Articles and information of interest week of 28th September

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New report traces Coast Salish origin of land acknowledgements – BC Humanist Association

First Nations offered 15% stake in Trans Mountain pipeline

Carbon capture conference side panel discusses Indigenous partnership – Alberta Native News

Looking Beyond Reserve Lands: What Opaskwayak Cree Nation v. Canada Means for First Nations – JFK Law – Canada

Anishinabek Nation statement on the Canada Investment Summit 2026 – Anishinabek News

The 7 Sacred Teachings

Wisdom – Beaver

The teaching of wisdom is taught to us by the beaver. Beavers use their teeth to cut trees and build dams; in doing this they have a positive impact on their community (the nature around them), their family (who live in the dam), and themselves (by finding purpose and health in doing what they are meant to do). The beaver reminds us that we all have gifts and a purpose in this world. It is through the love of knowledge that we find wisdom.

Bravery/Courage – Bear

The teaching of bravery is taught to us by the bear. Bears are known to confront threats they should be fearful of, especially female bears who will protect their cubs against larger bears and other dangers. The bear also reminds us to be playful and to rest when needed. It is in the balance of these teachings that we are taught when to be courageous. 

Honesty – Sabe/Raven

The teaching of honesty is taught to us by Sabe or sometimes the raven. Sabe is believed to be closer to the spirit world than humans and reminds us, just as the raven does, that we must be truthful to who we are. The Ojibwa expression Kitchi-Sabe means to walk tall, or to have integrity. It is only by being honest that we can have integrity.

Respect – Buffalo

The teaching of respect is taught to us by the buffalo. The buffalo provided Indigenous Peoples with everything they needed to survive: hides for warmth and shelter, meat for eating, muscle for sinew, and bones for tools. The buffalo reminds us to respect all living things, and in doing so we achieve a balance that keeps us alive.

Truth – Turtle

The teaching of truth is taught to us by the turtle. The turtle was here when all life was created and carries teachings related to the beginning of life on its back. There are 28 scutes around the perimeter of a turtle shell; these represent the 28 days of a woman’s menstrual cycle, which is key to the creation of life. There are 13 scutes in the centre of a turtle shell; these represent the 13 moons and the 13 times the Earth circles the sun each year.

Humility – Wolf

The teaching of humility is taught to us by the wolf. The wolf is strong and powerful alone, but finds its greatest strength when part of a pack. Wolves are known to remain with packs for life, raising pups while protecting the group’s well-being. The wolf teaches us that humility imparts strength to families and communities.

Love – Eagle

The teaching of love is found in all of the other teachings. It is the eagle who mirrors these lessons back to us. The eagle is strong enough to carry all of the teachings and flies high enough to see all of creation. When we live by these teachings and see ourselves as the eagle does, we are able to love who we are. And once we have found that balance within, we can provide love to our family and community. For this reason, the eagle feather is one of the most sacred items and must be earned.

James Whetung works to restore wild rice and reconnect generations – Anishinabek 

Large pension funds lack Indigenous rights-focused investment policies: study – Alberta Native News

‘Father of Nunavut’ has one more fight left: to live in the territory he helped create | CBC News

Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project – News release – Major milestone completed

New ‘Committed to California’ Initiative Highlights Tribal Gaming’s $26.5 Billion Economic Impact – Native News Online

Number of sockeye salmon returning to Fraser River ‘alarming’

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/afn-chief-major-projects-9.7353965

Free to be at the Nipissing First Nation Pow Wow – Anishinabek News

ACFN Chief threatens legal action against Smith on mine water release | Edmonton Journal

First reading: ‘Indigenous reconciliation’ ranks at rock bottom of BC voter 

James Whetung works to restore wild rice and reconnect generations – Anishinabek News

Native News Weekly (September 20, 2026): D.C. Briefs – Native News Online

After more than a century, this Salish woolly dog pelt has returned to ‘B.C.’ – Indiginews

Misipawistik Cree Nation chief calls on hunters to voluntarily halt moose harvest | CBC News

BC’s Sudpreme Court Factum in Gitxaała: A Promise No Court May Check | Aboriginal Law | Ng Ariss Fong Lawyers

Colusa Indian Community Secures HEARTH Act Approval, Clearing the Way for Faster Energy Development at Colusa Rancheria

Horse Lake Chief in Alberta frustrated by Canada’s inaction on its specific claim

DRUM BEATS
Ontario Backs Critical Minerals Processing Facility as Marathon Project Advances 
Ontario is providing C$11million in conditional loan support through its Critical Minerals Processing Fund to help Generation Mining build its copper-palladium processing facility at the Marathon Project in Northwestern Ontario, the first project to draw on the C$500 million fund launched in December 2025.  The C$410 million facility accounts for part of the project’s C$992 million total capital investment. Generation Mining’s Marathon Project is expected to produce roughly 532 million pounds of copper and 2.16 million ounces of palladium over its 13-year mine life.   Copper is used in electric vehicles and power grids, while palladium is used in automotive catalytic converters.   The project sits on the Exclusive Aboriginal title territory of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation, which ratified a Community Benefits Agreement with Generation Mining in 2022, covering employment, training, business opportunities and financial participation. 
 
Marsh Canada Partners With Canada’s Largest Indigenous-Owned Brokerage as Project Finance Rules Shift 
Marsh Canada has formed a co-brokering alliance with TIPI Insurance Partners, Canada’s largest majority Indigenous-owned commercial brokerage, owned across 35 First Nations. The partnership creates a joint placement capability spanning construction, energy, natural resources and defence.
  The deal comes as Indigenous participation becomes an increasingly important consideration in major project financing. Institutional lenders and project sponsors are placing greater emphasis on Indigenous equity, procurement and business participation, making compliance part of project structuring rather than a voluntary commitment.  Nathan Ballantyne, CEO of TIPI Group of Companies, said the partnership would bring Indigenous expertise into more major projects while generating economic returns for TIPI’s First Nations shareholders.
 

About the author

Jim Richardson

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