Latest news with #Indigenous-led
Winnipeg Free Press
21 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Taxi firms adopt zero-tolerance policy
Drivers caught acting violently or otherwise inappropriately to Indigenous passengers will be immediately fired, Winnipeg's two largest taxi companies have committed. Unicity Taxi and Duffy's Taxi have spent the past two years pulling advice from an Indigenous-led committee. The zero-tolerance policy is one of several outcomes, according to members. 'My message for the Indigenous community is that we hear you, we respect you and we stand with you,' said Abhishek Tara, general manager of Unicity Taxi. The industry has been plagued with headlines of scandal and poor relations for years. Eric Robinson heard about incidents during his time in government. He was a New Democrat deputy premier and cabinet minister during the 2010s. He's aware of incidents where drivers directed sexual innuendos at Indigenous women and took cellphones from customers until a destination had been reached. Nearly three years ago, Robinson connected with Unicity Taxi and Duffy's Taxi to improve the relationship between industry and Indigenous people. A committee was formed; Robinson sits as chair. A dozen members meet monthly to brainstorm improvements. Most members are women, Robinson said. There's a member of the LGBTTQ+ community, management from both Duffy's and Unicity, and at least one Indigenous woman who's had a scarring taxi experience. The group is now taking their work public. On Saturday, at Red River Exhibition Park — on National Indigenous Peoples Day — Unicity and Duffy's will take the main stage to address their commitment to Indigenous people. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. 'We want to make trust,' Tara said. Much of the work revolves around public awareness, he continued. All 305 Unicity taxis, and upwards of 200 taxis at Duffy's, are equipped with cameras and microphones recording rides. Customers can report bad experiences to the companies, Winnipeg police and the City of Winnipeg. The city's vehicles for hire department and police can download videos directly from taxis and investigate, if needed. Duffy's and Unicity staff don't have access to the video footage. Ultimately, the city and police determine any warranted punishment: police cover criminal activity and the city tackles bylaw violations. 'There's no second chance,' Tara said, considering an employee who's found guilty of misbehaviour. He oversees roughly 1,000 active drivers. He couldn't give a number of complaints that have passed his desk over the last two years; some are serious, some are not, he said. He didn't share any recent firings. Unicity might learn of an incident via social media. It's better to contact authorities, Tara stressed. Indigenous people make up one of Unicity's largest customer demographics, Tara said. His staff are required to take a day-long course on cultural competencies through the City of Winnipeg. More cultural knowledge at the driver level is needed, Robinson said. He's also aiming for a government-funded taxi driver training program targeting Indigenous women. The committee eyes initiatives both practical and achievable, Robinson said: 'We discuss that with a straight mind, without raising voices.' Robinson tapped Coleen Rajotte, a filmmaker and journalist, to join the taxi committee around six weeks ago. She's been tasked with creating safety-related videos for social media. Both Unicity and Duffy's will share the reels online, Tara said. 'I hope, in a year … that our community will be safer,' Rajotte said. She still prefers walking or carpooling — and leaving early if necessary — to taking a taxi. She recounted a taxi ride she and her husband took in Ottawa 13 years ago; the pair didn't know if they'd return to their hotel safely. The duo tried to file a complaint, Rajotte said, but likely weren't taken seriously because they're Indigenous. '(Unicity and Duffy's) are very firm and sincere in these meetings that I've been at that they're going to take all complaints seriously,' Rajotte said. 'Reconciliation comes when people from different backgrounds get together in a respectful, ethical space,' she added. 'I think that that's what this committee is doing.' Robinson has given copies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's calls to action to both Unicity and Duffy's Taxi and asked that the documents be made available to drivers, he said. Neither the city nor the Winnipeg Police Service had data on how many complaints Indigenous people have filed against taxi companies in recent years. 'We encourage customers to call 911 for any matters involving violent or criminal behaviour in progress,' Adam Campbell, a City of Winnipeg communications officer, wrote in a statement. After the fact, people can contact the police non-emergency line and the city. Bylaw violations — including sexual harassment, abuse and failure to release passengers from vehicles at the passenger's request — can lead to punishments ranging from warnings to full licence cancellations. Dave Chief, an administrator of the '24/7 Safe Rides for Winnipeg and Surrounding Area' Facebook page — which has more than 11,500 members — said taxi service has 'greatly improved.' 'At least now (people) can call 311 and report any bad drivers,' Chief wrote in a Facebook message. Case investigation and decision times depend on complexity, Campbell said. Cameras in Winnipeg taxis became mandatory in 2018. Ride-hailing services such as Uber don't require cameras and microphones in vehicles. Gabrielle PichéReporter Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle. Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
