HDI raising concerns over several Ontario development projects; HCCC calling for halt on two pipeline projects
The Haudenosaunee Development Institute is calling for greater consultation in light of what they say is a growing wave of infrastructure projects in Ontario.
In a recent press release, the HDI said called for more Indigenous involvement and observance of treaty rights after it raised concerns over several projects in Ontario, including the Volkswagen Group’s Battery Cell Gigafactory in St. Thomas, the Waterdown Bypass Project in Waterdown, Enbridge’s Hamilton Reinforcement Project, and the Ontario Place redevelopment initiative in Toronto.
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council (HCCC), and the HDI say they are continuously ignored when it comes to consultation.
“Many of these projects are proceeding without the necessary engagement or consent. This effort is rooted in the protection of Haudenosaunee rights, which are guaranteed under the Nanfan Treaty, the Two Row Wampum Treaty, and the Covenant Chain Treaty, among several other binding agreements.”
The HCCC says that the Volkswagen Group’s
STAFF REPORT editor@tworowtimes.com TWO ROW TIMES
HALDIMAND COUNTY - On February 12, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., the Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a weapons call
proposed Battery Cell Gigafactory in St. Thomas “fails to follow the Nation-to-Nation consultation process that the relevant treaties mandate. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy has sent formal letters to Volkswagen urging the company to enter into meaningful dialogue with Indigenous representatives, particularly in light of their commitment to social rights.”
The HDI also called out the City of Hamilton, notably regarding the Waterdown Bypass, a new major road construction project.
The project has been paused after the City of Hamilton “failed to address HDI’s concerns regarding the infringement of treaty rights,” the HDI said.
The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) requires that the city engage with Indigenous Nations whose rights may be affected, but the HDI says, “that the city has not met its obligations in this respect. Specifically, the Waterdown Bypass threatens protections stipulated in the Nanfan Treaty, which includes the right to undisturbed land use for harvesting. Despite these concerns, the City of Hamilton has continued to push the project forward, neglecting repeated requests for consultation. For their part, the
Haudenosaunee Development Institute has made statements expressing hope that the Waterdown Bypass project can be developed in accordance with Haudenosaunee laws and values, provided that proper consultation takes place.”
The City of Hamilton is also undertaking two pipeline projects: reinforcing the Enbridge pipeline and the Line 11 maintenance project.
The HCCC is calling for a halt to both projects.
“Despite HDI’s invitations to negotiate, Enbridge has insisted that Crown involvement is necessary for the consultation process—an approach that both HDI and the HCCC have rejected, citing numerous past agreements made without Crown participation. This lack of consultation combined with Enbridge’s refusal to engage has led the HCCC to assert that no further work on either of these projects should proceed until their concerns are addressed. HDI continues to insist that Enbridge must observe its legal obligations and participate in respectful and constructive talks with the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.”
The HDI also takes issue with the Ontario Place Redevelopment Project, saying it is a “prime example of the government
failing to fulfill its commitments under Section 35 of the Constitution Act dedicated to protecting Indigenous rights.”
The HDI claims the Ontario Place redevelopment plan threatens aquatic life in Lake Ontario, and “has proceeded without the necessary consultation with Indigenous Peoples, even though the Province of Ontario has acknowledged the project’s potential infringements. In support of their argument, HDI has pointed out that the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) issued an authorization letter for the project that was later withdrawn after it was found to have been unlawful. In response, HDI has requested a proper authorization letter that takes into account Indigenous rights.”
The HDI says, “while HDI’s insistence on these stipulations may result in some delays, the Institute’s primary concern is the protection of treaty rights and the assertion of Indigenous sovereignty, both of which have been guaranteed and upheld many times over by established law.”
Editors note: The HDI launched litigation against the Two Row Times in the Superior Court of Justice May 8th, 2023. Court File No. CV-23-00699171-0000.
at a business on Highway 6, Caledonia.
Initial reports indicated that an unknown individual (or individuals) attended the property sometime overnight and discharged a firearm at the unoccupied business.
The Haldimand County OPP Crime Unit and West Region Forensic Identifi-
cation Services attended the scene to process evidence.
There are no concerns for public safety currently.
Any person with information regarding this incident should contact the Haldimand County OPP Crime Unit at 1-888310-1122.
Joseph Brant’s bones disputed
and Brantford Expositor in 1909.
BRANTFORD — The ornate concrete tomb of the great Mohawk chief, Joseph Brant, is visited by countless people from near and far when visiting Brantford, the city that bears his name. Brant’s Tomb is located right next to Her Majesty’s Chapel of the Mohawks, the oldest standing church in Ontario.
AS the story goes, for almost 30 years, the historic tomb contained only a secret within it. The engraved concrete sepulchre, embossed with the Free Masons symbol, was empty. Joseph Brant’s remains were stolen and remained missing until 1909, when a Buffalo Doctor revealed the details of the mystery and returned the remains to their intended site in Brantford.
Dr. George H. McMichael, of Buffalo, broke the silence in a March 25th, article originally published in the Buffalo News
According to McMichaels, the tomb was robbed by a person who kept his identity secrete during his lifetime, in Brantford, and left the remains to his friend, Dr. McMichaels who kept the bones under wraps for years.
The grave robber was identified as Dr. Healy of Brantford, who, after an evening of revelry with his fellow medical students, decided to look in the tomb that itched his curiosity and take the larger bones, along with the skull, for some macabre reason.
The Brant bones were secretly passed from person to person until they landed with Dr. McMichael.
But something about the story didn’t add up. Brant’s remains were reinterred in Brantford from their original burial site near his home in Burlington in Nov. 1899 with full Masonic pageantry and honour guard.
