Is ending drug decriminalization the right move for B.C.?
Release Date: 02/13/2026
Introducing Truth & Politics: What stood out at this year’s AFN annual general assembly?
APTN News InFocus
On this episode of APTN News InFocus, we’re bringing you the latest edition of the Truth & Politics podcast. Each week on APTN National News, our Truth & Politics panelists sit down with our hosts Dennis Ward to discuss important topics affecting Indigenous Peoples in the news. On this episode, the Assembly of First Nations annual general assembly has now come to an end after a busy couple of days. As we've been reporting, major projects, residential school denialism and the wildfire situation were among the big topics. Joining Dennis Ward to discuss are Niigaan Sinclair with the...
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Homeless Karaoke - Introducing Our Relatives: Life on the Streets
APTN News InFocus
Homeless. Houseless. Shelterless. In Winnipeg, they're hard to miss. People sleep on sidewalks, in bus shelters, down alleyways, in tents and in abandoned buildings. But who are they? That's the question former APTN web reporter Kathleen Martens explores in the award-winning podcast series Our Relatives: Life on the Streets. As Winnipeg and communities across Canada continue to grapple with the toxic drug crisis and homelessness, we're sharing the first episode of this powerful limited series, called Homeless Karaoke. Find Our Relatives: Life on the Streets on your favourite player, or click...
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Fact-checking claims about Indian Status | APTN News: Answers
APTN News InFocus
No taxes, free housing, and free tuition? You've probably seen those claims online about Indian Status—but are they actually true? InFocus is taking a break for the summer, so while we're away, we're sharing some of our other work with you. Jesse Andrushko and Savannah Kelly launched a new YouTube series called APTN News Answers, where they break down questions, current events, and issues affecting Indigenous peoples. According to the latest Census, more than 830 thousand First Nations people in Canada are registered under the Indian Act. There are plenty of misconceptions about what that...
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What’s happening with the Thunder Bay Police Service?
APTN News InFocus
On this edition of APTN News InFocus, guest host Dennis Ward examines the ongoing controversies surrounding the Thunder Bay Police Service, a force that has faced numerous independent investigations over alleged discrimination against Indigenous Peoples. Journalist Jon Thompson joins the show to discuss his decades of reporting on policing issues in Thunder Bay, concerns about how missing persons investigations continue to be handled in the city and the relationship between police and the media. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: Hear...
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How Canada’s new prison commissioner plans to revamp the system
APTN News InFocus
Talal Dakalbab was only named the commissioner of the Correctional Service in Canada in March but says he’s already reaching out to communities to integrate them with prison programs to help rehabilitate inmates. Dakalbab, who takes over the position from Anne Kelly, joins guest host Mark Blackburn to talk about how he plans to revamp a prison system many see as outdated and unable to change. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: Hear more APTN News podcasts:
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Avi Lewis on the NDP's future
APTN News InFocus
On this edition of APTN News InFocus, guest host Karyn Pugliese speaks with federal NDP leader Avi Lewis about rebuilding the party and his political vision. This interview originally aired on APTN Nation to Nation. Find full episodes here: • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: Hear more APTN News podcasts:
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How long should justice take?
APTN News InFocus
The Quewezance sisters have spent decades fighting to clear their names after being convicted of a murder they say they did not commit. More than 30 years after their conviction and four years after their case was sent for review, they are still waiting for answers. On this episode of APTN News InFocus, guest host Leanne Sanders examines the lengthy delays facing people seeking justice after a wrongful conviction. Leanne speaks with Senator Kim Pate, Toronto Star investigative reporter Kevin Donovan, legal expert Kent Roach and Mi’kmaq lawyer Suzanne Patles. Read Leanne’s story here: •...
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1.7 Earths: The cost of our ecological footprint
APTN News InFocus
On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens examines Canada’s ecological footprint and the push for solutions through conservation and Indigenous-led stewardship. York University researcher Eric Miller breaks down new findings showing humanity is consuming resources at a rate equivalent to 1.7 Earths per year and explains what Canada must do to reduce its impact. Then, Seal River Watershed Alliance executive director Stephanie Thorassie joins the show to discuss the proposal to protect northern Manitoba’s Seal River Watershed as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. •...
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Should Canada rewrite its cannabis law?
APTN News InFocus
On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens looks at calls to rewrite Canada’s Cannabis Act. Former senator Dan Christmas told a House of Commons committee the law has failed to recognize First Nations jurisdiction and does not align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. APTN News reporter Jesse Staniforth joins the show from Montreal to explain how the Cannabis Act is affecting Indigenous communities and what changes are being proposed. Read Jesse Staniforth’s story here: • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit...
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Can Canada meet the Arctic’s basic needs? An interview with Nunavut’s premier
APTN News InFocus
On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens speaks with Nunavut Premier John Main about the territory’s priorities as the Arctic draws more attention. Elected in fall 2025, Main says northern leaders are still advocating for basics like housing and food security – needs many in southern Canada take for granted. He joins the show to discuss Arctic sovereignty and what Nunavummiut need from Ottawa now and in the years ahead. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: Hear more APTN News podcasts:
info_outlineBritish Columbia has ended its drug decriminalization pilot program.
Launched in January 2023, the exemption allowed adults to carry small amounts of certain illicit drugs in an effort to reduce stigma and address the toxic drug crisis. But on Jan. 31, the province let the pilot expire, saying it did not deliver the results hoped for.
The move has sparked mixed reaction. Some, including Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, call it a setback for harm reduction. Others, like Haisla Nation member and outreach worker James Harry, say the crisis on the ground has only worsened.
On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens speaks with Vancouver-based video journalist Tina House and Harry about what led to the decision and what it means for communities moving forward.
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APTN National News, our stories told our way.
Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca
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