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Articles by Rachel May
May: New York state must do better against tick-borne diseases
We just got the disturbing news of a case of Powassan virus in Central New York, one of only 44 cases in the entire country this year. Powassan is a dangerous tick-borne disease that can be transmitted by a tick in only 15 minutes. It joins a number of other tick-borne diseases, most famously Lyme disease, that increasingly threaten public health in our region. We must take this threat seriously. kAm%:4<\3@C?6 5:D62D6D 92G6 DFC865 E@ 9:DE@C:4 =6G6=D 24C@DD CFC2= 2?5 FC32?
Young Indigenous karate athlete to represent Canada on international stage
Lily Simard, a member of the Gwitch’in First Nation in the Yukon, practices a karate style known as kata with her two teammates. The three of them will be representing Canada in Costa Rica later this month at the Junior Pan American Championships.
Indigenous History Month
This year for Indigenous History Month, APTN News is sharing stories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people making a difference in their communities across the country. In the spirit of June also being Pride Month, we will be bringing you some profiles of Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ folks and their journeys of identity and self-discovery. Check back throughout the month for new stories.
New federal NDP leader visits First Nation in Saskatchewan to hear from its elders
Avi Lewis, the newly elected leader of the federal NDP, visited the Cowessess First Nation earlier this week to hear from the community’s elders about unresolved land claims dating back to 1907.
Former FSIN vice-chief fell short in Saulteaux Nation general election to incumbent chief
Chief Melissa Tavita has been re-elected in Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation’s general election earlier this month. Tavita wins out over former FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt and Derald Dubois.
May: Upholding the needs of Central New Yorkers and the rule of law
What can you do when federal law enforcement officers act outside the law? Even as a New York state senator, I am struggling to find an answer to that question and, more importantly, a solution for local residents whose legal rights have been violated. On Sept. 4, my district became the site of a massive immigration action when about 50 agents swarmed Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cayuga County and took away at least 57 employees. Did they have the proper warrant?
FSIN candidate Aly Bear says she was victim of smear tactic during campaign
Aly Bear, the former vice-chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations who was running for the top spot in the organizationa week ago, says she was the target of a smear campaign on election day. “As soon as I walked up, there was people telling me there are posters, these flyers are everywhere, hundreds of them all over the outside of the building, all over cars, vehicles,” said Bear from Whitecap Dakota Nation.
Hospital sent 3 month old boy home with pneumonia says mother
Krimson Standingready knows her way around a hospital. Her three-month-old son Atlas has spent most of his life in a hospital bed with a feeding tube because of excess mucus at birth causing chronic lung and blood infections. Since getting out, Atlas has fought blood infections and lung problems. At the end of July, Krimson, originally from White Bear First Nation in Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan but now living in Fort Qu’appelle, noticed her son’s breathing was off.
Myles Sanderson high on cocaine when he died
The details in this story are disturbing. Please read with care. The man who killed 11 people in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Sask., in September 2022 had high levels of cocaine in his system on the day he was captured by the RCMP and died. Myles Sanderson, 32, had been on the run for several days when police caught up to him on Sept. 7, 2022. He went into medical distress during his arrest by the RCMP and was pronounced dead in hospital.
First Alert app up and running in First Nations in Saskatchewan
Just weeks after an inquest into the deadly stabbing spree that killed 10 people in James Smith Cree Nation, an emergency alert system in place to notify members if they’re at risk. The new app, called First Alert, will allow leadership in First Nations communities across Saskatchewan to share vital information about emergency events as they unfold to members of the community.
Carry the Kettle wants apology from Conservative MP
Recent allegations made in the House of Commons by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh aren’t sitting well with the water operator in Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in Saskatchewan.
Better programs needed for Indigenous women being released from jail: MLA
The opposition critic for First Nations and Métis Relations in Saskatchewan says the province has to do a better job at helping Indigenous women leaving jail. “There needs to be support for healing because many of our Indigenous women, many people have trauma in their lives,” says Betty Nippi-Albright, the MLA for Saskatoon Centre.
