MANITOULIN—There will be elections in all Manitoulin Island municipalities, Cockburn Island and Killarney after the unofficial list of candidates for each was released last week. 

In Assiginack Township, there will be an election for both the seat of mayor and four council seats. Those running for the position of mayor include incumbent Brenda Reid, Jennifer Hooper, former mayor Dave Ham, Michael Phillips and Bill Holmes.

There are six people in the running for four council seats, including incumbent councillors Janice Bowerman, Dwayne Elliott, Rob Maguire, David McDowell and Frank Klodnicki.

WIIKWEMKOONG—In what many viewed as a challenge to decisions by chief and council over the distribution of the Robinson Huron Treaty Annuities settlement and the decision to invest in a development in Edmonton, Ogimaa Tim Ominika was returned in a landslide victory as chief of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.

New homes, a 96-bed long term care facility and a $112 million policing agreement were among the milestones that helped propel Chief Ominika to re-election. The chief won handily, receiving 40 percent of the total vote and 220 votes more than his nearest competitor.

Ogimaa Ominika received 711 votes, with challenger Jean Oshkabewisens receiving 491 votes, Gladys Wakegijig receiving 313 votes and Rachel Manitowabi receiving 259 votes.

AUNDECK OMNI KANING—For the August 29 election of chief and council for Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK) 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½, there are three candidates for the position of chief of the community and 26 people in the running for one of seven seats on council.

For the position of chief, the three candidates include incumbent chief Patsy Corbiere, Peter Nahwegahbo and Donald McGraw Trudeau.

There are 26 candidates in the running for a seat on council, including incumbents Janet Esquimaux, Ingrid Madahbee and Karen McGraw. Others in the running include Jason Abotossaway, Mariah Abotossaway, Max Abotossaway, Tierra Abotossaway, Troy Abotossaway, Shaun Assinewai, Katherine Barnes-Edwards, Trinity Behm, Candice Corbiere, Gabriella Corbiere, Shane Corbiere, Shirley Corbiere, Brian Lloyd Corbiere, Matthew Esquimaux, Debbie Francis, Rachel Goodfellow, Debbie King, Crystal Madahbee, Rebecka Madahbee, Scott Madahbee, Savannah Nahwegahbow, Norm Obotossaway and Sue Ramsdin.

An advance poll took place August 25 from 4-6 pm with the election polling day to take place August 29 from 9 am-6 pm at the Elders Centre, 10-1 Hill Street, Aundeck Omni Kaning 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½.

Meet the candidates for chief of Aundeck Omni Kaning

Patsy R. Corbiere

Current Chief of Aundeck Omni Kaning, Patsy R. Corbiere aims to continue doing the important work for the community and carry on with her decades-long role of leadership.

Ms. Corbiere expressed her honour and continued belief in the community as she shares her experience and goals. 

Ms. Corbiere’s extensive experience includes five terms as Chief of Aundeck Omni Kaning and 18 years on council. During her years of serving the community, Ms. Corbiere has been involved in matters including the settlement of the RHT case as an LMC member and a Plaintiff. 

Ms. Corbiere was included in the settlement of the Manitoulin Project.

“These were complex issues with enormous consequences and they required experience, determination, negotiation and a clear understanding of what was at stake for the community,” she says.

“I am proud of that experience, but I’m not running on the past. I am running to build our future,” Ms. Corbiere adds.

Ms. Corbiere’s priorities for the future term include more housing and fairness for every member.  “Our members deserve safe, suitable housing” said Ms. Corbiere, as well as strong mental health and addictions services. 

“We need to bring in higher-level professional services and supports so that our people can access the help they need,” the incumbent states.

Ms. Corbiere aims to continue “Negotiations with Canada and Ontario for the RHT (2nd) Annuities case,” bringing prosperity to the community and its membership. 

She’s in support of safety, well-being and cultural strength of the community’s children, youth and families and plans on providing prevention-focused supports that address the impacts of residential school, the Sixties Scoop and child welfare involvement. 

Under the same scope of safety, the current term of chief and council secured the construction of the UCCM Anishnaabe Police building in the community, finalizing construction in the near future.

Ms. Corbiere’s focus includes the land surrounding the 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½, commencing funding negotiations to move forward on the construction of a new subdivision, waterline extension and water plant upgrades. 

