Latest news with #Métis
Yahoo
an hour ago
- General
- Yahoo
Manitoba court quashes murder convictions for Métis man who spent decades in prison
A Métis man who spent more than two decades in prison had his murder convictions quashed by the Manitoba Court of Appeal last week. In 1997, Robert Sanderson was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the August 1996 killings of Jason Gross, Russel Krowetz and Stefan Zurstag at a home in West Kildonan. Sanderson was sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years. He has always maintained his innocence. He appealed his convictions in 1999, but the appeal was dismissed by the Manitoba Court of Appeal. Later that year, Sanderson was denied leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. In 2017, 20 years after he was convicted, Innocence Canada applied for a ministerial review of Sanderson's case, the organization said in a Monday news release. Flawed DNA testing conducted on a hair found at the scene had connected Sanderson to the crime at the time of his conviction. More advanced tests done in the mid-2000s showed that the hair samples didn't match Sanderson or the two other men who were charged in the case. Other new evidence considered by the appeal court was that an eyewitness was given "substantial sums of money by the authorities pursuant to an agreement after he testified at the trial," Innocence Canada said. Sanderson was denied bail in 2018, but was released on full parole a short time later. After his release, Sanderson told CBC News in 2023 that he had found healing through embracing his culture and creating art inspired by his Métis and Ojibway heritage. He moved to Victoria, B.C. In 2023, then-federal justice minister David Lametti found there was likely a miscarriage of justice in Sanderson's case. Lametti referred the case to the Manitoba Court of Appeal for a new hearing. Last week, the court quashed the convictions and ordered a new trial. Innocence Canada said in its news release that the Crown has advised the court "it will exercise its discretion and enter a stay of proceedings on public interest grounds." CBC News has reached out to the Crown and Innocence Canada for further comment.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg radio host gains wide audience among incarcerated in part by not being judgmental
For those of us with Spotify and Internet access, it's easy to take for granted that radio-request shows are all but obsolete; most have already dropped from the dial. But there are vast expanses of northern Canada where Internet access remains patchy, and old-fangled AM-FM radio is still the go-to audio source of news and entertainment. No surprise, here we find programs such as Native Communications Inc. in Manitoba and CKLB in the Northwest Territories offering local listeners call-in and request-based programming. BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Rez Vibe Connections host Stephanie Kersey, 43, shows an image of her show's logo on her cellphone inside the CKUW DJ booth at the University of Winnipeg. Stephanie Kersey, a Winnipeg-based radio DJ and personal support worker with a professional background in addictions and homelessness, uses her CKUW 95.9 FM program Rez Vibe Connections (which runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays) to take song cues from an even more isolated population: the incarcerated. 'The show's for everyone, and I do get callers from all cultures and levels of society. But right now, the jails are the main focus. And people are being gracious enough to accept that,' she says. 'And just talking to (inmates) a few minutes, showing compassion, gets them excited and brightens their light.' Kersey says calls are now coming in from most of Manitoba's correctional centres, since the show's picked up steam in the past few months. Inmates share a quick, friendly chat while making their song request — often swapping a few jokes or words of encouragement. 'At first, I was wondering, are the people listening? Can they hear me?' she says. 'I was just building dialogue with them. 'Now they're calling in like crazy.' Kersey, who is of mixed Indigenous and Black ancestry, says that for all the talk of reconciliation and inclusion today, those values often vanish where those with criminal records are concerned. 'No one actually wants to talk them,' she says. 'They're pretty much excommunicated from society.' The DJ, who's 43 and has two children, has spent her life thinking about what it means to live on the social outskirts. 'I do get callers from all cultures and levels of society. But right now, the jails are the main focus. And people are being gracious enough to accept that.'–Stephanie Kersey As a Black and Indigenous woman, she's often felt the usual cultural categories don't fully include her and her family. 'The government said that we (the Kersey Clan) are Métis! But we're not Métis,' she says. Kersey grew up in Amherstburg, Ont., where her father was a Black Panther and legal activist whose causes included fighting to ensure that youth were not charged as adults. In this crucible, a future social advocate was forged. 'My father fought inside and outside the system without formal education to back him up, and so did many of our elders and all of our family members,' she says. 