Legal personhood for Rice Lake and the Ganaraska River gathered momentum over the past month.

In this interview, Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson discusses several significant steps towards efforts to gain a new legal status for the two bodies of water in Northumberland County. 

In this interview, Simpson shares an update regarding a community meeting in Alderville to discuss the legal case for Rice Lake. This included a water walk, starting at Vimy Ridge Road on the lake and ending at the community centre in Alderville —a nearly 20 km hike.  You will hear details about this sacred ceremony and its significance at the meeting.

Then, Simpson will share specifics about an event at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope hosted by Indigenous artist and actor Tom Jackson that took place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It was held at the end of a busy day involving a march on County Road 45 for Orange Shirt Day.

The Chief will also share the community's efforts on legal personhood at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil on November 10.

Finally, Simpson discusses major changes to land management in Alderville as the community works toward a land code that will allow them to create and enforce property and local bylaws, manage lands independently, and transfer property without federal interference.

Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson shares several items from the Assembly of First Nations' Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg and discusses their impact on his community.

In particular, he speaks to the drug-related challenges on reserves, which is an ongoing problem in Alderville. Simpson examines the effectiveness of existing laws and enforcement, as well as the need for a police force in his reserve. The urgent opioid crisis in Indigenous communities complicates the issue.

Simpson updates the continuing opposition to infrastructure projects proposed by the provincial and federal governments. 

He will also discuss the upcoming events, including his invitation to speak at the UN Climate Change conference and an important event to raise funds for the personhood initiative in Rice Lake and the Ganaraska River.

Alderville First Nation announced recently it is joining with others to launch a legal challenge to recent provincial and federal legislation ignores its rights and responsibilities.

Several First Nations are going to court to stop Bill 5 and Bill C-5, two significant pieces of legislation passed this spring to fast-track economic development in Ontario and across Canada. Chief Taynar Simpson will share a historic meeting between Indigenous leaders and Prime Minister Mark Carney that addressed various governance and rights issues.

Simpson explains the motivation for the lawsuit and what it means to Alderville.

Then, Simpson will discuss the recent band council election and his second term as chief, along with the composition of the new band council. 

Finally, he will talk about a recent objection Ontario First Nations chiefs had with the Metis Nations of Ontario regarding some federal grants worth over $1 billion. He will explain why.

The Chief will also report on community events and upcoming programs while highlighting the importance of cultural activities in fostering reconciliation and community engagement.

Alderville is one of four First Nations in mourning after ancestral remains were discovered during the excavation of a proposed parking lot near the new Ontario Power Generation (OPG) headquarters in Oshawa.

In this edition of Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Chief Taynar Simpson will discuss what was found at Scugog Carrying Place, a well-known historic site, after a bone fragment was found on July 3. The excavation of the site was discovered in early April, Simpson said. All work ceased, and an archeological firm was hired to sift through the piles of dirt that were removed, Simpson said. Some of the excavated dirt was already removed from the property.

In this conversation, Simpson provides numerous details about what has happened and the reactions of the First Nations, the Alderville community, and OPG.

Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson expresses deep concerns with Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, in this interview.

His opposition is rooted in the threat to treaty rights and the lack of consultation before the bill's passage earlier this month. But there are many other aspects, including changes to environmental laws, mining, heritage, and more.

He will also discuss the upcoming band council election. It will be held on July 18 and will be the first under the new rules. It will feature five councillors instead of four and a three-year term rather than the current two years.

As always, there are many public service announcements and events. Have a listen.

Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson advanced the cause of personhood for Rice Lake and the Ganaraska River to the United Nations on Earth Day as part of the first High-Level meeting on Harmony with Nature and Living Well conference held in New York City. Simpson was one of many Indigenous groups worldwide expressing their concerns and solutions for protecting the environment at the meeting.

