InFocus

This week on APTN News InFocus, we're celebrating a milestone: 25 years of APTN News. From mailing tapes to digital transformation and award-winning journalism, APTN has grown into a network of Indigenous reporters telling Indigenous stories on their own terms. Guest host Karyn Pugliese is joined by Dan David, Bruce Spence, Todd Lamirande and Charmaine Straker, some of the key people who helped build APTN News from the ground up. They share stories from the early days, reflect on major reporting moments and talk about how far Indigenous journalism has come and where it needs to go. It's a look back and a look ahead, as we honour the voices and stories that shaped APTN News. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus we go to the High Arctic, where climate change, sovereignty and survival intersect. We're featuring the first episode of The Place That Thaws, a six-part podcast from APTN News and Danielle Paradis, recently nominated for a Canadian Association of Journalists award. Set in Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord, the series shares powerful stories from Inuit adapting to a warming world, where hunting seasons are shrinking and polar bears are staying ashore longer. With Arctic sovereignty back in the spotlight and wildfires sweeping the country, The Place That Thaws is more relevant than ever. Find the full series on your favourite podcast platform or listen here: https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourstories/theplacethatthaws/ • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, guest host Kathleen Martens looks at treaty rights and the Alberta separatist movement. Matthew Wildcat, an assistant professor and director of Indigenous governance in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta, explains why treaty rights could block Alberta's push to leave Canada. He unpacks the province's Sovereignty Act, Bill 54 and what it means for First Nations. We also hear from Gina Starblanket, associate professor at the University of Victoria and a member of the Star Blanket Cree Nation. She weighs in on how separation challenges treaty law and what history can teach us. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, we're looking ahead to wildfire season and asking if our communities are any better prepared than in years past. Wildfires are already burning. Forests are going up in flames. People are being forced from their homes. Guest host Leanne Sanders sits down with Arnold Lazare, interim executive director of the Indigenous Fire Safety Council. He joins us from Kahnawake to talk about what's working and what isn't. We also hear from Michelle Vandevord, director of Saskatchewan First Nation Emergency Management. She says most communities are ready, but weather remains the wildcard. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus we look behind the scenes of debunking a police investigation. In 2015, Matty Fairman and Tyler Maracle from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory were found dead in the Bay of Quinte. Police said the men drowned after stealing fish and overloading their boat. Their families never believed it. Now, neither does APTN Investigates reporter Kenneth Jackson. In the fourth chapter of his series Secrets of the Bay, Jackson challenges the police version of events with a boat that refuses to sink. Guest host Karyn Pugliese sits down with Jackson to talk about how the story unfolded. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, we break down the results of the April 28 federal election. The Liberals remain in power and the Conservatives will form the official opposition. The Bloc Québécois lost seats and the NDP dropped to just seven—losing official party status in the process. Twelve First Nations, Inuit and Métis candidates were elected across party lines. One of them is Mi'kmaw Liberal MP Jaime Battiste, now the most senior Indigenous member in the party. He speaks with APTN National News host Dennis Ward about what's next. We also take a closer look at what the NDP's losses could mean for Indigenous issues in Parliament. Political scientist Paul Thomas joins us to talk about what's at stake. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens checks in as the federal election campaign hits its final stretch. For more than a month, party leaders have been making promises about prosperity, wealth and good governance—but what's in it for Indigenous Peoples? Dennis Ward, host of APTN National News, and Jennifer Laewetz, political commentator and panelist on APTN's Truth and Politics panel, return to weigh in. We also head to Onigaming First Nation in northwestern Ontario. Our Parliament Hill correspondent Karyn Pugliese brings us a story about the community's concerns—and what federal promises mean on the ground. