OPP seize cannabis plants on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
DURIC donna@tworowtimes.com
The raid of a cannabis production facility in Tyendinaga recently has created a heated debate among the community and its Haudenosaunee sister communities about whether or not it infringed on sovereign Haudenosaunee rights.
While the OPP billed it as an organized crime grow-op bust, some well-known Tyendinaga community members are calling it an attack on Haudenosaunee rights.
“Our human rights are getting stepped on,” said Tyendinaga business man Seth LeFort. “Action needs to be taken to do something about it.”
Meanwhile, another well-known man from Tyendinaga, activist
Shawn Brant, called the workers “criminal associates,” saying, “We won’t solve Canadas issues with organized crime groups by moving them on but we needed to make sure that they knew that Tyendinaga was not a place that they were welcome in or that we were a safe haven for their activities.”
The raids happened on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24.
Officers from the OPP, the Tyendinaga Police Service and the Canada Border Services Agency executed search warrants at four sites on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Ten people, including six non-community members, were arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and the Cannabis Act, the OPP said in a news release.
“Non-community members have jeopar-
dized community safety and taken advantage of our land,” said Tyendinaga Police Service Acting Chief Chris Brinklow.
“Investigators discovered illegal dumping sites with significant
environmental impacts. A local quarry was depleted, negatively affecting the water table within Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. The projected profits have served only to benefit organized criminal
networks. While a small number of community members may have been involved, the financial gains were not reinvested into the community. The exploitation of Indigenous communities and lands by
organized crime is a serious violation of our rights and responsibilities - and it will not be tolerated.”
Meanwhile, Ontario Provincial Police said it was collaborating with Tyendinaga Police on tackling organized crime.
“The OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau is committed to working alongside the Tyendinaga Police Service to address organized criminal activity, including illegal cannabis production,” said Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart. “Through close collaboration with Tyendinaga Police Service, the OPP Indigenous Policing Bureau and its Provincial Liaison Team, we are taking meaningful steps to support community safety.”
OPP released the names of all who were charged.
“Non-community members have jeopardized community safety and taken advantage of our land,” said Tyendinaga Police Service Acting Chief Chris Brinklow. FILE
All 10 have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court in Belleville on Nov. 5, 2025.
The charges have not been proven in court.
The accused and the charges are as follows:
-Eugene Agymang, 41, of Newmarket, Ont.
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis
-Lap-Thi Le, 40, of B.C.
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis
-Van Duong Le, 58, of B.C.
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis
-Van Son Le, 39, of B.C.
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis
-Hong Quang Nguyen, 42, of B.C.
Cultivate or harvest a
cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis
-Huu Phlloc Nguyen, 60, of B.C.
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis
-Jessi Hill Corby, 46, of Belleville, Ont.
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis x2
-Bryan Paul Brant, 56, of Oshawa, Ont.
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
Careless storage of a firearm
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis
-Ian Weed, 43, of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
Careless storage of a firearm
Mischief, interferes with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis
Tara Weed, 43, of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
Careless storage of a firearm
Mischief, interferes with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis
2
BALLROOM LIVE!
Report: First Nations people in Ontario disproportionately affected by opioid crisis
Opioids are killing and harming First Nations people in Ontario at an alarming rate much higher than non-First Nations people in the province, according to a new report released Oct. 6.
The rate of opioid-related deaths for First Nations people in the province tripled between 2019 and 2022, according to the report co-authored by researchers at the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network. This is the fourth report co-authored by the two organizations.
In 2022, First Nations
people were dying at a rate nine times higher than for non-First Nations—12.8 deaths per 10,000 people compared to 1.4 per 10,000.
All told, 389 First Nations people died of an overdose in 2021 and 2022. Between 2013 and 2023, opioid use was higher among First Nations, particularly among
those living outside their communities, compared to their non-First Nations, the research shows.
“This new research sheds a light onto one of the most pressing issues of our time. Far too many people—both First Nations and non-First Nations— are tragically losing their lives to opioids,” said
Narcissistic abuse hugely overlooked in domestic violence awareness
DONNA DURIC donna@tworowtimes.com
The word “narcissist” has exploded into popular culture in the past decade and awareness of narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic abuse has pervaded social media airwaves.
But it hasn’t been granted enough of a spotlight or gained as much traction in domestic abuse circles or during domestic awareness campaigns.
When we think of domestic abuse, we picture overt forms of abuse, like physical violence or sexual abuse.
But the effects of psychological abuse are just as damaging and are almost never highlighted or given much attention.
Cher Obediah, a Mohawk and Ojibway speaker, author, filmmaker and artist, is on a mission to raise awareness about narcissism and narcissistic abuse recovery.