Mohawk Institute Prin-
cipal, Rev. Robert Ashton, whose responsibilities included the care and keep of the Chapel and its grounds, discredited the story as some kind of folktale. According to the Buffalo story, Dr. McMichael was to have returned the bones to Rev. Ashton.
Ashton told the Brantford Expositor in 1955 that the story was pure fiction. In 1944, another article regarding the Brant bones read, “local authorities do not credit the Buffalo claims.”
“The skull of Brant,” said Ashton, “is six feet under concrete in the Mohawk Tomb.”
A more recent attempt to open the tomb was thwarted while Ashton served the church and institute, but it served to warn Ashton of the need to secure the remains further and had them placed beneath a thick slab of concrete at the bottom of sepulchre where they are to this day.
“Ten years ago, when an attempt was made to enter the tomb, the story also came from Buffalo,”
JACE
Audible’s Indigenous Writers’ Circle is back for its fifth year. The Audible Indigenous Writers’ Circle is a six-month mentorship and workshop program for emerging First Nations, Inuit and Métis writers in Canada.
“We are excited to see what year five will bring for participants and the future stories that will be shared,” said a release from earlier this month.
Nineteen bodies of work from 13 authors have been published from alumni of this program to date, including Gin Sexsmith’s Audible Original In the Hands of Men and most recently Raymond Sewell’s inclusion in Poetry is Dead II: Once You're Dead, You're Dead Forever.
According to Audible, chosen writers in the program will be paired with Indigenous mentors
Audible mentorship program in its fifth year Dive into Indigenous storytelling with Audible
who will coach and guide participants through the creative process and help them identify and pursue opportunities in line with their goals as writers.
Applications for the program’s fifth year will open on Feb. 20 and the deadline is set for early April.
“Audible will provide additional support to the participants throughout the program, including guidance on how partic-
ipants can promote their work. At the end of the program, depending on what stage each writer has progressed their creative work and how they choose to share their writing, participants may explore opportunities with Audible,” said the release.
Selected writers are eligible for a bursary to support their participation in the program and there is no cost for writers
to apply.
The mentors for this year’s run are Tanya Talaga, Richard Van Camp, January Rogers, Josh Whitehead, Reneltta Arluk, Warren Cariou and Jordan Abel.
Tanya Talaga is an award-winning Anishinaabe journalist and author of national bestsellers Seven Fallen Feathers and All Our Relations: Finding The Path Forward. Her Audible Original
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series, Seven Truths, features her personal story of fighting for Indigenous rights.
Richard Van Camp is a recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories, Richard Van Camp is a proud Tłı̨ chǫ Dene from Fort Smith, NWT. He is the author of 28 books in 28 years.
January Rogers is a multi-award winning poet, media producer, performance and sound artist. She operates Ojistoh Publishing and Productions and was a 2022 and 2023 mentor.
Josh Whitehead is an Oji-Cree, Two-Spirit writer and academic from Peguis First Nation. He is the author of full-metal indigiqueer, Jonny Appleseed, Making Love with the Land, and Indigiqueerness: a Conversation about Storytelling, as well as the editor of Love after the End: an Anthology of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Speculative Fiction.
Reneltta Arluk is a
Bobbi Ann
writer and actor of Inuvialuit and Chipewyan-Cree descent, originally from the Northwest Territories. Being raised in a nomadic environment gave her the skills and imagination to become the writer and storyteller she is.
Warren Cariou has created books, films, photography and scholarly research with a focus on the relationships between Indigenous stories and the land. He was a 2023 mentor.
Jordan Abel is a queer Nisgaʼa writer from Vancouver and an award-winning author. Abel’s work has appeared in journals like Canadian Literature and The Fiddlehead. He holds a Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University and is an associate professor at the University of Alberta, specializing in Indigenous Literatures, Research-Creation, and Creative Writing.
More information including details on the program and eligibility can be found at audible.ca.
Applications for The Audible Indigenous Writers’ Circle's fifth year will open on Feb. 20 and the deadline is set for early April. SUBMITTED
What to know before a wedding gown shopping trip
Formal garb is a wedding tradition, and guests anxiously await seeing which type of gown a bride will wear.
Weddings mark a turning point from one stage in life to another. The significance of that transition is perhaps one reason why couples and their guests dress so nicely for a wedding ceremony and reception.
In western cultures, white wedding gowns have been the standard since the nineteenth century and are believed to symbolize purity and grace. In others, wedding gowns often have been elaborate, colourful creations that have their own symbolic meanings unique to various areas of the world.
Shopping for a wedding gown can spark mixed emotions. While it is
exciting to try on some remarkable garments, there also is the pressure of knowing all eyes will be on you while wearing this couture creation. Narrowing down wedding gown prospects can take vision, time and patience. The following pointers can help when it comes time to visit bridal shops. Make an appointment. Many bridal shops operate by appointment only. That’s because the staff wants to devote complete attention to a client, and having people simply walk in from the street can draw their attention away and lead to long wait times. Identify the stores you want to visit, and then call to secure your time slot.
Narrow down styles. Think about what your personal style might be and how you want to look on your wedding day. If you’re not sure about the vocabulary surrounding dress silhouettes, visit Pinterest or Instagram
THE
and save images of dresses that you love. Then you can show the sales staff what you are thinking instead of going in empty-handed.
Keep an open mind. Try on a few different styles even if you have a particular dress in mind. You never know if something might be a better fit
ONTARIO LIBERALS HAVE A PLAN TO FIX THE HOUSING CRISIS— BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES A SAFE, AFFORDABLE PLACE TO CALL HOME.
for your body type or the scope and style of your wedding unless you give it a go.