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN InFocus, host Cierra Bettens explores the growing movement for Indigenous data sovereignty. In a TED Talk, British investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr warns we may already be “living inside the architecture of totalitarianism,” referring to the predatory ways big tech companies harvest, use and sell data. Data holds a lot. It holds stories, histories, languages — all the information that defines who we are and where we come from. It's also a resource — and like other resources, it can be exploited by corporate and colonial interests. To unpack what Indigenous data sovereignty means and how it's being put into action, Cierra is joined by Jeff Ward, founder and CEO of Animikii. His Indigenous tech company has launched Niiwin, a platform designed to help communities manage and protect their data on their own terms. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens unpacks the latest controversy over Métis identity in Ontario. The Métis National Council released a report suggesting the existence of seven historic Métis communities in the province—a claim swiftly rejected by the Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, Métis Nation British Columbia and the Chiefs of Ontario. To make sense of the report, Cierra is joined by Jean Teillet, a retired Métis lawyer, author and the great-grandniece of Louis Riel. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN InFocus, host Cierra Bettens explores what Arctic sovereignty really means for Inuit in the North. As federal leaders call for more military infrastructure - from bases in Iqaluit to new fleets of fighter jets - questions are being raised about who these efforts protect, and at what cost. Journalist David Pugliese from the Ottawa Citizen joins Bettens to break down Canada's defence strategy and what's driving the push for control in the region. Also, former APTN reporter Danielle Paradis reflects on her 2023 podcast The Place That Thaws, which revisits the forced relocation of Inuit in the 1950s—an earlier attempt by Canada to assert sovereignty. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens takes a closer look at where Indigenous issues stand as federal parties ramp up their campaigns. The five main political parties have been working the campaign trail since March 23. Threats from the United States and other foreign powers are, so far, dominating the campaign. But what have candidates been saying about Indigenous issues—from housing to water to free, prior and informed consent? APTN National News host Dennis Ward and Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Harbour Strategies and panelist on APTN's Truth & Politics podcast unpack what's being said—and what's being left out. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens takes a closer look at policing in Canada and its impact on Indigenous Peoples. In the final months of 2024, 15 Indigenous people died after interactions with police—some were shot, others beaten to death or run over by cruisers. Their deaths have reignited calls for a national inquiry into systemic racism in policing, the focus of Inside Policing, a three-part series from APTN Investigates. Reporters Tamara Pimentel, Rob Smith and Tom Fennario join us to discuss their findings. Police interactions with journalists are also under scrutiny. Reporters have been arrested for covering protests and police actions, including APTN reporter Savanna Craig, who was taken into custody while covering a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Montreal. She shares her experience and what it says about press freedom in Canada. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens examines the years-long fight to search the Prairie Green landfill and the delays that kept families waiting. In December 2022, Cambria Harris stood on Parliament Hill, pleading for a search of the landfill where her mother, Morgan Harris, and others were believed to be. Despite her calls for action, it took two more years for the search to begin. APTN News senior online journalist Kathleen Martens joins us to break down the timeline and the latest developments. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens examines the mercury crisis in Grassy Narrows and the community's ongoing fight for justice and healing. In the 1960s and '70s, the Dryden paper mill dumped nearly nine tonnes of mercury into the English-Wabigoon River system, devastating the downstream community of Grassy Narrows. Today, an estimated 90 per cent of the community has symptoms of mercury poisoning. On March 5, officials gathered for the ground breaking of a long-awaited health centre dedicated to mercury poisoning care—five years after the deal to build it was signed. APTN Investigates reporter Brittany Guyot joins us to discuss her documentary Something in the Water, the ongoing impact of mercury poisoning, and the community's fight for accountability. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

