Latest news with #Mi'kmaq
Hamilton Spectator
3 hours ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Open doors for others, Unama'ki grads told
It was a message of support, encouragement and hope that the 2025 graduates from Unama'ki College were gifted with when they attended the 39th Annual Grad Banquet and Gathering last week. Keynote speaker was Tanas Sylliboy, one of the first Mi'kmaq students to graduate from CBU's nursing program. He spoke about the importance of paving the way for generations of students coming up behind all the alumnae and grads in attendance at the banquet in Membertou. 'I want to do whatever I can so that there can be a 2nd, 3rd, 4th person and so on,' he told the grads. He said he always wants to make a path for others in future generations. He expressed gratitude for those whom he has looked up to and follows. 'At CBU, I didn't have to leave my community or remove myself from my language,' Sylliboy said. He is grateful he learned in an environment where he was with people who thought, spoke and looked like him. Being with people he understood and who understood him gave him a comforting sense of belonging and reduced the stress of higher education. As for his nursing career of the last decade, he told a story of sitting beside an Indigenous person's bedside who looked to be very afraid. 'I told him 'don't be scared, I'm here.' Sylliboy said. 'It's what our medicine is – to care for people.' He encouraged the new grads and alumnae to open doors for other people. 'To quote Lily Gladstone (American Indigenous actress and recent winner of a Golden Globe): 'It's not about kicking that door open. It's about standing and holding that door open for the next person,' he said. Sylliboy continues to forge new beginnings as he just completed his first year of medical school. The evening began with Master of Ceremonies and CBU Alumna Barb Sylvester expressing some of the frustration she felt herself years ago when trying to get an education at the post-secondary level. After a slow start in an education system designed by colonial standards, she flourished once she discovered CBU's In-Community program which bridges gaps for accessibility, belonging and culture and aims to support Indigenous students overcome barriers to their success. Sylvester said she is grateful for the unique learning opportunities Unama'ki College at CBU offers Indigenous students. Unama'ki College Dean, Laurianne Sylvester, commented that the banquet was bringing together two powerful collaborations: alumnae and grads of 2025. She said the alumnae represent strength, resilience and achievement. 'Wherever you have gone, you have carried your identity and education and represented us well,' Laurianne Sylvester said. She told the graduates that CBU is proud of all that they have accomplished. 'You are proof of what is possible,' she said. CBU President and Vice-Chancellor, David Dingwall, said it has been a 39-year relationship between the school and the Indigenous community. He spoke at the banquet about the creation of the Donald Marshall Jr. Building, a place of science, technology and innovation. Dingwall said it is now planned to be 120,000 sq feet and four stories. 'It will represent Indigenous people in a way that never has been seen before,' he announced. CBU Chancellor Annette Verschuren congratulated the graduates and spoke about the importance of community, culture and education. An accomplished businesswoman, Verschuren is also an executive advisor to the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment. 'I want to be involved in a project for you,' she told the grads and alumnae. 'You are important in our world in going forward.' Potlotek's Brady Doucette was announced as the winner of the Nikanewistoqewa'j Award. In English, it translates as 'The One Who Stands for Us All.' In an energetic acceptance speech, Doucette said he is the first Doucette to receive a Masters of Education degree and the youngest in his community (at 27 years) to be granted a Master's Degree. 'I dropped out of university twice, and switched programs seven times!' he said. 'And growing up, I wanted to be a Pokemon Master.' He said as a youngster, his classroom was the kitchen and his best teacher was his Mom. Doucette, the great-grandson of revered Chief Noel Doucette, said he chose to study education because he wants to reclaim the tradition of storytelling as he goes forward. Forty students graduated from Unama'ki College this year in a variety of studies and from four provinces. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
8 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
CIB loans $97 million towards new energy project, Wedgeport Wind Français
Elemental Energy's partners include Sipekne'katik First Nation and Stevens Wind 85 jobs created during construction and full-time jobs to support operations 12 wind turbines to provide 84 megawatts of electricity to the region HALIFAX, NS, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Elemental Energy have reached financial close on a $97 million loan to support a new wind energy project, Wedgeport Wind, located in the Municipal District of Argyle, Nova Scotia. The project includes construction and installation of 12 Nordex seven-megawatt wind turbines with the capacity to generate up to 84 megawatts of renewable energy. The development also includes construction of transmission and interconnection infrastructure, to link new renewable energy to the provincial power grid. This added electricity capacity will supply more than 30,000 homes and businesses throughout the region with reliable, low-cost energy. The project is expected to support up to 85 jobs at the peak of construction, with additional full-time employment opportunities for operations and maintenance. Wedgeport Wind is a partnership between Elemental Energy, Stevens Wind and Sipekne'katik First Nation (SFN). The partners have retained the Mi'kma'ki Municipal Limited Partnership (MMLP), a partnership between Wskinjnu'k Mtnm'tanqunuow Agency Limited (WMA) and the Municipal Group of Companies to construct the