The search for Native Language teachers PAGE B1 Vol. 37 #12
Canadian rangers meet PM PAGE 9
Couchiching and INAC reach agreement PAGE 3 9,300 copies distributed $1.50
June 10, 2010
Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974
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Walking for residential school awareness
Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News
From left, Jorge Hookimaw’llillerre, Christopher Paulmartin and Patrick Etherington Jr. make their way down Arthur Street West in Thunder Bay June 1. The three are part of a group called the Truth and Reconciliation Walkers who have been walking from Cochrane, Ont. since May 15 to the TRC’s national event in Winnipeg, which takes place June 16-19. See story on page 7.
Free Wasaya flights for TRC meeting Rick Garrick Wawatay News
Wasaya Airways LP, Perimeter Aviation and Greyhound Canada are offering free return tickets for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada National Event June 16-19 in Winnipeg. “Wasaya, through Tom Morris and through our Board of Directors recognized the importance of the event and we certainly wish to participate in an event that is important to the members of the communities we serve,” said Dean Woloschuk, Wasaya Airway’s director of marketing and customer service. He said Wasaya will be providing one free return flight to each of the 22 First Nations communities it serves in northwestern Ontario. In addition, the
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TRC is matching Wasaya’s free return flight with another free return flight per community. “They (TRC) have requested that we assist them with a fare at cost,” Woloschuk said. “So we will be providing that.” Wasaya is also providing a convention or conference rate to other members of the communities it serves who want to travel to the National Event. Perimeter Aviation is providing 50 free return flights to the communities it serves in Manitoba and Ontario, which includes Sandy Lake, Pikangikum and Sachigo, and Greyhound Canada is providing 600 free return tickets to the National Event. “Many survivors do not have the resources to get to Winnipeg for the National Event,” said Tom McMahon, executive director of the TRC. “We are trying our best to organize whatever assistance we can organize.” The TRC was not funded to provide travel and accommodations for survivors at national events. “We are working hard with Aboriginal organizations, with corporations,
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transportation companies and others, with provincial and municipal governments, with churches to try to put together whatever assistance we are able to put together to allow some survivors to get to Winnipeg for the National Event,” McMahon said. McMahon encourages other transportation companies besides Wasaya, Perimeter Aviation and Greyhound Canada to help transport survivors to the National Event. “We sure would appreciate if any other transportation company would identify itself to help with transportation to the Winnipeg National Event,” McMahon said, adding that the TRC is also looking for volunteers and donations for the event. “There is no limit to how people can become engaged with helping survivors attend the National Event.” The TRC is holding the National Event to bring together Canadians, survivors and their families, former school staff and others affected by the Indian Residential Schools (IRS) experience. see MUSICIANS page 17
Purchase your reservations until July 31, 2010 for travel before October 1, 2010.
ᑲᒧᐦᒋ ᐸᐳᓯᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᐧᓭᔭ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑭᐦᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᓂᐯᐠ ᐊᔭᐠ ᑲᐱᒥ ᑲᑫᐧ ᒪᒥᓂᐦᑕᒪᐃᐧᐣᑕᐧ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐠ ᕑᐃᐠ ᑫᕑᐃᐠ ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᐣ
ᐊᐧᓭᔭᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧᐣ, ᐱᕑᐃᒥᑎᕑ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧ ᐊᐸᒋᑕᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑭᕑᐁᐦᐊᐤᐣᐟ ᐸᐢ ᑲᐱᒥᐱᓱᐨ ᐅᐸᑭᑎᓇᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᒧᐦᒋ ᐳᓯᓇᓂᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᐅᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᓇᐳ ᐊᐃᐧᔭ ᒋᒥᓇᑲᓂᐃᐧᐨ ᑫᐅᐣᒋ ᐱᒥᔭᐨ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑭᐦᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᓂᐯᐠ ᐊᔭᐠ ᑲᐱᒥ ᑲᑫᐧ ᒪᒥᓂᐦᑕᒪᐃᐧᐣᑕᐧ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐠ ᓴᑭᐸᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 16-19 ᐃᓇᐣᑭᓯᐨ. “ᐊᐧᓭᔭ, ᐊᐁᐧ ᐅᐣᒋ ᑕᐧᑦ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᑲᐊᐱᑕᒪᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑭᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓇᓇᐊᐧ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᓴᐣ ᐁᑭᒋ̇ᓀᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᒪᒪᐃᐧᐢᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᔦ ᑕᐢ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᓂᒥᓴᐁᐧᐣᑕᒥᐣ ᒋᑭ ᐃᐧᒋᑕᐧᔭᑭᐸᐣ ᐅᐁᐧ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᒋ̇ᓀᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᑭᒋᒪᒪᐃᐧᐢᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᒪ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᓂᑲᑕᒪᐣᑭᐣ,” ᐃᑭᑐ ᑎ̇ ᐣ ᐅᐧᕑᐅᐢᒐᐠ, ᐊᐧᓭᔭ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐊᑕᐁᐧᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᐧᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐊᐸᒋᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐧᓭᔭ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧᐣ. ᐊᒥᐦᐃ ᑲᑭ ᐃᑭᑐᐨ ᐊᐧᓭᔭ ᒋᐸᑭᑎᓇᐠ ᐯᔑᐠ ᑎᑭᐟ ᒋᓇᐳᐢᑲᐊᐧᑫᐨ ᐃᒪ 22 ᐃᐢᑯᓂᑲᓇᐣ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᓂᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᒪ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐣᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ. ᑲᔦ ᑕᐢ,
ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᑲᓂᐢᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᐃᔑᒋᑫᓂᐨ ᐅᑐᓇᑐᓇᐊᐧ ᐊᐧᓭᔭ ᑲᒧᒋᐸᑭᑎᓇᒥᓂᐨ ᑎᑭᐟ ᑫᐧᐃᓇᐊᐧ ᐯᔑᐠ ᓇᐳ ᒋᐱᒥᔭᐊᐧᑲᓂᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᐁᐸᑭᑎᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑕᓱ ᐯᔑᐠ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᑲᐣ. “ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ (ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᑲᓂᐢᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ) ᑭᐊᐣᑐᑕᒪᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐸᐣᑭ ᒋᐃᓇᐣᑭᒋᑲᓂᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᐱᒥᔭᐃᐧᐣ,” ᐅᐧᕑᐅᐢᒐᐠ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ. “ᐊᒥᑕᐢ ᑫᑐᑕᒪᐣᐠ.” ᐊᐧᓭᔭ ᑲᔦ ᐅᑲᓂᓴᑭᐣᑕᒪᐊᐧᐊᐧᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐃᐧᐃᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᑎ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐃᔑ ᑭᒋ̇ ᒪᐊᐧᐣᑐᐢᑲᓂᐊᐧᐨ. ᐱᕑᐃᒥᑎᕑ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧ ᐊᐸᒋᑕᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᐸᑭᑎᓇᓇᐊᐧ 50 ᑲᒧᒋᐅᓯᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑎᑭᐟ ᐃᒪ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᐃᓇᑯᒋᓂᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᒪᓇᑐᐸ ᒥᓇ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ, ᐃᒪ ᓀᐣᑲᐃᐧᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ, ᐱᑲᐣᒋᑲᒥᐣᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐊᒋᑯᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ, ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᑭᕑᐁᐦᐊᐤᐣᐟ ᐸᐢ ᑲᐱᒥᐱᓱᐨ ᐅᐸᑭᑎᓇᓇᐊᐧ 600 ᑎᑭᑕᐣ ᑲᒧᒋᐳᓯᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᒋᐃᔕᐊᐧᑲᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᐧᓂᐯᐠ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐃᔑ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ.
www.wasaya.com 1.877.4WASAYA reservations@wasaya.com
All reservations are non-refundable. NAV Canada, Insurance, and Fuel Surcharges are included. Sioux Lookout and Red Lake AIF and taxes are extra. Seating is limited at seat sale fares and reservations are subject to availability and the number of seats is restricted by flight number. This means that seats may not be available for seat sale fares although there are still seats offered on the aircraft. If there are no seats available on certain ights, guests may choose another date and time or ight to travel. Changes and cancellations are subject to fees and upgrades as applicable. Reservation is non-refundable in case of no-show. Cash and Credit Card only. Sorry, no account charges. Payment is required within 48 hours of making reservations, after payment the reservation is non-refundable and reservations will expire if payment is not received. Seat Sale reservations may be purchased until July 31, 2010 for travel before October 1, 2010. Seat Sale fares require return reservations and must be purchased at least 10 days in advance. Seat prices are subject to change.
see page 20
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Endowment fund empowers students Rick Garrick Wawatay News
Aboriginal paramedic and pilot students at Confederation College will soon be eligible for an endowment fund to help them through their studies. “As a crucial provider of transport medicine services to many Aboriginal communities in northern Ontario, Ornge is proud to provide financial support to the students that represent them,” said Dr. Christopher Mazza, president and CEO of Ornge, which partnered with AgustaWestland to develop the Ornge-AgustaWestland Endowment Fund for Aboriginal Learners. “With this award, we will empower Aboriginal students to be future leaders in aviation and paramedical services, sharing our mission to deliver excellent patient care throughout the province.” Ornge and AgustaWestland donated $250,000 to Confederation College to address the growing demand for services and skilled Aboriginal employees in the north. The award will be available beginning in the fall of 2011 with access information available through Confederation College’s Financial Aid office. One to three awards will be presented per year. “We are extremely pleased to offer this award along with our partners, said Giuseppe Orsi, CEO of AgustaWestland, a helicopter design and manufacturing company based in England and Italy. “Together with Ornge and Confederation College, we are pleased to be able to open doors to Aboriginal students who may wish to pursue a career in transport medicine but may not have the means. We intend to close that gap.”
The $250,000 donation was the single largest external donation for financial aid ever received by Confederation College. “The Ornge-AgustaWestland Endowment Fund will make a difference in encouraging Aboriginal students to pursue a career as a paramedic or a pilot,” said Confederation College president Patricia Lang, explaining that the college has a goal of meeting the growing demand for health care services throughout northwestern Ontario. “These Aboriginal students will not only enhance their lives as they pursue their chosen career, but also help to address the growing demand for health service providers within the northwest region.”
“The ... Endowment Fund will make a difference in encouraging Aboriginal students to pursue a career as a paramedic or a pilot.” - Patricia Lang
Confederation College intends to pursue matching funding from the Province of Ontario Trust for Student Support, an existing matching dollar program supporting access to higher education. “Education funding continues to be a barrier to access for Aboriginal youth,” said Leona Scanlon, member of Confederation College’s Board of Governors and member of Negahneewin Council. “This contribution will go far in enhancing the pathway to education and training.”