The Anishinabek Governance Agreement with Citizenship code and revisions to the election code is anticipated to be completed following the election. 

Ms. Corbiere highlights her accomplishments since Aundeck Omni Kaning’s last election including the construction of a new residential elder’s complex/activity room addressing the communities aging population and housing occupancy and the construction of an addition to the health centre, providing a higher-level service for community members.

Ms. Corbiere addressed children’s learning difficulties with specialized learning opportunities and the successful opening of the ABA learning centre. She also points to a new public works department that was set up with adequate asset management for staff to better serve community needs.

Ms. Corbiere secured funding to construct three pre-fabricated residential housing units, finalized a comprehensive community and land use plan to address the future needs of the community and helped create a plan for the development process to secure government funding and infrastructure. 

Ms. Corbiere proceeded with surveying a new subdivision intended to develop residential and commercial lots and developed and created the “AOKFN Land Holding Corporation” to purchase and hold-off reserve commercial and residential properties to grow and expand the AOKFN land base for future generations. 

Ms. Corbiere prioritizes safety within the community with the installation of cameras on the main intersections and roads that were installed to detour drug activity within the 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½.

Also under her leadership, three buses were purchased for children and youth of the community, and a splash pad was built at the Aundeck Omni Kaning park.

Ms. Corbiere brings deep understanding of the responsibility to being chief and the importance of standing up for the community in major decisions. 

“A leader must make difficult decisions when necessary. And a leader must care about the people they serve,” said Ms. Corbiere.

“I care deeply about Aundeck Omni Kaning. I have the experience. I have the commitment. And I am ready to lead us forward,” said Ms. Corbiere.

Peter Benji Nahwegahbo

Peter Benji Nahwegahbo brings his many years of experience in leadership, governance and community service to the election ballot. Mr. Nahwegahbo’s experience includes 10 years as Aundeck Omni Kaning councillor, eight years as AOK consultant and resource development worker and two years as governance director for AOK prior to his retirement.

“This time around, I think I was more than ready,” says Mr. Nahwegahbo about why he is running for Chief.

Mr. Nahwegahbo’s education includes a bachelor of arts and a journalism diploma from University of Western Ontario.

“I’ve always been a community driven person,” says Mr. Nahwegahbo

Mr. Nahwegahbo’s experience includes over 12 years with the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service board, 10 of those years sitting as chair. In 2020 Mr. Nahwegahbo was elected to the Canadian Association of Police Governance Board in 2020. Mr. Nahwegahbo’s experience and commitment to community earned him the Dreamcatcher Foundation Award for Exceptional Service in the 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Community in 2008.

Mr. Nahwegahbo’s extensive experience is not limited and includes long-time volunteering as coach, manager and trainer in youth hockey, softball, the North American Indigenous Games, and serving on regional boards regarding forestry, fisheries, conservation, water management and economic development.

“That’s what I look at; I try to look for expansion (and) to always be expanding our opportunities,” says Mr. Nahwegahbo.

Mr. Nahwegahbo’s vision for the community is rooted in transparency, accountability and respect with and for the community as a whole. 

“Part of my campaign was trying to meet with as many people as possible; I’ve been listening and I want them to be involved,” he says.

Mr. Nahwegahbo’s goals include improved governance through updated governance policies, modernizing the band election law through community consultation, investing in children’s and youth recreation, education and leadership opportunities. 

Mr. Nahwegahbo strives to achieve increased community involvement in committees, boards and decision-making bringing sustainable economic development that benefits on- and off-reserve community members. 

Through open communication, regular community consultations and sharing information with Aundeck Omni Kaning community members Mr. Nahwegahbo ultimately hopes to move forward together. 

“These priorities are only the beginning. I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, consults, and works together,” said Mr. Nahwegahbo.

Donald Trudeau

Born and raised in Aundeck Omni Kaning, Donald Trudeau expressed gratitude and honour for his parents and grandparents as he shares his goals as he runs in the upcoming election for chief of Aundeck Omni Kaning. 

Mr. Trudeau ran for chief in 1996 and ran for council numerous times. With years of experience working within 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ communities and his understanding of the Anishinabek Nation Governance process and experience from being treaty advisor at Union of Indian Affairs, Mr. Trudeau hopes to achieve and address community matters with spirit, transparency and involving the community in establishing a foundation for the community’s future. 