Start the process early. Unlike off-the-rack clothing, most wedding shops will have to order your dress and have it shipped. Then comes a few weeks for alterations. KWH Bridal notes eight to 12
"Healthcare must be inclusive, culturally sensitive, and rooted in trust. I’m committed to increasing family doctors, expanding community health teams, and modernizing care—while ensuring Indigenous communities have access to culturally appropriate services that respect traditions and lived experiences. Everyone deserves care that meets their needs, when and where they need it."
months before a wedding is a good time to choose and order a dress. Brides magazine says most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create. There also are three separate fittings to ensure the gown will fit like a glove. Invite a handful of confidantes. It’s best not
to arrive at the shopping appointment with an entire entourage. Pick, at the most, four people whose opinions you trust; otherwise, it could be a case of too many cooks in the kitchen. As a bride-to-be you’ll already be anxious, and you’ll want soothing, supportive people with you.
Plan your budget. Know well in advance what you can afford to spend. According to data from The Knot, wedding attire accounts for seven per cent of the average couple’s budget. Most wedding gowns are in the range of $2,000. Don’t forget about additional costs, such as veil, shoes, alterations, undergarments, and any add-ons.
In addition to these tips, arrive to an appointment well-rested, fed and comfortable.
JAMES
The following pointers can help when it comes time to visit bridal shops. FILE
JACE KOBLUN
SIX NATIONS — It might be overlooked in its importance in this digital age, but the birth of the Six Nations Community Library was and remains one of the most important decisions made for the Six Nations community in the past 60-years at least.
“Its history deserves a book of its own,” said much-read Six Nations columnist George Beaver in a Brantford Expositor edition. And although this is a far cry from a book, we hope this article will inform you enough to look deeper into the birth of this gathering place of local and regional knowledge.
The Six Nations library since its establishment in 1966, houses not only books for general reading, but many important historical moments captured on photograph and old books and documents as well, all important to the history of the Haudenosaunee of the Grand River.
Before then, many of these gems were kept in boxes in the attics of some individuals entrusted with them. The dangers of loss by fire, or accidental disposal as garbage, are obvious, but there are other instances when some Six Nations residents in need or want of a few dollars would sell or barter away old family items and documents to non-native private collectors.
Remembering Beatrice Loft-Winslow
Having a place to act as a repository of historical, personal and cultural importance has saved innumerable, irreplaceable items from serious damage or disappearing altogether.
Six Nations residents, led by Six Nations poetess, lecturer and educator, Beatrice Loft Winslow,
and fellow writer Ethel Brant Monture lobbied the Elected Council to establish a library in the name of E. Pauline Johnson. The first donation towards the project came from Loft-Winslow who gifted $500 to the project,
a healthy some in 1966 worth about $5,000 today. But who was Beatrice Loft Winslow?
Pauline Johnson’s life and story is very well documented in numerous books and references by authors and historians
for over a hundred years. But there were others, and number two on that list should probably be “Dawendine” also known as Bernice Loft Winslow.
Her literary life and lecture tours began years following the death of her posthumous mentor, Pauline Johnson, who died in 1913 at age 51.
Growing up, Bernice was a big fan and admirer of Johnson’s work and emulated her in many ways, but to say she was just an impersonator to Johnson’s fame would not be fair. Loft had her own toolbox of poetic verse and colourful prose of life in the woods and of the Indian way of life.
Her knowledge of the Six Nations was well entrenched in her family lineage and legacy left by her illustrious family. The Lofts played a dramatic and influential part in the fight for Native rights across Canada from the mid 1800’s.
It was her uncle Fredrick Ogilvie Loft who, after an illustrious career as an officer in the Great War began Canada’s first League of Indians of Canada, a politically active grouping of First Nations leaders from across the country. It was the predecessor to what has become the Assembly of First Nations which has lasted and grown to national prominence to voice the concerns of First Nations directly to the Canadian government.
Her father was Chief William D. Loft, also active in a very public way in Native rights activism for decades before, as he
worked alongside Frederick but he did his own work to that end as well.
Much of Bernice’s historical knowledge was passed down to her by way of the “university of listening.” It was not uncommon for the children of Six Nations Chiefs, elders and Clan Mothers to be encouraged to stay in the same room and listed to the wisdom handed down this in way for generations, and Bernice was a sponge.
Her book, ‘Iroquois Fires’ contains many of her poems and stories remembered from her childhood and experienced in her life. Although her subject matter and basic style is reminiscent to that of Johnson, there is still Loft-Winslow’s unique way with words and style that makes her work easily distinguishable from that of Pauline. She set aside money from her live performances to donate to the “Pauline Johnson Memorial Library,” as she would have liked it known as. The name didn’t stick, but the library did.
Bernice was born in 1902 and died in 1997, at the rich old age of 95, making her about 11 when the great poetess died in British Columbia of cancer at only 52 years of age.
Following Pauline’s death, there was nearly a 50-year void left in the indigenous literary world which Loft eventually broke through with her own speaking, and writing career, patterned after her mentor.
Bernice Loft-Winslow's Mohawk name was "Dawendine". She was raised as an Anglican and was also familiar with the Longhouse religious traditions of her Mohawk ancestors. Her schooling was on the Six Nations Reserve and the high school in neighbouring Caledonia. After high school, she taught school for a number of years and began to speak to groups interested in native culture. FILE
JIM WINDLE jim@tworowtimes.com
Police in Ontario say second teen charged after threats of violence against schools
incidents were reported in that region, as well as in New York state.
Ontario Provincial Police say a second teenager has been arrested in connection with multiple threats of violence against schools in Canada and the United States.