Lower Matagami Redevelopment Project agreement signed Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News
The Amisk-oo-skow Impact Benefit Agreement has been signed May 21 between the chief and council of Moose Cree First Nation and the Ontario Power Generation to proceed with the construction of the Lower Matagami Redevelopment Project in the Kapuskasing area.
The redevelopment project is expected to create many construction jobs over the five-year span of the construction phase.
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Fred Hunter is executive director of Moose Cree First Nation, and spokesperson for the band administration. “We have been working with it for several years. There is a host of legal, financial and political issues coming out of the agreement, and we affixed our signature to the agreement now,” Hunter said. The Amisk-oo-skow agree-
ment is valid for 50 years. Following that period, it can be renewed for an additional 50 years. “It’s good as long as the dams last,” Hunter said. Hunter said that the agreement creates a new direction for the Moose Cree First Nation. “We think of it as a Treatybased agreement.” Chief and council hosted a large community feast to allow people to participate in the final signing of the agreement. The redevelopment project is expected to create many construction jobs over the five-year span of the construction phase. “Our people will be employed in various ways and we are looking forward to the benefits that will come out of the construction phase of the project. Aboriginal people in the region will benefit from the work undertaken.” The signing was an accumulation of the work of past councils, past staff, government people, and Ontario Power Generation. “The whole purpose of the agreement was to ensure that our citizens benefit from the resources of the agreement,” Hunter added.
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Couchiching reaches agreement with INAC, closes toll booth on Hwy 11 Chris Kornacki Wawatay News
Couchiching First Nation shut down its toll booth May 31 after receiving a commitment from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to immediately address housing problems caused by contaminated soil. “Our community is claiming victory,” said Couchiching chief Chuck McPherson. The toll booth was erected May 21 on Highway 11 near the Noden Causeway where the highway runs through the community. When the toll booth went up, McPherson said the community wanted to get the attention of both levels of government so they could work with the community to address problems of contaminated soil and the relocation of band members. Couchiching chief and council made the decision to remove the toll booth after INAC said it would relocate eight homes that are situated on the contaminated soil in the community. INAC has also agreed to fund an assessment of the contaminated lands to find solutions on how to remove the contaminated soil. The contaminated sec-
tion is about the size of one city block. Sara Mainville, a councillor for Couchiching, said INAC promised to respond to the cleanup of the contaminated lands and the relocation of the eight homes immediately. “The homeowners will receive services for eight new lots, which will be comparable to where they are living now,” Mainville said. The community now has a surficial soil sample report (top 15 centimeters of soil), which will be reviewed to help the community with the cleanup project. Part of the cleanup will first involve a professional consulting firm to properly investigate the soil, which INAC has agreed to fund. Genevieve Guibert, media relations officer for INAC, said the ministry is pleased the community has agreed to take down the toll booth. “This move signals the First Nation’s willingness to work with INAC and the Government of Ontario to resume discussions and resolve outstanding issues,” Guibert said. “I am happy that no one has gotten hurt and that our com-
munity has done the removal of the toll booth very peacefully,” Couchiching councillor Ed Yerxa said. “Community members have been on a constant watch of the toll booth since threats were made against the toll booth, our community and the toll booth operators.” The OPP was on site for the removal of the toll booth on May 31. Sgt. Don Robertson said the OPP’s presence was to just monitor safety and traffic while the booth was being removed. But Mainville said the OPP was threatening to make arrests if the toll booth was not taken down right away after the community announced it had reached an agreement with INAC. “During the last hour that the booth was up, they (OPP) where getting in the way and threatening to lay charges,” Mainville said. Mainville said she would be sharing her concerns with the local Crown Attorney’s office. Still outstanding is the issue of compensation for Highway 11 running through the community. But INAC has agreed to sit down with the community and the Ontario government to resolve this issue.
“We told our community members we will have an answer for them in three months,” Mainville said about the Highway 11 negotiations. “We are not interested in one lump sum of money, we want long-term and ongoing compensation that will address the needs of the community.” Couchiching also wants to address issues of safety with the highway itself. There are no pedestrian crosswalks and community members must cross the highway in order to access certain places in Couchiching. “May 21 was a great day for Couchiching,” Mainville said about the day the toll booth went up. “It was our strong belief that only direct action would bring the federal government to the table in a real way.” Talks about Highway 11 compensation between Couchiching and both the provincial and federal governments are expected to begin taking place in midJune. “I don’t think you’ll find a more united First Nation community then Couchiching at this point in our history,” Mainville said. “[And] taking away the toll booth is not going to change that.”