James Smith Cree Nation tragedy avoidable says national chief
The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations says the lack of First Nations policing and other justice services compounded the tragedy on James Smith Cree Nation back in 2022. “This tragedy is a systemic failure of the police and the justice system,” Cindy Woodhouse of the Assembly of First Nations said at a news conference in Saskatoon on Thursday.
Jury at James Smith Cree Nation inquest now deliberating
The jurors who heard evidence into the stabbing rampage on James Smith Cree Nation and nearby Welford, Sask., are now deliberating. The inquest, held in Melfort, Sask., located about 45 km south of where Myles Sanderson killed 11 people and wounded 17 others, has been sitting for two weeks. “When we look at the evidence that spoke to the programming within correction services Canada systems, it showed there is a lack of ceremonies,” said Chelsea Stonestand about the need for cultural programming.
Parole board official, Elders appear at James Smith inquest
Elders who had contact with Myles Sanderson inside prison appeared at the inquest looking into the circumstances that led him to kill 11 people on James Smith Cree Nation and nearby Welford, Sask., and wound 17 others. Geraldine Arcand, testified she was working as an intake Elder at the penitentiary near Prince Albert, Sask., when Sanderson began his first federal sentence. She came up with an initial healing plan for him while he was incarcerated.
Communication between agencies, community needs to be better
A member from James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan told an inquest Friday that more communication is needed between agencies charged with keeping people safe and the community. “It often circles back to what they can extract for the community and not what they can put back in our communities,” said Chelsea Stonestand, who has standing at the inquest looking into the stabbing deaths of 11 people in James Smith and nearby Weldon on Sept. 4, 2022.
Parole officer appears at Saskatchewan inquest
Myles Sanderson was a man who opened up once you got to know him, attended programs he was supposed to, and didn’t breach his conditions says Natasha Melanson. Melanson, the parole officer who was in charge of the man who would kill 10 people in James Smith Cree Nationwas and another in nearby Welford, was testifying at the inquest looking into the stabbing spree that also injured 17 others.
Saskatchewan inquest closes out week of emotional testimony
On Friday morning, outside of the hearing room where the inquest looking into the stabbing deaths of 10 people in James Smith Cree Nation and another in Weldon, Sask. in 2022, a drumming circle can be heard. The rhythm soothes those who pass by heading for the hearings that have been difficult on people running it – and those who experienced the attack on Sept. 4. Evidence provided at the inquest has been intense.
Guest column: Make ballot access easier in New York
When I first considered running for State Senate, a significant factor was my frustration with New York’s outdated election laws. Why did people in virtually every other state have access to early voting, but we did not? Year after year, the old Senate majority, with IDC compliance, worked to uphold exclusionary voting laws, but I knew that greater access to the ballot box was what New Yorkers wanted.
Aspen Meadows carries on legacy of Mel Annand
By Aspen Meadows Sep 26, 2023 | 11:20 AM A northeast resident is having his legacy carried on by friends and family in a big way. Aspen Meadows is a community just north of Melfort. The community aims to balance the solitude of acreage life with the community aspect of a town. Just as the project was nearing the time when people could apply for lots in the community, one of the founders Mel Annand passed away leaving behind a family to carry on his hopes for the future of Aspen Meadows.
Melfort RCMP asking for help in solving two crimes in the northeast
By Crimes in the northeast Sep 21, 2023 | 10:29 AM Melfort RCMP are investigating two separate crimes that happened this week and asking for help to find those responsible. The first incident happened the night of Sept. 18 as a young man was seen on video surveillance walking up to a business on the 100 block of Main Street in Melfort and stealing surveillance equipment. The suspect appears to be wearing glasses, a hat, a hoodie and jogger-style pants in the footage.
Melfort RCMP asking for help in solving two crimes in the northeast
By Crimes in the northeast Sep 21, 2023 | 10:29 AM Melfort RCMP are investigating two separate crimes that happened this week and asking for help to find those responsible. The first incident happened the night of Sept. 18 as a young man was seen on video surveillance walking up to a business on the 100 block of Main Street in Melfort and stealing surveillance equipment. The suspect appears to be wearing glasses, a hat, a hoodie and jogger-style pants in the footage.
