Dreams Tree launches
TREATY 13 TERRITORY, TORONTO, ON – Dreams Tree Community Investments announces its official launch as a social enterprise dedicated to creating pathways for economic and cultural reconciliation. The organization will host a Dene Tha Tea Dance ceremony on March 26th at 25 York St., Toronto to mark this important milestone.
With Tim Carwell, a Dene citizen of Beaver First Nation and CEO of The CommAlert Group, serving in support of the initiative, Dreams Tree aims to develop Indigenous Centres of Excellence as multi-nation spaces where Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture will be shared.
"The idea of mutual aid is not a foreign concept to First Nations," said Tim Carwell. "I've been a social
entrepreneur my whole life, and the more I connected with my community, the more I realized that the paths to these Centres of Excellence are gifts and goodwill. We're building something unique to balance Indigenous and Western business development approaches, and we move at the speed of trust."
Dreams Tree honors the resilience and spirit of Janette Gloria Carwell, Tim's mother, who was a survivor of the 60's Scoop. At just four years old, Janette was airlifted to a hospital after an accident at her home in Meander River. While there, she was taken from the hospital by staff, sent to live with strangers, and eventually illegally adopted. After nearly 30 years, Janette worked tirelessly to reunite with her family, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and triumph over seemingly impossible odds.
Logan Staats and Brett Kissel wow crowds at Sanderson Centre
By Donna Duric
Six Nations artist Logan Staats and Canadian country music star Brett Kissel gave fans a double treat at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford on the weekend, a perfect way to start off what will be an epic year for the Six Nations musician.
Staats, who has finished recording and is currently editing his newest album coming out this year, met Kissel performing at the Junos two years ago and have been trying to find a way to work together since.
That collaboration became a reality on Saturday at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford.
“He invited me to the show and the timing worked out great.”
Kissel has won numerous Juno awards.
“He’s the top dog when it comes to Canadian country music,” said Staats, who is also a Juno-nominated artist.
Kissel has managed to break into the United States country music market as well.
“He’s someone I look
up to,” said Staats, whose newest album is “kind of country in an Americana kind of way.”
“Working and collaborating with him was a way to wedge my foot in that door,” said Staats. “Being able to play with him is kind of a way to get into that new market and build relationships and cultivate my career.”
The Sanderson Centre has been showcasing Six Nations artists for de-
cades.
Located in the centre of Brantford on Six Nations’ traditional territory, Staats says, “The Sanderson Centre is one of my favourite venues in the entire world. I’ve played at beautiful theatres all over the world.”
With it being so close to home and so close to his hometown fans, “it’s one of my favourite places to play.”
“I couldn’t even get
tickets for my family and friends.”
He said the crowd was great and the two performers hyped up Six Nations and the fact that they were performing on traditional territory.
“I talked about Six Nations as much as I could,” said Staats. “They loved that I was here. It was important for me to put our nation on the map for that show. I wanted the whole crowd to be aware that we are here and to talk about our community. Brett was really supportive of that. I spoke in the traditional language when I introduced myself.”
The two crooners also honoured the late Six Nations musician Robbie Robertson, performing one of his songs in his honour as part of the show.
In the meantime, Staats’ upcoming album - which is being backed by Universal Records - is in the editing phase.
The name is still up in the air.
“It’s going to be a big year for me,” he said.
Brett Kissel invited Six Nations' singer and songwriter Logan Staats onto the stage with him to do a few songs together on Saturday night's performance. MARINAC
The Staats family is musical! Logan's daughter Jordan aka Smushie joins him at every show. MARINAC
National Indigenous Languages Day 2025
support, and dedication, we can revitalize our languages and restore them to their rightful place in communities and in this country.
National Indigenous Languages Day in Canada is on Monday, March 31. It's a day to recognize and celebrate Indigenous languages.