Online comments Council has no right to bargain with band’s land One of our Council members stated that the OPP was coming in to lay charges. The Council member’s mom started to cry, just for the fact that her son Ed Yerxa was yelling at the community members. The reason why he was yelling was because people were telling him to keep it up. It was the community that put it up and it should have been the community that took it down. That highway is ours and if Council sells it, I will get a lawyer and take all those sell outs to court. They have no right to make bargains with our land behind closed doors. Nice leadership. They all should resign and once they do, the toll booth is going back up until it becomes legal. Submitted by: Anonymous Council asked Elders to decide fate of toll booth The day the toll booth went up was the day our community members who took part made history together with our leadership. Not only for the people of Couchiching First Nation but they were an inspiration to an entire Nation of people who have continuously been ignored and had their unresolved issues put on the back burner for far too long. This leader you speak of in such harsh words was out there with the people day and night going through everything with us, the final decision was based on a decision that was asked of the Elders to make on behalf of the members out there. It was all done in a very traditional manner. Yes things were very emotional at times because this had brought something to the people that they had never experienced or felt before and that was having the support of one another while doing something we had every right to do and stood up to the government and said NO MORE together as one. If this body of leadership went to the people before the decision was made to put the toll booth up it never would have happened. If this body of leadership went to the people to ask the people what they wanted, which they did do more than once, it never would have come down so it was left in the hands of the Grandmas to decide what was best since it was time to come down and we had done what we set out to do. It needed to be done when it was in the exact way it all happened. Our leadership and the people of Couchiching did not sell out. Submitted by: Nicole Perreault
Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News
Couchiching First Nation put up a toll booth on Highway 11 May 21 in order to get the attention of provincial and federal governments to discuss issues of contaminated soil in the community. The community took the toll booth down May 31 after Indian and Northern Affairs Canada agreed to help clean the contaminated lands and relocate eight band houses to a new location. Both levels of government will also be meeting with Couchiching representatives to discuss community concerns over the highway that runs through the First Nation.
Couchiching didn’t sell out I agree, the day Couchiching toll booth went up was a day of history for our community and embarks a footprint across all First Nations across Canada. I was amazed when our voices were heard loudly across Canada. Our goal was to get the attention of both governments, which was done by Couchiching First Nation membership. As for selling out, we got the attention that was needed for compensation for our contaminated lands and eight homes being relocated to serviced lots. We accomplished the impossible. I never have seen such thing in all of my life, the power our community had together. We were talking, laughing, eating and sitting around the fire day and night. We supported one another. When the Booth went down, it was the community that took it down. Our Council members were there the whole time and that Council member you’re referring to was there day and night. Submitted by: Daniel Morrisseau
Shoal Lake #39 meets with ministers over Hwy. 17 twinning project Rick Garrick Wawatay News
Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation Chief Eli Mandamin recently had the opportunity to discuss his concerns over the proposed twinning of Highway 17 with two provincial ministers. “Our First Nation views the twinning of Highway 17 as a serious and potentially disturbing development as it passes through our homelands,” Mandamin said in his May 29 prepared statement to Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne and Attorney General/Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley. “We have most certainly felt ourselves to be under pressure as we’ve seen plans being unfolded and we had not had the opportunity to express our concerns and positions on such plans.” Wynne said she visited Iskatewizaagegan to learn how the province and the commu-
nity could work together. “I knew there were significant concerns and that is why I went,” Wynne said. “I had spoken with Chief Mandamin on the phone and he made it clear to me that he didn’t feel the consultation had been adequate, that there needed to be a complete conversation so that is why I went.” Mandamin repeated his concerns during the meeting about the lack of consultation. Last year the province announced it would twin the highway from Kenora to the Manitoba border. Iskatewizaagegan is located about 45 minutes outside Kenora. “It is indeed a problem when members of your staff do not follow the constitutionally required mandates of consultation and involvement of First Nations in critical decisions and planning of projects that impact our rights and territories,” Mandamin said to the minister’s. “It is completely unacceptable to us
that someone would interpret these mandates in a manner that utilizes consultants in place of nation-to-nation and government-to-government relations.”
“The project will be going ahead but how do we ensure it goes ahead in a good way.” – Minister Kathleen Wynne
Wynne said the provincial government is addressing the consultation issue by visiting and meeting with the community about their concerns. “Now our officials are going to have an on-going conversation,” Wynne said. “It is very important for me that as the minister that we continue and build on good relationships with First Nations because we are all in this province together. It’s important that we work
together in a good way.” Mandamin said that community members were concerned about sacred sites that could be impacted by the highway-twinning project. “This has been stressful for our people who try their best to follow the teachings we have received on being understanding, reasonable and considerate to the concerns and needs of others when others do not return these same considerations,” Mandamin said. Wynne said officials from her ministry will be talking with community representatives about the proposed highwaytwinning route. “The project will be going ahead but how do we ensure it goes ahead in a good way,” Wynne said. “It takes a long time to do this kind of project but the preliminary work is starting right now.” Wynne said it is important from her perspective to provide the best transportation route so
people who live in the area can benefit from tourism dollars and other economic opportunities. Mandamin was pleased with the visit by the minister’s and expressed the First Nation’s commitment to keep moving forward on the issue. “We believe that this meeting today is an important first step in achieving a consensus on the best way forward,” Mandamin said. “From our point of view consensus is a process not a one-time event. Building consensus creates an important environment in which our two governments may maintain a forum that allows us to identify, explore and address issues that mutually affect us.” Wynne and Mandamin both identified representatives to work together on the issues discussed during the meeting. “I identified an official in my ministry on my chief of staff to meet with the people Chief Mandamin recommended,” Wynne said. “So that conver-
sation will be beginning right away.” The community said there are four principles required to form the foundation of a new relationship: recovery of the fundamental relationships established in the treaty; recognition of mutual roles and responsibilities as governments; accountability based on equality of parties and the principle of transparency; and sustainability of these renewed relations well into the future. “I completely appreciate the articulation of these principles and as I say it is very important to me that we find common ground and that we are able to establish open communication,” Wynne said. “That doesn’t mean that there won’t have to be compromise – there is always compromise in relationships. So the conversation going forward, I think, is about how do we work together, how do we have an honest dialogue and how do we find the best way forward.”
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Sky reflection 16-5th Avenue North P.O. Box 1180 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7 Serving the First Nations in Northern Ontario since 1974. Wawatay News is a politically independent bi-weekly newspaper published by Wawatay Native Communications Society.
ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᑲᑭᒪᑕᓄᑲᑌᐠ 1974 ᐁᐅᒋᐊᓄᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᑭᐧᐁᑎᓄᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᑕᐃᑦᔑᑫᐧᐃᓇᐣ. ᑕᓱᓂᔓᐱᒥᑯᓇᑲ ᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌ ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐧᐃ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᐧᐃᐣ ᐅᓇᔓᐧᐁᐧᐃ ᑲᓇᐧᐊᐸᒋᑫᐧᐃᓂᐠ ᒋᐃᔑ ᐸᐸᒥᓯᒪᑲᐠ ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓂᑫᐧᐃᓇᐣ. MEDIA DIRECTOR Bryan Phelan MULTI-MEDIA/NEWS CO-ORDINATOR Brent Wesley
Commentary
Overcoming procrastination Lenny Carpenter SEVEN STUDENT
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fter a grueling second semester that included proposals, concept, treatment, and script-writing, nine 12-hour film shoots, hours upon hours in the editing lab, and meeting consecutive deadlines, I completed my first year in film production. It was a big challenge for me to get all the work done. Any of my past teachers or employers know about my horrendous procrastinating habits. For most of my school life, I rarely handed in an assignment that was either fully complete or that I felt satisfied with. So many times I put off homework until the last minute, causing me to stay up late to complete whatever I can. Whenever I got an assignment, my first thoughts were “OK, I can do a great job on this. I’ll get an A.” Then I would put it off, and day-by-day, my initial goal of an A would slowly decline to a B, then a C. And as I worked feverishly on the assignment the night before it was due, I would be satisfied to simply get a passing grade. This cycle carried over to work. I put off assignments until days before they were due, but by then they had built up and I couldn’t finish them all in time. This happened consistently and virtually cost me a job. Afterwards, when I was unemployed, I thought long and hard on why I procrastinate. I’m a perfectionist. Once I consider a project, I set high standards for myself and think “Yep, it’s gonna be very good.” Then I’ll spend so much time on getting some finer details “perfect” on a small part of project. In the end I don’t look forward to finishing the rest. Prior to going back to college, I realized that I needed to smarten up. I’m in my mid-20s now and I’m restarting my education looking to start a new career path. I can’t fool around anymore. Once I realized how hectic the second semester would be, I resolved to be on top off all my assignments and not only hand them in on time but to do a great job. When I got my final grades I earned a 4.0 GPA (or 91 percent average). Here’s what I did to achieve this: • I bought an erasable calendar, and each month, wrote
all the deadlines for my assignments. I placed it on my desk in my room so that I can look at it daily and see what had to be done. • I kept track of my grades using either the course grade scheme provided by the professor or online through the college website. That way I can see how important each assignment was to my final grade, which helped to motivate me. • I was fortunate enough to sit beside another determined student in the editing lab. We were both perfectionists striving to put out a good finished product. In this way, we motivated each other to finish and provided constructive criticism to each other’s work. • I followed instructions. For each assignment, we were given an assignment sheet that specified how the professor wanted the project handed in, whether it was file type or format. A lot of students lost marks over the small things, like not formatting the report cover page properly. I avoided this by carefully reading the assignment sheet and having it on-hand while I worked on the assignment. Another important thing I did was I realized that my final film, news story or script may not turn out to be perfect. One professor said “You know you can #$%* up, right? It’s OK if you do, because you’re all learning.” He was right. We added new elements to each film project. The first film served as an introduced us to filmmaking and managing a film crew, and we shot outside. We weren’t graded harshly on the aesthetics of the film – how good it looks. Rather, the emphasis was on if we followed all the steps that lead from developing our ideas to labeling the DVD that holds our final product. Next year, our professors will be more rigorous in grading how our final thesis film will look and sound. So it is up to each student to use the skills learned in the first year to ensure the thesis films are the best. The emphasis on procedure allowed me to overcome my perfectionism and focus on learning each aspect of filmmaking (camera work, lighting, sound, editing). And I hope to use these learned skills to ensure that my thesis film will be the best I can make it. Lenny is a summer student for the SEVEN Youth Media Network and a film student at Confederation College in Thunder Bay. His blogs can be found online at sevenyouthmedia.com.
Anne Morris/Wawatay News archives
A young girl sports large sunglasses in June of 1984 on a river in Pikangikum.
