'Road map' for repatriation of Indigenous items, remains
By Ashley Joannou
A pair of reports out of British Columbia are detailing the complex, expensive and under resourced process of repatriating Indigenous historical items or remains back to their homes.
The studies, developed in partnership between the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and K’yuu Enterprise Corporation, call for changes including the creation of a centralized body to facilitate the work, a repatriation accreditation program for museums and other institutions, and "substantial" funding and support from the provincial and federal government.
Gretchen Fox, an anthropologist and the council's acting heritage manager, said the growing interest in the moral and ethical requirement for repatriation shows resources are needed to set out steps that could be used in B.C. and in other provinces and territories.
"There was a need for a way forward, or a road map — what's involved in repatriation, what's the history of it," she said. "To have a really good understanding and documentation of what's been lost, where these ancestors and belongings are held today, and what kind of work specifically is involved in locating them."
Researchers with the K’yuu Enterprise Corporation
did a survey and found more than 2,500 B.C. First Nation human remains and upwards of 100,000 belongings are known to be held in 229 institutions — including museums and universities — around the world.
Fox said the survey had only a 50 per cent response rate.
"So, we know that the numbers are much higher, and those numbers are just for ancestors and belongings that are associated with B.C. First Nations," she said.
The main report breaks down repatriation into a four-step process starting with planning and research, followed by repatriation itself and the long-term caretaking of the items or remains.
It says 60 per cent of B.C. First Nations surveyed have already spent more than $1 million on repatriation work to date.
"Since the Canadian government has yet to commit to dedicated repatriation legislation, policy and funding, many (B.C. First Nations) are reliant on grants and other mechanisms to support their repatriation work," it says.
The report says when applying for grant programs that aren't dedicated to repatriation, nations are forced to focus on strict funding criteria and narrow timelines rather than their own needs.
In 2016, B.C. became the first province in Canada to offer a grant to help pay for repatriation. While the report calls that funding "welcome," it says the money has not kept pace with requests.
It says repatriation in Canada is "severely underfunded."
"For decades, B.C. First Nations have funded this work through piecemeal grants and heavy reliance on volunteer labour," it says.
Fox said there are a range of costs, from paying personnel to the technology required to research where items are located or the cost to store them properly.
A companion report offers what Fox calls a "really high level" cost estimate
It suggests that if all 204 B.C. First Nations were funded over five years to participate in repatriation at various stages it would cost an estimated $663 million.
Fox said the number is not a request for funding, but rather an attempt to test the model and "show the monumental, significant, costs of this."
The report says repatriation is also an economic and social driver with benefits like health and healing, jobs and community development.
"It has spiritual and cultural impacts of reconnecting with belongings
and carrying out responsibilities to ancestors and It's so meaningful, even if it's engaged at a slower pace, or on a smaller scale," Fox said.
She said having a First Nation-led centralized organizing body and programming to facilitate repatriation would be helpful to provide the opportunity to pool experience and resources.
"First Nations in B.C. are really leading the way in repatriation, and quite a few have quite a bit of expertise and experience around doing the work and also insights into the kinds of supports, whether it's legislation (or) policy," she said.
Inviting museums and other holding institutions would also be beneficial, Fox said.
In 2023, a totem pole that had been on display at the Royal B.C. Museum, was brought back to Bella Coola, located almost 1,000 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.
It was taken in 1913 and became part of the museum's collection.
Representatives of the Nuxalk Nation said at the time that they had been trying to get the totem and other artifacts back since 2019.
Also in 2023, a memorial totem pole belonging to members of the Nisga'a Nation was returned from the National Museum of
Scotland in Edinburgh, where it has been for nearly a century.
Last year, the Heiltsuk Nation celebrated the return of a chief's seat that had been in the Royal BC Museum since 1911. Fox said an accreditation program for institutions that hold First Nations' remains and belongings could teach about repatriation and the practices and protocols needed.
"There's not a lot of formal training for folks who are doing the work, so it makes sense for those who are experts to have an arena, to share that," she said.
She said there is still work to be done, but over the last few decades more institutions are recognizing the "moral and ethical imperative to make things right. That these belongings and ancestors were stolen or taken under duress from First Nations communities, and that the right thing to do is to facilitate their return."
"At the same time, First Nations repatriation experts are training the next generations within their communities, and they're building relationships with institutions. And so we are seeing some significant movement and recognition that this is the right thing to do," she said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025.
State of emergency declared
facilities were relocated to family homes or other long-term care homes in surrounding communities.
The Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council has declared a state of emergency after unprecedented rain caused widespread flooding on the territory June 18.
SNGR declared the state of emergency effective June 19 saying it will allow their Emergency Control Group (ECG) to assess any immediate damage and deploy resources to mitigate any further impact.
