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Hamilton Spectator
20 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Kahkewistahaw First Nation undertaking major development projects
With projects such as Lakeside at Round Lake, Kahkewistahâw Landing in Saskatoon, and Mâmawi Landing in Yorkton, there are big economic development plans underway by Kahkewistahâw First Nation, and a lot on the plate for the Kahkewistahâw Economic Management Corporation. 'We truly are planning for seven generations ahead,' said Kahkewistahâw Chief Evan Taypotat. 'The leadership team that I sit with, the counsellors that I'm blessed to work with every day, we understand and we respect Treaty and what it's supposed to give to our people, but at the end of the day, Treaty gives the bare minimum, and that's what it was designed to do,' Chief Taypotat explained. 'We're not going to sit over here on Kahkewistahâw, feel sorry for ourselves and try and make people honour Treaty at a greater extent. We can sit there and twiddle our thumbs, or we could just do something about it. We decided to do something about it in 2017 and ever since then, KEMC has been basically the economic planning force behind everything. And we made some pretty good plans.' A recent boost to the KEMC came along with Kahlewistahâw's portion of the agriculture benefits claim—more popularly known as 'Cows an Plows'—totalling $133.6 million. Some $10 million was earmarked for KEMC projects. 'We want to give them money because at the end of the day, that $9 or $10 million is going to become $100 million, it's going to become $200 million,' Chief Taypotat said. 'We were happy with the plan that we laid out. Everybody got a bit of money.' Investing in economic planning is also an investment in people, according to Chief Taypotat. 'That's forward thinking. That's ensuring that the people of Kahkewistahâw always have opportunity. No matter who the Chief and Council are, no matter who the program managers are or the trustees are, our people are always going to have opportunity, and not be solely dependent on the government of Canada.' Lakeside Project Bird's Point at Round Lake has always been a special place for many people, with fond memories of gatherings at the scenic spot. Even The Guess Who have played at Bird's Point, and it is a popular spot for weddings, cabarets, and Christmas parties held there. 'When it flooded about 10 to 15 years ago, obviously it left a void in the community because it was wrecked,' Chief Taypotat said. 'We want to get back to where we can host social events there, the people want that, and they appreciated it, they used it.' The plans for Kahkewistahâw began in the fall of 2019 with the purchase of Billy's Pub and Restaurant at Bird's Point Resort Village. Renamed the Lakeside Grill & Tavern, there's now a new general manager at the restaurant. 'His name is Troy Miller,' Chief Taypotat confirmed. 'He's been in the restaurant and bar business for 20 years, so he's now down there trying to make changes.' Short term renovations to Lakeside Grill & Tavern include moving the VLTs, putting in a stage, and swapping out the booths for stand-alone tables. Chief Taypotat estimates it will take about five years to fully develop plans for the Lakeside Project, with plans for a gas station, golf course, then rental cabins and a 100- to 200-site campground. Timing is essential right now, though, as uncertainty still remains in material costs. 'These tariffs from the States have obviously affected business in every which way,' Chief Taypotat said. 'You have to take into consideration, is the juice worth the squeeze right now? Or do we have to change the plans?' Later-phase planning includes a drive-in theatre and waterslide park—all items to further bolster continued economic growth. 'When you have all those different things—the drive-in theatre, waterslides, golf courses—they all go hand in hand, and at the end of the day, if my First Nation can make money off it, we're in the money-making business, and we want to ensure we capitalize on that geographically.' As each phase of the Lakeside Project comes to fruition, more jobs will also be created for the region. 'Round Lake is such a cool area,' says Taypotat. 'It's far enough away from the city and it's unique in its own little way. The people we have around Round Lake are good, honest, hard-working Saskatchewan people, and we want to make sure that we provide a product that they'll enjoy, but also that's just right for the area and right for Round Lake.' Kahkewistahâw Landing For many years, land near the John Diefenbaker International Airport in Saskatoon sat empty. That all changed in 2017 when KFN purchased 60 acres of undeveloped land—a way to position the First Nation geographically. 'We saw this land in Saskatoon, and we said, 'why isn't anyone buying this land?' and it was because there was no infrastructure on the land,' says Chief Taypotat. 'Obviously, it was going to cost a bit of dollars to put infrastructure in.' Thanks to some timely federal government infrastructure grants, work began on the property with the Kahkewistahâw Gas and Convenience store and Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations head office opening their doors by late 2022. 