Return to harmony, the healing land Richard Wagamese ONE NATIVE LIFE
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he land is a sacred being. You learn that when you spend enough time with her. Eventually, you come to regain your senses and you discover that you’ve learned to see a different way, attuned yourself to odd tonalities and structures of sound, become unable to taste the wind or rain, and accrued a second skin that deflects more than it absorbs. But the land is healing and she returns you to original form. Eventually. It requires the risk of stepping out beyond known territories and allowing the grand sweep of her to claim you. Not merely the occasional weekend escape but a committed surrender to the pitch and sway and rhythm of her. When you do that she heals you. She eases her way into the cracks and crevices of you. She seeps into the gaps that worldly understanding creates. She soothes the raw spots, the urban rasp you’ve somehow come to accept as natural. She reconnects you, as my people say, to the web of creation and that returning when it happens, is as familiar as a soft voice in the darkness. You don’t need to be Native to understand this. We all of us came out of the womb of the same earth and we carry within us the same filigree of
attachment, the same ghost of a cord that ties us to her. We came to live in a cabin in the mountains. We came here with a solid urban resume comprised of a gamut of attitudes and assumptions spawned in the mad rush of the city. Quiet, especially sudden quiet, was dangerous. The lack of an agenda indicated a lack of measure, of popularity, productivity or usefulness. If something wasn’t happening, something wasn’t happening. It all sat on us like judgment. It took being here – allowing the land to percolate into the fiber of us, allowing time to decompress and our senses to swell again – to free us enough to appreciate the minutiae of a life on the land. At first it was glee, the freedom of kids set loose in the playground. But it’s grown to become what we wear, what we say, how we think and how we dream. It all came startlingly clear one recent morning. It had rained the night before and there was a palpable freshness to things. Colors and shapes were sharpened by the cut of clear air and sound carried magnificently. The dog and I set out for our morning walk awed by the ever changing face of our surroundings. A quarter mile down the gravel road is a sweeping turn that’s made tighter by the thickness of bushes and trees that push out to its borders. The line of sight is restricted and traffic slows to navigate it safely. It’s like a portal that slants downward sharply out of the heights and into the long slope to the lake. Walk-
ing it has always felt like a scene from a movie, the hero encountering a vista of staggering proportions. We were walking slowly, taking everything in. When we came around the high arc of it a deer stepped out of the bush and stared at us. I commanded the dog to sit and she dropped to her haunches immediately. The deer stood twenty feet from us, ears swiveling and nostrils flaring for scent. None of us moved beyond that. She was a mule deer, a doe, and she had a satiny summer coat of tan with a thin ridge of black along the top of her neck. She was mature, with the confidence of several years behind her. As the dog sat staring at her she raised her head slightly and watched us in return. Satisfied that there was no danger she stepped closer. The dog is a terrier, a hunter, a chaser, but she sat at the edge of the road quietly enthralled by the appearance of this magnificent creature. She didn’t bark, she didn’t growl or whimper at the opportunity to run and chase and play. Instead, she sat with her head tilted studying the deer who moved closer, slowly. The deer looked at her, then at me and moved closer again. There was a timelessness that descended on that moment. For me, breathing slowly, it took me back to moments from my boyhood when wandering the bush was like meditation, the spell of it all magical and exciting and humbling all at the same time. For the creatures, it was a returning to the time when there were no barriers, when,
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ART DIRECTOR Roxann Shapwaykeesic roxys@wawatay.on.ca
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REPORTER/MULTI-MEDIA PRODUCER Debbie S. Mishibinijima debbiem@wawatay.on.ca
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ONLINE EDITOR Chris Kornacki chrisk@wawatay.on.ca
like my people say, there were just the animals and all was harmony. The deer edged closer. Behind us we could hear the loons on the water, the nattering of squirrels in the trees and the crows and ravens in their garrulous conversations high in the branches. Everything was still. As I breathed it was like I could feel the air move between us and there was no separation of our breaths. In Ojibway the deer is called Way-wash-ka-zhee, the Gentle One and its medicine power is nurturing. I said her name quietly in my language and eased my hand up toward her. She tilted her head and stepped closer. The dog held her silent sit. Slowly, the deer eased forward until she was eight feet away from us. I saw her then, clearly, sharply, felt her curious, gentle power. Only the sound of a truck on the gravel broke that timeless spell. The deer startled some but then looked back at us before she broke for the depths of the bush. In that glance was a knowing, a recognition of a peace encountered, remembered, and carried forever. There was no threat, no difference, only a crucial joining, a shared breath of creation. See, we don’t become more by living with the land. Instead we become our proper size. It takes unity to do that. It takes the recognition of the community we live in, this world, this earth, this planet. When you do that, it comes to inhabit you, fill you, returns you to harmony. ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Steve Elliott stevee@wawatay.on.ca CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Mark Kakekagumick markk@wawatay.on.ca TRANSLATOR Vicky Angees vickya@wawatay.on.ca CONTRIBUTORS James Benson Lenny Carpenter Xavier Kataquapit Peter Moon Guest editorials, columnists and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of Wawatay News.