The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages released a statement leading up to the day:
“On March 31st, the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages joins Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike in celebrating this National Day of Indigenous Languages and in honouring the diverse and unique first languages of the lands now known as Canada. Indigenous languages are national treasures that contribute to the diversity and richness of the linguistic and cultural heritage of this country.
The Commission wishes to acknowledge, particularly in this International Decade of Indigenous Languages, the steadfast and tireless commitment and efforts of Indigenous Peoples and allies in their work to revitalize, strengthen, and maintain languages that continue to be at risk. There are many inspiring stories from Indigenous communities in different parts of Canada where the important work of reclaiming and normalizing the use of Indigenous languages is taking place.
This gives us hope and shows that given the right resources, institutional
As we envisage an ideal future, the Commission looks forward to the day when all Indigenous languages are safe, vibrant, and thriving.”
Here are a few ways you can take action and participate in Indigenous Languages Day and all year round:
-Visit the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund’s website for a list of resources for learning and teaching Indigenous languages.
-Watch the Ted Talk “Canada needs thriving Indigenous languages.”
-Learn about the status of First Nations Languages in provinces across Canada.
Saxon Miller, Consultant, shared a greeting on pathwaysexecutivesearch. com regarding National Indigenous Languages Day 2025:
“This Sunday, March 31 is National Indigenous Languages Day. Observed nationally, it’s reserved as a time to acknowledge the importance of language and culture to the well-being and resilience of Indigenous communities. This day recognizes and honours the more than 70 Indigenous languages from 12 distinct language families spoken in Canada. Supporting Indigenous language learning is integral to Canada’s truth and reconciliation process and is the focus of Calls to Action 13–17 released by
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Moreover, it is a day to empower the many language champions working to address the language crisis facing Indigenous peoples globally. In addition to the day itself, the decade from 2022 to 2032 is also the International Decade of Indigenous Languages to promote the use of Indigenous languages worldwide.
Indigenous languages are not merely means of communication, but repositories of cultural heritage, wisdom, and identity. Days like this are an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving and revitalizing these languages, which are often endangered due to historical injustices and ongoing systemic challenges.
As we think about the importance of this day, it is important to commit oneself to fostering greater awareness, appreciation, and support for Indigenous languages and the communities that safeguard them. Here at Pathways, we actively engage in learning about Indigenous languages and do our best to amplify Indigenous voices while advocating for policies that uphold linguistic rights and promote cultural inclusivity.
It is a collective responsibility to recognize the integral role of Indigenous languages in healing, understanding, and building a more just and equitable society for all.”
Indigenous
mechanism or body for Indigenous women, led by Indigenous women within the United Nations system.
At the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW69), Indigenous women called for greater recognition of their rights and leadership, including direct funding for Indigenous-led initiatives, representation in global decision-making, and protection from violence.
Members from the Māori Women’s Welfare League (MWWL), New Zealand; the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), Canada; and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA); Australia, came together to issue a joint call to action.
They are calling on the Commission and member states to:
- Explore the development of a dedicated
- Provide and increase sustainable, flexible, and multi-year financing and resources for Indigenous women’s organizations.
- Ensure the full, effective, meaningful, and safe participation and leadership of Indigenous women and our organizations in all decision-making on all issues that impact our lives, families and communities.
- Consider a priority theme on the empowerment and rights of Indigenous women and girls in 2027 in alignment with the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Indigenous women exist at the intersectionality between our gender expressions and our Indigeneity, yet we are often excluded from both women’s
rights spaces and broader Indigenous governance forums,” said Joslyn EadesTass, NATSIWA, in a March 10 press release. “Our voices, experiences, and solutions are distinct and must not be overlooked. We need dedicated spaces where Indigenous women lead the conversations
that shape our futures, ensuring our rights are recognized, our solutions are implemented, and our leadership is upheld.”