Preparations begin for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Melfort
As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) approaches, Reconciliation Melfort is getting ready to share more about the importance of the day. In addition to NTRD, The City of Melfort has declared the month of September the month of Truth and Reconciliation and has raised the Every Child Matters flag. Lori Constant told northeastNOW that these steps by the city have set the tone in moving towards reconciliation.
Preparations begin for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Melfort
By National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sep 14, 2023 | 12:00 PM As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) approaches, Reconciliation Melfort is getting ready to share more about the importance of the day. In addition to NTRD, The City of Melfort has declared the month of September the month of Truth and Reconciliation and has raised the Every Child Matters flag. Lori Constant told that these steps by the city have set the tone in moving towards reconciliation.
Few spots left available for upcoming Melfort Multi-K
The Melfort Multi-K is almost here with runners and spectators gearing up for the event. The multiple-race event is set for this Saturday, Sept. 16. Race Director Allison Rogers told northeastNOW that although most of the races have sold out, there are a few spots left. “The 1K fun run for kids is entirely free thanks to Castle Building Supply. So 150 kids can participate for free. We have 20 of those spots left.
Few spots left available for upcoming Melfort Multi-K
By Melfort Multi-K Sep 11, 2023 | 12:00 PM The Melfort Multi-K is almost here with runners and spectators gearing up for the event. The multiple-race event is set for this Saturday, Sept. 16. Race Director Allison Rogers told that although most of the races have sold out, there are a few spots left. “The 1K fun run for kids is entirely free thanks to Castle Building Supply. So 150 kids can participate for free. We have 20 of those spots left. They get a T-shirt, a medal, and a snack.”
Nipawin Fire Department respond to multiple fires, lost boaters over long weekend
“There was so much smoke on the lake they were having a hard time seeing and the sun had gone down.” Visibility on the Saskatchewan River Sunday night. (Facebook/Nipawin Fire) The boaters were able to tell the NFD approximately where they were due to being experienced on the water. Despite being highly versed in boating, Cockell explained the conditions made it nearly impossible to navigate. “You couldn’t see any of the landmarks on the sides, you couldn’t see any lights.
A busy night for Melfort Fire & Rescue battling three blazes
By Melfort Fire Aug 31, 2023 | 10:21 AM The Melfort Fire Department had a busy night on Wednesday and overnight Thursday with three calls in a span of six hours. On Aug 30 at 10:34 p.m. firefighters were called northwest of Melfort for reports of a combine on fire. The fire was unable to spread due to the farmer doing two laps around the burning vehicle with a separate combine.
A busy night for Melfort Fire & Rescue battling three blazes
By Melfort Fire Aug 31, 2023 | 10:21 AM The Melfort Fire Department had a busy night on Wednesday and overnight Thursday with three calls in a span of six hours. On Aug 30 at 10:34 p.m. firefighters were called northwest of Melfort for reports of a combine on fire. The fire was unable to spread due to the farmer doing two laps around the burning vehicle with a separate combine.
Humboldt and Area Pride Network shares support for LGBTQ+ youth
Last week the Sask. Party announced changes to sexual health education as well as gender and pronoun policies and local pride organizations are feeling the effects. The changes were announced by Education Minister Dustin Duncan last Tuesday. The changes include parents having the ability to remove their child from sexual health education and parents needing to consent to a name or pronoun change before it will be honoured by the school.
Melfort Public Library beats last year’s record for summer reading program
The Melfort Public Library wrapped up its annual summer reading program which beat last year’s record for participation. Every summer, the library encourages young kids to sign up for the summer reading program to enjoy literacy-based activities and prevent the ‘summer slide’ in literacy levels. Head Librarian Rene Chambers told northeastNOW that the turnout this year was great. “This year, the kids read a total of 6,410 books, up by over 300 from last year,” she said.
Melfort Public Library beats last year’s record for summer reading program
By Summer reading program Aug 24, 2023 | 5:00 PM The Melfort Public Library wrapped up its annual summer reading program which beat last year’s record for participation. Every summer, the library encourages young kids to sign up for the summer reading program to enjoy literacy-based activities and prevent the ‘summer slide’ in literacy levels. Head Librarian Rene Chambers told that the turnout this year was great.