'That piece of land in Saskatoon is going to be the Indigenous hub of Saskatchewan in the next five years,' Chief Taypotat predicts, listing future builds that include a hotel and convention centre, hockey rinks, and retail space for lease. 'We're entering into Phase 2 right now, we're finishing up the Mâmawi Business Centre, which IGR—the Indigenous Gaming Regulators—they're the main tenant on the first floor.' Four commercial rental units are also set to be ready this year, plus the ongoing search for an anchor tenant. Adding a more Saskatoon perspective to the project is former city Mayor Charlie Clark, who sits on the KEMC Board of Directors (of which Chief Taypotat is chair). 'Charlie has given us that inside look at what does Saskatoon really need? What does it want? So we did that strategically,' Chief Taypotat said. 'Charlie's a non-Indigenous man that just understands reconciliation, lives and breathes it every day, and we're glad that he's onboard.' Given Clark's background on City Council, then as Mayor, his insight is very important to the Kahkewistahâw Landing project. 'He's helping us not only build Kahkewistahâw Landing so that it becomes economically viable, but he's helping us build a better Saskatoon,' Chief Taypotat said. 'We're really pleased and honoured to have him on our board.' Mâmawi Landing In Yorkton, the province's third First Nations urban reserve can be found, Mâmawi Landing. It's home to KFN's first foray into a gas and convenience store, plus the KEMC-owned Penipa Hotels operates the Home Inn & Suites Yorkton, and Painted Hand Casino is on the Mâmawi Landing property. 'We recently built the Yellow Thunderbird Lodge, which is the Child and Family Services wing of Yorkton Tribal Council,' Chief Taypotat said. 'You'll see it right beside the hotel, it's a brand new build that they opened up last fall, and we have a lot of cars and traffic going into that area. Hopefully they're staying at our Hotel Inn & Suites, and hopefully they're gassing up at our gas station.' The Yorkton amenities have turned a profit for KFN, and are certainly a draw for the city. 'We're blessed to have that, and it makes us a bit of money,' Chief Taypotat said. 'The casino is a driver for the City of Yorkton and we're happy to be part of it.' Error! 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Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
One month since Pahalgam attack: How India has punished, isolated Pakistan since April 22
NEW DELHI: As India marks one month since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack , the series of events that unfolded since April 22, have dramatically altered the landscape of India-Pakistan relations and regional security dynamics. On April 22, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years when four terrorists of The Resistance Front,an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, opened fire at point-blank range on tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, just 6 kilometres from the resort town of Pahalgam. The attack claimed 26 lives. The incident occurred on the same day that Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Saudi Arabia on an official visit, and US vice president JD Vance happened to be in India with family on a private trip. As soon as the news reached PM Modi, he cut short his Saudi visit and returned to New Delhi. Union home minister Amit Shah, without further ado, flew to Srinagar and later visited the attack site in Anantnag district to assess the situation and meet the victims' families. The attack set off a chain of unprecedented diplomatic and military actions between India and Pakistan, culminating in India's largest crossborder operation in recent years. Here's all that happened in the past month: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty in response On April 23, just a day after the terror strike, the central government suspended the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)- a landmark 1960 water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. The treaty regulates the use of six rivers in the Indus basin. The Indus River system includes the main Indus and six major tributaries. Five of these - the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Chenab, and Jhelum - lie on the left bank, while the Kabul River is the only right-bank tributary. Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej are categorised as eastern rivers; Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab as western rivers. The Kabul River does not pass through Indian territory. The treaty had long been seen as a symbol of cooperation amid tense bilateral ties. Pakistan puts Simla Agreement on hold In a retaliatory move, Pakistan announced a suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement on April 24, along with all other bilateral accords with India - citing India's 'non-adherence to international law, cross-border aggression, and fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan.' Pakistan's Foreign Office declared that the agreements would remain suspended until India reverses its 'aggressive behaviour.' The Indian Chargé d'Affaires in Islamabad was summoned to formally receive this notification. PM Modi's first public address after Pahalgam massacre Speaking at a public rally in Madhubani, Bihar - his first after the Pahalgam attack- Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong statement, declaring, 'We will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers.' In a rare English remark, he added, 'Every effort will be made to ensure justice. The entire nation stands united.' Nationwide security buildup amid rising tensions Following the breakdown of two key bilateral agreements, India went on high alert. Civil and military drills were ramped up along the India-Pakistan border. Blackouts were practiced in sensitive districts on Indo-Pak borders, and emergency preparedness drills were held at key infrastructure sites across the country. Operation Sindoor : India's decisive military response In the early hours of May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, a bold and coordinated military operation targeting total 9 terror infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam massacre. Utilising advanced weaponry, air-launched cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and long-range drones - India struck nine high-value terror hubs, including Muridke and Bahawalpur, the ideological and operational centres of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Pak launches drone swarms Pakistan retaliated with drone swarms and missile strikes, but India's air defence systems successfully neutralised the threats, preventing significant damage or casualties. Drones were spotted over cities like Amritsar, Pathankot, Jammu, Srinagar, Jaisalmer, Jalandhar, Ferozepur. India Army 'BURNS' Pakistani Drone; First OFFICIAL Video Of Attack On Military Post Out Daily briefings were conducted by foreign secretary Vikram Misri , flanked by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh , to provide updates on the situation. IAF targets Pakistani airbases In the days following the May 7 strikes, Pakistan continued airspace violations. India responded with precision airstrikes that reportedly destroyed 11 Pakistani airbases, including critical facilities - Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi and Rahim Yar Khan Airbase. On Cam: Massive Damage To 11 Pakistan Airbases In Indian Strikes | Satellite Images Out The Nur Khan Airbase, formerly PAF Chaklala, was a strategic nerve centre for Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. At a press conference, Air Marshal AK Bharti presented visual evidence of the destruction, said, 'We have targeted the length and breadth of the adversary.' Ceasefire agreement On May 10, after several days of crossborder hostilities, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan called his Indian counterpart to propose a ceasefire. The agreement was accepted and formally announced that evening by foreign secretary Vikram Misri. However, the calm was short-lived. Pakistan violated the ceasefire soon after by launching new drone swarms, which were promptly intercepted and neutralised by Indian forces. Trump claims credit for brokered ceasefire US President Donald Trump claimed that the ceasefire was brokered by the United States. Since May 10, Trump has repeatedly taken credit for what he calls a "peace agreement between two nuclear powers." India launches global outreach over Operation Sindoor To consolidate international support, the Indian government has launched a massive diplomatic campaign beginning May 23, deploying seven all-party delegations to 25 key global capitals. A total of 51 political leaders, including sitting MPs and former ministers, and 8 former ambassadors are part of the outreach. These delegations are visiting nations including permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other influential global players. Prominent leaders in these delegations include: Shashi Tharoor (Congress) Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda (BJP) Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD-U) Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK) Supriya Sule (NCP-SP) This step by the Centre aims to present a united Indian stance against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and reaffirm the country's commitment to international peace and security. PM Modi's stern warning to Pakistan PM Modi, during a public rally in Rajasthan's Bikaner on Thursday, delivered a strong message on national security, counterterrorism, and India's stance on Pakistan. Referring to the recent counterterror action under Operation Sindoor in retaliation of Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam, he said India had given its armed forces a 'free hand,' which led to a swift and decisive strike in early hours of May 7. 'In response to the attacks on the 22nd, within just 22 minutes, our forces destroyed nine of the biggest terrorist bases,' PM Modi said. 'The enemies of India, both within and outside, have now seen what happens when sindoor turns into gunpowder,' (jab sindoor barood ban jata hai, to kya nateeja hota hai.)