Considering the UNCSW69 theme – a review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – members from MWWL, NATSIWA
and ONWA are also raising awareness of the Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women. This Declaration is a critical document drafted by the Indigenous women who were at the 4th World Conference on Women. Members of these three Indigenous
women’s organizations are questioning why the UNCSW69 session is silent on the Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women and how the Commission and Member States intend to uphold Indigenous women’s rights.
“The violence and discrimination we experience as Indigenous women is unique because it is rooted in the legacy of colonialism, targeted, state-led assimilation policies, and systemic sexism and racism,” said Ingrid Green, interim ONWA CEO, in the release. “If we are to achieve sustainable change, we need to deconstruct the current systems that perpetuate violence and discrimination against Indigenous women and reconstruct Indigenous women’s leadership, voices, honour and empowerment.”
Indigenous women called for greater recognition of their rights and leadership, including direct funding for Indigenous-led initiatives, representation in global decision-making, and protection from violence. FILE
JACE KOBLUN
Statement on National Indigenous Water Operator Day 2025
From: Indigenous Services Canada Statement Ottawa, Ontario (March 21, 2025) — The Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, issued the following statement today:
“Water connects all of us, and First Nation leaders and communities are at the forefront of protecting this sacred resource. On National Indigenous Water Operator Day, we acknowledge, celebrate, and thank all water operators for their commitment to delivering clean, safe, and reliable water to communities across Canada. From those who manage vital water systems to those who advocate for progress, this work is essential to securing a future where all communities have access to clean and safe drinking water. With World Water Day tomorrow, we recognise the importance of the
ongoing efforts made to safeguard water for future generations.
Water operations are key to making sure communities have reliable and well-maintained water infrastructure. We are working with First Nations to support innovative solutions to improve the retention, recruitment, and capacity building of on-reserve water and wastewater system operators so that First Nations communities have sustainable access to drinking water.
Honouring water operators and water leaders
The National First Nations Water Leadership Award is a way to honour water operators and those who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the advancement of clean and safe drinking water in First Nations communities. Whether through excellence in water operations, water mon-
itoring, advocacy, policy development, or environmental stewardship - each nomination underscores the essential role of First Nations leadership in developing sustainable water solutions and strengthening communities. We want to hear about the people who are making a difference in your community - nominations close May 31, 2025!
Clean drinking water for all
Together, we are making progress in securing
ing water advisories:
Indigenous Services Canada remains steadfast in its work to eliminate all active long-term drinking water advisories for public systems on reserves, with ongoing investments to prevent future ones.
structure meets current and modern community needs.
clean drinking water for all, and we know that more work is needed for everyone in Canada to have equitable access.
Water infrastructure projects are complex, especially in remote communities and in extreme weather conditions, and so are their solutions. There is no “one size fits all” approach. True and lasting solutions must be developed with First Nations to meet each of their needs.
Lifting long-term drink-
As of March 21, 2025, First Nations have lifted 147 long-term advisories with support from Indigenous Services Canada since November 2015 and prevented more than 300 short-term advisories from becoming long-term.
Comprehensive action plans are in place in 33 communities, with the goal of lifting 35 active long-term advisories.
Investing in infrastructure:
Indigenous Services Canada and First Nations communities are working together on effective management and maintenance of existing on-reserve water systems, while making sure new water infra-
Since 2016, the Government of Canada has invested $4.61 billion in targeted funding (excluding operating expenses) to support 1,453 water and wastewater projects in 591 communities across Canada. Of these investments, 670 projects have been completed and we are working in partnership with First Nations to complete all of them.
Everyone in Canada deserves access to safe, clean drinking water. The Government of Canada remains steadfast in our support for First Nations and water operators who are working hard to improve and maintain reliable access to clean drinking water for their communities, for generations to come.”
Indigenous Services Canada gets their say, I guess. There are elders on Six Nations who have never been able to drink safe water from the tap their entire lives. FILE
OPINION editor@tworowtimes.com
What will we do if Trump invades Ontario?