It will also allow the ECG to monitor and respond appropriately to any potential weather events. Numerous community buildings housing elders had to be evacuated after the flooding, including Iroquois Lodge and the Jay Silverheels Complex. Elders from both
SNGR said it was conducting an assessment of the whole community following the massive flooding.
The last resident wasn’t evacuated from the lodge until 3 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Sandbags were placed outside doorways around the lodge immediately following the flooding, a temporary drainage ditch was dug in the grass at the back of the lodge, and pumps were put in place to empty water from the lodge.
SNGR said as part of the evacuation, it was checking the status of all SNGR department buildings and gathering information from community members who have been affected by the flooding.”
The intense rainfall led
to significant issues around the community, including:
-flooding and wastewater backup. Many homes and community buildings experienced extensive flooding, and homes connected to the wastewater system experienced wastewater backups, which affected basements and property
-community buildings affected included Central Administration (which was also evacuated after the flooding), Iroquois Lodge, and Home and Community Care
-Road closures: Chiefswood Road between Fifth and Sixth Line and Third Line between Tuscarora Road and Chiefswood Road were closed due to the flooding.
“We are committed to understanding the full impact of this situation and providing support to those in need,” SNGR said.
POP UP EVENT SNAP
Join us for a Family Event for Kids & Caregivers!
If your child (ages 6-13) faces behavioral challenges, attend our outdoor SNAP Pop-Up event to discover how the SNAP program can support your family. Expect to meet the SNAP Team, learn about our 12-week program.
Enjoy treats, games, and prizes while engaging with us and bringing your questions. Two dates to choose from or attend both!
July 9 , 2025 th
The Sports Complex, Splashpad
1738 4 Line, Ohsweken th 4:30-6:30PM
July 24 , 2025 th
Pride Six Nations 2025
The Six Nations Department of Well-Being held a vibrant celebration of love, identity, and community at Veterans Park in Ohsweken on Wednesday, June 25. Event Highlights included: Drag Show, Photo Booth, Henna Tattoos, Face Painting, Caricature Artists, Local Vendors and Free Food 2RT
Elevated levels of growth-stunting chemical found in Six Nations groundwater
DONNA DURIC donna@tworowtimes.com
Elevated levels of a growth-stunting metal have been found in Six Nations’ groundwater.
Six Nations of the Grand River (SNGR) said it recently found elevated levels of Strontium after ongoing water quality monitoring and has sent out a community notice warning residents of the chemical’s risk if consumed in large quantities.
Strontium, a metal naturally found in soil, can replace calcium in developing bones and may lead to rickets, a bone disorder that can weaken or soften
bones, stunt growth, and cause bone deformities, such as bowed legs. Infants are especially at risk because their bones are actively developing. In response, SNGR said the Indigenous Services Canada Environmental Public Health Officer will be conducting well water testing for further contaminants, including: -Strontium -Nitrite -Nitrate -Manganese
SNGR said testing will prioritize the highest-risk groups within a household, including pregnant and breastfeeding individuals and infants and children up to 24 months old.
SNGR said if your
household does not include someone from the above priority groups, you can still have your well tested.
While testing will begin with the highest-risk households, additional testing may be offered as capacity allows, SNGR said.
Strontium is naturally found in rock, soil, water and some products like paint, fireworks and glass. Groundwater has higher levels of strontium due to contact with minerals.
Canadian health guidelines advise not to consume your well water if it contains strontium above the recommended levels for things like drinking, cooking or preparing infant formula.
Construction begins at Kawennio
By Donna Duric
Construction on the long-awaited language immersion school Kawennio/Gaweniyo began quietly last Wednesday.
The groundbreaking ceremony was supposed to take place on June 20 but a torrential downpour and subsequent community flood put a halt to the festivities, said Artie Martin, resource developer at Kawennio/Gaweniyo School (KGS).
A tent collapsed and the ground became too muddy at the school building site at 1443 Tuscarora Road.
Instead, Cayuga SubChief Leroy “Jock” Hill
did a quiet ceremony last Wednesday before construction began on the almost-$30 million school.
After nearly 40 years of pushing for a language school, the beginning of construction is symbolic of Six Nations’ resilience, language resurgence, and nationhood, KGS school said.
“This new school embodies the hopes and dreams of our founders and every family that walked through our doors,” said Karihwiohsta Tammy Jonathan, principal at KGS. “We’ve waited such a long time for a place to call our own–and it’s almost here.” KGS has been in opera-
tion since 1986, with the later development of the secondary school in 1995.
“Our aim is to help preserve the traditions and cultures of the Rotinonhsion:ni/Hodinohso:ni. At the same time we are attempting to prepare students for life after high school, whether they plan to go on to higher learning or to enter the work force.”
Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council announced last summer it would take out a loan to fund the school’s construction while continuing to push the federal government to reimburse the costs.