THE FIRST NATIONS HEALTH MANAGERS ASSOCIATION TO LEAD MULTI-YEAR INDIGENOUS HEALTH NAVIGATORS (IHN) TRAINING AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - The First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) is leading a multi-year project focused on developing a comprehensive training and curriculum program for Indigenous Health Navigators (IHN). IHNs have been recognized as essential roles within the Indigenous health system workforce. These professionals possess a deep understanding of the complex jurisdictional health landscape and the historical and current realities faced by First Nations patients and families. IHNs provide culturally safe and trauma-informed support, acting as vital bridges between community-based health services and the mainstream health systems often accessed in urban settings. Through this initiative, FNHMA will support the development of a national network by identifying and establishing standardized competencies that reflect the diverse skill set of the current workforce. These competencies are intended to complement the work of First Nations Health Managers and strengthen the overall health management framework within First Nations communities. Building on previous foundational work, the project will assess the existing landscape of the IHN role, propose a vision for its future evolution, and identify best practices and accredited training opportunities. Additionally, the initiative will focus on the development of core competencies, curriculum, and instructional materials, while delivering an actionable implementation plan to meet workforce needs and enhance career pathways for IHN. This initiative reflects FNHMA's ongoing commitment to capacity building and the advancement of Indigenous-led health services. As always, FNHMA's approach is grounded in engagement with its' members and partners whose knowledge and lived experience is instrumental in guiding the project's direction. FNHMA is pleased to announce that Dr. Pamela Toulouse has been appointed as the Lead Consultant for this initiative. Dr. Toulouse is a respected educator, researcher, and advocate with extensive experience in Indigenous health, education, and community empowerment.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
'Walk for Truth' draws curtain on nation-first inquiry
A weary Aboriginal leader is not ready to put his feet up for good after walking halfway across the state to shine a light on its dark colonial past. A crowd of thousands greeted Travis Lovett outside Victorian parliament on Wednesday as he finished his 508km walk from Portland, where colonisation began in the state in 1834. More than 12,000 people joined him along the 25-day Walk for Truth, which represented the end of the long-running Yoorrook Justice Commission. With both feet freed of his shoes, the Yoorrook commissioner and deputy chair became emotional when talking about the toll the journey has taken. "The body has been sore," he told reporters. "I've had my moments where my feet have been sitting in the same shoes for nine hours straight, but that is nothing compared to what our people have been through. "We don't ask for sympathy but we ask people to open their minds and open their hearts to the full lived experience of our people here." Yoorrook is Australia's first first formal, Indigenous-led truth-telling process. It was established in 2021 to create a public record of Indigenous experiences since colonisation and its ongoing impacts on Aboriginal people. The inquiry has held dozens of public hearings, gathering the testimony of Stolen Generations survivors, elders, historians, experts and non-Indigenous advocates. Mr Lovett said it had ended the silence and laid the foundation for tangible change. "It's not about blame, it's about the truth," he told the crowd while foreshadowing future walks through other parts of the state. "Our old people didn't fight for sorrow, they fought so that we might live well." An interim report by Yoorrook called for wholesale changes to Victoria's criminal justice and child protection systems, but the state government only fully committed to implement six of 43 recommendations. Its final report is expected to be handed to the governor in coming days. Chair Eleanor Bourke has flagged it will contain more than 100 recommendations, including some that can be actioned immediately and others as part of a statewide treaty. Premier Jacinta Allan, who was presented with a message stick carried the full length of the walk, said the official public record would be critical to treaty talks. "You can't have treaty without truth - they go together," she said. Treaty negotiations between the state government and First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria kicked off in late 2024. Details have been vague on exactly what is on the table but an update on Wednesday confirmed parties discussed Yoorrook's public record becoming a possible resource for teachers. Assembly co-chair Rueben Berg suggested a statewide agreement could be reached later in 2025, ahead of Victorians heading to the polls in November 2026. "First people's decisions should be made by first people's - that's what we're working towards here in Victoria," he said. The Victorian Liberal opposition withdrew its support for a statewide treaty in 2024 following the failed national voice to federal parliament referendum. If and when an agreement is struck, legislation must pass both houses of state parliament for the treaty to be ticked off.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
The federal government invests in Indigenous-led solar initiative in Watson Lake Français