Police say the threats began with anonymous calls to a Catholic high school in eastern Ontario last September and other
A 14-year-old boy from Nova Scotia was arrested in October and OPP now say another 14-year-old boy is facing charges following a search of a home in South Dundas Township, south of Ottawa. In the latest arrest, the teenager has been charged with multiple offences, including uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and public
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mischief.
OPP say these charges relate to incidents in Kemptville, Ont., Iroquois, Ont., and New York state. At the time of the Nova Scotia teen's arrest, the FBI said the boy was also believed to be behind dozens of hoax threats to schools, government organizations, local police departments and other institutions across the U.S. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 11, 2025.
For Grand River Post Secondary Education Office
POSITION TITLE: Post Secondary Funding Advisor LOCATION: Ohsweken
PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT: Full time employment – 37.5 hours weekly
JOB SUMMARY:
The Post Secondary Funding Advisor with the Grand River Post Secondary Education Office (GRPSEO) reports to and is directly responsible to the Director of Post Secondary Student Services for:
The organizational accomplishment of identified Board Ends policies; and operating within established Board and Operational policies and procedures to accomplish these Ends.
To do this the Post Secondary Funding Advisor will:
Be knowledgeable about all Board and Operational policies and procedures.
Coordinate all matters relating to the programs and services within the Post Secondary Funding Advisor's designated student caseload.
Provide orientation and support services to all students within the designated student caseload.
To be knowledgeable about post secondary programs, services, and procedures in post secondary institutions attended by Six Nations students.
Maintain accurate student files for the designated student caseload.
Provide liaison between the GRPSEO and Six Nations secondary school students, post secondary institutions, other educational agencies and institutions.
Make appropriate referrals of students to other agencies that will assist the s tudent in accomplishing their post secondary education objectives.
Contribute to the overall development and coordination of programs and services of the GRPSEO
Carry out their duties in a professional manner consistent with a team approach.
MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:
College diploma or Undergraduate University degree with concentration in a relevant field Also, evidence through work history of prior achievement of at least two – three years of work experience demonstrating capability in a client based setting.
Prior successful experience in a multi-task work environment requiring professional level of time, information and project management skills is preferred.
Working knowledge and experience of Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office programs and Internet interaction
Proven ability to ensure accuracy of work dealing with data entry and editing.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
Satisfactory police check and must be bondable.
Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in written and spoken form.
Interact with others in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and completion of projects.
Work collegially with co-workers and clients while maintaining confidentiality, organizational integrity, and responsiveness to client needs.
Organize tasks and manage time effectively.
Understand, interpret and apply policy in a consistent manner
Able to travel using own vehicle and valid driver’s license (some over night travel required).
Be dependable, flexible, and take initiative when necessary (work flex hours as required).
SALARY: $51,235.00 - $69,006.12 (determined using our internal job grading system)
ADDITIONAL TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE PERKS:
Health benefits (including Employee and Family Assistance Program);
Pension plan;
Paid federal and provincial holidays;
Approximately 1.5 weeks of organization wide shut down over Christmas;
Generous leave allowances;
Professional development;
Bonuses (as available);
Staff appreciation events; and
Years' of service recognition awards
CLOSING DATE: February 21, 2025 by 4 pm.
Applicants must submit their resume with (3) professional recent references by:
e-mail to Elisa White, Senior Administration Assistant at: ElisaW@grpseo.org or drop box located at the front entrance of the office located at 2160 Fourth Line Road, Ohsweken to the:
Attention: Senior Administration Assistant on behalf of Director of Post Secondary Student Services
GRAND RIVER POST SECONDARY EDUCATION OFFICE
P.O. BOX 339, OHSWEKEN, ON N0A 1M0
Honour. Educate. Empower.
Consider wedding flowers carefully
By Jace Koblun
Although many decorative elements help to create ambiance for a wedding celebration, perhaps none is more awe-inspiring than beautiful floral arrangements. Flowers offer visual appeal, captivating aromas and texture that can make a space more welcoming.
Engaged couples typically go to great lengths when planning their weddings, but flowers may not be as micromanaged as other elements. Some are content to let florists design their arrangements, but the average cost of wedding flowers in 2023 was $2,800, according to The Knot Real Weddings Study. That price tag merits some input on the part of couples.
Floral experts say couples should budget for floral arrangements coming in at 10 per cent of the overall wedding budget, which is the industry standard. Therefore, for a $60,000 wedding a couple should assume their florals will cost $6,000. It’s important to note that the cost of wedding flowers has been
steadily increasing over the last few years due to inflation and climate change, says The Knot. So couples may need to be even more involved in floral decisions to maximize their dollars spent.
Here are some variables to consider when selecting wedding flowers.
Greenery. Adding greenery to fill in spaces in floral arrangements can save some money. Centrepieces and bouquets that are floral-heavy will certainly cost more.
Symbolism. Consider the meaning behind flowers to make choices even more personal. You also may want to select flowers that will complement the theme of the wedding. For example, traditional spring blooms like tulips and daffodils will co-ordinate with spring weddings.
Flower varieties. Hardier varieties of flowers, such as daisies, mums, carnations, and protea, are less likely to wilt quickly in bouquets or centrepieces than some other blooms, even when they are cut. Such blooms can hold up in any weather
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and last the entire day so that arrangements will be picture-perfect no matter the hour.
Venue. Couples may find that some venues already have faux flowers or other decor. That may mean couples do not need to have as many flowers or any elaborate arrangements.
