First Nations

Virtual Spirit Week at MSFN School engaging kids from a distance

Keeping kids engaged is top of mind for parents and school staff while young people have been out of school for over two weeks as a precaution against COVID-19. Tarra Olson, the vice principal at Makw...

Apr 06, 2020 (Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

Kopahawakenum Community School students receive weekly lesson packages during closure

Passionate teachers and staff of Kopahawakenum Community School at Flying Dust First Nation are making sure students stay engaged in learning and helping parents keep kids in a structured setting whil...

Apr 06, 2020 Kopahawakenum School student Tyson Bruce with his teacher Ms. Chelsea Aistine. (Submitted photo/Chris Bruce)

First COVID-19 case in James Smith Cree Nation

James Smith Cree Nation has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.A public notice signed by Chief Wally Burns was sent to community members on Sunday, April 5. It said the individual was tested on Frid...

Apr 05, 2020 Stores that are still open, like pharmacies, have taken extra precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs take ownership, open Nipawin’s first cannabis store

It took nearly a year and a half after its initial targeted opening date, but Nipawin's first cannabis store opened on Saturday.FN Cannabis Co. is on First Ave W is also the first cannabis store owned...

Apr 05, 2020 The Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs opened their first cannabis store in Nipawin, under an Indigenous themed brand (Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff).

Onion Lake Cree Nation announces positive case of COVID-19

Onion Lake Cree Nation has announced the first case of the coronavirus within the community.In a Facebook post to residents, OCLN announced a positive case of COVID-19. (Courtesy: Onion Lake Cree Nati...

Apr 03, 2020 Onion Lake Cree Nation announced it's first case of COVID-19 Thursday. (Courtesy: Onion Lake Cree Nation)

Bootleggers blamed for instigating lack of social distancing on First Nation communities

Alcohol bootleggers making their way to First Nations communities are being blamed for an increase in large gatherings while temporary bar and restaurant closures are in effect amid the COVID-19 pande...

Apr 03, 2020 (Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

Investigation underway at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation after reports of 'financial weakness'

Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation is undergoing an internal investigation after band officials noted a "financial weakness," according to a letter addressed to community members dated April 2. Chief Rona...

Apr 03, 2020 (Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

Province not considering ban on alcohol sales at this stage, premier says

An increase in house parties has been a direct result of the temporary closure bars and restaurants in the province, according to the Chief of Montreal Lake Cree Nation.Frank Roberts is one of several...

Apr 02, 2020 (File photo/paNOW Staff)

Muskoday First Nation closes borders due to COVID-19 pandemic

The Muskoday First Nation has officially closed its borders.According to a media release, as of March 30 band leadership implemented their Community Protection Law and Land Resolution. The law is mean...

Apr 02, 2020 (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Community Powwow postponed amid COVID-19 concerns

One of the organizers of the annual Heart of The Youth Community Powwow in Prince Albert says it "hurts my heart" the colourful gathering planned for the spring can't proceed.It was set for May 22 at ...

Apr 01, 2020 The third annual Heart of The Youth Community Powwow in Prince Albert was expected to draw around 4,000 people this year. (file photo/paNOW Staff)