Our lead story: four days from election day, a profile of newly-formed federal riding Sault Ste. Marie–Algoma, an area that’s especially felt the effects of the ongoing trade dispute with the United States. . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

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. …

Our lead story: with 5 days ‘til election day, our campaign coverage continues with riding profiles of Thunder Bay–Superior North (northwestern Ontario) and Northwest Territories, two large electoral districts with significant Indigenous voting populations.Par APTN

Our lead story: Indigenous reaction and reflection following news of the passing of 88-year-old Pope Francis, whose legacy includes a historic apology for abuses against residential school survivors at church-operated institutions. ====== Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: recaps and reaction to the French and English national leaders debates recently held in Montreal.Par APTN

Our lead story: RCMP reveal 53-year-old Chief Donald Smoke of Dakota Plains First Nation—located just southwest of Portage La Prairie, MB—now stands charged with two counts of sexual assault dating back to last summer.Par APTN

This episode, profiles of three federal ridings where Indigenous votes could make the difference between winning and losing: Kenora Kiiwetinoog (ON), Vancouver Quadra (BC), and the Yukon.Par APTN

Our lead story: a profile of the candidates in Winnipeg Centre—a federal electoral district with a high percentage of Indigenous voters—one of 36 such ‘swing vote’ ridings identified by the Assembly of First Nations. . . . . . . . Interstitial: ZapSplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: tensions have boiled over between the Mohawk Council of Kanehsatà:ke and ousted Grand Chief Victor Bonspille, who alleges MCK misspent federal pandemic relief money.Par APTN

Our lead story: the city of Saskatoon hosts campaign stops by both Liberal leader Mark Carney and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh Wednesday night, in a province where five ridings are said to feature sizable Indigenous voter populations.Par APTN

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 Columb…

Our lead story: First Nations organizers in Sault Ste. Marie, ON hope the significant Indigenous voting population in the area comes out on election day later this month.Par APTN

Our lead story: with the deadline for candidate nominations now passed, we look at the nearly three-dozen Indigenous people running for Parliament with under 3 weeks to go in Canada’s federal election.Par APTN

Our lead story: Liberal leader Mark Carney distances himself from the recently-reported views of his late father—describing some non-English-speaking First Nations kids as "culturally retarded children”—comments he made as an Indian day school principal in 1965. - - - - - - Interstitial: zapsplat.com…

Our lead story: a new report by the Métis National Council—a document which the MNC says suggests the existence of seven Ontario Métis communities—draws fire from critics like the MMF and Chiefs of Ontario. . . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: Prime Minister Mark Carney pauses his campaign to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump's new global, "liberation day" tariffs, informing Canadians “times will be tough… now that the U.S. is no longer a reliable trade partner.” . . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

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 …

Our lead story: federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s Winnipeg campaign stop includes meetings with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Keewatin Tribal Council.Par APTN

Among our top stories: The recently-announced search for human remains at a second Winnipeg area landfill sparks calls to include Tanya Nepinak, a First Nations woman who some believe ended up there over a decade ago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: a Manitoba court begins to hear arguments for a $2.1B class action over the harms of the child and family services system, a lawsuit launched Oct. 2022 by a trio of First Nations in the province. . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: nearly two months since the death of Pinaymootang First Nation grandmother April Woodhouse, her family seeks more answers in the belief she died under suspicious circumstances.Par APTN

Our lead story: parents of the late Ashlee Christine Shingoose—who, until recently, was known only as Mashkode Bizihiki' Ikwe (Buffalo Woman), victim of a convicted Winnipeg serial killer—speak to media about the confirmation of her identity. . . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

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 candidat…

Our lead story: Winnipeg police confirm the identity of Mashkode Bizihiki'ikwe (aka Buffalo Woman) as that of Ashlee Christine Shingoose, one of four First Nations victims of a serial killer now serving a life sentence on four first-degree murder charges. . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: an expected update from Winnipeg police today on the investigation into Mashkode Bizihiki'ikwe—aka ‘Buffalo Woman,’ one of four Indigenous victims of a convicted serial killer. . . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: as polls show Liberals and Conservatives in a dead heat early on in the federal campaign, Elections Canada Chief Electoral Officer Stephane Perrault says they’ve worked hard to better engage Indigenous voters this time around.Par APTN

Our lead story: the RCMP Major Crimes Unit in Saskatchewan investigates a “suspicious” death at Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, the scene of a quadruple homicide only last month. - - - - - - - - Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: the Manitoba Advocate For Children and Youth (MACY) releases a new statement renewing its call for greater action by the province against child sexual exploitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

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 system…

Our lead story: the Southern Chiefs Organization says the costs to re-develop the iconic downtown Winnipeg Hudson's Bay Building under the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project have now doubled. - - - - - - - - Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney stops in Nunavut to announce over $250 million in new infrastructure, along with nearly $420 million for Canadian Armed Forces in the region to promote Arctic sovereignty.Par APTN

Our lead story: RCMP confirm the second set of human remains found at a Winnipeg-area landfill late last month are those of 26-year-old Marcedes Myran, one of four Indigenous victims of a convicted serial killer.Par APTN

On today’s episode, Cierra Bettens, an APTN News reporter based in Winnipeg (and sometimes fill-in host here on the Brief). We learn not only about her journey to the network, but also her role on the brand new podcast, APTN News InFocus. Music: “fade” by snoozy beats (CC BY)Par APTN

Once again on the Brief, a behind-the-scenes conversation with one of the many folks who work at APTN News, both on and off screen. This time round, a chat with social media editor Savannah Kelly. Music: “fade” by snoozy beats (CC BY)Par APTN

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 acti…

Today on the Brief, another encore presentation of a conversation with the people behind the live APTN newscast. This time, former reporter and now co-anchor Dennis Ward. Music: “fade” by snoozy beats (CC BY)Par APTN

Today on the Brief, the first in a number of encore presentations of our conversations with the people who bring us the APTN National Newscast every weeknight. First up, longstanding line-up director, Bruce Spence. Music: “fade” by snoozy beats (CC BY)Par APTN

Our lead story: discovered not three months into the search for two Long Plain First Nation women’s bodies at a Winnipeg-area landfill, the discovery of Morgan Beatrice Harris’ remains allows the family to begin the journey of bringing their loved one home. . . . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: the Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice hosts its first-ever national gathering on forced and coerced sterilization over the weekend in Gatineau, QC.Par APTN

Our lead story: a proposed $1.1B settlement agreement is reached with victims of abuse at federal ‘Indian hospitals’—racially-segregated institutions Canada established in the 1930s for Indigenous patients.Par APTN

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 estim…

Our lead story: with Listuguj Mi'gmaq’s economy among those impacted by new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, the First Nation in eastern Quebec says they’ve been left out of discussions on what happens next.Par APTN

Our lead story: after weeks of threats, U.S. tariffs against Canada take effect Tuesday—25% on most Canadian goods, 10% on energy and critical minerals—raising concerns among those Indigenous peoples invested in resource sectors.Par APTN

Our lead story: Indigenous reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs against Canadian and Mexican imports, set to take effect today. . . . . . . . . . Interstitial: zapsplat.comPar APTN

Our lead story: A Supreme Court of Canada decision permits Métis Nation Saskatchewan to proceed with its legal battle against the province over uranium exploration permits issued without consultation.Par APTN

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…

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 …

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 th…

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 …

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…