Size. A particularly large floral centrepiece can overwhelm a table, and a bouquet that is overly cumbersome may detract from the bride or her bridesmaids. Choose the correct scale for comfort in bouquets. For table arrangements, select a size that will not discourage conversation or block guests’ view, nor take up too much real estate on the table.
Allergies. Although they are cut, flowers in arrangements can trigger allergic responses in some people. Others may be bothered by overly aromatic flowers. Work with the florist to find blooms that will be best. Colour scheme. Although white flowers always co-ordinate, many couples like some colour in their arrangements.
Niagara College offers the Strong Students, Stronger Future tuition initiative which helps bridge funding gaps for students from equity-seeking communities, including former Youth in Care and First Nations students. Visit Niagaracollege.ca/ strongstudents for details.
Trump, hosting Jordan’s king, renews his insistence that the US can control Gaza
CANADIAN PRESS
editor@tworowtimes.com TWO ROW TIMES
President Donald Trump is hosting Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday as he escalates pressure on the Arab nation to take in refugees from Gaza — perhaps permanently — as part of his audacious plan to remake the Middle East. The visit is happening at a perilous moment for the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas, accusing Israel of violating the truce, has said it is pausing future releases of hostages and as Trump has called for Israel to resume fighting if all those remaining in captivity are not freed by this weekend.
Here's the latest: Musk defends his work to cut government spending Musk says he wants to add “common-sense controls” to the federal spending. He says taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely and that to cut the waste is not “draconian.”
Trump put Musk in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency to help eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in spending and trim the more than 2 million-person federal workforce.
Musk appeared with Trump in the Oval Office as the president prepared to sign an executive order concerning the billionaire’s work leading the Department of Government Efficiency.
Musk said there are some good people in the federal bureaucracy, but that they need to be accountable. He called the bureaucracy an “unelected” fourth branch of government and said the budget deficit must be addressed.
These are among Musk’s first public comments about his work overseeing DOGE.
Vance family visits Louvre Museum in Paris Vice President JD Vance is traveling in Europe on his first overseas trip since becoming vice president. He brought along his wife, Usha, and their three young children.
Vance addressed an AI
summit in Paris earlier Tuesday. He will speak at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Friday.
Pentagon chief says he welcomes DOGE’s scrutiny into military budget Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth says he welcomes the scrutiny of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency into the massive military budget. And he singled out climate programs for likely cuts.
The Defense Department, he said, “is not in business of climate change, solving the global thermostat. We’re in the business of deterring and winning wars.”
Defense officials have long argued that climate change will have a broad and costly impact on the military and national security, and have worked to reduce those risks and the department’s energy use. Rising sea levels could swamp coastal bases and melting Arctic icecaps have opened sea lanes, escalating competition with China, Russia and others over valuable minerals in that region.
Speaking to reporters in Germany, Hegseth said they will search for billions of dollars in savings. Homan and Vought tell GOP senators they need money for Trump’s deportations, border wall Trump’s border czar Tom Homan and new budget director Russ Vought told Republican senators that they need more money for the the president’s border wall and deportation operations.
“Tom Homan said, ‘I am begging you for money,’” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, the GOP Budget Committee chairman, after the closed party luncheon. Vought told the senators the administration is “running out of money” to pay for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, Graham said. Graham is pushing ahead with a $350 billion budget bill that includes $175 billion to fund Trump’s border and deportation policies for the next four years.
Hamas condemns Trump’s plan to empty Gaza of its Palestinian
residents
The Palestinian militant group said the president’s comments were “racist” and “a call for ethnic cleansing.”
The group declared Tuesday that Gaza’s residents have endured relentless bombardment and aggression but remain steadfast in their homeland.
In a statement on the messaging app Telegram, Hamas accused Trump of seeking to “liquidate the Palestinian cause and deny the national rights of the Palestinian people.” Trump repeated his plan Tuesday for the U.S. to take control of Gaza and remove its population.
Neighboring Arab governments and the Palestinians have roundly rejected the idea.
United Nations experts define ethnic cleansing as a policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove the civilian population of another group from certain areas “by violent and terror-inspiring means.”
FBI says it found 2,400 new records related to former President John F. Kennedy’s assassination It comes as federal agencies work to comply with Trump’s executive order last month to release thousands of files.
The FBI said it’s working to transfer the records to the National Archives and Records Administration to be included in the declassification process.
The federal government in the early 1990s mandated that all documents related to the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination be housed in a single collection at the National Archives. And while the vast majority of the collection — over 5 million records — has been made public, researchers estimate 3,000 files haven’t been released, either in whole or in part.
The FBI did not say in its statement what kind of information the newly discovered files contain.
Tariffs on steel imports could wreak havoc on American auto manufacturing, industry leaders say
The moves align with the Trump administra-
tion’s aggressive global trade agenda and ambitions to strengthen U.S. industry, but they could have an inverse effect. On March 12, all steel imports will be taxed at a minimum of 25%, the result of two orders the president signed Monday that also include a 25% tariff on aluminum. That could have a serious impact on domestic auto companies including Ford, GM and Stellantis — and make these companies’ vehicles more expensive for the nation’s car buyers. Tariffs on crucial products coming from outside of the U.S. places pressure on domestic sourcing of the materials, experts say. The basic rules of supply and demand could drive up costs.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II renews Arab countries’ unified rejection of Trump’s Gaza plan
Following Tuesday’s meeting with Trump at the White House, Abdullah called on the U.S. to take a leading role in creating peace and stability in the Middle East.
He said addressing the dire humanitarian situation in war-torn Gaza by rebuilding it, not displacing its population, should be the main focus of all parties.