'And we're now at a pivotal moment in time where we, the next generation, have had the privilege to go to school, get the diplomas, be in these higher positions so we can decolonize (the system) from the inside out.' As a personal support worker, Kersey says she's been drawn to helping those struggling with homelessness and addictions. To do effective work in this field demands you leave harsh judgments and condescension behind, and that's also how she approaches Rez Vibe Connections. 'The people aren't perfect … and there's levels to it,' she says. 'But brother, (let's) leave your labels at the door.' Kersey believes the connections and informal networks she's building with callers could help support people once they're released. 'It's the frequency that resonates through us all, that connects all of our spirits.'–Stephanie Kersey 'A lot of them are calling me after they get out, saying, 'I just got out! I just got out. I'm so excited!' I'm like, cool, holler at me, we can collaborate,' she says. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. 'I have a lot of resources and programs I can (direct you to) so you won't fall through the cracks.' She's interested to see how far this might develop, but doesn't want to be heavy-handed either. For her, the starting point has to be something uplifting, like music. 'Music is the baseline, it's the foundation, it's the platform for us to all come together,' she says. 'It's the frequency that resonates through us all, that connects all of our spirits.' Conrad SweatmanReporter Conrad Sweatman is an arts reporter and feature writer. Before joining the Free Press full-time in 2024, he worked in the U.K. and Canadian cultural sectors, freelanced for outlets including The Walrus, VICE and Prairie Fire. Read more about Conrad. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ontario Science Centre Kicks Off Annual 3 Communities, 3 Events Series with Free Indigenous Celebration at Harbourfront Centre on June 7
Presented by TELUS, the annual series showcases three vibrant communities with free events including Indigenous Celebration 2025, featuring live performances, hands-on activities and interactive storytelling and book signing with author and North of North TV star Maika Harper TORONTO, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - The Ontario Science Centre, in collaboration with Indigenous partners, is proud to host a free, family-friendly event Indigenous Celebration 2025 on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harbourfront Centre. Presented by TELUS, this special event features interactive workshops, live performances, storytelling and fun hands-on crafts and activities that highlight Indigenous ways of knowing and foster connection with Indigenous community members. Indigenous Celebration 2025 is part of the annual 3 Communities, 3 Events series, showcasing the richness of diverse communities with free events throughout the year. Indigenous Celebration 2025 features a variety of interactive, hands-on learning experiences including vibrant performances by the Spring Creek dancers, engaging storytelling and book signing with author Maika Harper (star of CBC/Netflix series North of North), energetic Métis jigging, fiddling lessons, an animal pelt table, and much more. The 3 Communities, 3 Events series continues this year with two upcoming free, family-friendly celebrations. Celebrate Black Excellence takes place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Scarborough Town Centre, followed by Pride in STEM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Harbourfront Centre. With the generous support of TELUS, these events celebrate diverse communities through interactive activities, engaging performances and more. Stay tuned for details and sign up for eNews to learn more. QUOTES "June is National Indigenous History Month—a time to honour and celebrate the cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples," said Paul Kortenaar, CEO, Ontario Science Centre. "Through community events like Indigenous Celebration, we have a meaningful opportunity to learn from Indigenous voices and experiences, and we're grateful to our Indigenous partners and the generous support of TELUS for making our 3 Communities 3 Events series possible." "At TELUS, we recognize the transformative power of connecting communities and honouring the profound cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples," said Patrick Barron, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability, TELUS. "As a long-standing partner of the Ontario Science Centre, we are proud to support the 3 Communities, 3 Events series, creating authentic opportunities for families to engage with Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of understanding." For more details about our programming, upcoming pop-ups and events, and to book your visit to our Ontario Science Centre Experiences at KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre and CF Sherway Gardens, please visit About the Ontario Science CentreSpark your curiosity with Ontario Science Centre Experiences! For over 55 years, the Ontario Science Centre has inspired a passion for the human adventure of discovery through fun experiences that educate and entertain kids and adults alike. In addition to pop-ups at festivals and student-focused events, enjoy Ontario Science Centre Experiences at two satellite locations. Visit for more information and sign up for eNews to find out where we'll be next. SOURCE Ontario Science Centre 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