TWO ROW TIMES
Walk of Fame 2025; Seeing Red’s Bryan Porter gives opening comment
Plaques commemorating inductees will appear in Toronto’s Entertainment District in the near future
One of Canada’s biggest nights of celebration, storytelling and star power lit up screens this Canada Day with Canada’s Walk of Fame 2025 on CBC and CBC Gem.
Canada’s Walk of Fame is about celebrating those who inspire us to believe that anything is possible— filmed earlier this month at the Metro Toronto Conven-
tion Centre, the star-studded special featured tributes, surprise appearances and performances that honoured some of Canada’s most remarkable changemakers, trailblazers and global icons.
Canada’s Walk of Fame Board Member and Founder of Seeing Red Media Bryan Porter gave the event’s opening remarks before the list of 2025 Canada’s Walk of Fame inductees were announced.
“Like many Mohawks,
I learned the concept of a good mind. A good mind is one that is open and dissects what it hears to understand it.
“When I hear a land acknowledgement at events like these, my mind starts to dissect it. What is the intention? What is the outcome? Who is it for? The intention is to show respect and [the] desired outcome is reconciliation. Without action, they are only words.
“So, instead, I will open this event with [an] acknowledgement of effort and a message of hope.
“We celebrate the grass still grows, and the water still flows on our traditional lands. And the animals who represent our clans are still here helping us to understand.
“Thank you to everyone for preserving our Mother Earth and protecting our animals.
“To everyone who has fought to keep our water and our air clean, who understand that contamination knows no socioeconomic background. To those that got in there and did something about it, thank you for being an ally.
“And to our brothers and sisters in this fight every day, Niawen’kó:wa, you have more support than you know. May the seventh generation, the one yet to come, be able to deliver this same message about preservation.
“There is much work to be done, but if we approach it with open hearts, mutual respect and open minds, I think we will be surprised with how much we can accomplish. Nia:wen, let’s enjoy the wondrous storytelling tonight that our country and Canada’s Walk of Fame has to offer.
This year’s inductees represent the very best across Canada’s Walk of Fame’s five pillars of achievement: Arts & Entertainment, Science, Technology & Innovation, Sports & Athletics, Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy, and Humanitarianism.
“I’m excited to share these uplifting and emotional stories with all Canadians on our nation’s birthday,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO, Canada’s Walk of Fame.
2025 Inductees:
Liona Boyd – Five-Time Juno Award-Winning “First Lady of Guitar”
oneering Cardiovascular Surgeon
Shawn Levy –Acclaimed Writer, Director and Producer Known for Deadpool & Wolverine, Night at the Museum and Stranger Things
Dr. Samantha Nutt –Champion of Children’s Wellness on the Frontlines of Global Crises
Our Lady Peace – Multi-platinum, Diamond-Selling Band
Isadore Sharp – Visionary Hotelier and Philanthropist
Mike Weir – The first Canadian golfer to win the Masters Tournament
Toronto International Film Festival – The Largest Public Film Festival in the World
Tonya Williams –Award-Winning Actress, Producer and Advocate
2025 Presenters
K.C. Collins star of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent – Presenter for Tonya Williams
Rhys Hoskins – Co-Presenter for Dr. Samantha Nutt (son) and Chantal Kreviazuk, award-winning Canadian singer, songwriter, composer, pianist – Co-Presenter for Dr. Samantha Nutt
Charlie, Coco, Tess and Sophie Levy – Presenters for Shawn Levy (daughters) Deepa Mehta, Indian-born Canadian film director and screenwriter – Presenter for TIFF
Julie Nesrallah, celebrated opera singer and host of CBC’s Tempo – Presenter for Liona Boyd
Dr. Maral Ouzounian, Cardiac Surgeon and Surgeon Scientist at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, and Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto. – Presenter for Dr. Tirone David
Rosalie Sharp – Presenter for Isadore Sharp (wife)
Media personality
George Stroumboulopoulos – Presenter for Our Lady Peace
Dr. Tirone David – Pi-
Tom Cochrane, music icon and Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee (2009) –Presenter for Mike Weir
“CBC is proud to bring Canada’s Walk of Fame to audiences from coast-tocoast-to-coast, to showcase inspiring stories of achievement from Canadian trailblazers and celebrate the very best of our country on Canada Day,” said Barbara Williams, CBC executive vice-president.
Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto. KOBLUN
JACE KOBLUN
New grant funding available to help farmers reduce phosphorus
pollute waterways and can trigger excessive algae growth.
Farmers in the Grand River watershed have access to new grant funding, available through the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), aimed at reducing phosphorus runoff into local waterways—a crucial step in preventing harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. Funding is available for projects such as soil testing and crop nutrient planning, cover crops, erosion control structures, stream fencing, tree planting or adopting more efficient phosphorus application practices.