“This requires US leadership. President Trump is a man of peace,” Abdullah said in post on the social media platform X. “He was instrumental in securing the Gaza ceasefire. We look to US and all stakeholders in ensuring it holds.”
A “just peace” would see an independent Palestinian state established alongside Israel, Abdullah said.
Trump prepares executive order to continue downsizing the federal workforce
He plans to sign the executive order Tuesday that would also include strict limits on hiring.
The Associated Press reviewed a White House fact sheet on the order, which is intended to advance Elon Musk ’s work slashing spending with his Department of Government Efficiency.
It said “agencies will undertake plans for large-
scale reductions in force and determine which agency components (or agencies themselves) may be eliminated or combined because their functions aren’t required by law.”
It also said agencies should “hire no more than one employee for every four employees that depart from federal service.” There are plans for exceptions when it comes to immigration, law enforcement and public safety.
Research groups and data users seek restoration of material removed from federal websites
The more than 230 research groups and 2,600 data users on Tuesday implored U.S. lawmakers to order the restoration of any data sets that were removed from the websites over the past two weeks. Federal agencies at the beginning of the month took down scores of government webpages as staffers hurried to comply with President Trump’s order rolling back protections for transgender people, which required the removal of “gender ideology” language from websites, contracts and emails.
A federal judge Tuesday ordered government agencies to restore public access to health-related webpages and datasets they removed to comply with Trump’s executive order.
“Removing or curtailing access to these data, even temporarily, erodes the public trust that federal statistical and scientific agencies have earned,” the researchers said to congressional leaders in a letter which was organized by the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics, the American Statistical Association, and the Population Association of America.
Advocates warn DOGE cuts could hurt the accountability of America’s education system They say cuts to a federal research office that tracks students’ progress could leave the nation in the dark on schools’ effectiveness.
Elon Musk’s Depart-
ment of Government Efficiency has terminated 89 contracts worth $881 million at the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences, officials said.
Education Department spokesperson Madison Biedermann declined to share the names of vendors whose contracts were cut.
The cuts are counterproductive and destructive, said Rachel Dinkes, president and CEO of the Knowledge Alliance, a coalition of education research firms.
“Cutting out at the knees the one independent agency that helps improve student outcomes is ridiculous,” she said.
It’s the first step in what could be a wholesale reversal of the Biden administration effort in 2023 to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including nine Army bases. It sets up a potentially costly, complicated and delicate process that could run afoul of the law.
“As the president has said, and I’ve said as well, we’re not done there,” Defense Secretary Hegseth said Tuesday when asked about the decision to go back to the Fort Bragg name but change the service member it commemorates.
The move signals the potential for the Pentagon to do the same for the other renamed bases — skirting the law prohibiting the military from naming a base after a Confederate leader by finding another service member with the same name.
Terry Cole, Trump’s candidate, is Virginia’s secretary of public safety and homeland security. Cole’s law enforcement background includes more than 20 years at the Drug Enforcement Administration, including assignments in Colombia, Afghanistan, Mexico and the Middle East.
Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Florida’s Hillsborough County, was Trump’s first choice to be DEA administrator, but he later withdrew from consideration.
Top trends in tuxes
By Jace Koblun
Theories on the origins of the tuxedo vary significantly and it may seem as though every tuxedo is the same, but that’s not the case.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the tuxedo might be a British invention, spearheaded by the fashion-conscious King of Wales Edward VII in 1865. Some believe that this formal garment was created by wealthy aristocrats attending an autumn ball in Tuxedo Park, New York.
No matter where the tuxedo originated, it has become standard attire for formal occasions, including weddings.
Tuxes come in different styles, so those tying the knot or attending other formal functions can choose an option that fits their personality and physique. Here’s a look at what sets tuxedos apart and some noteworthy tux trends.
Suits versus tuxedos. Some may wonder what sets a tuxedo apart from a suit. One of the more
notable differences is that tuxedo lapels are designed with silk, satin or textured grosgrain to provide that signature V-look, says Brides magazine. Suit lapels are made from the same fabric as the suit jacket. Tuxedos traditionally are held up with suspenders, while suit pants have belt loops for use with a belt. Suits are styled with a dress shirt while tuxedos are worn with a particular tuxedo shirt that likely has a spread collar, bib, decorative studs, and French cuffs fastened with cufflinks.
Change up lapel styles. Men who want to set themselves apart can opt for what The Knot calls the most popular styles of tuxedo lapels. Notch lapels are the most common and feature two lateral points. Shawl collars feature a smooth, sleek looped lapel without notches or peaks. Peak lapels have the lower point of the lapel peak above the upper. Trying on the different jackets can give individuals an idea of which lapel look is best. New colour spectrum. A traditional tuxedo will be
black, although navy tuxedos have gained a following. But individuals can find a tuxedo in any colour. Those who want to add some extra flair to their weddings may opt for a tuxedo in a colour that co-ordinates to the season or aligns with what the rest of the bridal party is wearing.
Alternative fabrics. The majority of tuxedos are made from wool and will have the silk or satin detailing as described. Newer trends include incorporating fabrics like linen or flannel, although these are rare and may be harder to come by.
Neckties. People can set themselves apart with everything from lapels to tuxedo shirts to different colours, but only bowties or neckties can be worn with tuxedoes. While bowties once were the gold standard, those personalizing their wedding looks and taking liberties with style are increasingly opting for neckties. Gents can choose a necktie in a complementary texture that will co-ordinate with the elegance of the tuxedo.
Pink sunsets, canoe paddles, world class dining, wood cabin and platform tent lodging - come celebrate
DEI under attack; it may affect Indigenous people in the workplace
such stark statistics.
The current cultural shift in the United States is terrifying, quite frankly.
