with the community,” said Smith.
A country-themed costume contest will take place during the concert too and Smith is looking forward to seeing the looks of those who enter. The winner of Best-Dressed will receive a full-day tattoo session from Adams Family Ink & Boutique, a prize valued at $1000.
“Friends and others have told me some of their ideas and have costumes already planned and prepared. I can’t wait to see just how
dressed-up people come to the concert,” said Semiah.
The concert will have Deya Miller as emcee. Semiah said she is grateful for the support of her community and for sponsors like Adams Family Ink & Boutique and Level Up on 6.
“I have received a lot of support from friends and family while planning this event, so I am definitely not doing it all by myself. It is heartwarming that I have so much support and a lot of people that want to see me succeed,” she said when talking about her support system and sponsors.
“That’s what makes this concert on the rez really special.”
Smith said that being able to support other people from Six Nations’ businesses and First Nations artists through her own work is very fulfilling.
“This isn’t my first time performing at a concert like this but it is the first time doing so under my own company. I’m trying to trust my intuition a lot more and not be scared of the things that might fail. You have to
risk something to make it successful. I’m excited so many people are going to be there. The response has been great and I’m only confident that this will be a successful event.”
The concert is a 19-plus event and the stage is going to be decorated with hay bales and turkeys, as it is turkey season. Tickets can be bought online before the event at https://bit.ly/ grandriveroleopry for $20 or bought at the door the day of for $25. Smith will also be selling merch at the venue and it is a photographed event.
“It’s been a lot of hard work but now I get to just have fun,” she told the Two Row Times. “This is maybe my first time singing only songs like this and I am really excited.”
Smith’s set, while country, will also feature three original songs; Nothing Can Kill My Love, one of her most popular songs; Dead to Me, played on guitar; and Simple, which is a little bit more R&B.
Based in Toronto Semiah hails from Six Nations. She's a next generation Mohawk Alt Pop artist-producer who writes infectious songs about love, fear, resilience, and recklessness. Her quirky conversational lyrics marry with iconic melodies, pop aesthetics, electro punk grooves and ambient foley sonic architecture that gleam like skyscrapers and sparkle like celestial firestorms. SEMIAH SMITH FACEBOOK
JACE KOBLUN
PORTER: Coral “Eva”
February 10, 1941 – April 4, 2025
Surrounded by the love of family and friends Mom began her journey home. Predeceased and there to meet her with open arms are daughter Janny (1977) and son Alan (2018) and partner Bill Misener (2008) and his son Scottie (2023) and her children’s father James Porter Sr. (2008). Mom of Linda, Arlene and Jock, James Jr and Amber, Michelle and Jake. Grandma of Jeremy, Jan and Sid, Justin and Nichole, Tim, Kristen, Sonya and Alex, Kedoh and Carole, Robbi-Lynn, Odie and Britt, Erin and Landon, Jeffery and Haley, Lindsay and Nate, Tyler, Colton, Taia and Zach, Payton and Charlie, Ryatt, Madison, Ava, Jack, William, Coral and Lily, Gillian, Cohen, Elston. Great Grandma of Gregory, Lauren and Gabe, Samantha and Lucas, Jacy and Hunter, Avery and Daris, Rylan, Kenny, Kenzie, Sienna, Bryson, Savannah, Emery, Sunshine, Jovi, Annie, Halsey, Brooklyn, Andrew, Faith, Destiny, Ava, Harvey, DJ, Jo:oyate, Shayne, Natalie, Violet, Amelia, Ivy, Gakahsogwahs, Elijah, Ellaya, Zachary and Zayne. Great Great Gramma of Daxton and Asher. Daughter of the late Albert and Virginia Douglas. Daughter in law of the late Jesse and Lily Porter. Sister of Joyce (late Chuck), Floyd (late Trudy), and Robert. Predeceased by brothers Arnold (late Gail), Richard, Walter and sister Marcia (Harvey) and nephews Kenny, Eddie, Robbie and niece Melissa. Cherished life-long friends of Vicky Flinders, Dusty Sowden, Judy Jamieson, the late Dianne Beaver (2024), family of the late Lillian Miller. Left to mourn are her many nieces, nephews and friends.
