Niigaan Sinclair

Manitoba

City Columnist at Winnipeg Free Press

Author of Winipek, Columnist @WinnipegNews (frmr NNA Cdn columnist of year), panelist @PnPCBC, Truth&Politics Panel @APTNNews & Prof, INDG Studies @umanitoba

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Articles

Opinion: Swedish furniture store an unlikely place to inspire Indigenous pride

1 week ago | winnipegfreepress.com | Niigaan Sinclair

Saturday marks Canada’s 29th National Indigenous Peoples Day. It happens every year, on June 21, the summer solstice, the day with the longest sunlight in the northern hemisphere. National Indigenous Peoples Day was proclaimed by the federal government in 1996 and was intended to honour the cultural significance of this time of the year while celebrating the contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada.
Manifest opportunity: Indigenous resistance in the age of Trump

1 week ago | canadiangeographic.ca | Niigaan Sinclair

Manifest opportunity: Indigenous resistance in the age of Trump How Canadians could learn a thing or two about resistance from Indigenous Peoples Expand Image During his inauguration speech on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump used a phrase that chilled the soul.
Opinion: Just another day of uncertainty, worry and boredom for northern wildfire evacuees

2 weeks ago | winnipegfreepress.com | Niigaan Sinclair

I’m at the Billy Mosienko Arena fire evacuee registration centre, where I’ve come to drop off donations. Dad travelled a lot. He also received a lot of gifts. This resulted in a lot of barely used, virtually new luggage. Those get inherited the second I unload them from my vehicle in the parking lot. “Are you donating those suitcases?” an elderly woman asks me, pointing at a pile of garbage bags.
Opinion: Wildfire evacuation underscores need for Red Dress Alert system

3 weeks ago | winnipegfreepress.com | Niigaan Sinclair

The grassroots organization Giganawenimaanaanig released an interim report this week on the progress of the proposed Red Dress Alert, an initiative that would notify the public and help co-ordinate responses when an Indigenous woman, girl, or two-spirit person goes missing.
Opinion: King’s speech proves Crown, treaties still relevant

1 month ago | winnipegfreepress.com | Niigaan Sinclair

After meeting King Charles, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the two spoke about wildfires in the province, the Canadian economy, and climate change — but then the monarch said something surprising. “We need Indigenous wisdom,” the King told Canada’s only First Nations premier. Indeed.
Opinion: Matter of time before truth trumps stereotypes

1 month ago | brandonsun.com | Niigaan Sinclair

The most frequent statement thrown at those who argue for Indigenous nationhood is that First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders are corrupt, vile and incompetent. It’s a stereotype; an oversimplified idea based in little to no reality. No one is denying there aren’t a few terrible and inept chiefs, presidents and CEOs, but the selfish ones out for power and money are rare and, frankly, don’t last — communities have their own methods of holding leaders accountable.
Matter of time before truth trumps stereotypes

1 month ago | winnipegfreepress.com | Niigaan Sinclair

The most frequent statement thrown at those who argue for Indigenous nationhood is that First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders are corrupt, vile and incompetent. It’s a stereotype; an oversimplified idea based in little to no reality. No one is denying there aren’t a few terrible and inept chiefs, presidents and CEOs, but the selfish ones out for power and money are rare and, frankly, don’t last — communities have their own methods of holding leaders accountable.
Opinion: Indigenous ministers tasked with solving country’s biggest challenges — oh, the irony

1 month ago | winnipegfreepress.com | Niigaan Sinclair

It is ironic a country that has treated Indigenous women so badly is now asking two of them to save it. The swearing-in of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet was so full of historical “firsts” and fascinating moments, one could barely keep track. Take, for example, the sight of a record number of Indigenous cabinet ministers (three), who will represent the interests of Canada and the British Crown while being sworn in by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon — the first Indigenous person to represent the monarch.
Opinion: Alberta can’t turn page on Canada without First Nations

1 month ago | winnipegfreepress.com | Niigaan Sinclair

Imagine starting a book on Chapter 2. The story would make no sense. Understanding it would be a very frustrating experience. Many details would be missed. And, in the end, what would be left is countless invalid assumptions and conclusions based on ignorance and incomplete information.
Opinion: Tough choices for Indigenous voters in key Prairie ridings

2 months ago | winnipegfreepress.com | Niigaan Sinclair

In order to understand the Indigenous vote in next week’s federal election, two ridings will tell the story. The first is Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River in northern Saskatchewan, where First Nations voters make up 67.6 per cent of the electorate, 15 Métis communities exist, and a small but significant proportion of Denesuline and Inuit peoples reside. The riding also features an all-Indigenous slate.