She said the word is very confusing for people because there are so many different definitions and types of narcissistic personality disorder, such as malignant, overt, covert, communal, vulnerable, and somatic, to name a few types.
“It’s very confusing for people,” she said.
Her journey into narcissism and narcissistic per-
sonality disorder (NPD) started after exiting an abusive relationship and she was left reeling and wondering what she was dealing with regarding her ex-partner.
“Every time I got digging around, it was more confusing,” she said. “Because it’s not cut and dry. I would get looking and say he definitely demonstrates this but not that.”
What makes it worse is that your abusive ex is not going to go and get diagnosed because people with NPD don’t ever think there is anything wrong with them that even needs therapy or diagnosing or investigating.
Another factor in the confusion after leaving an abusive relationship where psychological manipulation was the main type of abuse is that people with NPD often overlap with other personality disorders in the same “cluster” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) - the Holy Bible of diagnostics for mental health professionals.
NPD is part of Cluster B disorders, which also includes Borderline Personality Disorder (marked by a fear of abandonment) and Anti-Social Personality Disorder (marked by an extreme lack of empathy).
“He overlaps,” said Obediah. “That’s what’s so confusing for people.”
But she took a deep
dive researching what she went through so she never goes through it again.
“I was terrified if I didn’t figure it out I would get caught again,” she said. “There is no way I can go through this again. I really want to study it and understand it.”
She has learned a lot in her healing journey.
“I was able to alter the holes in myself that made me a magnet for (these types of abusers),” she said.
One of the most damaging aspects of domestic violence is that people judge the victim more harshly than the abuser.
They assume she’s weak or stupid and ask why she didn’t leave sooner.
But it’s not that simple.
“Society is so not helpful. They’re so harsh.”
When you meet someone with NPD, the relationship feels like magic from the beginning.
The person with NPD “love bombs” their target immediately and you feel like you’re walking in heaven. They shower you with gifts, attention, affection and mirror your every hope and dream.
“From the word go, you feel like you’ve met your perfect partner,” said Obediah. “It’s magical. They’re so good, they mirror you. You thought you hit the jackpot.”
Later, after the relationship crumbles, you’re
left stunned and bereft because you had only fallen in love with an illusion. There was nothing real about that person or their love.
“It’s very hard to come to terms to with it,” said Obediah.
In the beginning, after the magical mask falls off, the manipulative person slowly starts to show up in very insidious ways.
“He was able to explain away his behaviour as normal. Couples argue. What he was saying made sense to me. This was the manipulation part.”
Obediah learned to compromise in the relationship, a lot.
He started asking her to leave events earlier than she wanted to.
She was told, couples compromise and that’s the loving thing to do.
Her night would be ruined as she would ruminate the whole time she was out about coming in time for her “curfew” is what she eventually called it.
If she wasn’t home on time, she would be accused of being unreliable, that she lies, and that her action was unkind, rude and disrespectful.
“That’s not who I am. Brick by brick I unpacked it so I could understand it. Maybe I didn’t create a boundary. Maybe I’m a people pleaser.”
One thing to watch out for, Obediah stresses, is
someone who moves very quickly in the beginningquick with the professions of love, that you are their soulmate and that you two were destined to be together.
“My starving heart was flattered. I was affection starved. I mentioned that to (him) and next thing you know, he’s overly affectionate.”
Obediah learned harsh lessons.
“Don’t disclose your dirt in the beginning. Don’t tell them that because that’s what they’ll become. They will mirror you.”
By month two or three, the mask slips from the charming facade and persona.
“He started to use little manipulative techniques. The mask started to slip but he also really started to use his past and say, ‘I’m sorry this is where this came from.’ I was forgiving to a fault.”
Narcissists are also usually extremely well-liked in society. They’re thought of as model citizens and are usually the nicest guy you could ever meet.
“That’s the thing,” said Obediah on Tuesday night, driving in her car in the rain, on her way to a narcissistic abuse workshop she created. “This is why it’s so critical why I drive through the rain. Nobody teaches you this in school. (Narcissistic abuse) causes so much harm. People
lose their lives over this. We need to educate more.”
What also needs more awareness is how hard it is to leave an abusive relationship, says Obediah.
Deciding to leave a narcissistic partner is like giving up an addiction.
The relationship was addictive and the victim was actually addicted to their abuser, she says.
The abuser caused the addiction through a pattern called “intermittent reinforcement” - the classic Jekyll and Hyde pattern. The nice person and evil person coming out at unexpected times, throwing your nervous system out of whack.
The abuser sets you on fire and also puts it outand when the fire is put out, your system is flooded with the rewarding brain chemical dopamine.