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gethin Jones says it was ‘best experience' as he says goodbye in emotional 'end of an era'
Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones shared a touching post on social media as had one of the best experiences whilst presenting Everton's "End of an Era" ceremony. On Sunday, May 18,he joined former world champion boxer Tony Bellew, as they hosted a special post-match ceremony as Everton's Senior Men's team said farewell and celebrated 133 years of Goodison Park. The team beat Southampton in the premier league match, and left the stadium for the last time on a high. He shared on Instagram: "What a history, what a day. Goodison Park, forever @everton."For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter READ MORE: 'SWAT police' with 'large rifles' seen as roads sealed off in Cardiff READ MORE: Graham Norton nearly died after he was stabbed in street and left for dead He added: "On a personal note, one of the best experiences I've ever had… To compere the 'End of an Era' ceremony in front of 40,000 people, live on the telly. To chat to some of Everton's greats. The script kinda went out of the window, pure emotion everywhere."End of an era for the men. Just the start for the women." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Geth Jones (@gethincjones) Despite it being an end of an era for Everton's men's team, taking ownership of the park from the 2025/26 season will be Everton's women's team which is fronted by captain, Megan Finnigan. She said: "To walk out at Goodison Park as our permanent home will be a real honour. It's where we belong — and we can't wait to create new memories there." Everton Women's manager Brian Sørensen, added : "Our players will now have a stage that matches their potential, our fans will have a place to build an even stronger matchday culture, and young girls across Merseyside will see that this is a club where dreams can grow and come true." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Geth Jones (@gethincjones) Gethin was honoured to be part of the historic day, and when he had the call he told that he was " straight on with my mates on WhatsApp!" He said: "I was six or seven when I demanded my first shirt after we won the FA Cup in 1984, and, of course, winning the league and Cup Winners' Cup the next season. As a proud Welshman, I'm sure a lot of it had to do with Kevin Ratcliffe captaining the side, and big Nev in goal! "It's a proud history, unique, the oldest purpose-built football stadium in the world. It's tough to move on but I think every Everton fan wants the Club to be winning trophies, competing at the very top, and these days you need to move with the times." One social media user said: "What a proud moment for you today being asked to present the coverage of the celebrations. The coverage on TNT Sports and Discovery+ this afternoon has been tremendous. " Another added: "You did amazing. Couldn't have signed off with a better host!"