Phosphorus is a key nutrient that helps plants grow and maintains healthy ecosystems. It comes from natural and human sources such as wastewater treatment plants, urban stormwater and agricultural runoff. Too much phosphorus can
The Grand River Priority Watersheds Phosphorus Reduction Program (PWPRP) provides financial support to farmers implementing practices that keep phosphorus on the land and out of rivers, with a focus on the Nith River and Fairchild Creek subwatersheds.
With financial support from the Government of Canada through the Canada Water Agency Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, the threeyear program targets the Nith River and Fairchild Creek watersheds, identified as priority areas for stewardship action in the Grand River watershed.
“While reducing phosphorus is the primary focus, this program has multiple benefits,” says Louise Heyming, GRCA Supervisor of Conservation Outreach. “Projects to manage runoff and help maximise nutrient
use efficiency will also help improve soil health, biodiversity and flood mitigation. What’s good for farm productivity and sustainability is also good for landscape resilience and watershed health.”
Farmers in the Grand River watershed who are interested in a project but are outside the target area, are still encouraged to contact the GRCA. The GRCA offers additional cost share programs, including the Rural Water Quality Program, which provides grants to farm and rural landowners for water protection projects.
To apply to the Priority Watershed Phosphorus Reduction Program or to learn more about the services and grants that are available through the GRCA, please contact the GRCA atruralwater@grandriver.ca or call 519-6212761 and ask to speak to a Conservation Specialist. More information is also available at www.grandriver.ca/ruralwater.
Canada Day celebrations draw thousands, as Carney says values are under pressure
By: Alessia Passafiume and Dylan Robertson
Canadians took to parks and civic squares across the country Tuesday to show unity on Canada Day amid American threats, economic uncertainty and Western alienation.
"We've decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that's the Canadian way," Prime Minister Mark Carney said to thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa.
This year's festivities at Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park got the royal treatment, with Prince Edward praising Canada's unity and accomplishments.
"Seeing this sea of red and white, there is only one sense that I have here," the Duke of Edinburgh said.
"Today is truly a celebration of you, and your home and your land, strong and free."
Leaders gave speeches interlaced with musical performances, Indigenous cultural demonstrations and multiple flypasts of Snowbirds military jets. The federal Heritage Department counted 8,000 people attending the afternoon ceremony.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon told the crowd that the country is on a journey of
reconciliation that began by listening to each other, by honouring the past and "holding space for the pain and resilience" of Indigenous Peoples.
"Kindness is the thread that weaves our communities together," she said.
In Carney's first national holiday since taking office in March, the prime minister touched on moments in Canada's history of coming together, from the Battle of Vimy Ridge to the role of Gander, N.L., in supporting people whose flights were grounded after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"Our economy is being attacked by a trade war we didn't start," he said, alluding to U.S. President Donald Trump's series of tariffs on Canada.
"Our values are being tested by attacks on democracy and freedoms — attacks that we must resist. And once again, as the world is becoming more divided and dangerous, Canadians are uniting."
Carney used his speech to tout legislation his government passed to speed up the permitting of major projects, despite Bill C-5 attracting controversy from environmentalists, Indigenous groups and democracy advocates. He called on Canadians to
show the same industrious spirit that got the St. Lawrence Seaway built and 1967 Expo in Montreal, and to "build, baby, build" in the face of U.S. economic threats.
Canada Day this year coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag and the 45th anniversary of the official adoption of "O Canada" as the national anthem. The ceremony also marked the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope. Federal Canadian Identity Minister Steven Guilbeault noted that Terry's younger brother Darrell was present, as part of a team of cyclists biking 7,000 kilometres from Vancouver to St. John's.
He also noted the passing of "remarkable Canadians and Indigenous Peoples we lost" over the past year, including actor Donald Sutherland and the former head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair. "Their legacies live on, in the people they inspired, the change they sparked, and the Canada they helped build," Guilbeault said.
Simon invested five individuals into the Order of Canada during the Ottawa ceremony, including actor
Ryan Reynolds and musician Heather Rankin. An evening show was set to feature artists like Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de Pirate, Brenda Montana, Dear Rogue and Alex Wells.
In Alberta, where talk of separation from Canada has dominated much of the political discussion following the Liberals win in April's federal election, hundreds soaked up the sun on the legislature grounds in Edmonton.
"I'm proud to be Canadian and standing strong for Canada," said Alice Rutto, who noted talk of separation is what prompted her to come out for the celebrations.
But Jack O'Brien had mixed views. While he said Canada Day is a day for "everyone to come together" and isn't the time for independence talk, his views about Canada will be different on July 2. "This is the time for us to celebrate Canada, correct? But if you ask me tomorrow about separation, it's a whole different story," said O'Brien, who lives in a rural community.
"I'm not a fan of the Liberal government and I would think a majority of Albertans are not, and to be honest, if they wanted to separate and wanted
my vote, they would get it."