“There’s a lot of concern over the years (regarding) eco representation and the community at large is not being advocated for,” says Mr. Trudeau

“As citizens of this great community of Aundeck Omni Kaning, if change is what drives you forward, then this is your opportunity to vote for it and be the change,” says Mr. Trudeau

At the forefront of Mr. Trudeau’s candidacy is establishing a long-standing foundation for the community as a whole. 

Mr. Trudeau intends to focus on transparency in regards to the Robinson Huron Treaty settlement. 

“The plan will call for separate audit(s) each year and will set in place an RHT Trust Secretariat to monitor monetary investments, disbursements and future obligations,” says Mr. Trudeau

Mr. Trudeau’s focus is also set on education, community health and well-being, housing, new land codes, resources and matters involving water. 

Matters important to Mr. Trudeau include community consultations and protocols, and empowering youth, women and elders. He plans on inclusion of the community through action, engagement and innovation.

“The plan will include supportive consultations; the support of the community will be to develop and build,” says Mr. Trudeau

Moving with strategy is driving Mr. Trudeau’s plan to achieve these goals. 

“I want to build a foundation for the future,” he shares.

“Our election comes at a time when our community has suffered great losses. As we try to find ways to heal through our profound grief and sadness, we remember them through our silent prayers and acknowledgments.” 

“Our resiliency as a community is what makes us unique and it is important to remember that each of us has something to offer,” says Mr. Trudeau.

KAGAWONG—Billings township council has declared that swimming or any other activities in the water in the Bridal Veil Falls area is now off-limits.

“A few weeks ago, our community was alerted to what could have been a tragedy when a young boy was pulled from the pool beneath Bridal Veil Falls unresponsive and had to be resuscitated,” said Billings Mayor Bryan Barker at a council meeting last week. “Thankfully, this incident did not have a far more devastating outcome. However, I believe it should serve as a serious warning to all of us.”

Mayor Barker said, “I am asking council to reconsider and revise its previous decision to allow the public to swim in the pool beneath Bridal Veil Falls. The number of people using the pool for swimming is becoming increasingly unmanageable, as was clearly evident during the August long weekend. The popularity of the site has created growing concerns around public safety, overcrowding, supervision and the impact that such heavy use is having on the surrounding area.”

KAGAWONG—Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg said he has met with Billings Township Mayor Bryan Barker twice and is continuing to request the province take action to provide for safety measures at a dangerous area on Highway 540 and Concession Road 8 in Billings Township following a fatal accident at this location in 2025.

Recently, a Kagawong resident said that a letter he forwarded to Billings council on what he feels are safety measures required at the section of highway has not led to action being taken. The mayor of the township, Bryan Barker, pointed out the highway is not the responsibility of the township, but the responsibility of the province (specifically the Ministry of Transportation) and that he would again be bringing the concerns forward to Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg. 

“I’ve had two meetings with Mayor Barker on the concerns, and we have reached out to the MTO,” MPP Rosenberg told The Expositor last week. “I will be reaching out to the MTO again to see where we are on that issue.”

LITTLE CURRENT—Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg provided an update on the Little Current Swing Bridge project last week.

“Through rough information I received from the engineering company and MTO (Ministry of Transportation), the construction manager general contractor service provider is anticipated to be hired by the end of August,” said MPP Rosenberg, last Thursday. 

MPP Rosenberg noted, “I know Manitoulin residents are very interested in hearing about everything going on with the bridge, and I know things have been quiet concerning an update on the bridge. It’s moving at a snail’s pace, but it is moving forward.”

Alexia here with your friendly harvest fly!

I am typing this two days before opening day at the Providence Bay Fair but by the time you all read this, the carneys, carnival vendors, campers and rock n rollers will have rolled up and out of our little township. These are the moments now when we can come up for air after the rush of visits, visitors and venue hops. These are the days of reflection. We reflect and remember the beautiful gatherings and teachings of yet another Season under the Sun and we gather to give thanks for the people we have and have had in our lives and in our world. Harvest is a bountiful time, but these gifts of food and medicine did not come without pressure, persistence, perseverance and work. As the wheel of life and learning keeps turning, we understand balance: what we take away or what leaves us must in- turn, return in one form or another. Everything and everyone come full circle. The most important thing we can do is Love, Live and Learn Large. We have the gift of learning from past generations and the privilege and most delicate providence of guiding tomorrow’s stewards and keepers. As we lose daylight and reflect on our losses, let us never lose our hope, our horizon, or our promise of tomorrow’s great expectations. Always water the young roots of tomorrow’s forest. Like the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, we are only one chapter in a story that began long before us-keep looking up, keep pushing, keep learning, keep growing. Love and Light. 

