Manitoba cabinet minister apologizes again for sign-language interpreter comments
Nahanni Fontaine, the minister responsible for services for people with disabilities, says the NDP government will introduce changes to the Accessibility for Manitobans Act next spring.
In a video posted to social media, she also says the government will work to ensure every public event is fully accessible with participation from sign language interpreters.
Fontaine has apologized repeatedly for remarks she made last month while hosting a celebration for Indigenous women graduates in Winnipeg.
While preparing to speak to reporters after, Fontaine told one of her staff that she was thrown off by a sign-language interpreter's presence and that the woman should not have been on stage.
Premier Wab Kinew has stood by Fontaine and said she has apologized and is working with the Deaf community.
Fontaine promised to go beyond an apology.
'My team and I will undergo deaf and deaf-culture training to deepen our understanding, confront gaps and ensure our actions reflect true respect and inclusion,' Fontaine said in a social media video posted Sunday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2025.
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Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Trade top of mind as Canada's premiers are set to hold three-day meeting in Ontario
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Los Angeles Times
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She also said in a statement: 'We won't stop celebrating the Trump Administration's many wins via banger memes on social media. Stay mad.' Weistling, the artist unwittingly caught up in the controversy, apparently was surprised not only by the posting of his painting and his name, but also by the Department of Homeland Security using an incorrect title for the artwork. The government labeled the painting: 'New Life in a New Land — Morgan Weistling.' The actual title of the painting is 'A Prayer for a New Life.' Prints are listed for sale on the website for the evangelical nonprofit Focus on the Family. Weistling, a registered Republican who lives in Los Angeles County, could not be reached for comment. Shortly after the government used his painting, he wrote on his website: 'Attention! I did not give the DHS permission to use my painting in their recent postings on their official web platforms. They used a painting I did 5 years ago and re-titled it and posted it without my permission. It is a violation of my copyright on the painting. It was a surprise to me and I am trying to gather how this happen [sic] and what to do next.' He later shortened the statement on his website and deleted posts on his Instagram and Facebook accounts saying he learned about the post while on vacation and was stunned the government 'thought they could randomly post an artist's painting without permission' and re-title it. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions from The Times about copyright issues. But a spokesman said the posting of an incorrect title was 'an honest mistake.'
Hamilton Spectator
17 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
‘A time to honour survivors'; Cape Breton cultural festival aims to heal, inspire and celebrate strength
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It was difficult for both the children and for the family at home who had little influence over school policies. Young ones lost their first language and traditions. Christmas said the Membertou school was a one-room building run by the federal government, with a single teacher and students up to Grade 3. In an opinion piece written in 2019 , Christmas spoke of the survivors of day schools: 'Their spirits, their souls, their minds and their hearts need – and so very much deserve – healing.' INDIGENOUS VOICES A special cultural weekend coming up in Sydney from Aug. 8-10 at Open Hearth Park called Wi'kipaltimk 2025, hopes to honour and bring attention to the experiences and strength of Indian Day School survivors. The Sydney event will be entirely led by Indigenous voices under the guidance of Day School survivors. 'This is a time to honour survivors,' Christmas says of the upcoming festival in Sydney. 'And hopefully, by doing that, we're also helping them heal.' Christmas will serve as master of ceremonies for portions of the weekend. 'As a Day School survivor, I've witnessed both struggles and remarkable strength in our communities. Wi'kipaltimk is a ceremonial act of resilience – a time to gather, reflect, and celebrate our survival, our culture, and our future. It is a powerful reminder that healing can also come through joy, unity and music.' Wi'kipaltimk 2025 will be a weekend of culture, heritage and knowledge to be shared with everyone who wants to attend the free event. Pronounced 'Wee-ga-ball-dim, the event will be the living expression of reconciliation – 'where the beat of the drum echoes the stories of Mi'kmaq ancestors and where Elders and youth walk together in strength,' a press release from the Union of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq says. 'Wi'kipaltimk is the Mi'kmaq word for feast, but it is more than a meal. It is the sacred act of gathering with a purpose,' says Debra Ginnish, Indian Day School support co-ordinator with the Union of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq. 'It represents honour, healing, cultural expression and intergenerational unity through ceremony, song, dance and storytelling.' WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS AND MORE Not only will survivors be on hand in a special elders' tent, but there will be workshops, historical presentations, traditional Indigenous culinary events, discussions and information sessions on Indian Day School history and healing, a powwow, and cultural activities and teachings including dance, song and language. A craft market is also planned. Concerts with outstanding regional Indigenous artists scheduled to perform will take place all three days. Mainstage headliners on the three evenings of the weekend include The Relatives, Neon Dreams, and Second Generation on Sunday night followed by a fireworks display. Other Indigenous artists include Emma Stevens, DeeDee Austin, HiBoys, Morgan Toney Band and the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers. WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE Christmas wants to emphasize that entrance to all events will be free over the weekend and open to everyone. 'The event is geared up to be very welcoming and very inclusive,' he says. 'There's been a lot of focus on residential schools and the horrendous experiences children had. Now we want to put some light on day schools.' Wigwams and tents will be set up for a series of workshops and speakers. The former Senator says it will be the perfect opportunity to create safe spaces where everyone can talk about issues, ask questions openly and learn about each other. It is planned to be a large educational and cultural event that will suit those looking for a true family event-themed summer activity. Organizers have plans for: Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. 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