In Vancouver, hundreds gathered to take in live music on Granville Island, where local shop owner Jaskiran Kaur said she was proud to see the community marking the holiday, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the announced discovery of graves at B.C. residential schools.
"I think Granville Island was really consciously trying to be mindful when it came to residential school survivors and the recognition of Indigenous culture," Kaur said as she waited in line for her children to get their faces painted.
"I think that was why it's been very toned down the past few years. And I think it coming back, across the board in the country, is very much to do with the 51st state rhetoric," she said, a reference to Trump's aspirations to make Canada an American state.
In front of Toronto City Hall, hundreds gathered at Nathan Phillips Square to take pictures in front of the three-dimensional Toronto sign, while enjoying live music and dance performances.
Phoenix Deluca said she drove in from Peterborough, Ont., with her
friends visiting from Scotland so they could join the celebrations.
"It's nice to show off Canada," she said. "I'm very proud to be Canadian."
Carlos Gama immigrated to Canada three years ago from Brazil, and said he's spent every Canada Day since then in downtown Toronto. He said he'll be celebrating with "poutine and other Canadian foods."
A few blocks away at Queen's Park, hundreds protested at an Idle No More rally, opposing Ontario's own major-projects legislation that has drawn loud opposition from Indigenous groups.
"We have to come together. The Great Lakes are going to be dead within 10 years," Melanie vanDam, a member of Cutler First Nation, said to the crowd through tears.
— With files from Natasha Baldin in Toronto, Brieanna Charlebois in Vancouver and Rob Drinkwater in Edmonton
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025. This is a corrected story. An earlier version said that Simon invested six individuals into the Order of Canada.
Head of Production: Dave LaForce Writer: Jace Koblun Writer: Donna Duric
Toronto Motorsports Park Nitro Nationals
Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga was the scene of the Nitro Nationals this past weekend. It was loud and exciting with great weather. On Saturday after the racing there was a band and a fireworks display.
Akwesasne man in custody
By Kelly Geraldine Malone
A dual Canadian-American citizen that United States authorities allege was part of a deadly human smuggling operation that left migrants drowned in the St. Lawrence River will remain in custody following a detention hearing in the Northern District of New York District Court on Tuesday.
The U.S. Justice Department said 34-year-old Timothy Oakes was arrested as he attempted to enter the United States on June 15. Oakes, who is from Akwesasne which straddles the Canada-U.S. border west of Montreal, was indicted in April for conspiring with others to smuggle people from Canada into the United States, as well as four counts of alien smuggling for profit and four counts of alien smuggling resulting in death.
U.S. court documents allege Oakes was a key facilitator in the smuggling operation which left a Romanian family of four, including two young children, dead in
March 2023.
The family, which were not named in the U.S. court documents, have been identified as Florin Iordache, his wife Cristina (Monalisa) Zenaida Iordache, their two-year-old daughter Evelin and oneyear-old son Elyen.
"This case shows the terrible perils of illegally crossing the border," U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York John A. Sarcone III said in a news release Tuesday. "Four family members died because a smuggling network put them in harm’s way."
Court documents allege that Oakes routinely smuggled people into the United States by boat across the St. Lawrence River. Documents said he was paid $1,000 per person.
Court documents said Oakes housed the Romanian family for about 24 hours in March 2023 before transporting them along with a boat to a public launch site. His brother, Casey Oakes, was piloting the boat intending to reach northern New York. The boat ultimately cap-
sized, killing all four members of the migrant family and Oakes' brother.
A family of four from India were also on the boat and drowned but the U.S. indictment against Oakes does not include their deaths.
Last year RCMP announced arrests in connection to the deaths of 50-year-old Praveenbhai Chaudhari, his 45-yearold wife Dakshaben, their 20-year-old son Meet and their daughter Vidhi, 23.
Law enforcement have said Akwesasne's geography across the international border makes it a popular spot for smugglers of both humans and contraband.
The U.S. Justice Department said those involved in the tragedy new about dangerous conditions on the St. Lawrence River on the day of the drownings.
United States-based Dakota Montour, 31, Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 43, and Janet Terrance, 45, previously entered guilty pleas in relation to the tragedy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025.
By Jim Windle
SIX NATIONS — Anytime
you can hold the Orangeville Northmen to five goals, you have played a good defensive game, and the Arrows certainly did that. But whenever you can hold the Six Nations Arrows to two goals, you have performed a miracle.
Orangeville’s goaltender, Evan Constantopoulos filled the Northmen cage like a size 11 foot in a size 8 shoe, leaving very little net for the Arrows to shoot at.
The game quickly evolved into a defensive masterclass at both ends of the ILA.
Dylan Sanderson and Six Nations Arrows’ Daylin John-Hill each scored a powerplay goal for their respective teams in the first period.
