Vanna Blacksmith

Journalist

Vanna Blacksmith is two-spirit and Eenou-Anishinaabe Bear Clan from the Cree Nation of Mistissini with Ojibwe roots from Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territory. She is a journalist and part of CBC’s Indigenous Pathways first cohort. She currently resides in Kanien’kehá:ka territory of Tiohtià:ke, also known as Montreal.

Latest from Vanna Blacksmith

Jordan's Principle backlogs may create difficulty funding sports in Eeyou Istchee

Jordan's Principle cases are piling up in Eeyou Istchee, which may make obtaining funding for sports and recreation more difficult.

Northern Quebec Cree announce first national park in their territory

The Cree Nation of Mistissini and the government of Quebec signed an agreement to create the first national park in Eeyou Istchee.

'I think as women, we have compassion': Jeannie Pelletier elected as new Cree health board chair

For over 28 years, Jeannie Pelletier has worked as a nurse, head nurse, co-ordinator, and local director. She is taking her role to new heights as chairperson of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.

Artists from Eeyou Istchee nominated for International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards

Artists from northern Quebec and Ontario have been nominated for International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards this year. The awards show is expected to happen in 2025.

Northern Quebec Cree youth learn about leadership in treaty simulation

Cree youth from Quebec took part in a treaty simulation to learn about leadership, government, and politics, marking the 49th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.

Indigenous women from Canada earned the most medals at the World Broomball Championships

AlgonCrees proudly claimed silver, while Anishinabe Iskwewak earned bronze at the IFBA World Broomball Championships in Mont-Blanc, France on Oct. 26, showcasing Indigenous talent at one of the highest levels of broomball.

Quebec Cree take on pottery in new land-based program for mental health

Cree in northern Quebec are making ceramics out of clay from their land. It’s a "different spin" on their land-based programming for mental health. 

Crees in northern Quebec taking extra measures to keep camps secure from theft

Some Crees in northern Quebec are taking action to keep their traditional camps more secure after some recent break-ins and thefts. 

Indigenous TikTokers talk about the power of first-person storytelling using social media

The One Young World summit is a yearly global gathering of young leaders from around the world. They participate in workshops, speeches and networking. This year’s summit brought 2,000 delegates together in Montreal from Sept. 18 to 21. 

Concordia University to waive tuition for Indigenous students in Quebec

Concordia University is waiving tuition costs for Indigenous students across Quebec. It’s a "game changer" according to Manon Tremblay and Allan Vicaire, some of the leaders of the initiative.