“This is an environmental disaster. It’s got to stop. It’s got to be stopped.” Sipekne’katik member Jim Maloney didn’t hold back Thursday morning when criticizing Alton Gas’ plan to carve out dozens of natural gas storage caverns and dump millions of litres of leftover brine into the Shubenacadie River. “There’s no way this can […]
First Nations
Posted inNews + Opinion
Fighting for status: Canada’s off-reserve aboriginal population
National chief Dwight Dorey of the Ottawa-based Congress of Aboriginal Peoples has been meeting with indigenous men and women across the country, holding consultations regarding the Supreme Court of Canada’s anticipated ruling on whether aboriginals who live off-reserve are Indians under the Constitution Act and therefore entitled to the rights that fall under federal jurisdiction. […]
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Going against the tide: The fight against Alton Gas
[Image-1] In the fall of 2014, construction started on a brine discharge pipeline next to the Shubenacadie River, an hour north of Halifax. The development, by a company called Alton Gas, hadn’t yet received full government approval, and it was met with swift protest. A camp was soon erected that was largely occupied by local […]
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Indigenous mental health an overlooked priority
[Image-1] A community agency in Halifax that provides programming to urban aboriginals has identified mental health help for its clients as a priority. But not only is there a gap in service to address that need at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre on Gottingen Street, the city as a whole is lacking the culturally based […]
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A new year and a new beginning
[Image-1] They say timing is everything—well now is the time for the urban aboriginal community to begin to develop a new relationship with Halifax Regional Council and the citizens of HRM. With a new year on the way, the possibilities are endless. On December 8, 2015 the mayor presented a Statement of Reconciliation to council […]
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HRM makes statement of reconciliation to aboriginal community
Today at city hall, Halifax Regional Council took a bold step forward and made an official statement of reconciliation to the aboriginal community. It was an emotional vote for councillor Jennifer Watts, who fought back tears while stating this was the most important moment of her political career. After the unanimous vote passed, Watts left […]
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13 facts about Justin Trudeau’s badass new cabinet
[Image-1] 1 Justin Trudeau promised gender parity in his cabinet, and today he delivered. Asked why appointing an equal number of women was important, Trudeau replied “Because it’s 2015.” For what it’s worth, writes Tasha Kheiriddin at the National Post, that’s only three more female cabinet ministers than Stephen Harper had in his last cabinet. […]
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Stop thinking treaties only impact First Nations
[Image-1] Quick, what are your treaty rights and obligations? Despite common misconceptions, all Canadians—indigenous or not—have obligations and rights under Canada’s treaties. Solidarity Halifax says it’s high time we all recognize that. As such, this evening the public is invited to a free event at the Halifax Central Library which will explore the responsibilities and […]
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The Coast needs to do better
[Image-1] Last week, the Coast published an article by Michael Wood, entitled “Why I celebrate Canada Day with all my heart.” This article was in response to Killa Atencio’s article, “Why I choose not to celebrate Canada Day.” The Coast offers Halifax great event listings, horoscopes and sometimes supports important investigative journalism. But there is […]
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Why I celebrate Canada Day with all my heart
[Image-1] This letter was submitted in response to the June 25 Voice of the City by Killa Atencio (“Why I can’t celebrate Canada Day”). With the author’s permission, it has been edited for length. Dear Killa, I am upset by your recent article in The Coast. It contains many negative assumptions and bears an accusatory […]
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Why I choose not to celebrate Canada Day
[Image-1] Barbecues, fireworks, lots of beer and red and white all over the city. That’s what I see on Canada Day. Even when I’m not looking, I can hear the “Oh, Canada” chants from a kilometre away. But what are you really celebrating? Reflect on that for a minute. Patriotism? Pride? Freedom? Or maybe you […]
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Wednesday’s five news morsels
[Image-1] 1 Everything’s going to be OK. Tom’s Little Havana and The Fireside have found a new home that’s just a block away from their respective stomping grounds. 2 And yet more food news…The Halifax Food Policy Alliance is releasing a report this morning on the current state of food in Halifax. The “Food Counts” […]