As the United States backlash against DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives intensifies, Canadian law firms and human rights watchers are nervously observing how that backlash will play out in Canada.
In America, State representatives are writing letters to major financial institutions that they will face reprisal if they “unlawfully” hire people based solely on a DEI basis and not on merit (which isn’t actually a thing).
Those U.S. attorney generals are calling DEI practices “reverse racism” - a common complaint when women, BIPOC, etc. want a seat at the same corporate table as the white dominant majority.
But consider the statistics in Canada before complaining that DEI is some sort of scourge that is, or will, ruin the lives of Canadians somehow.
-Less than one percent of Canadian corporate leaders are black.
-A 2023 study from York University's Jean Augustine Chair uncovered that over 20 percent of racialized high school graduates do not transition directly to postsecondary education, despite having the same qualifications as their peers.
-Members of visible minorities hold only seven percent of board seats in corporate Canada.
-Indigenous people hold only 0.4 percent of those board seats!
-And a whopping 87 percent of directors of S&P and TSX companies are white.
-In Canada, there are more CEOs named Michael (7) than female CEOs altogether (6), though Canada outperforms the U.S. and global averages for women's representation on the board, with 33 percent, according to Equileap, a global data company on equality research.
It’s difficult to comprehend how DEI practices can be considered a threat to the current white supremacy that dominates the Canadian corporate world when examining
Major U.S. companies are now publicly cancelling DEI initiatives, to the thunderous applause from the 30 percent of Republicans who voted for Trump.
The U.S. is seeing a rise in “reverse discrimination” lawsuits.
Meanwhile here in Canada, law firms, corporate leaders and political pundits are nervously watching how the anti-DEI rhetoric will play out here.
Law firms are pre-emptively speaking out in Canada on how U.S. anti-DEI sentiment could affect the workplace here.
According to Torys law firm, they haven’t seen a major DEI backlash in
Canada, yet, they note Canadian law is different from the U.S. in that our very legal framework “explicitly supports” the creation of DEI programsthankfully.
Currently, there is no legal requirement to scale back DEI programs in Canada like in the States, Torys notes, while in the US, there are actual accusations that DEI programs might be “illegal”, “unlawful” or “discriminatory.”
Torys is advising cross-border companies monitor how the changing landscape of DEI practices in the US might affect their workplaces here in Canada, even though in Canada and in Ontario, we have human rights codes that specifically protect against discrimination in the
workplace, and in other public spaces, as well.
But how do you prove somebody was only hired based on their DEI status and not on merit?
There seems to be an unfounded belief among some Conservatives that DEI means hiring people solely to meet some arbitrary quota. That’s not what DEI is.
In reality, DEI has often been framed as NOT discriminating against a potential hire based on characteristics protected in the Canadian Human Rights Code: sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, etc. Indigenous peoples in Ontario, including status, non-status, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples are included in these
protections. Indigenous peoples are also protected from discrimination in federally regulated employment, housing, services and facilities under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
According to federal government statistics cited in the government’s 2024-2028 Canadian Anti-Racism Strategy, discrimination was more common among Indigenous populations than among populations who are both non-Indigenous and non-visible minority (33 percent versus 16 percent).
More specifically, 44 percent of First Nations had experienced discrimination in the five years preceding the survey, as had 29 percent of Inuit
and 24 percent of Métis. Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister champions the anti-racism strategy, stating: “with Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy: Changing Systems, Transforming Lives, 2024-2028, we’re putting forward an ambitious, comprehensive plan to make Canada more diverse, inclusive, and prosperous. That means encouraging voices with different experiences to lead and ensuring those voices are reflected in federal policies, programs, and services. This is part of our larger work to build more homes and keep them affordable, invest in quality health care, reform our justice system, and make our streets safer in partnership with communities.”
DONNA DURIC donna@tworowtimes.com
ATTN:
ATTN:
Elaine ‘Dale’ Williams (Deyaowęhoda)
March 24th, 1958 - February 15th 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Elaine ‘Dale’ Williams (Deyaowęhoda), announce that she has made her journey home to the Creator on February 15th, 2025, at the age of 66.
She is survived by her children Bill (Elaine), Chris (Courtney) and Priscilla (Dale) Warner, grandchildren, Quentin (Blair), Frankie, Shawn (Alexis), Mya, Ethan, Brynlee, her great grandson Dakota, siblings, Lucille Jamieson and Toby Williams, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by her baby son and infant great granddaughter , her parents Enos and Gladys Williams siblings, Nora Carrier, Lester Williams, Ruth Johnson, and Chuckie, Loraine, Doug, Stu, Dean and Peter Williams, nephews, Errol, Allan, Tom, Lindsay, Jack, Brian, and her niece Debbie, who she got to share a part of her journey with.
She will be especially missed by her niece Rhonda Jamieson, with whom she shared a special bond and
Kerry Clement Martin 1966-2025
Kerry passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford, February 14, 2025, at the age of 58. Kerry was a mould maker by trade and worked in Motor City, Detroit Michigan. He was predeceased by his mother Norma (Gail) and sister Nancy. Kerry will sadly be missed by his son Paul (Kristeen) and daughter Rebecca (John). He will be missed by his father Cecil his brother Blayne and sisters Tammy (Derrick), Rachel. He cherished his grandchildren, Kairo, Diesel, Iceal, Theodore, Lucille, and Jaxyn. Missed by nephews John (Kaitlyn), Cory, Christopher (Carrie), Colt, Levi, Neo (Kaileigh) and nieces Jody, Mickenzie, Connor (Sheldon). He was great uncle to Malcolm, Bennett and Ellouise.