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
The balance of the Nawashi Xavier Kataquapit UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY
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his past week, my mom Susan was thrilled to tell me about a trip she took back to her ancestral home on the Nawashi River about 100 kilometers north of Attawapiskat. Nawashi is a minor river that empties into James Bay and it is located on the southern end of Polar Bear Provincial Park. My mom was born in a traditional setting on the shores of Nawashi and she spent most of her early life there with an extended family of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and cousins. All of these people were part of the Paulmartin family who had lived on this river system for generations. Mom had taken the opportunity during the spring goose hunting season to head out to Nawashi with dad and my younger brother Paul. Nawashi is a special place for us as it is the ancestral home for mom, our grandmother or Kookoom Louise and many other members of the Paulmartin family. I have had several opportunities to visit Nawashi and I was fortunate to have visited this small river with my grandmother Louise about 15 years ago. She has since passed on. I recall my brothers and I perching her high on my snowmobile sled so that she could have a clear view of the land as we slowly drove up and down the mouth of the river. Kookoom was always happy to see the land where she had raised her family and during that visit she pointed out where her children were born along the river. I was happy to see the
place where my mom entered the world. During those early years with her young family, the Paulmartin’s, like many other Cree living on the land, had no permanent settlement and every year they built new camps at different locations along the river. When I spoke to mom about her recent visit to Nawashi, she reminisced about the life she led with her family. By the time she was a few years old, my grandfather Xavier Paulmartin and his brothers had built a comfortable octagonal log home for the family. At different times and over several years, they had grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins live with them at the Paulmartin cabin on Nawashi. These people followed a very traditional lifestyle that relied on gathering food from the land. Like most of my people at the time in the 1950s, they spent their winters near their traditional trapping grounds along the Nawashi River system and in the spring they travelled to Attawapiskat for the summer. In 1967, the Paulmartin family decided to move permanently into Attawapiskat. The move happened one or two family members at a time until finally the nomadic life on Nawashi was over. The family kept heading back to their place of origin but only on a temporary basis. When mom saw Nawashi this year she was surprised that the world she remembered was completely covered over in new growth and fully-grown trees actually grew where her family cabin had once stood. She managed to trace out the octagonal mound where the walls of the old family cabin had once existed. In the dense layers of moss and lichen, a corner of the old cook stove poked out. Mom remembered the stove. As mom and my dad Marius explored the area, they also found the rusted remains of a small travelling metal stove, which mom believes
her father used when he went out trapping for days along the Nawashi River. Mom must have felt like an archaeologist combing over the land to note signs of a life long gone. Mom was surprised to see that the actual land had changed over so many years. Places where the family had lived on the tundra near Nawashi had been overcome by an ever creeping forest. Life was much more simple for the Paulmartins back on the land in the 1950s and 60s. They followed a nomadic lifestyle that went with the rhythms of the seasons. The only worries they had involved the gathering of sufficient food for everyone and to keep a steady supply of wood fuel to stay warm at minus 40 below zero. They relied on each other and they shared in the adventures and misfortunes of isolated life in the wilderness. It was natural for them and something the family had been doing since the dawn of time. The shores of that small northern remote river provided a place to take part in a peaceful and simple pace of life without the chaos, confusion and complications of modern society. These people had balance back on Nawashi. Mom’s excitement of revisiting her past was tempered by a sadness she felt as most of the people she remembers from that time are now gone and as hard as she tried to find evidence of the original Paulmartin homestead there was little left to see. She commented that it felt like none of her family had ever existed on Nawashi at all. Still, her precious memories are in fact handed down to the younger generations so that their origins are not forgotten. I am happy to have helped her to do this. www.underthenorthernsky.com
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
LETTERS Closing of Hornepayne town centre We have been given notice by our municipal government that the Northstar Town Centre is closing down in September 2010. Without it, or without government funding to build another town, so to speak, we cease to function. Our senior citizens live in there, as well as our lowIncome renters, the post office, the CIBC Bank, the hotel, the restaurant, the library, the secondary school, the gymnasium, the weight training facility, the town swimming pool, Porcupine Health Unit, the CN resi-
dence, numerous apartments, the liquor store, a second-hand store, a drop-in centre and a few government offices. Hornepayne was always considered a good efficient Town to work and live in and when people have to move out due to their job, or to be closer to their children, they band together and have an annual day to celebrate Hornepayne. That practice occurs in four or five different cities in southern Ontario. Until 30 years ago, the town of Hornepayne was functioning like most other northern towns.
It had a downtown area and was quite prosperous. Then the federal and provincial governments decided to involve most of their ministries and build a pilot project billed as a town within a town, where everyone would be warm all the time and never have to go outside. All the amenities and facilities would be inside this town centre, which would be managed by Hallmark Hotels. The local people had no say in anything. The 30-year leases were all signed by ministry officials from Ottawa and Queens Park. Now the 30 years are up
in September and everyone is scurrying and leaving us with no infrastructure, no downtown, nothing. Our seniors will be out in the streets with no place to go, same for our low-renters, and anyone else who lives in the centre. About 20 per cent of the Townspeople will be out of work. We need help and we need it soon. September 30 is only four months away. Margarita Le Fort Hornepayne, Ontario
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Talks over HST produce little results Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News
A meeting between the ministers of finance for Ontario and Canada and First Nation leaders failed to find a solution to keep point of sale tax exemption in place once the new harmonized sales tax (HST) comes into effect July 1. The parties did agree to meet again June 11 to discuss the matter further. “We are encouraged that a solution could be reached before the HST comes into effect,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy. The 13 per cent HST combines the existing five percent good and services tax with the eight per cent provincial sales tax (PST). First Nations citizens who hold an Indian Status Card have been eligible for point of sale tax exemption of PST at retail outlets. When the HST takes effect that will be no longer be the case as store merchants will be obligated to collect 13 per cent on every dollar spent. An agreement between Ontario and the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) was made to commit the two sides to work together to ensure that the point of sale exemption remains in place. A COO resolution also called for Ontario and Canada to immediately issue a tax bulletin to all retailers saying the point of sale exemption would remain in place after July 1 until a solution was found. No bulletin was ever issued. Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has said Ontario has options when it comes to dealing with HST and First Nations. Flaherty made the comments in a June 3 letter to Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan. “The Government of Canada appreciates that this is of concern for Ontario First Nations. That is why, in the absence of a workable solution from Ontario within the HST system to date, I have repeatedly communicated that there are options available to Ontario outside of the HST system to assist First Nations. These could include an Ontario administered point of sale exemption,” Flaherty said. Those options were the focus of the June 7 meeting in
Ottawa. The two possible options would apply to all Ontario First Nations people and do not make reference to on or off reserve residents. The option proposed by Ontario under the CanadaOntario Comprehensive Integrated Tax Co-ordination Agreement (CITCA), was opposed by Canada due to their concern of data issues. On the other hand, Canada’s solution falls outside the scope of the HST framework, and although it meets First Nations objectives, there are concerns relating to the longevity, said a NAN press release. “It is preferred by us to have the (point of sale) tax exemption administered under the CITCA agreement because it will be in effect as long as there is an HST Tax,” said Beardy. “With the federal government’s option, there is no guarantee that the (point of sale) rebate will continue in the case of a change in office. This could mean that the position of the feds may change. We need assurance that the exemption will be long-term.” Patrick Madahbee, grand council chief of the Anishinabek Nation, said in a June 2 press release that community members and chiefs were concerned the June 7 meeting was a stalling tactic to avoid the embarrassment of First Nations protests during an upcoming G8 Summit of world leaders in Huntsville, Ont. “It we continue to be illegally taxed we will make sure that the whole world knows that Canada has once again threatened to erode the treaty and inherent rights of First Nations,” Mahdahbee said at that time. Ontario First Nations leadership vowed to demand a political meeting if the point of sale tax exemption is not resolved. The Chiefs of Ontario have published on its website activities for the month of June to demonstrate First Nation opposition to the HST. The Assembly of First Nations will be hosting an advocacy day on Parliament Hill June 10. Batchewana First Nation near Sault Ste Marie is planning to set up a railway blockade. An update from Flaherty’s office was not available as of press time.
