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Transcript

National Indigenous News August 11 · National Indigenous Newscasts

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: This is a look at your National Indigenous News.
• 0:02
  SPEAKER_00: I'm Daryl Stranger.
• 0:03
  SPEAKER_00: The first Indigenous woman to be named Miss Universe Canada has criticized the beauty pageant after some contestants wore Indigenous themed clothing during the national costume segment of this year's competition.
• 0:15
  SPEAKER_00: The controversy, which was first reported by APT and National News on Friday, happened last week in Windsor, Ontario during the portion of the competition where contestants showcased outfits inspired by Canada's traditions.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: Ashley Collingbull, an Indigenous model who was crowned Miss Universe Canada in 2024, went off script while hosting the pageantry costume competition.
• 0:34
  SPEAKER_00: She interrupted the event to speak out after several contestants wore ensembles that appropriated Indigenous culture.
• 0:40
  SPEAKER_00: Miss Universe Canada acknowledged the feedback on the costumes in a statement on social media Friday, quote, We want to address this directly and sincerely.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_00: If any costume caused offense, hurt, or misunderstanding, please know that it was never our intention, it wrote in the post.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: The organization said it is creating a comprehensive costume guide with clear guidelines and standards aimed at ensuring thoughtful and respectful presentations.
• 1:03
  SPEAKER_00: Collingbull, who was the first indigenous First Nations woman to be featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 2022, said the new guidelines will help with the process moving forward.
• 1:14
  SPEAKER_00: The Salvation Army in Yellowknife says it's used up all of the federal funding it receives annually to support people facing eviction and has to turn away those in need.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: The nonprofit received$100,000 from the federal government in April, but with increasing demand for housing support, it says that money was used up in three months.
• 1:32
  SPEAKER_00: Over the last three years, demand has nearly doubled for support through the Reaching Home Program, a federal fund that aims to prevent homelessness by supporting people who are behind on rent and utilities.
• 1:44
  SPEAKER_00: Previously, the fund would last at least nine months every year, with most calls in colder months due to higher utility bills.
• 1:50
  SPEAKER_00: Now the demand is high year-round.
• 1:53
  SPEAKER_00: After the administration costs, the Salvation Army had about$80,000 in April, which it said was used up in helping nearly 30 families by June.
• 2:01
  SPEAKER_00: Housing Northwest Territories said residents struggling to pay rent or facing eviction should contact their local housing organization as soon as possible.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_00: Aside from homelessness assistance funding, people can access the Canada Northwest Territories Housing Benefit or apply for social housing.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_00: The Salvation Army said they will be turning away people until there is more money, which they have applied for more funding, but have not yet heard back.
• 2:24
  SPEAKER_00: Federal ministers announced up to forty nine point five million dollars in funding this week to modernize the Mike Zubko Airport in Inuvic, Northwest Territories.
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_00: The money will go toward giving the existing cracked runway a consistent paved surface and upgrading the access road with asphalt, which will all be done in partnership with the territorial government.
• 2:43
  SPEAKER_00: The project is meant to support heavier traffic and growing cargo volumes at the airport.
• 2:48
  SPEAKER_00: This is the first project to be funded under the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, a$1 billion fund set up by the federal government in its 2025 budget to build and expand transportation infrastructure in the Arctic that serves both the military and communities.
• 3:02
  SPEAKER_00: Prime Minister Mark Carney previously announced in March that upgrades to a new VIX airport would be a component of the federal government's$35 billion plan to modernize and expand defense capabilities in the North.
• 3:13
  SPEAKER_00: This new funding comes in addition to the$230 million already set aside to extend and modernize the airport's runway under that plan.
• 3:21
  SPEAKER_00: Construction is planned to start in the fall and is expected to be completed within three years.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: That's a look at your national Indigenous news.