The chief also attended the Indigenous Ambassador Program at the Canadian Nuclear Association's 2025 conference in April, where he and other Indigenous leaders met with nuclear industry representatives to discuss the Pickering refurbishment, the New Nuclear Project at Darlington, and the Wesleyville project.  He discussed the potential equity ownership of these projects with Indigenous people.

Finally, Simpson talks briefly about the recent Landfest, a community gathering at the Haliburton property.

There is a lot to talk about in this episode. Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson says his people responded well to the recent ice storm, with the community center serving as an emergency shelter and a hub for various activities. He also examines how the Chiefs of Ontario discussed the review of services and political structures, highlighting the importance of effective time management for Chiefs. Simpson also discusses the challenges of representing diverse communities within these organizations..  Finally, he discusses the pressing need for affordable and transitional housing. Additionally, the Chief expressed concerns about the allocation of funding for indigenous housing, discussed ongoing prescribed burns, and, as usual, a long list of community events.

This interview with Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson covers various topics, including technical issues, a settlement between Alderville and Hydro One, economic development strategies for First Nations communities, and the upcoming Federal election's potential impact on indigenous issues.

Discussions included pipeline safety, an upcoming mock emergency exercise with the Canadian Armed Forces, and several community events and public service announcements.

The Chief emphasized the importance of fighting for rights, working with whoever is in power, and prioritizing safety and proper compensation for communities affected by development projects.

Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson explores the technical issues, history, and implications of the Jay Treaty and the potential impact of American tariffs on Indigenous communities. He looks at the treaty's effect on border mobility, its interpretation by different governments, and its connection to dual citizenship and Indigenous rights. The conversation also touched on the economic consequences of tariffs and strategies for Indigenous communities to navigate these challenges. As always, it concluded with announcements of upcoming events and important dates for the Alderville community.

The Darlington New Nuclear Project is a long-term plan to replace the old reactors to build new ones announced in 2021. It looks at four new reactors to serve about 1.2 million homes within the site. The Williams Treaty covers the site. Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson was one of the representatives from the Mississauga and Chippewa First Nations who recently appeared at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearing. 

In his deputation to the hearing, he said:

“The nuclear industry set up shop on lands that were culturally significant to our people, yet despite the reaffirmation of our harvesting rights, these lands are now inaccessible to our people. Not only are these lands and waters now inaccessible to our peoples, but they also now house a potentially significant threat to the health and safety of the environment and humans.”  

In this podcast, you will hear what was said in detail, and he will elaborate on the concerns raised.

You will also receive a significant update. Listeners will recall that the Assembly of First Nations turned down a child welfare agreement worth more than $47 billion because some chiefs and activists felt it was problematic. However, the Ontario First Nations are seeking their own agreement. Chief Simpson will explain.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared before the Assembly of First Nations at a special meeting on Dec. 5. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also appeared. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet appeared, as well.The discussions revolved around concerns raised during sometimes heated exchanges focused on the Prime Minister's response and the need for systemic changes in addressing Indigenous issues.

On this month's episode of Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson explores what happened and his reaction to the various politicians. The conversation also covers the importance of maintaining decorum in assemblies, the need for corporations to consult with Indigenous people before undertaking projects on their lands, and the announcement of several upcoming events and programs for the community. Lastly, the interview highlights the ongoing struggle for reconciliation and the need for further action to address unresolved issues.

Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson reflects on Murray Sinclair's legacy of contributions to Indigenous people in Alderville and across the country. Simpson worked on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when Sinclair was its chair.

Simpson will also reflect on the recent vote by the Assembly of First Nations to reject a $48.7 billion child welfare deal. He will look inside the debate and give his position on this significant decision

Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson discussed economic development in Alderville, including the diverse economy, the role of the Band Council in the economy, and the ongoing community comprehensive business development plan.

He also addressed the issue of indigenous procurement in Canada and the challenges indigenous businesses face. He made a case for more transparency and accountability.

Of course, he touches on upcoming events in Alderville.