AUNDECK OMNI KANING—Elders in Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK) have received an upgraded place to call home. A year in the making, a safe, accessible and inviting space has officially opened for AOK elders.

“Everyone deserves a dream home; whether that’s a house or six units under one roof,” said Louie Zagordo, president of SLV Homes and lead in the construction of the new build.

 “A lot of it came down to mobility and social vs. private,” said Mike Ladyx, principal architect of 3rd Line Studio and lead architect of AOK’s new elders’ residence.

OTTAWA—The nearly two-year waltz over trade, including a review of CUSMA (the free trade deal between Canada and the United States), came to an abrupt end last week as Canada left the dance floor citing the last-minute demands by its American dance partner.

Canada and the US have circled one another in an on-again, off-again trade standoff that saw the US president dust off centuries-old US laws in order to implement tariffs on Canada’s aluminum, steel and other products. This past weekend, that cycle produced its most dramatic turn yet, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called his negotiators home and both governments announced steep new tariffs on each other’s goods.

The breakdown in talks came after roughly two weeks of intensive negotiations in Washington, capped by three straight days of meetings between Canadian trade minister Dominic LeBlanc and US trade representative Jamieson Greer. As recently as Thursday, Minister LeBlanc told reporters the two sides were “very close” to getting a deal done—and on Friday afternoon, US President Donald Trump told reporters negotiators had “pretty much” struck a deal.

When children bury children, the obligation, in fact society’s most sacred obligation, that of protecting its youth, has not merely been neglected—it has completely ruptured.

Over the past year, a devastating spike in violent crime across Canada (some 72 youth at last count) has left a trail of grieving families, empty classrooms and shattered communities. While headline writers frequently obsess over urban street violence in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, a far more acute, historical and agonizing tragedy is unfolding, usually away from the national media cameras and that is the alarming rise of youth homicides within 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½s communities.

The cold statistics provided by Statistics Canada tell only part of the story, though they tend by nature to obscure the human toll. The national homicide victimization rate for Indigenous people sits at an unconscionable 9.59 per 100,000—nearly eight times higher than the rate for non-Indigenous Canadians. When that data is filtered through the lens of youth, the picture darkens further. Indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 24 experience a violent victimization rate exceeding 330 per 1,000 individuals.

M’CHIGEENG—The family of a 17-year-old girl, members of Sheshegwaning 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ and the Manitoulin Island community are in mourning after the tragic homicide of Bethany Shinos in M’Chigeeng 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ on Monday, August 17. Two individuals have been charged with second-degree murder.

The homicide victim, 17-year-old Bethany Shinos, “was awesome,” stated a relative of the young girl. “She was just getting ready to go off to college at Georgian College in the next couple of weeks.”

“I have no idea (what the circumstances are relating to the incident). “The family is trying to piece things together,” said the relative. “It is so unfortunate and so unnecessary,” she said, noting the family is reeling from the tragedy.

WIIKWEMKOONG—Dan Manitowabi has been a lifelong and avid reader, so much so that he started an online book club last fall—that decision led to him becoming an author himself.

Mr. Manitowabi relayed to The Expositor that his book club had invited Indigenous author Waubgeshig Rice to join one of their sessions. Mr. Rice is an Anishinaabe author, journalist, and public speaker from Wasauksing 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ whose work blends speculative fiction with themes of cultural resilience. He spent nearly two decades with CBC before focusing on writing full time. His books include the short story collection ‘Midnight Sweatlodge,’ the novel ‘Legacy’ and the post-apocalyptic bestsellers ‘Moon of the Crusted Snow’ and its sequel ‘Moon of the Turning Leaves.’ His storytelling is rooted in Anishinaabe traditions and has earned multiple awards, including the Debwewin Citation and the Evergreen Award.

