Latest news with #IndigenousRights
Gizmodo
3 hours ago
- Gizmodo
Missionaries Are Targeting Isolated Tribes in Brazil With Solar-Powered Audio Devices, Investigation Finds
If you thought the age of Christian missionaries traveling the world to spread the word of God and evangelize locals was over, think again—they've just gotten sneakier. A recent investigation by The Guardian and the Brazilian newspaper O Globo reveals that missionaries have left solar-powered audio devices in Brazil's Javari valley, near the Peruvian border, in an attempt to evangelize isolated or recently contacted Indigenous Amazonian people. The devices play biblical readings in Portuguese and Spanish. For example, a device identified by The Guardian announces, 'Let's see what Paul says as he considers his own life in Philippians chapter 3, verse 4: 'If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more.'' The Javari Valley Indigenous Territory has the highest concentration of uncontacted human groups in the world. To protect the indigenous tribes, Brazil's National Foundation for the Indian (FUNAI) made it illegal to enter Javari Valley in 1987. Nevertheless, locals have reported up to seven audio devices, though the investigation secured photo and video evidence of just one—a yellow and gray phone-sized gadget that materialized in a Korubo village and plays audios spoken by an American Baptist. The Korubo are members of a recently contacted group of indigenous people known for their war clubs. According to the investigation, the device is now in the hands of a Korubo woman named Mayá. The device is reportedly called 'Messenger,' and the Baptist organization In Touch Ministries donates them to 'unreached' people around the world, as reported by the investigation. In fact, their website clearly features what seems to be a version of the device, along with a whole host of similar gadgets. 'What began with a solar-powered audio player containing the Bible and Dr. Stanley's messages is now much more than a device,' reads the website. 'Wherever we go, we look for the right solution at the right time—whether it's one of our proprietary devices or another tool—to make sure the message of salvation in Jesus Christ is accessible to those who have never heard.' In Touch Ministries' chief operating officer Seth Grey, however, told The Guardian that while he knew of missionaries from other organizations who bring Messengers to regions where it is illegal to do so, 'we [In Touch staff] don't go anywhere we're not allowed.' In case anyone forgot since the last time we reported on Westerners trying to contact isolated tribal people, such contact could transmit devastating diseases to communities with little to no immunity to them. Of course, this risk is higher in the case of direct physical contact, as opposed to leaving gadgets outdoors, but it's still in violation of Brazil's public policy for the protection of isolated indigenous peoples of not establishing contact.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report raises questions about First Nations ownership in major projects
OTTAWA — A new think tank report is questioning how the federal and provincial governments' sprint to build major infrastructure projects might affect Indigenous Peoples' rights — and warns that it could end up pitting Indigenous communities against each other. The report by the Yellowhead Institute, "Buried Burdens," takes a look at major projects through a case study of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project and the Ksi Lisims facility in B.C., which are expected to transport millions of tonnes of gas per year. Owned in part by the Nisga'a Nation, the project has seen staunch opposition from other First Nations communities that did not approve or consent to it. The Yellowhead report, released this week, comes amid a countrywide push to rapidly launch major projects, including pipelines, to shore up the economy against U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. The recently passed One Canadian Economy Act gives Ottawa the power to fast-track projects it deems to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation. Governments have been encouraging First Nations leaders to support such projects through loan guarantees and promises of financial incentives. But many First Nations leaders fear their ways of life could be irreparably harmed if governments evade environmental standards. "Right now, the narrative is full speed ahead on resource development," said Hayden King, a member of Beausoliel First Nation who serves as Yellowhead's executive director. "Increasingly, that includes Indigenous partners, but there's not a lot of discussion on the dynamics of investing in projects like these, and there's a risk that has to be considered … "First Nations are not necessarily the ones merely impacted by these developments, but they're being encouraged to invest in these projects, to be partners in these projects and grant social licence to enable these projects." Some provinces have enacted laws similar to the One Canadian Economy Act, including Bill 5 in Ontario, now the subject of a court challenge by nine First Nations. And in B.C., Premier David Eby's government passed Bills 14 and 15 — pieces of legislation meant to ramp up energy and infrastructure development that have come under fire from First Nations. Prime Minister Mark Carney has frequently pointed to Indigenous participation in major projects as a means to ensure their success and prevent delays. He has pointed to the $10 billion Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program as proof of Ottawa's commitment to ensuring Indigenous communities have a meaningful stake. The report challenges that argument altogether, calling it an "industry-driven narrative." "While there are potential benefits from participating in equity ownership when compared to shorter-term impact benefit agreements and service contracts, there are also greater risks," the report says. "This particular philosophy of 'economic reconciliation' imagines Indigenous communities regaining control of their economies, aiming for self-sufficiency, sustainability, and self-determination. This is an industry-driven