The year included notable change, challenges, successes and tragedy. Here are 10 big stories from 2024:
1. NWMO chooses a site for nuclear waste: On Nov. 28, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization announced its site selection for a proposed deep geological repository: Revell Lake, between Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. The decision concluded a nearly 15-year process that began in 2010 when Ignace raised its hand to be potentially the “host municipality” for an underground facility to place spent fuel from Canada’s nuclear power plants.
2. Indigenous man shot dead by OPP in Kenora: Police fatally shot Bruce Frogg, a man from Wawakapewin First Nation, in an incident June 25 in Anicinabe Park. A Special Investigations Unit news release said OPP officers responding to reports of a structural fire in the park located a man who was holding two large knives. An officer shot the man, who was taken to hospital and pronounced deceased. The SIU’s investigation is ongoing.
3. Sol Mamakwa makes history at Queen’s Park: Kiiwetinoong’s MPP, who is from Kingfisher Lake First Nation, became the first to ask a question in an Indigenous language during question period in the Ontario Legislature. His speech in late May, was made in Anishininiimowin, known in English as Oji-Cree. He told fellow legislators he was “speaking for those that couldn’t use their language” in years past. His history-making speech was made possible by recent changes to the rules of debate at Queen's Park, permitting the use of Indigenous languages in the house.
4. A Berens River Bridge moves closer to reality: It was announced in August that Ontario, Ottawa and First Nations organizations have formed a partnership to build a permanent bridge across the Berens River and an all-season road from the bridge to Pikangikum First Nation. Once completed, the bridge and road will give people in the remote community year-round access to the provincial highway system and Red Lake to the south. Six other First Nations and a lithium project to the north also stand to benefit.
5. Kenora’s hospital is getting an MRI machine: An MRI machine at Lake of the Woods District Hospital will be a leap forward in local health care, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford said Nov. 12 after the Ontario government announced it will put up $7.6 million for a state-of-the art magnetic resonance imaging suite. The machine, once it’s installed and running, will greatly improve locals’ access to diagnostic imaging services and reduce wait times in Kenora, he said.
6. Crises in health care: Kenora’s hospital rang the alarm on local primary care in September; Rainy River’s family physicians announced in August that they’re quitting; EMS in the Rainy River District was adjusted due to a major shortage in paramedics. It was a difficult year in health care across the region.
7. Wataynikaneyap Power finishes construction: The “line that brings light” – i.e., electricity – to 17 northern First Nations is now all done. The 1,800-kilometre Watay transmission line is 51 per cent owned by 24 First Nations, including the 17 to which it brings power from the provincial grid.
8. Emo get hit in tribunal decision: The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario ruled this year that the Township of Emo should have proclaimed Pride Month in 2020. The township is on the hook for $10,000 in damages, the mayor $5,000. The township is now asking for a review of that decision.
9. Alex Sampson goes far in America’s Got Talent: With original songs and strong stage presence, a singer from Atikokan made it to the semifinals in one of America’s most popular talent competition shows.
10. Fire destroys Cat Lake’s nursing station: Cat Lake First Nation’s resilient members will persevere and pull through after a fire on March 2 destroyed the Treaty 9 community’s nursing station, Chief Russell Wesley said.