project. WMA is an economic development organization representing all 13 Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia and through this partnership, MMLP is committed to maximizing Mi'kmaq participation in projects through workforce creation, local development and training initiatives. Construction is already underway, with operations to commence by late 2026. The project supports Nova Scotia's goal of attracting lower-cost innovative energy solutions and the project is expected to reduce emissions by more than 100,000 tonnes annually. This is the CIB's second partnership with Elemental Energy and partners SFN and Stevens Wind, as part of Nova Scotia's Rate Based Procurement process. The CIB's loan accelerates the construction of the energy project, at a lower cost to Nova Scotians. The project is being financed under the CIB's $10 billion Clean Power priority sector, which addresses financing gaps in new projects such as renewables, district energy systems and energy storage. Endorsements To date, the CIB has invested over $950 million in seven energy projects in Nova Scotia. Wedgeport Wind demonstrates our commitment to supporting the province and First Nations as they partner to develop energy infrastructure to strengthen the grid with affordable, clean power. Ehre n Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank As a nation of builders, it's time to build Canada stronger. The CIB's $97 million loan towards Wedgeport Wind will reduce emissions and supply clean, low-cost energy for more than 30,000 homes and businesses in Nova Scotia. This important investment will create good jobs, support economic development, and help us move one step closer to building energy security nationwide. Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Elemental Energy, along with our partners, Sipekne'katik First Nation and Stevens Wind, is proud to support the federal government and the province of Nova Scotia with reducing greenhouse gas emissions while contributing clean, affordable and renewable electricity for the benefit of all Nova Scotians through the Wedgeport Wind Project.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CIB loans $97 million towards new energy project, Wedgeport Wind
Financing agreement will support more renewable energy in Nova Scotia Disponible en français Elemental Energy's partners include Sipekne'katik First Nation and Stevens Wind 85 jobs created during construction and full-time jobs to support operations 12 wind turbines to provide 84 megawatts of electricity to the region HALIFAX, NS, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Elemental Energy have reached financial close on a $97 million loan to support a new wind energy project, Wedgeport Wind, located in the Municipal District of Argyle, Nova Scotia. The project includes construction and installation of 12 Nordex seven-megawatt wind turbines with the capacity to generate up to 84 megawatts of renewable energy. The development also includes construction of transmission and interconnection infrastructure, to link new renewable energy to the provincial power grid. This added electricity capacity will supply more than 30,000 homes and businesses throughout the region with reliable, low-cost energy. The project is expected to support up to 85 jobs at the peak of construction, with additional full-time employment opportunities for operations and maintenance. Wedgeport Wind is a partnership between Elemental Energy, Stevens Wind and Sipekne'katik First Nation (SFN). The partners have retained the Mi'kma'ki Municipal Limited Partnership (MMLP), a partnership between Wskinjnu'k Mtnm'tanqunuow Agency Limited (WMA) and the Municipal Group of Companies to construct the project. WMA is an economic development organization representing all 13 Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia and through this partnership, MMLP is committed to maximizing Mi'kmaq participation in projects through workforce creation, local development and training initiatives. Construction is already underway, with operations to commence by late 2026. The project supports Nova Scotia's goal of attracting lower-cost innovative energy solutions and the project is expected to reduce emissions by more than 100,000 tonnes annually. This is the CIB's second partnership with Elemental Energy and partners SFN and Stevens Wind, as part of Nova Scotia's Rate Based Procurement process. The CIB's loan accelerates the construction of the energy project, at a lower cost to Nova Scotians. The project is being financed under the CIB's $10 billion Clean Power priority sector, which addresses financing gaps in new projects such as renewables, district energy systems and energy storage. Endorsements To date, the CIB has invested over $950 million in seven energy projects in Nova Scotia. Wedgeport Wind demonstrates our commitment to supporting the province and First Nations as they partner to develop energy infrastructure to strengthen the grid with affordable, clean Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank As a nation of builders, it's time to build Canada stronger. The CIB's $97 million loan towards Wedgeport Wind will reduce emissions and supply clean, low-cost energy for more than 30,000 homes and businesses in Nova Scotia. This important investment will create good jobs, support economic development, and help us move one step closer to building energy security Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Elemental Energy, along with our partners, Sipekne'katik First Nation and Stevens Wind, is proud to support the federal government and the province of Nova Scotia with reducing greenhouse gas emissions while contributing clean, affordable and renewable electricity for the benefit of all Nova Scotians through the Wedgeport Wind Houssian, Principal, Elemental Energy Learn More: Canada Infrastructure BankElemental Energy SOURCE Canada Infrastructure Bank View original content to download multimedia: 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
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Justice Cree inspires community