By Thohahoken
OHSWEKEN—What role with there be for Onkwehonwesohna wateriyos if the US decides to invade Canada? Likely we’d defend the 48,000 enclave called Six Nations Indian Reserve # 40 – the concentration-camp we’ve lived in since 1924. An enclave that was blockaded during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown to keep out germs and outsiders.
The questions remains. What will Onkwehonwesohna at Wahta, Kanehsatake, Kahnwake, Tyendinaga, Ohsweken, and Kaniienke decide to do?
In the case of Donald Trump’s recent threat to annex Canada, the first Onkwehonwesohna to voice a stand is the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA).
“As a sovereign Mohawk Nation,” the MCA statement declares. “Akwesasne must be included in any discussions that impact our people.
The MCA also responds to the previous Canadian and American held view of our People by stating that “We are not a problem to be "dealt with" -- because of a treaty debt commonly known to be worth trillions of dollars.
The MCA stated that the Mohawk People are “a partner in finding meaningful solutions” and that “Akwesasne has always been a vital member of joint task forces and
remains committed to the safety of our communities”. This history by the MCA ensures that Akwesasne is included in discussions with Canada’s Deputy Minister of Public Safety and dialogue with agencies on both the US and Canadian sides.
Should all seven Kanienkehaka territories follow the MCA lead notice would be taken by Canada and the US who already know we’re located on major electricity transmission corridors, tinder dry forests, major roadways, railways, and seaways. These contemporary circumstances differ from the forced-relocation of our people after the American Revolution.
After 1775, surrenders and treaties were made to end the American Colonies’ ethnic-cleansing of the “merciless Indian savages” a.k.a. the Iroquois, the Five Nations, the League of Peace.
The population of the Onkwehonwe was reduced from 1.25-million to 40,000. The survivors escaped to Alberta and Oklahoma, and into Seneca country south of the Niagara escarpment. In the homelands, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca people surrendered to be confined to Indian-reservations.
When the US invaded southern Ontario in 1812, they were met with strong resistance by warriors from the Six Nations’
territory along the Grand River. Elders say that Six Nation’s fought valiantly to take Stoney Creek. Led, by Captain John Brant, they also were victorious at Queenston Heights.
Elders also describe how 24 warriors captured three companies of US soldiers at Long Point. League secretary Bob Jamieson-kenha said “the warriors crept in during the night as the Americans were sleeping, rounded up all their rifles, and cut them off from escaping in-land.”
The Americans were not massacred, but allowed to find refuge on boats on Lake Erie to escape to the USA.
Stories Elders tell about Six Nations’ role in repelling the American invasion in the lands between lakes Erie, Huron, and Ontario is largely ignored by Western formal and informal reports. Then there’s the 400 members of Six Nations Expeditionary Force who were outlawed in 1907.
In 1988, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy reiterated the 1907 League council declaration outlawing the War Veterans. And Elders in 1988 said “they shouldn’t have done that…we’re going to need those guys someday.”
Someday seems now.
(Thohahoken is Six Nations’ Community Scholar and educator Michael Doxtater.)
How Trump’s tariff war could impact First Nations
By Jim Windle
Recent economic aggression towards Canada and President Trump’s assumption that the vast majority of Canadians want to become the 51st State, has made for interesting times.
But does all this have a sense of Deja vu? The last time they thought they could absorb Canada as, oh maybe, the 14th state of the Union, it didn’t work out all that well for them.
Now, just like it did in 1812, Six Nations and all First Nations across the country may be paying the price in a war not of heir making.
This time, it’s a trade war, and it includes the shipment of Canadian crude and lumber to market, one way or another. Trump has already categorized the energy sector as being of “National Security” and as such, bypasses virtually any regulation roadblocks on either side of the boarder. The obvious result will be that both combatants will likely ignore or take away the few small steps made by First Nations to protect the traditional lands from the pollution caused by the extraction and fracking by big oil.
