Author Thomas King reveals he’s not Cherokee – why some call the news a gut punch
Release Date: 11/28/2025
Thoughts on Red Dress Day as the MMIWG crisis continues
Truth & Politics
May 5 is the annual National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, also known as Red Dress Day. It comes at a time when there are questions over funding for MMIWG initiatives and advocacy organizations. That is one of our topics for this week's Truth & Politics panel. Also on the panel this week, after more than four decades, the Gathering of Nations has had its last dance. Plus, the minister of Indigenous Services says the clock is ticking for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of...
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Why is B.C. Premier David Eby flip flopping on DRIPA legislation?
Truth & Politics
The controversy in British Columbia over the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) continues, even after Premier David Eby backed down on a previous plan to pause or suspend the legislation. Also on the panel this week, the Manitoba Metis Federation is celebrating as the Manitoba Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement had its second reading in the House of Commons. But the Assembly of First Nations is already calling on the federal government to kill the bill. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and...
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Carney secures Liberal majority, FSIN ordered to repay $29M
Truth & Politics
Mark Carney has secured his majority government and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations held its first assembly since being ordered to repay nearly $29 million to the federal government. Our Truth & Politics panel discusses these developments, plus the connection between the Anishinaabe Nation and the latest trip around the moon. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN...
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Some federal funding to combat MMIWG crisis set to end – what happens now?
Truth & Politics
There are concerns over funding meant to end the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Organizations like the Native Women's Association of Canada and the National Family and Survivors Circle say funding they receive from the federal government is about to sunset. However, some advocates say it is time to reallocate that funding elsewhere. Our Truth & Politics panel weighs in on that and controversy over cannabis on the East Coast. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press....
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Reaction to prime minister making light of a protestor from Grassy Narrows | Truth & Politics
Truth & Politics
After taking a week off, our Truth & Politics panel has a lot of ground to cover, including another prime minister making light of a protestor from Grassy Narrows First Nation. Also this week, the NDP have selected Avi Lewis as the new leader of the federal party. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: Hear more APTN News podcasts:
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Why Manitoba might be offering no timeline for new consumption site
Truth & Politics
It has been touted as Canada’s first Indigenous-led supervised consumption site. The Manitoba government promised a facility during its first term. Earlier this month, it said the launch was imminent. Now, Premier Wab Kinew is backing away and offering no timeline. Joining host Dennis Ward on this week’s panel are Niigaan Sinclair of the Winnipeg Free Press and Bronwyn Dobchuk-Land, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Winnipeg. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: Hear more APTN News podcasts:
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Reaction and possible impacts after MP Lori Idlout crosses floor to join Liberals
Truth & Politics
It was a surprise move in federal politics this week when Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crossed the floor from the NDP to the governing Liberals. Idlout, the territory's sole MP, has been critical of the federal government since she was first elected to the House of Commons in 2021. As you can read over on our website, her defection could have a number of consequences, from helping push the Liberals to a majority to threatening efforts to end the second-generation cut-off. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free...
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Why do incidents involving security guards crossing the line keep happening?
Truth & Politics
As we have been reporting this week, there has been a lot of outrage over the way a security guard at a Winnipeg Dollarama brutalized an alleged shoplifter. Both the guard and alleged shoplifter are now facing charges. For more on this latest incident involving a security guard, our Truth & Politics panel are here. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: Hear more APTN News podcasts:
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Violence in Puerto Vallarta and what travellers should consider
Truth & Politics
The tranquility of Puerto Vallarta was shattered by gunfire and arson after members of a drug cartel reacted violently to the killing of their leader by federal authorities in Mexico. Flights into the popular resort city were cancelled or turned around mid-air to avoid the conflict, while tourists already there sheltered in their hotel rooms. What does this violence mean for the Indigenous people in Mexico and for broader political stability? Joining guest host Tiar Wheatle to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • •...
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Métis Nation-Saskatchewan reduces services for citizens, adds $7k office space
Truth & Politics
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan says it is reducing mental health services due to federal funding cuts. The cuts will directly impact citizens who rely on the supports. But the announcement comes at a time when the MN-S also confirmed it is spending just over $7,000 a month for office space in Ottawa. Our Truth & Politics panel weighs in. Joining host Dennis Ward are Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts:...
info_outlineCelebrated author Thomas King revealed this week that he is not Cherokee.
The revelation has left many people shocked and upset, though the admission is not coming as a big surprise for others.
That’s the topic on this week’s Truth & Politics panel.
Joining host Creeson Agecoutay are Jennifer Laewetz, the CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair, a columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.
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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/