McCay Jimerson gave the Arrows their only lead of the game to open the second period, but at that point the Arrows were unable to crack the Northmen’s defensive shell.
Alex Messier scored twice in the frame while Elijah Edwards put an end to the second period with Orangeville leading 4-2. The Arrows sights seemed
By Jim Windle
SIX NATIONS — It took a third period come-back, an overtime session and Ryan Smith’s 28th goal of the season to finally defeat the Brooklin LC, 8-7 Saturday, June 28th. The defending Mann Cup Champions are safely atop the Major Series Lacrosse standings, now six points ahead of second place Brooklin.
What turned out to be a tooth and nail battle began win the Smith boys, Dhane and Ryan, gave the Chiefs a 2-0 lead. Brooklin battled back and by the end of the first 20-minutes, the teams were tied at 3-3. Josh Byrne notched the other Six Nations marker.
know the score.
Arrows fine game trumped by Northmen
to be in need of a slight adjustment with several Six Nations shots bouncing off the post on the rare occasion of finding something to shoot at behind Constantopoulos. On any other night, the talk would have been about what a fine game Six Nations goalie, Sakaronhiotane Thompson played, and he played well
Brooklin poured on the power in the second period, accounting for the only three goals of the period. With the Chiefs down 6-3, a very strong third period was necessary and was accomplished as Dhane Smith, Ian McKay, with two and Ryan Smith completed the comeback tied at 7-7 at the end of regulation time.
Two and a half minutes into the extra frame, Ryan Smith scored his 28th of the season from Dhane Smith and Josh Byrne for the game winner. Warren Hill recorded the win.
Next up for the Chiefs is a bus trip to Owen Sound to face the North Stars, Saturday, July 5th, at 7pm, before the Oakville Rock come to Six Nations Tues.
enough to win, but …
The Arrows had a much easier time Friday night in Brampton, defeating the Excelsiors 12-7.
Following a questionable slashing call against Six Nations within the first minute of play, the Arrows unloaded five unanswered goals scored by Kenny Porter, Chace Cogan, Nathan Ward, Daylin
John-Hill, his 28th of the year, and Shakorennawis Swamp.
Brampton opened the second period scoring as well, to make it 5-2, but once again, Six Nations made them pay with retaliatory goals by Cogan, John-Hill, and Noah Snyder. Two late period Excelsior goals brought the
Chiefs climb top MSL
July 8th, at 8pm.
Last Tuesday, June 24th the Chiefs’ four-goal outburst in the second period pushed Six Nations past the Peterborough Lakers, 9-6. The Lakers lead 3-2 as the second period began but thanks to goals by Ryan Smith, two by Shane Jackson and an Ian McCay powerplay goal, the Chiefs took the 6-4, second period lead.
Six Nations outlasted the Lakers in the third to win the affair by the score of 9-6. Doug Jamieson was in net for the Chiefs win.
Saturday, July 5th, the Chiefs travel to Owen Sound for another swipe at the North Stars, and then, Tuesday, July 8th, the Rock of Oakville roll into the ILA for an 8pm start.
two-period total to 8-4.
Cogan scored his third of the night 40 seconds into the third and it was 9-4. They swapped goals back and forth but when the final buzzer sounded, the Arrows had taken the two points with a 12-7 win. Third period Six Nations goal scorers included Joe Squire, Kean Paré,
and John-Hill with his 30th of the 2025 campaign so far. Games to look forward to include Wednesday, July 2nd, in KW, Friday night, July 4th, the Orangemen will host the Arrows at 8pm. Sunday, July 6th, the Arrows will welcome the St. Catharines Athletics at 7 pm, at the ILA.
Orangeville’s goaltender, Evan Constantopoulos filled the Northmen cage like a size 11 foot in a size 8 shoe, leaving very little net for the Arrows to shoot at. LAFORCE
Six Nations outlasted the Lakers in the third to win the affair by the score of 9-6. Doug Jamieson was in net for the Chiefs win. SUBMITTED
Rivermen make Merchants pay
By Jim Windle
SIX NATIONS - The Brooklin Merchants came to Six Nations last Saturday night and took the Rivermen to the wall, but in the end a strong first period held up for the 13-11 win. The Merchants remain in first place by virtue of one more win than the second place Rivermen, however, the Rivermen hold a game in hand with a record of 8-3-0.
There was a lot of scoring in the first period but when the dust settled the Rivermen were leading 6-4 with Six Nations goals scored by Greg Elijah Brown, Thunder Hill, with two, his 27th and 28th of the season, Davin Bomberry, and Jordan Goddard.
Each team added three goals in the second period, Six Nations marksmen were Danton Miller, Zach Herreweyers, and Bomberry with his second of the game and 17th on the season.