On the one hand, Canada has floated the notion of shutting off the flow of Canadian crude to the USA, in retaliation for Trumps inexplicable tariffs on Canadian oil, and building a cross-country pipeline from Alberta to Halifax instead.
On the other hand, Canada could back down from Trump and offer Canada’s sovereignty up on a plate. Doing so would remove or drastically reduce all regulations and environmental issues from the table, prob-
ably never to return.
The way the tariff wars are going between the Trump administration and several other trade partners including Canada, it would seem that native reconciliation programs will be taking a back seat for a time anyway.
Not all agree. In a Nation to Nation broadcast recently, Prof. Veldon Coburn, a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan and part of the Indigenous Relations Initiative at McGill believes that First Nations issues will become prominent in the upcoming federal elections.
“Right now, in an unprecedented political climate that it is in international relations and foreign affairs that dominate conversations in politics these days,” says Coburn. “All across Ottawa, it is the reorganization and realignment of trade alliances, shoring up our allies where we have good friends in the international community and our domestic affairs are focused on essentially buttressing the economy.”
The AFN has released a paper saying, “We are looking to all parties to show how they will uphold our Treaty rights, respect our distinct identities, and protect our lands, waters, and borders. If a party wants to form the next government, they need to show us the concrete actions they will take to advance reconciliation,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We expect the next Prime Minister, and every elected MP, to work with First Nations to build a secure, just, and prosperous country, especially in this ongoing era of U.S. colonialism.”
“With the election now
underway, I encourage all federal party leaders to meet directly with First Nations so they can hear our perspectives firsthand and for First Nations and Chiefs to engage directly with local candidates and make their voices heard,” National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak added. “In dozens of ridings, First Nation voters can and will determine the outcome. In many of those cases, our vote exceeded the margin of victory in 2021. We also lift up the First Nations candidates running for office and wish safety and good health to all party leaders, their families, and campaign teams as they travel across the country.”
He adds, his personal political opinion, “Indigenous voters who are used to being threatened by colonial powers, may see the Liberals as better able to defend their interests against the Trump administration as opposed to the Conservatives who have been more traditionally aligned with the Republicans.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford could be the exception to that. That is my opinion.
Ken Coates, a professor at Yukon University who is the chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance Program says renewed interest on building oil and gas pipelines in Canada could present new opportunities for Indigenous communities.
“That (pipelines) will not happen without Indigenous involvement,”, he said. “Quite frankly, it won’t happen without Indigenous ownership. Not necessarily 100 per cent ownership but a significant equity sort of
position.”
Coates said a Conservative government might be able to better capitalize on these opportunities rather than the Liberals who have shown over the last ten years that oil and gas production was not one of the government’s top priorities.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says, “Indigenous people should be wary of the promises of economic benefits made if
they let these pipelines run through their territories.”
“The first thing to say to any order of government and sovereign nations in particular is, ‘Show us the business case,’” she said.
“Do pipelines make any sense in this country and you can’t find one with both hands and a flashlight.”
“Canada does not refine much of its own oil,” May reminds the interviewer, “and we ship it as crude oil to the United States. “In
order to ship to other foreign markets, it would have to refine a much greater share of the product which is a capacity the country currently does not have.”
To date, we have heard nothing from either Liberal or Conservative contenders for Prime Minister about the positive impact on First Nations either the USA plan or the Canadian plan, outside of the usual incentive of “jobs”.
Transfer Station
Summer Hours
The Six Nations Transfer Station will change from winter hours to summer hours on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. Summer hours are 8am-5:30pm with the last load-in taking place at 5:15pm.
The Transfer Station is open Tuesday-Saturday, and is closed Sunday and Monday.
For inquiries, call the Transfer Station at 519-445-1212.