This week on APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens examines the impact of the looming trade war between Canada and the U.S. and what it means for Indigenous businesses. As U.S. President Donald Trump plans to move ahead with 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports, companies across the country are scrambling to adapt. But for Indigenous businesses, many of which already face barriers, the economic uncertainty is especially challenging. Shane Prevost, vice president of Bison Modular, is looking to a centuries-old agreement for solutions. The Jay Treaty, signed in 1794, grants Indigenous Peoples the right to trade and travel freely across the Canada-U.S. border. Could this be a game-changer for Indigenous businesses caught in the crossfire of a trade war? Join us as we put Indigenous trade InFocus. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

In this episode, we're putting Jordan's Principle InFocus. For nearly 20 years the federal government has been running a program called Jordan's Principle. The program is supposed to provide First Nations children living on reserve with the same services children living off-reserve could receive. It's named after Jordan River Anderson – a boy from Norway House Cree Nation who was born with multiple health issues in a Winnipeg hospital. Throughout his short life, Canada and the province of Manitoba argued over who would pay for his at-home care. In the end, Jordan never made it home. Twenty years after his death, the program is in shambles—and it seems no one knows what is and isn't covered. APTN's Parliament Hill reporter Karyn Pugliese joins host Cierra Bettens to unravel what is going on. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

In this episode, host Cierra Bettens explores the efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages across Turtle Island. February is I Love to Read month, and APTN reporter Tiar Wheatle is leading Mother Tongue Teachings—a new series featuring language speakers sharing a phrase of the day. Tiar joins us to discuss the series, her language journey, and the role of journalists in language revitalization. We also hear from Adam Garnet-Jones, APTN's director of TV content, who takes us behind the scenes of the new APTN Languages channel, which airs programming in over 18 Indigenous languages. Listen in as we put Indigenous language revitalization InFocus. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

In this episode, we put the Liberal leadership race InFocus. Five candidates are competing to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, each making promises and presenting their vision for Canada. Several challenges lie ahead, including housing, immigration, foreign relations—and dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, little has been said about issues impacting Indigenous Peoples. From clean water to treaty rights, where does reconciliation fit in the candidates' platforms? APTN's Parliament Hill reporter Karyn Pugliese joins host Cierra Bettens to break it down. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

In this episode, we put drug trafficking InFocus. From coast to coast, First Nations are grappling with the impacts of drug trafficking. Outside dealers are preying on vulnerable community members—but many nations are mobilizing to push back. Award winning APTN Investigates journalist Kenneth Jackson joins us to discuss his report, The Great Change, which shines a light on big-city drug dealers profiting off trauma. He shares how First Nations in Ontario are taking action—and why true change begins with Canada respecting Indigenous law. We also look at a new initiative in northern Manitoba. In June 2023, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) launched a two-year pilot project with the RCMP and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, empowering the RCMP to enforce and prosecute bylaws in MKO communities. Chief Michael Yellowback's community, Manto Sipi Cree Nation, was the first to implement the protocol. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

In this episode, we put the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge InFocus. Gwich'in leaders like Chief Pauline Frost explain why this sacred land is vital to their people. But corporate interests, backed by politicians, have eyed it for oil and gas drilling. Despite challenges, President Trump's declaration of a “national energy emergency” keeps his push for drilling alive. Reporter Sara Connors joins us to discuss what Trump's second presidency could mean for the future of the refuge and how Indigenous communities are responding. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

We're relaunching InFocus! Join APTN News reporter Cierra Bettens each episode as she unpacks key stories impacting Indigenous Peoples through expert interviews and fresh perspectives. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast player.

The presence of Indigenous people on film and behind the scenes has been growing throughout the years. On InFocus we look at those leaving their mark on the big screen.

From organizing rallies and walks to creating platforms for Indigenous people to speak out – young Indigenous youth are on the move and their actions are put InFocus.

InFocus takes a look back at the wildfire season, some of the causes of extreme weather events and what can be done to make a positive impact towards the climate crisis.

InFocus went on location to the second annual Indigenomics SHE conference in Winnipeg and caught up with women who are making their mark in the world of business and finance. It's an event for like-minded women to create contacts and educate others on topics that will have a positive impact in their communities.

On Sept. 30, thousands of Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians celebrated the National Truth and Reconciliation Day ceremonies across the country. InFocus looks back at the third annual day that remembers residential school survivors and the children who never made it back home.

InFocus puts the wraps on another season with a look at the amazing people we've met on the show over the past few months. On this episode, we're putting the 2022-23 season – InFocus. Over the course of more than two dozen shows, we've spoken with residential school survivors, MMIWG advocates, tourism operators, Idle No More journalists and people who officiate weddings.