The Rivermen and Merchants played to a 4-4 third period recalling the
two-goal lead the Rivermen built and protected throughout the game for the 13-11 win. Ross Hill, Bomberry, and Greg Elijah Brown, with his 10th and 11th goals of the season, all contributed. Ty Bellinger was in the Rivermen net for the win, making 30 saves on 41 Brooklin shots.
The Rivermen are back in action Saturday, July 5th at the ILA against the Hamilton Bengals in a 7pm start. They stay home Sunday, July 6th, when the James Gang ride in from Ennismore for a 2pm, afternooner.
So far this season the Rivermen are being powered by Thunder Hill who has amassed 51 points, with 28 goals and 23 assists for 51 points in 11 games played, tops in the league. Brooklin’s top gun is Parker Pipher with 50 points.
Hamilton Bengals 12 Rivermen 10 The scoring came in bunches Friday night, June 22nd at the Dave Andreychuk Arena in Hamilton.
Two quick ones put Hamiton in an early lead, but Markus Elvin and Zak Herreweyers answered. But the Bengals added two more, the last being with only 11 seconds left in the period.
Tyson Bomberry and Ross Hill evened the score early in the second, but Hamilton interrupted with a goal by Jaden Patterson, which was quickly countered by Herreweyers, quick prompted a Hamilton counterattack with the next three.
Ross Hill and Thunder Hill closed the second period for the Rivermen who still remained one goal behind, 8-7 after 40 minutes. Herreweyers and Jordan Goddard with two, added third period goals but the Bengals held off the late Six Nations charge for the 12-10 win.
They will meet again, Sunday, July 5th at the ILA at 7pm.
The Rivermen stay home for Saturday afternoon, 2pm, when the James Gang come in from Ennismore.
Several Indigenous players selected in 2025 NHL Entry Draft
By Neil Becker
The recently completed 2025 NHL Entry Draft was one that young aspiring Indigenous players from around the globe will not soon forget.
Last summer, four up and coming indigenous hockey players were selected in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and this year indigenous communities have reason to feel more excited as up to six players were included on the NHL's Central Scouting final 2025 Draft Rankings.
Among those talented indigenous players who this past season made a big impression on NHL general managers include forwards Carter Bear (Penguis First Nation), Jack Nesbitt (Wiikwemkoong First Nation), Jett Lajoie (Muskeg Lake Cree Nation), Hayden Paupanekis (Norway House Cree Nation), Lucas Sawchyn (Metis) and defenceman Kashawn Dylan LeBret who on Friday, June 27th and Saturday June 28th were along with everyone else anxiously waiting and hoping to hear their names being called at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft which this year took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
You can bet there was a huge buzz among Indigenous hockey fans when during the draft's first round Nesbitt and Bear were chosen with back-toback picks.
Nesbitt, who last season scored 25 goals and 64 points and accumulated 74 PIM's in his second season with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, was drafted 12th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. Nesbitt, who is a 6'5" 185 pound centerman is the 15th ranked North American skater by NHL's Central Scouting.
Dan Marr, vice president of NHL's Central Scouting said before the draft,
"We think his upside is really, really strong. I think teams will step up for him. It was consensus
with our group and I think it's consensus with a lot of NHL teams. Windsor was very well-scouted near the end of the year and in the playoffs just because he continued to elevate his game as the season went along. So, I think this is a player that teams will step up for. He has got so much room to grow, so much room." Marr also went on to add,
"This is a guy who can really move well. He has got good hands and he has got a decent touch around the net. Just his hockey instincts, with and without the puck, they're very, very impressive."
The Flyers actually made a pre-draft deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins which saw them surrender their 22nd and 31st 2025 Draft Picks in exchange for the Penguins 12th overall pick.
A few minutes after Nesbitt was drafted, it was the Detroit Red Wings turn who selected with the 13th pick 18 year-old center/left winger Carter Bear who this past season produced career bests with 40 goals along with 82 points and 77 PIM's playing for the WHL's Everett Silvertips.
Bear ranked 10th among North American skaters received some strong praise from Red Wings assistant GM and director of amateur scouting Kris Draper who said,
"The thing with Carter is, he can score in different ways. He can score from the perimeter, the way he shoots the puck. He can score off the rush. He can score off the cycle. He gets around the net. So that's obviously a skill in itself, not being one- dimensional, pure-shooter, or a guy that just scores goals any way."
Bear sustained a serious injury when on March 9th he suffered a partially torn right Achillies tendon which sidelined him for the last few games of the regular season and playoffs. As we head into July, Bear has been on the ice
skating and is confident that he will be ready to go when training camp opens in September.
Hard-hitting defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson heard his name called 17th overall by the New York Islanders. Aitcheson, who stands at 6'1" and 198 pounds also has an offensive flair which playing for the OHL's Barrie Colts saw him score 26 goals along with 59 points and 88 PIM in 64 games.