Boxes full of artifacts like arrowheads, tools, and other items are stacked up in a number of Ontario facilities. There are items dating back to 800 BC. The storage of some items unearthed by archaeologists is left to the archaeologists themselves. An open letter addressed to the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism calls on them to take action, especially when Indigenous communities try to retrieve those artifacts. Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson is one of the letter's signatories. You will hear his ideas on what needs to be done.

Then, you will learn about Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation from a different perspective. Chief Simpson will explore the impact of educational programs at schools but also on the youth within his community.

The Anishinaabe of the upper Great Lakes won an important settlement recently. Alderville is part of the Anishinaabe Nation. A treaty signed in 1875 was not honoured. The breach involved freezing annual treaty payments at $4 per person for 150 years. As a result, a settlement of $126 billion is to be paid within six months.

Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson will explain the details and the significance of the decision and its impact on the future of the Robinson-Huron Treaty people.

Then, Chief Simpson will reflect on two important cultural events held in July. He will talk about the recent Pow Wow and the Regatta. He will share what took place as well as the opportunities for the Alderville community to share its heritage with Northumberland County.

Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson and Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky are exploring the possibility of seeking personhood for the Ganaraska River. This is similar to the efforts to protect the Magpie River in Quebec. Simpson explains in this podcast that giving the river the status of a person under the law would provide better protection than what currently exists. While the talks are moving forward, this is the first time the initiative is being made public, and the implications are explained.

This podcast also includes the details of a $47.8-billion child welfare agreement announced at the recent Assembly of First Nations meeting near Montreal. Simpson attended the meeting and will explain its impact on Indigenous people across the country and Alderville.

At a landmark meeting of the Anishinabek Nation earlier this month, members selected Linda Debassige as the new Grand Council Chief using a traditional stand-up vote for the first time in decades.

Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson talks about this historic moment on the show, including the preparations, the nomination, and the final selection. He will also discuss the agenda items covered and the concerns raised during the meeting.

Later, he will look ahead to a significant proposal he hopes to raise at another important meeting of chiefs.  The Chiefs of Ontario and Six Nations of the Grand River will host the Annual Chiefs Assembly and Regional Chief Election. Simpson will describe his proposal to extend the role of an independent special interlocutor for missing children and unmarked graves associated with residential schools, highlighting the importance of proper representation and procedures moving forward.

Alderville First Nations are taking several significant steps to empower them in critical areas.

There are historic barriers to Indigenous people owning homes on First Nations reserves. In this interview, Chief Taynar Simpson will talk about how members can purchase land and own their homes.

Next, you will hear Simpson outline how the community moves towards self-determination in electing its band council. Historically, First Nations faced a prescribed process mirroring settler's forms of democracy. Alderville is working through a new approach where the community identifies how band council selection will occur.

Across Canada, First Nations are using ground-penetrating radar to uncover the burials of children near residential schools. In 2021, Alderville conducted its radar probes on a site near the Alderville United Church (formerly Wesleyan Methodist) on Second Line Road. This is where an Industrial School existed in 1849 as a training centre for several First Nations in the region.

Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson will update the situation related to the burials, along with several recent developments. He will review the history of the Industrial School and its relationship to the burials. Plus, he will talk about possible next steps.

Then, Simpson will discuss the band council's effort to create its own police force. After decades of coverage by local OPP, a move towards creating its own police force is moving forward. He will describe the history of these efforts and spell out the various options for the community.

As always, the show will end with a community update on all the various upcoming events.

Legislation aimed at providing Metis people the same rights for self-governance returned to the House of Commons for a third reading last month. It gives rights like authority concerning internal governance, citizenship, elections, government operations, and child and family services.

In the show's first segment, you will hear Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson explain the concerns many First Nations representatives express about the legislation, also known as Bill C-53. 

In the second segment, Chief Simpson reflects on the legacy of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Mulroney died on February 29 at the age of 84. Simpson's insights may surprise some, but they also give insight into some early reforms introduced during Mulroney's years that led to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission many years later.