Office Cleaner Position Available
FNESL/KLMC is seeking an Office Cleaner in Ohsweken. This position is $20-$25/ hr based on experience, is a maximum of 20 hrs/week, contract position, and no benefits. The individual must be available after 5pm, reliable, have references, and own transportation. For a full job description, questions, or to apply, contact Chanda Kennedy at ckennedy@klmtech.ca or 519-445-2253.
Closing date: Tuesday, April I, 2025 by 3pm.
Find all of our fun-filled events and programs happening in the month of April with the 2025 SNGR Spring Leisure Guide.
Available now online at sixnations.ca or for pick up at Central Administration (1695 Chiefswood Road)
know the score.
Canada names 23-player roster for CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship in Nicaragua
STAFF REPORT
editor@tworowtimes.com
TWO ROW TIMES
Forward Kaylee Hunter and goalkeeper Olivia Busby, part of the Canadian squad that qualified for the CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship last month, now look to do the same with the under-17 side.
The two have been named to Canada's 23-player roster for the CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship, the final stage of regional qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled for Oct. 7 to Nov. 8 in Morocco.
"This will be the first tournament format experience for some players, but also another opportu-
nity for others within the group that have been in a Championship qualifying setting before,” interim U-17 coach Gary Moody said in a statement.
Hunter is set to play for AFC Toronto when the new Northern Super League kicks off next month. The Canadian squad also includes five members of the NSL's Vancouver Rise academy. Busby, who is with Ontario's National Development Centre team, has committed to attend Harvard.
The young Canadians went 1-2-0 at the U-17 Costa Cálida MIMA Cup in Spain last month, with a 3-0 win over Scotland sandwiched around losses to Sweden (3-1) and England (2-0). The roster for the CONCACAF tournament features 19
players, including the two alternates, who were part of the MIMA Cup squad.
The 12-team CONCACAF Championship runs March 31 to April 6 2025 in three different venues.
Competing in Group B in Managua, Canada opens against host Nicaragua on April 1 before facing Panama on April 3 and Puerto Rico on April 6.
Mexico hosts Group A which also features Haiti, Costa Rica and Bermuda while Trinidad and Tobago stages Group C which also features the United States, El Salvador and Honduras.
Canada, Haiti, Mexico and the U.S. made the CONCACAF field as the region's four highest-ranked teams. Puerto Rico, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica and
Nicaragua joined them as the six group winners from the first round of qualifying while Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda secured their places as the two best second-place finishers.
After round-robin play, the three group winners and the best second-place finisher qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The FIFA tournament is now an annual event expanded to 24 teams from 16.
Canada has taken part in seven of the eight previous editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, missing out in 2024 when it lost 2-1 after extra time to Mexico in semifinal play. Only the two finalists at the 2024 CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship in Mexico qualified
for that U-17 World Cup given it was hosted by the Dominican Republic, a CONCACAF member.
Canada U-17 Roster
Goalkeepers: Olivia Busby, NDC-CDN Ontario; Khadijah Cissse, CF Montreal; Kellyanne Dumas, CF Montreal
Defenders: — Mya Angus, NDC Ont.; Emma Donnelly, NDC Ont.; Molly Hale, NDC Ont.; Reese Kay, NDC Ont.; Marika Martineau, CF Montreal ; Bridget Mutipula, Vancouver Rise FC academy .
Midfielders: Joëlle Bader, Vancouver Rise FC academy; Torah Betteridge, Vancouver Rise FC academy; Olivia Chisholm, NDC Ont.; Emma Reda, Emma, NDC Ont.; Chloe Taylor, Vancouver Rise FC academy .
Forwards: Alyssa
Garreaud, CF Montreal ; Ailish Hennessy, NDC-CDN Ontario; Kaylee Hunter, AFC Toronto; Gabriela Istocki, NDC Ont.; Melissa Kekic, NDC Ont.; Lacey Kindel, Vancouver Rise FC academy; Alyssa McLeod, NDC Ont.
Alternates
Defender: Mia McLean Mercier, CF Montreal . Forward: Adalyn Fairweather, St. Albert Impact.