“He was very encouraging,” said Mr. Manitowabi. Suddenly, something that had seemed so mysterious and daunting, writing for publication, was transformed into something attainable.

He started out writing a novel but soon found his premise more suited to a shorter novella format. He also discovered that short stories are a great way to hone the craft. The result was two books. One, ‘The Way Things Go,’ is a collection of short stories. His short bio on Amazon explains that well. “In Wikwemikong, stories don’t always arrive with clear beginnings or endings. Sometimes they appear in small moments — a strange set of tracks at King’s Bay, lights moving over Kaboni, a sound in the trees at night, or a conversation that lasts longer than expected. ‘The Way Things Go’ is a quiet, deeply rooted collection of interconnected stories set in and around Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. Blending everyday community life with humour, memory, mystery, and the unexplained, Dan Manitowabi captures a world where people still stop to talk, where roads hold stories, and where not everything needs to be fully understood to feel true. Across these stories are rez dogs who quietly patrol the community, meetings about matters no one fully explains, lake monsters, sky canoes, power outages, old teachings and people trying—often imperfectly—to be useful to one another. Written with restraint, warmth and a strong sense of place, ‘The Way Things Go’ is a collection about presence, responsibility and the quiet ways communities continue to hold themselves together.”

His novella, ‘The Quiet Walker’ is “a haunting northern thriller set in the forests of Manitoulin Island, where the line between fear, memory, and truth begins to disappear. When Benjamin Nodin agrees to guide his cousin Devin and two friends on a casual walk through the bush near Wiikwemkoong, he hides one dangerous truth: he does not know the land the way his late father once did. What begins as an afternoon hike slowly turns into something colder, stranger, and far more personal. As the group loses the trail and tensions rise, Ben is forced to confront the stories he ignored growing up—stories about the land, about honesty, and about a presence known only in whispers as Sabe… the Quiet Walker. Blending Indigenous storytelling, psychological tension and the stark beauty of Northern Ontario, ‘The Quiet Walker’ is a powerful novel about fear, pride, survival, and the difficult truth of becoming who you really are.”

Mr. Manitowabi grounds his work in the Seven Grandfather teachings and the vibrant traditions of Anishinaabe culture. “I try to weave local folklore and the storytelling I grew up with,” he said. He adds that he is also inspired by the works of W.P. Kinsella ‘Dance me Outside,’ the 1977 Wikipedia short story collection. The stories are narrated by Silas Ermineskin and focus on life for Cree individuals on an Alberta reserve.

Both of Mr. Manitowabi’s books offer a great summertime read, told in a cadence and style that are immanently readable and entertaining.

‘The Quiet Walker’ and ‘The Way Things Go’ are available in The Expositor book shop in Little Current.

KAGAWONG—As Joe Bowen, long-time voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs would say, ‘Holy Mackinaw’ to the very entertaining and highly successful hockey-themed History Day in Kagawong, August 13. The Park Centre in Kagawong was sold-out for both its afternoon and evening sessions put on by the Old Mill Heritage Centre Museum. Each session included a who’s who of professional, regional and local hockey players, coaches and trophies being part of the ceremonies.

Steve Paikin, journalist/broadcaster for TVO for four centuries best known for being The Agenda host (19 seasons), hosted the extensive panel of guests on hand for the celebrations.

For History Day, Phil Pritchard, keeper of the Stanley Cup at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, along with Miragh Bitove, the first lady keeper of the Stanley Cup, were on stage for one of the panel sessions. They explained the mere presence of the Stanley Cup can bring people to tears.

MANITOULIN—Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) is proud to announce the launch of the Douglas A. Smith Family Foundation Community and Business Challenge, a major fundraising initiative in support of Vital Visions, the organization’s campaign to invest in critical medical equipment and strengthen healthcare services for residents, seasonal residents and visitors across Manitoulin Island.

Through this challenge, the Douglas A. Smith Family Foundation has pledged to match community and business donations dollar-for-dollar up to $200,000. If the community reaches the fundraising goal, the foundation’s contribution will double the impact, generating a total of $400,000 in support of Vital Visions and priority medical equipment needs at MHC.

“The Douglas A. Smith family has always been a strong supporter of the Manitoulin Health Centre,” Paula Fields, president and chief executive officer of the MHC told The Expositor.