ESPANOLA—Whitefish River 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ (WRFN), Sagamok Anishnawbek, the Town of Espanola and Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre have announced a new partnership to explore the possibility of building a long-term care home that will serve the region and support people in aging closer to home.

“This project is about building a future where our people can age with dignity, surrounded by their culture, their families and their community,” said Whitefish River 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow, in an Anishinabek News release June 26. “By working together as partners and respecting the sovereignty of 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½s, we are re-imagining long-term care in a way that will serve our communities for generations to come. We are ready to move this work forward and welcome provincial and federal partners to join us in making this vision a reality.”

MANITOULIN—Every generation inherits its own argument over liberty and security. Today, that argument no longer echoes in courthouse halls or airport checkpoints. It hums quietly inside smartphones, encrypted messaging apps and server farms scattered across jurisdictions that do not answer to any single flag.

And that is precisely where governments are trying to reach.

In Ottawa, proposed reforms often grouped under lawful access frameworks—including provisions discussed alongside Bill C-22 proposals—are being positioned as a modernization of investigative tools. Supporters frame them as necessary upgrades for a digital era where evidence does not sit in filing cabinets anymore, but moves at the speed of a message, sometimes disappearing before a warrant can catch its breath.

LAKE KAGAWONG—Residents around Lake Kagawong are concerned with a significant number of dead fish, specifically bass, washing up on the lake’s beaches. Meanwhile, a Billings township councillor said he will be pursuing the issue with the province.

“In the summer there is always the odd fish that washes up on the shore, but I’ve never seen anything like this,” stated Stan Pierce. “We have owned this camp for 75 years but have never had this many fish wash up on our beach (located at the north end of Lake Kagawong). I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Mr. Pierce explained, “we are on the north end of Lake Kagawong, a mile outside of the village of Kagawong on Lakeshore Road. The fish that we are seeing are all bass, all large (adult) between three-quarters of a pound to two pounds. And they keep rolling in every day.”

M’CHIGEENG—Kenjgewin Teg proudly celebrated its 2025-2026 graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 25 at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, recognizing the achievements of its largest graduating class to date. A total of 96 graduates were honoured for completing secondary, post-secondary and specialized training programs. 

The day began in a good way with a Sunrise Ceremony, organized by Kenjgewin Teg’s Anishinaabe-aadiziwin team and led by Traditional Knowledge Holder Josh Eshkawkogan. This tradition helps ensure that reflection and intentions are set for the celebration day ahead. Following the ceremony, graduates were fitted for their caps and gowns before making their way into the graduation procession. The Biisineh Drum Group carried the procession in with song, led by Student Eagle Staff Carrier Bradley Sophocleous. 

The graduation ceremony opened with a prayer from Josh Eshkawkogan, followed by welcoming remarks from Kenjgewin Teg President Dr. Beverley Roy and Board of Directors Chair Robert Beaudin. The ceremony was emceed by Registrar Andrew Gerhard and Dean of Pathways to Post-Secondary Sherry Moreau.

LITTLE CURRENT—The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) will be paving the approaches of the Little Current Swing Bridge as part of maintenance works.

In a letter to Gore Bay Mayor and other municipal representatives around Manitoulin Island dated May 29, 2026, Herb Villneff, director of North Operations with the MTO wrote, “I am writing to advise our community that the ministry will be milling and paving both north and south approaches of the Little Current Swing Bridge. This work is to improve the driving surface and safety of the highway.”

M’CHIGEENG—Thursday, June 4 was the perfect day for the annual powwow at Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS). Last year it was held outdoors for the first time in over 20 years, this year the weather was exceptional, and the grounds were filled with laughter, conversation and the steady beat of the drum.

The event began with the Grand Entry. In procession were the Head Veteran Howard Debassige and Head Elder Jean Debassige, followed by MSS Principal David Wiwchar, Master of Ceremonies Taylor Goodfellow, Arena Director Sunset Sagutch, the Sr. Head Dancers, Maria Cheechoo and Phoenix Grant, Jr. Head Dancers Jaleena Juang and Tom Soles, and bringing up the rear was Jr. Veteran Riel Beam. Jean Debassige opened with a prayer in Anishinaabemowin and David Wiwchar gave the land acknowledgement and welcome.

M’CHIGEENG—At least one couple from Manitoulin Island has attended a game at the FIFA World Cup!

Pina Hare and her husband Kevin O’Connor have been to a game played in Toronto and will be attending a second game.

“Kevin is a big soccer fan,” stated Ms. Hare, who pointed out, “We have never been to a World Cup before.”

MANITOULIN—It has been a number of years since Manitoulin Island had a Scout troop to call its own. Jenn Phelps of Central Manitoulin has set about establishing a new Beaver troop to provide youth with a new and exciting option—one that can compete with the lure of the small screen.