"Aitcheson is a bit of a throwback. He's a very intense, competitive, physical defenceman who plays with a presence," Sportsnet's Jason Bakula said. "Opponents can't sleep on him when tracking through the neutral zone with the puck on their stick. Aitcheson gaps up with authority and finishes his checks. He's also willing to drop the mitts on occasion."
Hayden Paupanekis, who was been described as a strong skating defensive minded centre was drafted in the third round 69th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. This 18 year-old, who stands at 6'4" 196 pounds was last season involved in a late January blockbuster trade which saw him dealt from the WHL's Spokane Chiefs to the Kelowna Rockets. In total he ended up playing 71 games where he scored 22 goals along with 43 points and 57 PIM's. This hard-checking bottom six forward who was at season's end ranked 38th by NHL Central Scouting, will be returning this coming season to Kelowna who will be hoisting the 2026 Memorial Cup.
Seeing the growth of young Indigenous players hearing their names called at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, is such a big positive for indigenous communities and the indigenous kids who now can see first hand that with hard work and believing in yourself that dreams such as being drafted in the NHL can come true.
SIX NATIONS COUNCIL
SIX NATIONS AND NEW CREDIT
GENERAL Barbara AnnIt is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our precious mother, Barbara General surrounded by her family at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton on
CLUES ACROSS
1. Notes
6. Long-haired dog breed 12. ESPN’s nickname 16. Spanish be 17. Disadvantage
18. Of I 19. Actor Pacino
20. On your way: __ route
21. Fifth note of a major scale
22. Companies need it
23. News agency
24. Faces of an organization
26. Ponds
28. Samoa’s capital
30. Partner to “Pa”
31. Adult male
32. Cool!
34. Used of a number or amount not specified
35. No No No
37. Hosts film festival
39. British place to house convicts
40. Made of fermented honey and water
41. Chief
43. College army
44. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
45. Consume
47. One point north of due east
48. For instance
50. Brews
52. Alaskan river
54. Not soft
56. Atomic #22
57. “The Golden State”
59. “The world’s most famous arena”
60. Larry and Curly’s pal
61. One billion gigabytes
62. Conducts inspections
63. Malaria mosquitoes
66. Unit to measure width
67. Features
70. Affairs
71. Letter of Semitic abjads
Answers
CLUES DOWN
1. Follower of Islam
2. Trauma center
3. French young women
4. Norse god
5. U.S. commercial flyer (abbr.)
6. Merchant
7. Peyton’s younger brother
8. Jungle planet in “Star Wars” galaxy
9. Tree-dwelling animal of C. and S. America
10. “Pollack” actor Harris
11. Stuck around
12. Put on
13. Influential Norwegian playwright
14. Christian __, designer
15. Fulfills a debt
25. Style
26. More (Spanish)
27. A baglike structure in a plant or animal
29. Remedy
31. Disturbance
33. “The Martian” actor Matt
36. Express delight
38. Brooklyn hoopster
39. 1900 lamp
41. Motionless
42. One’s mother (Brit.)
43. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)
46. Compels to act
47. Gardening tool
49. Ancient country
51. Frightening
53. Wimbledon champion Arthur
54. Popular plant
55. Database management system
58. Gasteyer and de Armas are two
60. Where soldiers eat
64. Tenth month (abbr.)
65. Illuminated
68. Atomic #18
69. Adults need one to travel
SUDOKU
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Career developments may be a bit unclear this week, Aries. Your motivation may need a little extra boost. You might have to consider if a career change is in order.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
A lack of information is proving confusing, Taurus. If you suspect there’s more details to uncover, choose a course of action and do your best to get as clear a picture of the situation as possible.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Keep your money in your wallet this week, Gemini. You might want to spend it or give it away impulsively and that could affect your finances in an impactful way.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, this isn’t a good time to sign contracts or make any significant purchases. Keep your money safe and try to keep your savings account full at this point.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
People have been asking you to take on too many responsibilities lately, Leo. This could be stressing you out or taking away from your own needs. Learn to turn others away for now.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, this week may present an opportunity to restore your self-confidence. For too long you have been floundering and not finding the traction you need and deserve.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, something could be distorting your perspective right now and making it difficult to concentrate and communicate. Take a few days off from your responsibilities.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, after some gloomy feelings the last few weeks, good news has you feeling like you are on cloud nine. Savor it and celebrate.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
This is a good week to try to enhance your love life, Sagittarius. Take every opportunity to woo your significant other, and plan a special event for the two of you.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
You may want some magical force to whisk away all of the little difficulties that have been affecting you, Capricorn, but it will require hard work to do that.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Lately there have been a lot of thoughts swirling through your head, so much so that you can’t get any peace, Aquarius. It may be beneficial to sit down with someone to talk it out.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, try something new this week even if it scares you. It is good practice to challenge yourself once in a while to test your resilience to change.