Cision Canada
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Ontario Science Centre Kicks Off Annual 3 Communities, 3 Events Series with Free Indigenous Celebration at Harbourfront Centre on June 7
Presented by TELUS, the annual series showcases three vibrant communities with free events including Indigenous Celebration 2025, featuring live performances, hands-on activities and interactive storytelling and book signing with author and North of North TV star Maika Harper TORONTO, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - The Ontario Science Centre, in collaboration with Indigenous partners, is proud to host a free, family-friendly event Indigenous Celebration 2025 on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harbourfront Centre. Presented by TELUS, this special event features interactive workshops, live performances, storytelling and fun hands-on crafts and activities that highlight Indigenous ways of knowing and foster connection with Indigenous community members. Indigenous Celebration 2025 is part of the annual 3 Communities, 3 Events series, showcasing the richness of diverse communities with free events throughout the year. Indigenous Celebration 2025 features a variety of interactive, hands-on learning experiences including vibrant performances by the Spring Creek dancers, engaging storytelling and book signing with author Maika Harper (star of CBC/Netflix series North of North), energetic Métis jigging, fiddling lessons, an animal pelt table, and much more. The 3 Communities, 3 Events series continues this year with two upcoming free, family-friendly celebrations. Celebrate Black Excellence takes place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Scarborough Town Centre, followed by Pride in STEM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Harbourfront Centre. With the generous support of TELUS, these events celebrate diverse communities through interactive activities, engaging performances and more. Stay tuned for details and sign up for eNews to learn more. QUOTES "June is National Indigenous History Month—a time to honour and celebrate the cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples," said Paul Kortenaar, CEO, Ontario Science Centre. "Through community events like Indigenous Celebration, we have a meaningful opportunity to learn from Indigenous voices and experiences, and we're grateful to our Indigenous partners and the generous support of TELUS for making our 3 Communities 3 Events series possible." "At TELUS, we recognize the transformative power of connecting communities and honouring the profound cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples," said Patrick Barron, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability, TELUS. "As a long-standing partner of the Ontario Science Centre, we are proud to support the 3 Communities, 3 Events series, creating authentic opportunities for families to engage with Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of understanding." For more details about our programming, upcoming pop-ups and events, and to book your visit to our Ontario Science Centre Experiences at KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre and CF Sherway Gardens, please visit About the Ontario Science Centre Spark your curiosity with Ontario Science Centre Experiences! For over 55 years, the Ontario Science Centre has inspired a passion for the human adventure of discovery through fun experiences that educate and entertain kids and adults alike. In addition to pop-ups at festivals and student-focused events, enjoy Ontario Science Centre Experiences at two satellite locations. Visit for more information and sign up for eNews to find out where we'll be next.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Statement by Prime Minister Carney on National Indigenous History Month
OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - 'Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of Canada's lands and waters for time immemorial. National Indigenous History Month is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, languages, knowledge, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. 'Indigenous leadership and perspectives will be foundational to how this government delivers its mandate. We will address past harms, take a distinctions-based approach, and advance self-determination, while upholding Modern Treaties and self-government agreements. 'Central to this commitment is the long-term wealth and prosperity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. To that end, we have doubled the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion – and opened it to sectors outside of energy and natural resources to catalyze more Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation, and trade projects across the country. 'As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the government will be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. 'We will work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples – advancing shared priorities from health care, food security, housing, and education to conservation, climate action, and emergency management. We move forward on the important work of the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Final Report, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.' This document is also available at SOURCE Prime Minister's Office