Kerry enjoyed many hobbies with his family he was a lacrosse player and referee. He excelled in referring and became a senior level referee who participated in games throughout Ontario and New York State. He had a passion for car racing and watching NASCAR which led to his joy of participating in demolition In recent years he became involved with microsprint racing with grandson, Diesel at Ohsweken Speedway. He always cheered the grandchildren in their endeavours as they played baseball, basketball, cross country running, ice skating, and gymnastics.
The family is very appreciative of the wonderful care he received from the staff and volunteers at the Sted man Community Hospice.
The family will honour Kerry’s life with a memorial visitation at Styres Funeral Home 1798 Fourth Line, Ohsweken on Thursday February 20, 2025 from 5 to 8 pm with an evening prayer service at 7 pm. www. rhbanderson.com
We wish to thank everyone for their love and support in our time of loss of a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Your thoughts and kindness are sincerely appreciated, and words cannot express how grateful we are.
Nia:weh - Ken McNaughton and Family
Added Sept 14, 2020
HOUSE AND LAND FOR SALE: Great location for business, in center of Village at 1654 Chiefswood Rd. Finished basement ready for studio or office space, Lot 18-2, Concession 5, 2338 sq. ft. lot, approx. 40 ft by 60 ft deep. Contact 289775-7676
Added January 5, 2024
LAND FOR SALE: Lot 30-2, Concession 2, on First Line between Mohawk Road and Seneca Road. Selling the whole 33.2 acres. Contact 519-770-2873
Added May 6, 2024 - UPDATED JUNE 24, 2024
LAND FOR SALE: Lot 1-6, Concession 6, Tuscarora Twp., 17.1 acres on Plan 584 RSO, right of way access via 2251 Cayuga Rd., located on natural gas line, lot dimensions approx .. 1356 ft by 675 ft. $30,000 per acre, will consider reasonable offers. Contact Tyler James Taylor, 716-603-1535.
Added August 21, 2024
LAND FOR SALE: Lot 19-6-1, Concession 3, on Chiefswood Rd between 2nd Line and 3rd Line. 1.96 acres, 130 ft frontage. Contact Craig General, 519-717-8940
Last Updated August 21, 2024
NOTE: List is updated whenever any information is deleted, added or changed
CLUES ACROSS
1. Tropical Asian plant
5. Yankees’ slugger Judge
10. Helps to preserve food
12. Plant disease
14. One who predicts 16. Equally
18. Burundian franc
19. Pouch
20. Arizona city
22. Surround
23. Hard, heavy timber
25. Witnessed
26. They __
27. French river
28. A way to drink
30. Small constellation
31. Peruse a written work
33. Type of hound
35. Plant of the goosefoot family
37. Evade or escape
38. A way to confine
40. Volcanic crater
41. Weekday
42. Women’s service organization (abbr.)
44. Local area network
45. Sensory receptor
48. Posted
50. Tibetan pastry
52. Licensed for Wall Street
53. Very willing
55. Golf score
56. Consume
57. Touchdown
58. Tends to remind
63. In a way, smoothed
65. Poke holes in the ground
66. Herbaceous plants
67. Taiwanese river
CLUES DOWN
1. Body art
2. Boxing’s GOAT
3. Film for posterity (abbr.)
4. Prayer
5. Calculating machine
6. Keyboard key
7. Outburst
8. Man-eating giants
9. New Hampshire
10. Type of sword
11. Counting
13. Pants style
15. Political action committee
17. U.S. government legislative branch
18. Civil Rights Act component
21. Contractors take one
23. Spanish soldier
24. A person’s brother or sister
27. Expressed pleasure
29. Song of praise
32. Shock treatment
34. Patti Hearst’s captors
35. Counteract
36. Goes over again
39. Popular Dodge truck
40. Male adult
43. A part of a river where the current is very fast
44. Rope used to lasso
46. Become less intense
47. Subway rodent
49. Lead alloy
51. Japanese honorific title
54. Advise someone
59. Famous NYC museum
60. Ocean
61. Cathode-ray tube
62. Cologne
64. It starts with these two
SUDOKU
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, impulsiveness may cause friction with loved ones this week, so avoid rushing into decisions. Keep an open mind when others come to you with their thoughts.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, expect some clarity regarding a recent financial decision this week. You’ll get the answers you need about budgeting and other investments you’ve been mulling over.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
This week you may be tempted to overcommit to social endeavors, Gemini. Keep your boundaries in check, especially if you are having difficulty telling other people, “no.”
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, much of your to-do list this week will focus on your home life. Take a break from the hustle and spend time bringing order and balance to spaces in your home.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Your words carry a lot of weight right now, Leo. Be very careful about the opinions you offer and the stories you share. By the weekend you may be called upon for some advice.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, if you have been thinking about making some sweeping financial decisions, now is the time to take action. Putting things off for another day can wreck long-term plans.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Sometimes you have to give yourself a pat on the back when others are not offering the feedback you need, Libra. You are doing a great job and learning along the way.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
You often keep your cards close to the vest, Scorpio. Others may be surprised to learn a project you have been working on for some time has come to fruition.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Personal ambitions are at the forefront of your mind, Sagittarius. However, you may be placing too much importance on financial matters rather than the other rewards from hard work.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
You are doing quite well in your professional life right now, Capricorn. But in terms of home life, there are definitely some areas that can use improvement. Focus on those things.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you could be feeling a strong urge to declutter personal spaces, such as the garage, closets or even your home office. Find the time to start sorting through belongings.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
All it may take is a simple conversation to clear up some persistent misconceptions, Pisces. Figure out when to schedule that talk and afterwards you will feel better.