Lysane Cree was appointed as a Superior Court of Quebec judge in September, but a ceremonial sitting last month gave community members a chance to reflect on their pride in a fellow Kanehsata'kehró:non reaching this milestone. Long before becoming a judge, Cree's success in the legal field already served as an inspiration for the community, with some members following in her footsteps. 'For me, being a lawyer was only a thing people did in movies or in the big cities. Not in Kanesatake out of all places! But boy was I wrong,' said McGill law school graduate Brandon Bonspiel, who has just a few months left of bar school ahead of being sworn in as a lawyer. 'When I started speaking up about my ambitions, I was often told that being a lawyer would not be easy as a Mohawk, but it was not impossible. That's when I first heard of Lysane Cree.' It was more than just an encouraging sign for the aspiring legal professional, who has been dreaming of entering the profession since his high school days. 'I am a direct result of Lysane's impact on our community. She paved the way for myself and many other Kanien'kehá:ka youth wishing to practice law,' he said. 'As for Lysane's appointment as a judge to the province's Superior Court, it furthers her legacy as a role model and a leader in our community. Today, young Kanien'kehá:ka know that being a judge is possible because, once again, Lysane Cree did it!' It's not only law students who appreciate Cree's impact on the community, however. 'I've always known she was a go-getter, determined and tenacious,' said community member Karonhienhawe Nicholas. 'I am so proud of her and proud to say that we have a judge in the community and that there is proof our community is not all bad apples or delinquents like it's so often portrayed as being. There are so many good things about our community, so many good people, but it's overshadowed by the bad.' The event was attended by friends and family from Kanesatake and officials such as Lieutenant Governor of Quebec Manon Jeannotte - the first ever First Nations person to hold that office. 'It was a profound honour to witness the ceremonial sitting of the Honourable Justice Lysanne Cree at the Superior Court of Quebec,' said Jeannotte, who is Mi'kmaq. 'Her appointment marks not only an important moment for Quebec's justice system, but also a meaningful step on our shared path of reconciliation,' Jeannotte said. Cree is one of only a handful of judges at the St. Jerome courthouse, which tends to the Terrebonne judicial district, so she is overseeing cases in the region that includes Kanesatake. 'Her voice, integrity, and deep sense of service will undoubtedly enrich the judiciary and inspire future generations,' said Jeannotte. According to the Department of Justice, Cree was first called to the Bar of Quebec in 2003 following her graduation from the McGill University Law Faculty in 2000. She started her career at Hutchins Legal Inc., where she worked on Indigenous law and worked with First Nations governments across the country for 16 years. Prior to being appointed as a Superior Court judge, Cree was an administrative judge at Montreal's Administrative Tribunal for Police Ethics. She declined to participate in this article. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Chief Leroy Denny given four more years to lead Eskasoni
A jubilant Chief Leroy Denny live-streamed a message to his community Tuesday night after learning he had won yet another election and will lead the Eskasoni First Nation for another four years. He already has 15 years of leadership under his belt with the largest Mi'kmaq community in the world. Speaking in Mi'kmaq and English, the first thing the chief did was express gratitude to those who helped him come through a contentious election in which he was up against six other candidates. And the second thing he did was express respect to all the candidates who put their names forward to run. 'We heard your issues,' he said. 'Let's get on with the work. Let's focus on healing.' During the election, the candidates were respectful of each other, but people in the community took to social media to throw out unfounded accusations of everything from fraud, to greed and nepotism, to improprieties of all kinds. But at the end of counting day Tuesday, Chief Denny won the most votes with 1,148 cast for him. The vote counts were unofficial as of deadline time. And just as the returning chief was gracious in victory, other candidates for chief were gracious in their unsuccessful attempts. Candidate Darlene Marshall wrote on social media that she wanted to thank the community for the honour of candidacy for chief this term. 'Regardless of who is elected, want to express my optimism that our community will continue throughout this upcoming term to be respected with transparency and accountability by our leadership. Our community should be a reflection of community members and governed for us by us,' she said. Fellow candidate, Alyssia Jeddore was equally gracious in her response to Denny's win. 'I am so grateful to the 693 people who believed in me! This was such an eye-opening experience – hearing all the things our community wants and needs. I am truly humbled by it,' she said. 'I was so happy to show what a community approach to campaigning looked like, and it took off like wildfire. One of my goals was to unite the community which I saw happen with all the positive events that took place. 'I truly love our community and our people. All I ever wanted for our community was to strengthen what exists currently. I want to congratulate the elected Chief Denny and Council. Let's go!' For his part, Chief Denny summed up what most of the candidates said in their approach to voters: 'We all love Eskasoni.' NEW COUNCILLORS The youngest candidate for band council, Cole Stevens, 21, and a local sports star, garnered 423 votes in his first try at politics. Twelve councillors were elected out of a field of 61 running. Only two, Kateri Stevens and Jerod Francis are new to council: (unofficial counts) ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