narrative that presents resource extraction as the singular pathway to achieve these ends." That narrative, the report says, could also cause rifts between Indigenous communities that support specific projects and those that do not. "While uncomfortable, conflict and disagreement are part of Nation-to-Nation relationships — and always have been. However, it is equally important to recognize that in true Nation-to-Nation relationships, the self-determining rights of one Nation cannot supersede the inherent rights of another," the report says. King said potential conflicts between pro-development communities and those more hesitant lends itself to conversations about the kinds of development that align with their values. But that conversation is also about rights, King said, and how courts will strike a balance among First Nations who don't see eye-to-eye on project proposals. "Let's not have the courts decide the answers to those questions, but let's actually work through diplomacy and figure those out on our own terms, using our own Indigenous law," he said. King said that discussion should "feed back into the conversation about what kind of economy … we want," pointing to the pre-contact economies that once sustained Indigenous Peoples. "We had these economies, and still do to a degree. So what would it look like to reimagine those, and rearticulate them in the face of the narrative that we only have one option, which is resource development?" he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
7 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Report raises questions about First Nations ownership in major projects
People rally against Bill C-5 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang OTTAWA — A new think tank report is questioning how the federal and provincial governments' sprint to build major infrastructure projects might affect Indigenous Peoples' rights — and warns that it could end up pitting Indigenous communities against each other. The report by the Yellowhead Institute, 'Buried Burdens,' takes a look at major projects through a case study of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project and the Ksi Lisims facility in B.C., which are expected to transport millions of tonnes of gas per year. Owned in part by the Nisga'a Nation, the project has seen staunch opposition from other First Nations communities that did not approve or consent to it. The Yellowhead report, released this week, comes amid a countrywide push to rapidly launch major projects, including pipelines, to shore up the economy against U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. The recently passed One Canadian Economy Act gives Ottawa the power to fast-track projects it deems to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation. Governments have been encouraging First Nations leaders to support such projects through loan guarantees and promises of financial incentives. But many First Nations leaders fear their ways of life could be irreparably harmed if governments evade environmental standards. 'Right now, the narrative is full speed ahead on resource development,' said Hayden King, a member of Beausoliel First Nation who serves as Yellowhead's executive director. 'Increasingly, that includes Indigenous partners, but there's not a lot of discussion on the dynamics of investing in projects like these, and there's a risk that has to be considered … 'First Nations are not necessarily the ones merely impacted by these developments, but they're being encouraged to invest in these projects, to be partners in these projects and grant social licence to enable these projects.' Some provinces have enacted laws similar to the One Canadian Economy Act, including Bill 5 in Ontario, now the subject of a court challenge by nine First Nations. And in B.C., Premier David Eby's government passed Bills 14 and 15 — pieces of legislation meant to ramp up energy and infrastructure development that have come under fire from First Nations. Prime Minister Mark Carney has frequently pointed to Indigenous participation in major projects as a means to ensure their success and prevent delays. He has pointed to the $10 billion Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program as proof of Ottawa's commitment to ensuring Indigenous communities have a meaningful stake. The report challenges that argument altogether, calling it an 'industry-driven narrative.' 'While there are potential benefits from participating in equity ownership when compared to shorter-term impact benefit agreements and service contracts, there are also greater risks,' the report says. 'This particular philosophy of 'economic reconciliation' imagines Indigenous communities regaining control of their economies, aiming for self-sufficiency, sustainability, and self-determination. This is an industry-driven narrative that presents resource extraction as the singular pathway to achieve these ends.' That narrative, the report says, could also cause rifts between Indigenous communities that support specific projects and those that do not. 'While uncomfortable, conflict and disagreement are part of Nation-to-Nation relationships — and always have been. However, it is equally important to recognize that in true Nation-to-Nation relationships, the self-determining rights of one Nation cannot supersede the inherent rights of another,' the report says. King said potential conflicts between pro-development communities and those more hesitant lends itself to conversations about the kinds of development that align with their values. But that conversation is also about rights, King said, and how courts will strike a balance among First Nations who don't see eye-to-eye on project proposals. 'Let's not have the courts decide the answers to those questions, but let's actually work through diplomacy and figure those out on our own terms, using our own Indigenous law,' he said. King said that discussion should 'feed back into the conversation about what kind of economy … we want,' pointing to the pre-contact economies that once sustained Indigenous Peoples. 'We had these economies, and still do to a degree. So what would it look like to reimagine those, and rearticulate them in the face of the narrative that we only have one option, which is resource development?' he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press