Tisdale is celebrating two iconic mascots birthdays
“Once kids turn 13, they kind of graduate out of the Kids Clubs,” she said. “So Cooper is turning 12.” With Cooper still being a member of the Kids Club, he will be at the event to meet and take pictures with everyone in attendance. Not only is Cooper celebrating his birthday, but he is also sharing the day with Fat Cat from Cornerstone Credit Union, who is also turning 12.
Taking a look at the new Prarie North Co-op Grocery store
Inside the new Prairie North Co-op Grocery Store. (Rachel May/northeastNOW Staff) Inside the new Prairie North Co-op Grocery Store. (Rachel May/northeastNOW Staff) General Manager Terry Tremblay explained that the store had simply outgrown its old location. “The board is always focused on long-term planning and trying to create a sustainable business that will last for decades.” The previous location in the Melfort Mall served the area for 40 years before it reached the end of its life.
Popular YouTuber showcases the beauty of northeast Saskatchewan
“It feels very comforting and nice to just slow down. I always love coming back to Saskatchewan.” Just before making her trip to Melfort, she was in Tokyo which is the most populous city in the world. However, she explained she was just as excited to see some of her old friends and visit some old stomping grounds. Although, she did wish the restaurant Jugheads was in business as she dubbed that her favourite place to get a burger.
Melfort and District Museum set to showcase exhibit featuring northeast archaeologist
Vigrass was a longtime resident of Pathlow, SK raising seven children with his wife while running a farm. Although he initially found his first arrowhead in his twenties, his collection started to grow after retiring in 1962. The collection featured many items including bone artifacts, household tools, poetry and much more. In total, it has over 4000 pieces and is currently housed at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina.
Every Child Matters orange bench set up in Nipawin
The goal is to eventually have an orange bench in every community that has a Diamond North Credit Union branch as well as surrounding First Nations providing there is permission from the community. Blomquist explained that the benches would be donated. “It’s kind of it’s a very visual symbol of reconciliation like the orange shirt day, but year-round.” The bench in Nipawin is placed outside of Family Bakery where a mural painted by Horton Severight is displayed.
A summer favourite is making its way back to Melfort
Despite having to take a different way to enjoy the exhibition all of the fan favourites will be available. From food to games and everything in between, Eskowich explains the event is fun for all ages. “West Coast Amusements will be here again. All three days are a motocross and bike stunt show and Friday is a kid’s day.” Indigo Circus Rovers will be performing on the grounds to celebrate Kids’ Day on Friday and Saturday as well.
Bringing the code of science across the province
Those who attend one of the sessions will have the chance to work with a series of tablets, rovers and robotic kits. The program will introduce youth to complex topics such as the math and coding behind the devices they are seeing while tying in the subject of sustainable energy. The goal of the program is to bring hands-on learning into communities that might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience what the Saskatchewan Science Centre has to offer.
Bringing artists back to the alleys of Melfort
Dancey explained the event not only brings life to the downtown core but also to those participating in the event. “It’s beneficial for artists from this neighbourhood,” she said. “The running joke was many of them work in the back alley and don’t get to meet other artists.” Not only will people be able to meet these artists, but two other artists will also be working on a mural. “Linsey Levendall and potentially Carla Tyacke will be working on murals in the back alley,” Dancey said.
Little Libraries set up across the northeast to help strengthen literacy
Vavra is encouraging people who have extra books that they’re considering selling to instead put them in the little library to share the joy of a good book. There are currently five locations in the northeast sponsored by NAEYFRC which includes Nipawin, Carrot River, White Fox, Codette and most recently Arborfield. Not only are the little libraries filled with books, but they are also filled with some pantry essentials and items that families in the community may need.
Melfort showcasing love for the sport of curling with new mural
A new mural is on display at the Melfort Curling Club. Artist Carla Tyacke and the club teamed up to provide the community with a mural that celebrates the rich history of the sport in the northeast. She told northeastNOW that the process has been very time-consuming. “It was a year ago that I put in my proposal for the project,” she said.
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