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gethin Jones says it was ‘best experience' as he says goodbye in emotional 'end of an era'
Gethin Jones says it was 'best experience' as he says goodbye in emotional 'end of an era' The former Blue Peter presenter shared an emotional post on social media after hosting the "End of an Era" ceremony for his favourite football team. Gethin Jones at hosted Everton's End of an Era ceremony alongside Tony Bellew. (Image: Gethin Jones (Instagram- @gethincjones) ) Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones shared a touching post on social media as had one of the best experiences whilst presenting Everton's "End of an Era" ceremony. On Sunday, May 18,he joined former world champion boxer Tony Bellew, as they hosted a special post-match ceremony as Everton's Senior Men's team said farewell and celebrated 133 years of Goodison Park. The team beat Southampton in the premier league match, and left the stadium for the last time on a high. He shared on Instagram: "What a history, what a day. Goodison Park, forever @everton."For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter He added: "On a personal note, one of the best experiences I've ever had… To compere the 'End of an Era' ceremony in front of 40,000 people, live on the telly. To chat to some of Everton's greats. The script kinda went out of the window, pure emotion everywhere. "End of an era for the men. Just the start for the women." Content cannot be displayed without consent Despite it being an end of an era for Everton's men's team, taking ownership of the park from the 2025/26 season will be Everton's women's team which is fronted by captain, Megan Finnigan. Article continues below She said: "To walk out at Goodison Park as our permanent home will be a real honour. It's where we belong — and we can't wait to create new memories there." Everton Women's manager Brian Sørensen, added : "Our players will now have a stage that matches their potential, our fans will have a place to build an even stronger matchday culture, and young girls across Merseyside will see that this is a club where dreams can grow and come true." Content cannot be displayed without consent Gethin was honoured to be part of the historic day, and when he had the call he told that he was " straight on with my mates on WhatsApp!" He said: "I was six or seven when I demanded my first shirt after we won the FA Cup in 1984, and, of course, winning the league and Cup Winners' Cup the next season. As a proud Welshman, I'm sure a lot of it had to do with Kevin Ratcliffe captaining the side, and big Nev in goal! "It's a proud history, unique, the oldest purpose-built football stadium in the world. It's tough to move on but I think every Everton fan wants the Club to be winning trophies, competing at the very top, and these days you need to move with the times." Article continues below One social media user said: "What a proud moment for you today being asked to present the coverage of the celebrations. The coverage on TNT Sports and Discovery+ this afternoon has been tremendous. " Another added: "You did amazing. Couldn't have signed off with a better host!"
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rooney gives X-rated response to fans after Goodison Park interview interrupted
Wayne Rooney was one of a number of Everton legends invited to join the 'End of an Era' ceremony as the Toffees bid farewell to Goodison Park, though he was the subject of mockery from fans Wayne Rooney jokingly hit back at Everton fans after they interrupted an interview he was giving to mark the farewell to Goodison Park. Rooney was in attendance at the Toffees' stadium for their final game at the ground. They will move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock over the summer. Sunday marked the final game at Goodison before the move, with Everton easing to a 2-0 win over rock-bottom Southampton. The club invited back some of their legendary players to mark the farewell before an event after the game. Rooney was one of those to return, with the 39-year-old having spent two spells with the Toffees after coming through their academy. He infamously cut short his first spell to join Manchester United, where he would go on to win five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the Europa League and the Champions League, as well as becoming their record goalscorer. A fierce rivalry exists between the people of both Liverpool and Manchester. That was in full display during Everton's 'End of an Era' ceremony on Sunday, with Rooney having a cheeky response. The former England star was being interviewed by Tony Bellew alongside Duncan Ferguson in front of the Gwladys Street stand. After Toffees supporters chanted the name of Ferguson, Bellew started his chat with Rooney. Not long into the interview, the Everton fans began to chant 'Manchester is full of s**t', in reference to Rooney's time at Old Trafford. Rooney was slightly taken aback by the chanting. He responded in typical fashion and reminded fans of his roots, saying: 'I am f*****g Scouser, by the way. I know we have had ups and downs, but it is very emotional being here today.' Boss David Moyes was delighted to be able to give Goodison the perfect send off. Two goals from Iliman Ndiaye was enough to kick off the celebrations, with Moyes hailing the Toffees fans. "Extraordinary atmosphere. The crowd were amazing, as it was outside before the game. We started the game pretty well and got in front. We played some good bits but not always. The job was to win the game today and see ourselves out at Goodison in a good light," Moyes told BBC Sport. "The support at Everton is immense. It's needed some form of success. Today is a day they've been waiting on for so long, a new stadium coming. I never thought I'd be the one to do it [manage them in the new ground]. I'm really pleased. "I'm honoured to be given that opportunity. We all see it as another chance. We need to start rebuilding Everton again. We've done the job [of staying up]. We have to try to build on that next year. "If we can get an atmosphere like this in the new stadium it'll give us every chance of winning games. I thought it was as if everyone had come together as one club. Today was everyone standing together."