CTV News
7 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
First Nations call off talks on forestry bill, say Quebec disrespecting rights
First Nations in Quebec have walked away from talks with the provincial government on a forestry bill they say would pave the way to privatizing public land. The Assembly of First Nations Quebec–Labrador says the province has not shown 'genuine political will' to collaborate with Indigenous communities on the government's forestry reform, which they say does not respect their rights. 'We cannot lend credibility to a process that fails to recognize our status and responsibilities as Indigenous governments,' the assembly said Tuesday in an open letter. The Quebec government tabled a bill last spring aiming to protect communities that depend on the forestry industry. The legislation would divide public forests into zones designated for conservation, multi-purpose use or forestry. According to the bill, actions that 'restrict the carrying out of forest development activities' would be prohibited in the forestry zones, as would conservation measures. Indigenous leaders were quick to criticize the bill, saying it infringed on their rights. But the assembly, which represents 43 First Nations communities in Quebec and Labrador, had agreed to consultations with the government on the new forestry regime. However, Sipi Flamand, chief of the Council of the Atikamekw of Manawan, said Tuesday that members of the assembly had to walk away. 'It wasn't a decision we took lightly. We went to the high-level table with a real desire to rebuild,' Flamand said in an interview. 'But the process doesn't respect our rights or our status as governments. We can't stay seated at a table that's going nowhere.' In Tuesday's open letter, assembly Chief Francis Verreault-Paul and five members of the group's committee on forests, including Flamand, say the government has refused to engage on the zoning strategy, which they want scrapped. 'The zoning principle, which lies at the heart of the current bill, would pave the way for a form of land privatization,' they said. 'This approach has been widely criticized — not only by us, but also by the scientific community, conservation organizations, and numerous actors in the forestry sector.' Flamand said the assembly favours a 'co-management' model that would see First Nations work with industry and government to determine which areas must be protected. But the chiefs say the government has refused to commit to the co-management of forests or to respecting First Nations' ancestral and treaty rights. 'These principles are neither ideological nor symbolic,' they said. 'They represent the minimum legal standards required for a credible process.' In an email statement, the office of Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina said the government is taking the summer to prepare amendments to improve the bill, particularly with regard to Indigenous communities. 'We hope to continue discussions to work together on sustainable forest development and ensure economic benefits for all communities,' the statement said. 'We intend to continue our work in good faith and invite the (assembly) to the discussion table.' Blanchette Vézina has said the bill is needed to bolster the forest industry in an uncertain economic environment, including the trade war with the United States. 'Currently, communities need the forestry industry to regain its dynamism so that it can meet the many challenges they face,' her office said. Flamand said the assembly is now waiting for the government to make the next move. 'We could come back to the table, but it must be on a clear, respectful basis and with a real desire to build a balanced future for our forests,' he said. He added that if the government pursues the zoning approach, the assembly could challenge the legislation in court. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025.
CBC
7 days ago
- CBC
Native Women's Association of Canada former CEO dies aged 61
Lynne Groulx, the former chief executive officer of the Native Women's Association of Canada, has died. She passed suddenly on July 16 in her hometown of Cochrane in northern Ontario, an official obituary says. She was 61 years old. "Lynne leaves behind a lasting legacy of selfless advocacy. She was a proud member of the Métis Nation of Ontario," says the obituary, describing Groulx as a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. "Throughout her life, she championed the rights of women, Indigenous Peoples, and marginalized communities. She will be remembered as a fierce advocate for justice, a tireless community leader, and a compassionate presence in the lives of many." Groulx became a prominent figure during her time at NWAC, a national advocacy organization for Indigenous women founded in 1974. She joined as executive director in 2016 and was named one of Canada's most powerful women by the Women's Executive Network in 2018. Groulx previously worked at the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Under her leadership, NWAC undertook a number of high-profile ventures that generated publicity and, later, some debate. These initiatives included investing in real estate and leading the purchase and multimillion-dollar renovation of an NWAC head office in Gatineau, Que., which included an artisanal boutique, café and art gallery. She also helped the organization establish two resiliency lodges, which were intended to provide traditional healing services and programming for Indigenous women, in Chelsea, Que., and Gagetown, N.B., respectively. Groulx's tenure ended in April 2024, amid internal turmoil. Critics accused NWAC of straying from its non-profit mandate with its new ventures, but supporters said the business endeavours were meant to generate own-source revenue to reinvest into programming. "I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident in NWAC's future," Groulx said in a statement at the time. A spokesperson who provided the obituary said the family would appreciate their privacy at this time.