WATSON LAKE, YT, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Investing in green energy infrastructure is vital to building cleaner and more sustainable northern communities. With a joint investment of more than $28.6 million from the federal government, the Government of Yukon and First Kaska Utilities LP, the Sādę Solar Initiative project will significantly reduce diesel use for power generation in Watson Lake. This project will construct a 2.85MW solar power plant combined with a battery energy storage system that will connect to the existing micro-grid in Watson Lake, which is currently powered by diesel generators. The plant, located within the asserted traditional territory of the Liard First Nation (LFN), will be brought online in two stages to maintain grid stability and manage power fluctuations. Additional works include preparing the site for solar panel installation and upgrading the access road to support a high volume of transport trucks during the construction period. When running at full capacity in the peak season, the plant will provide more energy than peak loads, allowing for full generator off time. The solar energy produced is expected to replace more than 24 percent of the diesel-generated power in Watson Lake, ultimately reducing diesel consumption by approximately 1,020,300 litres and cutting GHG emissions by 3,509 tonnes annually. This initiative is also expected to have economic benefits for LFN, allowing them to generate revenues by selling surplus power to the grid operator, while creating jobs and training opportunities. Quotes "The federal government is proud to support this important Indigenous-led energy project in Watson Lake. The Sādę Solar Initiative will make a significant impact on the community by reducing its dependency on diesel with a cleaner and renewable source of power. This will help northern communities become more sustainable and affordable places to live, while ensuring reliable energy is available for years to come." Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "The Sādę' Renewable Energy solar farm project provides meaningful economic development potential for the Liard First Nation and is a great step in reducing pollution and advancing economic reconciliation. The project is to be the largest solar Indigenous-led energy project in the Canadian North and is another example of how successful partnership with Indigenous Peoples ensures Canada can become a clean, affordable, reliable energy superpower." The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "By supporting projects like the Sādę Solar Initiative in Watson Lake, we are championing Indigenous-led climate solutions in northern communities and beyond. Investments through the Low Carbon Economy Indigenous Leadership Fund empower communities to make greener energy choices while creating long-lasting economic opportunities." The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change "Congratulations to Kaska Utilities and Liard First Nation on breaking ground for the Sādę Solar Initiative today. This project is a significant step forward in reducing diesel-dependence for the community of Watson Lake, supporting climate change mitigation and energy security goals for the territory. I look forward to continued collaboration on Indigenous-led energy solutions throughout the Yukon." John Streicker, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and Minister responsible for Yukon Development Corporation, Government of Yukon "This is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in our people and our future. Through First Kaska Utilities Ltd., we are demonstrating what Indigenous leadership in the clean energy sector can look like—visionary, self-determined, and grounded in our traditional values." , CEO of First Kaska Utilities Ltd. Quick Facts The Government of Canada is investing $28,600,000 towards the Sādę Initiative project. The First Kaska Utilities LP will also be providing their support. The federal government is providing $18,000,000 through the Arctic Energy Fund of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, $5,000,000 through the Indigenous Leadership Fund, and $5,600,000 through the Clean Energy For Remote and Rural Communities Program. The Arctic Energy Fund of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program supports energy security in communities in the North, including Indigenous communities, by investing in upgrades to existing fossil fuel-based energy systems, as well as supplementing or replacing these systems with renewable energy options. Launched in 2018, the Clean Energy For Remote and Rural Communities Program is a key part of Canada's efforts to reduce the reliance of rural and remote communities on diesel fuel for heat and power. With an overall funding commitment of $453 million until 2027, the program has supported over 200 renewable energy demonstration, deployment and capacity building projects to date across Canada. The Indigenous Leadership Fund supports climate action by Indigenous peoples. The program funds up to $180 million towards Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects across Canada. The Government of Yukon administers the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and collaborates with all orders of government to build infrastructure across the Yukon. Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Housing and Infrastructure Project Map Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program Indigenous Leadership Fund Indigenous Leadership Fund - Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
National Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- National Observer
Indigenous businesses feel the pinch from decline in US tourists and federal funding cuts
Dean Werk was supposed to be gearing up for a busy summer on the Fraser River in British Columbia. Instead, the Métis owner of Great River Fishing Adventures is watching his calendar empty out as American clients, once the lifeblood of his business, cancel trips one after another. Earlier this year, Werk's company — known for helping clients catch and release some of the biggest sturgeon on the river — lost a US group worth $85,000. 'We worked for two years to put this package together for them. And that booking got cancelled,' Werk said. Soon after, a $65,000 booking was also lost. Werk is concerned this is just the beginning and the sector could face a situation similar to the pandemic, when Indigenous tourism saw international travel collapse and struggled for years to partially recover. Across Canada, Indigenous businesses are reporting a significant drop in tourism from the United States. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) projected US bookings will fall nearly 70 per cent compared to last year, with advanced bookings for flights between Canada and the US expected to remain down by more than 70 per cent each month through September. Operators point to tariffs, geopolitical tensions and shifting travel advisories as key factors. "It feels like Canada has lost any true vision or interest to invest and believe in Indigenous-led tourism, despite public words,' Keith Henry, CEO and president of ITAC. Robert French, who manages Big Land Fishing Lodge in Newfoundland and Labrador, has seen similar declines and described the trend as reciprocal. 