“It’s neurological rewiring,” said Obediah. “The person that harms you is also bringing you back to homeostasis. It’s a disease. Why don’t we treat it that way? Why can’t you can get addicted to your goddamn partner? I didn’t understand why I kept wanting to go back (to him).”
But you can recover and become narcissist-proof in the future.
Stay tuned to the Two Row Times for more as we cover domestic violence in all its forms during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month this October.
Jace Koblun
GORD DOWNIE’S SECRET PATH LIVE IN CONCERT
THU 16 OCT Join us for a musical sharing of The Secret Path, Gord Downie’s multimedia project inspired by Chanie Wenjack, a twelve-year-old boy who died on October 22, 1966, walking home to his family over 400 miles away after fleeing residential school.
This special performance features a screening of the Secret Path film with all songs played live led by musical director Joe Lapinski, and a specially hand-picked band featuring legendary Canadian drummer Dave Clark (Downie bandmate and formerly of The Rheostatics), Laura Minnes, Ian de Souza, and Dr. Pee. The second half of the evening is a community celebration of Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip’s musical legacy. Find the full lineup by scanning the QR code.
The event is presented in support of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. All tickets are Pay-What-You-Can.
ELISAPIE
SUN 1 DEC
JUNO award-winning Inuk artist Elisapie brings her powerful album, Inuktitut, a celebrated collection of reimagined Inuktitut songs honoring her heritage through breathtaking vocals and contemporary arrangements.
Tickets starting at $24.
SKéN:NEN FRI 30 JAN
Kaha:wi Dance Theatre with Artistic Director Santee Smith
An immersive dance performance following a young Kanyen’kehàka girl and climate survivors who must revitalize humanity’s connection to an environment in recovery.
Tickets starting at $25.
Report: First Nations people in Ontario disproportionately affected by opioid crisis
Ontario Regional Chief Benedict. “The opioid and toxic drug supply crisis has devastated many communities across this region. Nearly everyone has been affected by this in some way. We can and must do better to honour those we’ve lost and those they’ve left behind.”
Hospital visits due to opioid-related toxicity are also higher among First Nations people, the report shows. In 2023, First Nations people were 10 times more likely to visit a hospital for opioid-related toxicity. For First Nations living outside of their communities, the rates are even more dire, with those living outside of community twice as likely as those living within community to visit a hospital for opioid-related toxicity.
And while First Nations continue to be disproportionately impacted by the overdose epidemic,
opioid prescriptions for pain management are declining.
While these statistics illustrate a troubling picture, the research does give some cause for hope. Since the last report looking at how the overdose crisis has impacted First Nations in Ontario, published in 2023, hospitalization rates have decreased and death rates have stabilized.
“We need more resources, not fewer, to protect our people, safeguard our future, and provide the support essential for healing. As harm reduction sites and services are being closed across Ontario, we are witnessing the erosion of crucial lifelines and support services for our people and Nations,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “It is undeniable that deaths and harms are escalating at an alarming rate and our people are bearing the brunt of this crisis.”
Researchers worked
under the guidance of a dedicated First Nations steering committee and utilized data from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. Their findings make clear the urgent need for access to opioid treatment and harm reduction services, which are an essential healing path for some First Nations people pained by systemic racism and intergenerational trauma.
“The decades-long war on drugs has not worked, especially for First Nations people who are already overrepresented in the criminal justice system,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “We need cultural and spiritual supports to deal with mental health and substance use—not more punishments.”
Studies have shown culturally based healing programs are an important part of the healing journey.
Provincial and federal governments must collab-
orate with First Nations to create on a comprehensive strategy that shifts focus from punitive measures towards culturally sensitive and spiritually informed supports to address mental health and substance use challenges. To avert further tragedies, swift action is essential in ensuring that treatment and harm reduction services are accessible and adequately funded for all First Nations.
Nearly 51,000 Canadians have died of an apparent opioid overdose between 2016 and September 2024—roughly 16 every single day—according to Health Canada statistics.
Chiefs of Ontario will work to compile data on publicly funded treatment programs in Ontario to determine whether they are adequately serving First Nations, and on the number of First Nations that have declared a state of emergency because of the opioid crisis.
HALDIMAND TREATY DAY EVENT
All Six Nations of the Grand River departments will be closed on
Monday, October 13, 2025.
Regular office hours will resume Tuesday, October 14 @ 8:30am.
Community members are invited to join us for a day of celebration and education with a discussion about our history, litigation updates, lunch, and more!