Staff
Interim Head Coach: Gary Moody.
Assistant Coaches: Jen Herst, Tina Cook, Christopher Cinelli-Faia. Analyst: Laurent Klein.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2025
Pressure On: First half of the season will be key for Toronto Blue Jays' future
STAFF REPORT
editor@tworowtimes.com
TWO ROW TIMES
With homegrown stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in the final year of their contracts and a competitive window that's open — for now — the Toronto Blue Jays need to make a statement over the first half of the season.
The trade-deadline selloff during last year's disappointing 74-88 campaign could be minor compared to what might transpire if the Blue Jays struggle over the next few months. Setting a winning tone could help Toronto build for a potential return to the playoffs. Conversely, a poor first half may lead to trades so that players aren't lost to free agency, perhaps leading to a rebuilding process.
The pressure is on Canada's lone big-league team. The opener of the 162-game campaign is set for Thursday against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.
"I don't think there's any reason why we can't — if
everything clicks — be one of the top teams in the AL East," said starting pitcher Kevin Gausman.
While the Blue Jays made a push for top-shelf free agents like Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki in the off-season, they ended up landing some players a tier below that level.
Slugger Anthony Santander signed a fiveyear deal, and closer Jeff Hoffman inked a threeyear contract. Reliever Yimi Garcia is back on a two-year contract, and 40-year-old starter Max Scherzer signed a one-year deal.
Toronto was also active on the trade front, acquiring second baseman Andres Gimenez and reliever Nick Sandlin from the Cleveland Guardians.
"People talk about us missing out on free agents, and they forget that 29 other teams missed out on them too," manager John Schneider said in a recent availability. "We're happy with the guys we did acquire, and we're going to continue to try to get better."
The Blue Jays are hoping Scherzer, who has been nursing a sore thumb, can stay healthy after an injury-plagued campaign last year. The future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young Award winner joins a veteran rotation that includes Opening Day starter Jose Berrios, Gausman, Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis.
The switch-hitting
Santander, who hit 44 homers last year for Baltimore, provides much-needed pop in the heart of the batting order. Toronto was 26th in the major leagues with 156 home runs last season. Hoffman, Garcia and Sandlin will shore up a bullpen that also includes high-leverage option Chad Green. Former closer Jordan Romano was non-ten-
dered last fall and later signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
"I thought we did a good job of adding guys that have great track records of success," Green said.
Relief depth could be an early concern though as Ryan Burr has experienced shoulder fatigue and Erik Swanson and Zach Pop are dealing with elbow issues.
Guerrero was the key offensive cog last season for Toronto with 30 homers, 103 RBIs and a .323 average. The Blue Jays held contract extension talks with his representatives last month but were unable to reach a deal.
The 26-year-old slugger, who was reportedly seeking a 14-year deal worth US$500 million in present value, could be the plum of the next free-agent class if he hits the open market. Guerrero will need much more support at the plate for the Blue Jays to have any chance of climbing up the standings.
Bichette and right-fielder George Springer are coming off down years and may see time at different
spots in the batting order. Expect Springer, now 35, to move lower down with Bichette, 27, a good bet to lead off on a more frequent basis. Springer may also see time in left field this year.
"There's so much talent in this clubhouse once again this year and now it's just about piecing it together for these guys and executing at a high level consistently," said retired outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, now a special assistant. "I know they can do it."
Gold Glove outfielder Daulton Varsho was limited to a designated hitter role during pre-season play after undergoing rotator cuff surgery last September. He's expected to return to his usual spot in centre field sometime in April. Toronto reached the wildcard round in three of the last five years but hasn't won a playoff game since reaching the American League Championship Series in 2016.
FanDuel's sportsbook lists the Blue Jays as a 65-1 pick to win the World Series.