'Canadians going to the US have decided to stay at home. And I think this is vice versa. A lot of US people are trying to start to stay home and travel within their own country,' French said. For many Indigenous operators, the loss of American visitors is devastating. US travelers have historically accounted for the bulk of bookings, with international guests spending more and staying longer than domestic tourists. Werk said Indigenous tour operators often depend on the US market for as much as 60 to 80 per cent of their clientele. According to government documents, Indigenous tourism in Canada has still not recovered after the pandemic. The businesses generated $4 billion in 2019, but by 2023, that number had dropped to $3.7 billion — and the real value is even lower when adjusted for inflation. Now, as the industry hoped for a full rebound, operators are facing a new wave of challenges with even fewer safety nets. Federal support plummets A central concern for the sector is the steep drop in federal funding. In Budget 2024, Ottawa invested $2.5 million for ITAC (which is not part of the government). That's less than 10 per cent of the $33 million the organization requested for operations, marketing and development as part of a 2030 strategy to make Canada a world leader in Indigenous tourism. The funding cuts forced ITAC to lay off about half its staff and halt support for smaller provincial organizations, putting their futures in jeopardy. Keith Henry, CEO and president of ITAC, said the reductions risk setting the industry back a decade and damaging its reputation among major tourism buyers and sellers. This year, federal support has fallen even further. For 2025-2026, Indigenous Services Canada funding is down to $1.25 million, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada has dropped to zero and Destination Canada's contribution is now $1.9 million. The total reduction amounts to $4.55 million, representing about a 68 per cent cut to ITAC in a single year. Henry said the sector is being told by the federal government that tourism is 'poised to do great in 2025,' but that message does not reflect the reality for Indigenous operators on the ground. The operators are also seeing a decline in tourists from other international origins beyond the US as a result of tensions between Canada and the US, and conflicts elsewhere. Henry said the situation is a serious setback for Indigenous-led tourism across the country. 'We've seen a continued decline of federal government support for Indigenous tourism. It feels like Canada has lost any true vision or interest to invest and believe in Indigenous-led tourism, despite public words,' Henry said. Indigenous Services Canada has yet to respond to Canada's National Observer's request for comment and further information. Domestic marketing Meanwhile, international arrivals are dropping sharply. In March 2025, trips to Canada by US residents fell 6.6 per cent year over year, while arrivals from overseas residents plunged 17.4 per cent. The numbers are continuing to decline as trade tensions persist. In response to the decline in international tourists, ITAC has ramped up domestic marketing efforts, launching the 'Original Original' campaign to encourage Canadians to explore Indigenous tourism in their own backyard. The association has increased its presence through advertising, television commercials and bus wraps in major cities, such as Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg, Halifax and Vancouver as well as the North. Henry said the efforts are crucial for raising awareness among Canadian travelers, but domestic tourism cannot make up for the loss of international visitors, especially Americans. 'Domestic travellers spend less and don't stay as long. International customers spend six to eight hundred dollars per person, versus a Canadian who spends maybe one to two hundred. The math doesn't make sense if we lose those international guests,' Henry said. Additional pressures mount While operators struggle with lost bookings and shrinking federal support, many are now contending with a new set of pressures making recovery even harder. In Churchill, Manitoba, David Daley is facing a 'triple hit.' Daley, a Métis long-distance dogsled racer who runs Wapusk Adventures, said wildfires have forced evacuations across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, creating confusion for tourists and immediate ripple effects for local businesses, as the province urges people to avoid 'unnecessary travel' to the region. 'We're open for business, but then the province is saying we're closed for business. It's a mixed message that the tourists are getting,' Daley said. 'That's not very good news for the tourism industry.' He said there is no emergency fund to support operators through disasters like wildfires, leaving many exposed to sudden losses. On top of this, costs are spiraling. Daley said since the pandemic, insurance premiums for his hotel have soared, adding yet another burden to an already fragile sector. He has also diversified his offerings beyond dog sledding to e-bike rentals, a storefront, a hotel and Aurora viewing, but can't fully offset the uncertainty and financial strain facing the business. 'How many rooms do you have to rent to just pay your insurance? Never mind your loans to own up a piece of property like that?' he said. Indigenous tourism business operators have also reported rising costs for fuel, food, and equipment. Werk said uncertainty is weighing heavily on everyone in the industry and the federal government needs to recognize the scale of the crisis and act decisively. 'It's not just one year. It's cumulative over potentially the next three or four years until we get this all straightened out,' he said. 'If things don't change, I'm not sure how much longer we can keep going.'