The stress of not knowing and the fear of the worst-case scenario when a family member goes missing is a scene that plays out every day in Canada. For First Nations, Inuit and Métis families, it's more common than in other communities. According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous women are more likely than others to experience violence, go missing, or be murdered than others. On this episode of InFocus we talk about what families go through.

From painters to graphic designers and even tattoo artists, we're putting Indigenous artists and their work InFocus. We have plenty of amazing artists with beautiful works for you.

There have been a number of emergencies recently in Indigenous communities across the country. Many of them have to deal with house fires – or drug overdoses. Whatever the emergency, the services needed to keep people safe are often sketchy – or non-existent. On this episode, we're focussing on emergency situations and the resources available to handle an extreme situation.

InFocus is diving into the world of Indigenous humour. We hear from Indigenous comedians who are using their platforms to bring awareness to important issues facing First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

We're examining the recurring reports and stories about the discrimination faced by Indigenous Peoples within the healthcare system on this episode of InFocus. Join us as we discuss the underlying issues and the measures being taken to stop it.

From child welfare to First Nations policing – there are many class action lawsuits ongoing in Canada and many of them involving or impacting Indigenous Peoples. These lawsuits can take years, even decades before a decision or settlement is reached. On the InFocus program today, we're looking at some of the lawsuits that affect Indigenous Peoples.

As the hockey season winds down and teams play their final regular season games before the playoffs, our Hockey Night in Cree team also put another season to bed. What has broadcasting professional hockey in Cree done for culture and the language? On this edition of InFocus, we're putting reconciliation through sport in the spotlight and how hockey can help strengthen Indigenous culture.

Across Canada, there are more than 70 Indigenous languages and more than 200,000 speakers. This week on InFocus, we look at a few of those languages including one that has been extinct. It's all set up for Friday which marks National Indigenous Languages Day.

There's a lot going on around the Spring Equinox. For most of us, the clocks went ahead an hour – plus it marks the end of winter (technically) and is the road towards the summer weather. On this edition of InFocus, we're taking a look at the Spring Equinox and what it means to Indigenous Peoples including the traditions that mark the occasion.

With pandemic restrictions in the rear-view mirror and travel on the rise, InFocus is exploring the 2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba. From an archaeological dig to dog sledding, Host Darrell Stranger is speaking with tourism operators from across the country about how they started and where they're going.

Coming up on Friday, the APTN Investigates team is taking viewers inside correctional facilities and examining the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada's justice system. In this four-part series, APTN will bring viewers behind the walls of some of Canada's most notorious prisons. InFocus gets a sneak peek at Inside Corrections.

In 2018, Capt. Robyn Shlachetla and First Officer Raven Beardy took flight as a female medevac crew in Manitoba. That same year, Brigette Lacquette, 25, suited up to play for Team Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics. And in 2022, Col. Nicole Mann, an Indigenous female astronaut blasted off into space. All these people have something in common – they were trailblazers – the first to do what they do as Indigenous people.

With the Sisters in Spirit marches taking place recently, missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit persons are top of mind once again. On this InFocus, Cambria Harris talks about the killing of her mother, Morgan Harris, and the ongoing presence at a Winnipeg landfill where it's believed there are the remains of two Winnipeg women.

On the Valentine's Day plus one show, InFocus has a look at the stories you sent us about falling in love.

On this episode of InFocus, we're speaking about the recent announcements of searches for unmarked graves at a number of former residential school sites across the country for remains of the children who never made it home.

InFocus is taking an in-depth look into the wrongful conviction case of Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance and how advocates are getting involved.

We're putting Indigenous Peoples on-screen InFocus. From actors and producers to a stunt school in B.C., we'll have something for everything as we look at Indigenous people's impact in the industry.

On this episode of InFocus, we look at the longstanding issue of the unhoused population in Canada and what can be done to change things for the better.