While the Blue Jays made a push for top-shelf free agents like Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki in the off-season, they ended up landing some players a tier below that level. FILE
To: ALL CUSTOMERS OF SIX NATIONS NATURAL GAS EFFECTIVE DATE: APRIL 1, 2025
Carbon Reduction Charge Elimination
Newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the elimination of the fuel charge (carbon reduction plan), effective April 1, 2025.
In response to this new order, Six Nations Natural Gas will reflect a zero dollar line item for Carbon Reduction on our monthly invoicing, starting with billing cycle April 1-30, 2025.
Please know the Carbon Reduction Plan will still apply for the March 1-31, 2025 billing cycle.
SIX NATIONS COUNCIL
In Memoriam
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CLUES ACROSS
1. State in southwestern India
4. Pashto
10. Corpuscle count (abbr.)
11. Supervised release from prison
12. Greeting
14. Type of drug
15. __ Sagan, astronomer
16. Every year
18. Nasal cavities
22. Nova __, province
23. In an inactive way
24. Cream-colored root
26. Nervous system disease
27. Guitarist Clapton
28. Three came to see Baby Jesus
30. Lebowski’s nickname
31. Play a role
34. Not fresh
36. Where golfers begin
37. Negatives
39. Wild goat
40. Releasing hormone
41. Makes up
42. Fastens
48. Exists in large numbers
50. A connecting word
51. A phase of the heartbeat
52. Northern Ireland county
53. An independent ruler or chieftain
54. Pacific sea bream
55. Commercial
56. Azure
58. Doctor of Education
59. Protected oneself against loss
60. Car mechanics group
CLUES DOWN
1. Pastes for filling crevices
2. Acquire
3. Heralds
4. News group
5. Exact copies
6. Particles
7. Noted 20th C. performer Lena
8. Tempted
9. Midway between north and east
12. Slotted, hinged metal plate
13. South American hummingbird
17. Neither
19. Walk with confidence
20. Omit when speaking
21. Imperial Chinese curren-
cy
25. A bakery specializing in French pastry
29. Talk incessantly
31. Ethnic group of Nigeria
32. Longtime NY Times film critic
33. Beginners
35. Makes a trade
38. Sleep
41. Not moving
43. Popular drink: Pina __
44. Potential benefits
45. A place you can get stuck in
46. Ancient Greek City
47. Chalcedony
49. Rover
56. Digraph
57. Investment vehicle
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you may encounter some stubborn people this week and that always has the potential for confrontation. Make yourself scarce if conversations veer in the wrong direction.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Things might not be lining up perfectly for a whirlwind trip right now, Taurus. Don’t let it get you down. In a few more weeks, an entirely different story may emerge.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, this is a good opportunity to begin clearing up the clutter in your life. Start tackling the mess as soon as possible and enjoy the weight being lifted off your shoulders.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Try not to sweat the small stuff right now, Cancer. It often is easier said than done, but the little things could be dimming your light unnecessarily. Seek the support of positive people.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, there are plenty of opportunities available to you now whether you realize it or not. Keep an open mind and equally open eyes to see if you can spot chances to learn and grow.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, your mind and heart are simply not able to let something go that happened in the past. Your emotions may feel restricted because of it. It’s a passing thing and will resolve.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you are going through a period of evaluation of certain things in your life. This may bring about tension and even some friction, but it’s a necessary step for you.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
This week there may be a weighty air that puts a damper on your jovial nature, Scorpio. Instead of getting down on yourself, use this time to focus and get a job done.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, you have a chance to make tremendous progress and further your career. It will take hard work, but the rewards will start to roll in soon enough.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Avoid questioning superiors or those in positions of authority right now, Capricorn. This is a surefire path into hot water. Take a break and sort through negative emotions.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you might be going through a time of great preparation with a focus on building a major life project. This is not to be taken lightly and will require a lot of attention.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
There may be a sober feeling to the week that leaves you feeling a bit down, Pisces. Focus on finishing projects and these feelings will pass by before you know it.