“The Island used to be home to three different troops,” noted Ms. Phelps, who said she hopes to see the Scout Canada presence on Manitoulin eventually expand beyond the Beaver level troop to include older youth.

WIIKWEMKOONG—The 2026 graduating class at Wiikwemkoong High School were drummed into the school gymnasium with a welcome song by the newly-formed Shpidaaki Hilltop Warriors (a drum group that was started this year with Grade 7, 8 and high school students under the mentorship of Brian Peltier and Terence Wabegijig). 

School guidance councillor Jillian Peltier noted the group also drummed at Little NHL this year.

The ceremony was started in a good way with a prayer by Knowledge Keeper Mr. Peltier, followed by welcoming remarks by principal Valerie O’Leary, followed by a chief and council greeting by Mary Jo Wabano, standing in for Ogimaa Tim Ominika and Wiikwemkoong Board of Education Director Maureen Peltier, Education Director.

M’CHIGEENG—The UCCM Police Service has laid multiple charges following an investigation into a firearms incident that occurred on Riverside Drive in M’Chigeeng 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ on June 12.

On June 12, UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service officers responded to a firearms complaint at a residence on Riverside Drive after receiving reports of an armed confrontation involving several individuals. Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and initiated an investigation.

The investigation revealed that Bailey Laford, of M’Chigeeng 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½, attended the residence and became involved in an altercation with individuals at the location. It is alleged that Mr. Laford subsequently returned with a rifle, threatened two individuals, pointed the firearm at them and discharged the firearm in their direction. One victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by projectile fragments.

WHITEFISH FALLS—This year’s edition of the La Cloche Art Show, the 47th, will be the first without the input of co-founder Ivan Wheale who passed away within a few days of last year’s 46th edition. Mr. Wheale was honoured with a short address by fellow artist Susan Cairns along with a message from the artist. Along one wall was a display that included a biography of the late Mr. Wheale and some of his works for sale, courtesy of Perivale Gallery and some information about co-founder Peg Forbes as well.

“Thank you to Jon Butler and Mike Erskine for donating and putting things together for me,” said show organizer Sue Miron. “I’ve got some other articles and pictures and stuff that I’m going to put up there as well, but for now, I do have them on the table.”

“Getting this message out to you is very important,” said Ms. Cairns. “Ivan wanted to make sure you all know how important you were to him. Fate brought him to our community to be our mentor and good friend. All of us will remember him in our own way. Ivan’s good friendship and warmth will always stay in our hearts, and when I spoke to Ivan just before he passed, he told me he was so looking forward to being with his beloved Jean again, and he was happy, and his spirit was glowing. So, thank you very much Ivan forever.”

SHEGUIANDAH—This summer, the shores of Sheguiandah 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ will once again fill with the sound of drums, the flash of regalia and the spirit of a community that has gathered every year for nearly four decades. The 37th Annual Jiingtamok Pow Wow runs July 3 through July 5 and as always, everyone is welcome.

This year’s gathering carries a message that reaches beyond the dance circle. The 2026 Jiingtamok is dedicated to honouring residential school survivors and acknowledging the resilience of those who endured and the ongoing journey of healing that their communities continue to walk.

The weekend opens Thursday morning and runs through Sunday, with a sunrise ceremony each day beginning at 5 am led by Chop Waindubence providing a deeply meaningful start for those who wish to greet each day in ceremony.

LITTLE CURRENT—The outgoing chair of the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) board was praised for his leadership and commitment to the Island hospital over the past nine years. 

“It is my privilege, on behalf of MHC, to recognize and thank someone whose leadership has helped guide our hospital and the communities of Mnidoo Mnising with strength, clarity, and unwavering commitment, our chair, Dennis McGregor,” stated Paula Fields, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of MHC its annual general meeting last Thursday.

Ms. Fields explained, “Dennis first joined our board in 2015, completing a two-year term before beginning his official tenure in June 2017. Over the past nine years as a director, and the last three as chair, he has brought not only experience and insight, but a deep passion for rural health care.”

LITTLE CURRENT—After years of dedication, White’s Point athlete Kristin Luoma achieved a significant milestone by winning the overall title at the International Toronto Pro Qualifier and earning a national championship on June 13. The Toronto International Pro Qualifier is one of Canada’s leading amateur bodybuilding events and is part of the professional pathway to the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Professional League (IFBB) Pro League. Held during the Toronto Pro Supershow weekend, it attracts competitors worldwide seeking professional status.

The Toronto International Pro Qualifier is a top-tier amateur event. Class and overall winners in many divisions can earn an IFBB Pro Card, granting eligibility to compete professionally. The event is recognized as one of the largest pro-qualifiers in Canada and internationally. In recent years, it has awarded over 20 IFBB Pro Cards across multiple men’s and women’s divisions, attracting elite amateur athletes.

Ms. Luoma has competed in bodybuilding for approximately five years, experiencing both successes and challenges.