We cannot express how grateful we are to the Iroquois Lodge Staff and Residents for taking such extraordinary care of our beautiful mom and grandma. Your kindness through a difficult illness was overwhelming and so appreciated. You will always hold a special place in our hearts and know that your compassion didn’t go unnoticed. We love you all and so did mom. You will always be thought of as family.
Resting at Styres Funeral Home in Ohsweken after 5 pm on Sunday, April 6, 2025, for family. Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10 am to 9 pm with service at 7 pm. Funeral Service will be held at Styres Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11 am with burial at Six Nations Pentecostal Church 1527 4th Line. www.rhbanderson.com
Easter Event
April 12, 2025, 2pm.
Cookie Baking & Egg Decorating Event
Ohsweken Baptist Church
Open to all ages - No RVSP required
Pie Sale on April 19, 2025 at Ohsweken Baptist Church 9am to sell out
Indian Defense League of America monthly meeting this Sunday at 1 p.m.
Located at Dajoh, 1738 4th line. Volunteers welcomed
HENHAWK: Dorothy “Dori” Lorene nee: Doxtdator
March 18, 1933 - April 2, 2025
Peacefully on April 2nd 2025, at the Six Nations Iroquois Lodge, Dorothy Henhawk in her 92nd year of a beautiful, well-lived, and well-loved life, started her journey back home to be reunited with loved ones.
Predeceased by her mother Lillian Longboat and father George Doxtdator. Predeceased by her brothers, Leslie/Jimmy Doxtdator, George/Jutch Doxtdator, Kenneth/Kenny Doxtdator, Leonard/Lenny Doxtdator, Russel/Bunny Doxtdator, and sisters Ruth Smith and Wilma Anderson.
Beloved wife of the late Murray Henhawk, and later the late Calvin Miller. Cherished mother to David (Don), Pam, Liz, Crystal and her late son John Henhawk.
Treasured Gram to Nolan, Quarry (April), Kyla, Misty (Donavan), Brandon/Minnow, and Tierra (Ed). Also treasured Mema to Travis, Justice, Ashton, Cherish, Dakota, Caiden/Luke, Kielynn, Preslee, Quentin, Royle, and Damien, Silence and Marshall; and very dearly admired “Aunt Dori” to many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends! She will be greatly missed by so many.
The family of Dori Henhawk would like to send a big appreciation to the nurses & staff at the Iroquois Lodge for their dedication to care. Dori made many friends in her few years at the lodge. We cannot thank you enough for all the support in caring for Dori. She will be resting at her daughter Crystal’s house, 2577 6th line, Ohsweken on Friday April 4th after 12(noon). Funeral service Saturday April 5th at 11am, at Crystal’s house, burial to follow at Christ Church 2317 Cayuga Rd, Ohsweken. Arrangements by Styres Funeral Home, Ohsweken. www.rhbanderson.com
Obituaries
Beverley Joan Butler
Beverley Joan Butler passed away with loved ones around her on April 7, 2025. In her final days, Beverley faced illness with the same grace she carried through her life-quietly, bravely, without complaint. Her time with us was shortened by cancer, but her presence remains immeasurable.
Golden spoon Elders dinner 55+ . April 17th at the family & youth centre 1527 Fourth line rd. 2 until sold out . Dine in Chicken or Turkey includes potatoes, vegetables, desserts roll and beverage.
Monetary donations appreciated. No take.
Born to Dan and Mable Butler, Beverley devoted her life to her family, her work, and her community. She was a woman of quite strength, deep kindness, and unwavering dedication.
She gave over 20 years of service to Crane Canada, where she was known for her steady presence and strong work ethic. In her later years, she served as a medical driver for the Six Nations community offering care and support not just through her time, but through the calm and compassion she brought to every ride.
Beverley is survived by her children: Tracey, Jason, Mathew, Shelandris, and Scott (Michelle). She is also lovingly remembered by Sean and Family, and Sue (Bill) and family.
She was a beloved sister to Brenda, Huey, Lucille, Sandra, Fudd, Linda, and Darlene, and was predeceased by her siblings Samuel C. Butler and Baby Alice.