DATE: TIME:
Saturday, October 25 11am-3pm
LOCATION:
Woodland Cultural Centre (184 Mohawk Street, Brantford)
“ Six Miles deep from each side of the River beginning at Lake Erie and extending in the proportion to the Head of said River, which Them and Their Posterity are to enjoy forever ”
SPAY/ NEUTER
SIX NATIONS COUNCIL
SIX NATIONS AND NEW CREDIT
The GREAT Job Board is brought to you by Service Canada. Only local positions are posted in the paper. For more positions in the surrounding area, visit our job board at www.greatsn.com! To apply for funding, book your intake appointment with an ETC by calling 519-445-2222 (Toll-Free long distance at 1-888 218-8230 or email us at info@greatsn.com.
Homicide Investigation in Simcoe
By 2RT Staff
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a homicide in Simcoe.
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, around 10:30 a.m., police responded to a 9-1-1 call on Head Street South and found a person dead. The deceased has been identified as 71-year-old Barbara MORGAN of Simcoe. A postmortem exam-
ination will be done on Monday, October 6, 2025.
The Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit, along with other agencies, is investigating further. There will be more police in the area as they continue their work.
Right now, it looks like this was an isolated incident, and there's no sign of any wider danger. But, the police are still investigating and keeping a close watch
on things. Even though there's no known risk to the community, please stay alert and report anything suspicious to the police. If you have any info that could help, please call the Norfolk County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to stay anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
*
CLUES ACROSS
1. Comedic actor Rogen
5. Bits per inch
8. Tire pressure measurement
11. Angels great Mike
13. Own (Scottish)
14. Notable FI racing team
15. Upper bract of grass
16. Tax collector
Electronic counter-counter-
Informal loan clubs
Skeletal muscle
Worded 31. Single Lens Reflex 32. Amphibians
33. Warm greeting
38. Belonging to a thing
41. Segmented worm
43. Concerns
45. Audacious
47. Wings
49. Type of drug
50. Wind chill formula scientist
Charles
55. Island close to the U.S.
56. “To the __ degree”
57. Daniel __, French composer
59. A way to march
60. Where golfers begin
61. Spiritual leader 62. Of she 63. Mental disorder concerning body odor (abbr.)
Tall, slender-leaved plant
Amounts of time
3. Fragrant brown balsam used in perfume
4. Color properties
5. One who hands over
6. Thieves of the sea
7. Put in
8. Nocturnal rodents
9. Pouches
10. Systems, doctrines, theories
12. Greek alphabet letter
14. Greek goddess of youth
19. Satisfy
23. Partly digested food
24. Dictator
25. Parts per thousand (abbr.)
26. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet
27. A major division of geological time
28. Angry
29. St. Francis of __
34. Romanian monetary unit
35. Stale
36. Go quickly
37. Commercials
39. Canadian city
40. One who slices
41. Perform perfectly
42. Nest of pheasants
44. Tactile sensations
45. Sword
46. Climactic
47. Adrenocorticotrophin
48. Fisherman’s tool
51. Swiss river
52. Plant that makes gum
53. A French abbot
54. One point east of northeast
58. Get free of
SUDOKU
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
This week is all about fresh starts, Aries. The stars are aligning to give you the green light on a new project or personal goal. Don’t hesitate to jump on the first step.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Focus on building a solid foundation this week, Taurus. Whether it’s in your career or personal life, your hard work and persistence will pay off in a big way.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Your social calendar is buzzing, Gemini. This week you could be a magnet for interesting conversations and new ideas. Don’t be afraid to network and share your thoughts.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Expect a breakthrough in your personal life, Cancer. You’ll gain a new sense of clarity and emotional understanding, allowing you to move forward with confidence.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Your leadership skills are on full display, Leo. This week you’ll be called upon to inspire and guide others. Don’t be shy about stepping into the spotlight at work or in a group setting.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
This is a week for practical improvements, Virgo. Take a look at your daily routines and find small ways that you can be more efficient. Organize your space or adopt a new health habit.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Harmony in your relationships is a prominent theme this week, Libra. Your diplomatic nature will help you resolve any lingering conflicts and form deeper connections.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
A powerful transformation might be underway, Scorpio. You might feel an urge to dig deeper and uncover hidden truths, both in yourself and in your life. Embrace the process of growth.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Expand your horizons this week, Sagittarius. You’ll feel a strong pull to learn something new, whether it is a skill or a different language. Your optimistic outlook is contagious,
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Your hard work is about to pay off, Capricorn. This week you may see progress on a long-term professional goal. Some well-deserved recognition may be on the horizon.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
This week you could find joy and inspiration by connecting with like-minded people, Aquarius. A collaborative project or a group event will be particularly successful.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, dedicate some time this week to new pursuits. You may be itching to try something new and this is the time to sign up for a class or get out and meet new people.
