“As a journalist, I can’t tell you which version of history is right — or decide how nearly 200-year-old documents should be interpreted today. But it is our job at The Narwhal to embrace the complexity of nuanced realities like this, and point to systemic problems that cause them,” reporter Emma McIntosh writes.
Photo: Chris Katsarov Luna / The Narwhal
It’s complicatedIt’s our job at The Narwhal to embrace nuance, and this story about First Nations in dispute over fishing and land rights hits that mark.
Before I tell you about the fascinating and complicated story that took me halfway across the great province of Ontario, I have some good news to share: in less than a week, 182 of you stepped up to become the newest members of The Narwhal! 🎉
Some stories don’t fit neatly into splashy quotes and headlines.
Last summer, I travelled to White Lake in northern Ontario with photographer Christopher Katsarov Luna to dig into one such story that gets a little, well, complicated.
On its face, this is a tale at the intersection of fishing rights and mining. In a court case filed last year, Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg alleged the Ontario government wrongly consulted two other First Nations about mining in what Netmizaaggamig asserts is its sole territory. The Anishinaabe community, located a few hours’ drive northwest of Sault Ste. Marie, also alleges this enabled people from those nations to allegedly poach walleye from White Lake, the centre of Netmizaaggamig’s community and culture.
The other two nations and the Ontario government have strongly denied the allegations. But when you dig a little deeper, there’s an even more nuanced story to tell. The root of this dispute goes back to 1849 and 1850, when treaties covering the region were signed — treaties that were missing key information, and set the stage for conflict more than a century later.
As a journalist, I can’t tell you which version of history is right — or decide how nearly 200-year-old documents should be interpreted today. But it is our job at The Narwhal to embrace the complexity of nuanced realities like this, and point to systemic problems that cause them.
Across the border, in Manitoba, another complicated story is playing out between First Nations and other land users, like hunters and anglers, over a planned Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. My colleague Julia-Simone Rutgers spoke with the people behind the conservation proposal, and with the organization most fervently opposed to it. She attended a town hall on the issue and came away with a story that illustrates how difficult these conversations can be, and why it’s so important to have them.
One source wrote in to thank Julia-Simone for the balance in the article, and another wrote: “This reminds me of the old days when it was common for journalists to interview many people of different perspectives and craft a story with that info at hand. In my opinion, we need more of that.”
For a few months, we’ve been asking noteworthy people across Canada to describe their relationship with the natural world in our Moose Questionnaire. It’s an effort to build community and celebrate how all of us have our own connection to the land and water.
The 23-year-old is known for True Detective and The Grizzlies, and she has a new show, North of North, which brings a humorous and honest take on life in the North. Reviews have called it “charming,” “sunny” and “wise” (and it’s now on Netflix).
I’m inspired by how Lambe brought her wisdom and perspective to our chat. She confidently speaks about Inuit rights and uses her platform to highlight Indigenous artists. She also brings laughter and lightness. It’s something we can all aspire to — standing rooted in strong principles, centring community and having fun while doing it.
Lambe spoke about how it’s important to believe people can change, but also to set boundaries if someone refuses to recognize your humanity right to your face. Her words felt so relevant, so grounding and so resonant in these divisive times.
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“As a journalist, I can’t tell you which version of history is right — or decide how nearly 200-year-old documents should be interpreted today. But it is our job at The Narwhal to embrace the complexity of nuanced realities like this, and point to systemic problems that cause them,” reporter Emma McIntosh writes.
Get the inside scoop on The Narwhal’s environment and climate reporting by signing up for our free newsletter. When I visited my reserve, Moose Factory,...
With headlines blaring about tariffs, a trade war and a 51st state, it can be easy to feel helpless. Here’s where I see hope: The Narwhal is reporting doggedly on issues surrounding the natural world in Canada that feel so under threat today — including the autonomy and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples. It’s why I’m a member — and why I hope you’ll be one of 400 readers who joins me this April. Sign up now and receive a Narwhal tote bag as a gift of thanks! — Tanya Talaga, journalist, author and recent Narwhal board chair
With headlines blaring about tariffs, a trade war and a 51st state, it can be easy to feel helpless. Here’s where I see hope: The Narwhal is reporting doggedly on issues surrounding the natural world in Canada that feel so under threat today — including the autonomy and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples. It’s why I’m a member — and why I hope you’ll be one of 400 readers who joins me this April. — Tanya Talaga, journalist, author and recent Narwhal board chair