Beverley was a devoted grandmother to Aaron, Benjamin, Justin, Dan, Amber, Lucas, Kaitlyn, Shania, Corinna, Landon, and Madison. She was predeceased by her grandson Logan, whom she held in her heart always.
She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins, 16 great-grandchildren, and friends-each touched by her gentle spirit and loving nature.
In her final days, Beverley met illness with quite grace and dignity. Though her passing came far too soon, her legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured and the hearts she held.
A funeral will be held on Saturday April 12, 2025 from 1-2pm at Styers Funeral Home and followed by lunch at Youth and Family Center at Six Nations Pentecostal Church. The family wishes to thank all who have offered their support and condolences during this time. In lieu of flower, the family encourages small acts of kindness in Beverley’s name-because that’s what she gave every day.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Garden tool
5. A way to preserve
11. Gratitude
14. Domestic sheep
15. Simpler
18. Cavities containing liquid
19. Large fish-eating bird
21. Ocular protection index
23. Phil __, former CIA
24. Icelandic poems
28. Pop
29. Device
30. Actor Rudd
32. A pituitary hormone
33. Focus on an object
35. Corpuscle count (abbr.)
36. Young women’s association
39. Not shallow
41. Doctor
42. Furniture
44. Hindu male religious teacher
46. Highly spiced stew
47. A way to communicate
49. Almost last
52. Astronomer Carl
56. Small horses
58. A slender tower with balconies
60. A disrespectful quality
62. Fully shaded inner regions
63. Short convulsive intake of breath
CLUES DOWN
1. Popular Sunday dinner option
2. Oil cartel
3. Agile
4. Greek goddess of discord
5. Genetically distinct variety
6. Indicates badly
7. Popular Mr. T character
8. Consumed
9. Chinese dynasty
10. NFL great Randy
12. Within
13. Palm trees
16. Fungal disease
17. Tall, slender-leaved plants
20. Affirmative! (slang)
22. A passport is one
25. Two outs in baseball (abbr.)
26. Swiss river
27. Deferential
29. Where a bachelor lives
31. Portable computer
screen material
34. A crying noise of a bird
36. Sticky, amorphous substance
37. Starchy dish of dried tubers
38. Type of acid
40. Partner to “Ma”
43. 16 ounces
45. The Bay State
48. A well-defined track or path
50. Substitution
51. Defined period
53. Group of toughs
54. Region
55. Famed Scottish Loch
57. Blood relation
58. Not around
59. Recipe measurement
61. Father to Junior
SUDOKU
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
This week you are going to take action on a project that has been on your mind for awhile, Aries. Trust your instincts, but make sure you are not moving too fast.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
This week brings an opportunity for intellectual pursuits, Taurus. You might think to enroll in a higher education class or a take a course on a specific hobby that has been on your mind.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Partnerships are key right now, Gemini. You might want to pursue new professional relationships. Embrace your ability and willingness to adapt and facilitate change.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
You need to take care of your body and mind, Cancer. Now is as good a time as any to begin this pursuit. Even small adjustments can lead to long-term health benefits.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, this is your week to look into matters of self-expression and creativity. Pour your energy into anything that gets you excited. Your enthusiasm may draw others in as well.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, home life takes center stage this week, and you might feel a strong desire to nurture your space. Decluttering and organizing could bring more harmony to your home.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you are able to express your thoughts with clarity and charm, which is why personal relationships often come easy to you. This week you may use this superpower to make friends.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
You may soon find yourself reevaluating how you spend your money or what you value most in life, Scorpio. This is a good time to check financial goals and adjust them.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
There is a sense of fresh energy surrounding you this week, Sagittarius. If you have been putting off something, now is the time to take the leap.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, focus on rest and relaxation in the days ahead. You have been putting in a lot of work lately and now is a time to focus on your inner self and recharge.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Collaborations with others could prove fruitful this week, Aquarius. Don’t hesitate to lean on your social network when you need to get something done.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
You might be presented with a way to take your professional life to the next level, Pisces. Strategize about how to move forward in this regard, and think through all decisions.