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Truth and reconciliation walkers headed for Winnipeg
Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News
Patrick Etherington Sr. makes a speech at the Victoria Inn May 31 during a dinner and reception put on by Nishnawbe Aski Nation to welcome the TRC walkers to Thunder Bay. Etherington is part of a group called the Truth and Reconciliation Walkers who have been walking from Cochrane, Ont. since May 15 to the TRC’s national event in Winnipeg.
Chris Kornacki Wawatay News
A group of five individuals from Cochrane, Ont., calling themselves the Truth and Reconciliation Walkers, are walking to help raise awareness about the residential school experience. The walkers are on their way to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) first national event in Winnipeg June 16-19. The group – Patrick Etherington Sr., his son Patrick Etherington Jr., Frances Whiskeychan, Christopher Paulmartin and Jorge Hookimaw’llillerre – made an overnight stop in Thunder Bay May 31 and continued on their journey in the early morning of June 1.
“I’m walking to acknowledge all the survivors and all the stuff that they went through,” Patrick Etherington Jr. said. He thinks of himself as a helper for the others that he is walking with. “I can see them suffering,” he said. “And I want to help carry the load.” Etherington Jr. believes a majority of today’s youth are not familiar with the residential school experience and he wishes there was more youth walking with the group. “But I think the youth are lost … so that’s another reason why I’m walking.” He said he hopes to learn as much about residential schools as he can while on the journey to Winnipeg and afterwards
wants to help educate the youth about it. “I want to help anyway I can,” he said. Patrick Etherington Sr. said the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is planning on doing seven national events across the country and the first one in Winnipeg is important. “I started organizing this walk because I want to provide more awareness, more information and more education to the public along the way,” he said. Etherington Sr. said people have been constantly stopping them to ask what they are doing and that gives the group a chance to explain about residential schools and the help that is available for survivors. The group has been walking since May 15 and expects to arrive in Winnipeg around June 14. They said they are exhausted but will keep going. “When I’m out there walking on the road I’m suffering, getting blisters and sometimes I want to quit,” Etherington Jr. said. “But then people come along and tell me what I’m doing is a good thing and that’s what keeps me motivated and keeps me going.” Etherington Jr. said most of the people who approach the group on the road are Elders that tell him if they could physically do it, they would be walking with them. “So that’s who I’m walking for,” he said. “I’m not walking for myself … I’m just going to take it day by day, every step I take is closer,” he said.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada will host its first of seven National Events in Winnipeg. This is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the schools, meet survivors from those schools and celebrate Aboriginal culture.
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Participate Information Centre to Review the Draft Forest Management Plan Dryden Forest (2011-2021) Forest Management Plan We Need Your Input Do you… • Have an interest in natural resource management in the Dryden Forest? • Want to know more about the draft Forest Management Plan of the Dryden Forest? • Want to take an active role in the planning process and development of the Dryden Forest, Forest Management Plan (FMP)? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Dryden Forest Management Company Ltd. (DFMC) and the Local Citizens Advisory Committee (LCAC) invite you to attend a public open house to help us to develop the 2011–2021 FMP for the Dryden Forest.
Sgt. Peter Moon, Canadian Rangers
Master Cpl. Kim Cheena teaches first aid to regular members of the Canadian Forces.
You will have the opportunity to review and comment on: • • • •
The proposed areas identified for harvest, renewal and tending operations; The proposed road locations and conditions for the first five-year term; The preferred areas of operations for the second five-year terms; The proposed corridors for new primary and branch roads for the ten-year term.
How to Get Involved An Information Centre will be held at the Riverview Lodge, 2:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. on July 22, 2010. A summary of the long-term management direction for the forest and maps showing proposed areas for harvest, renewal and tending operations, as well as road corridors will be available at the Information Centre or upon request. Values maps, with information such as fish and wildlife habitat features (e.g., lake trout lakes, heronries), parks and protected areas, tourism facilities as well as many other features on the Dryden Forest are available on request. Written comments on the proposed operations for the Dryden Forest must be received by Don Armit from the planning team at the Ministry of Natural Resources Dryden District Office, by September 16, 2010.
Canadian Rangers teach first aid to regular troops Peter Moon Special to Wawatay News
The plan is being prepared by the following planning team members: Jack Harrison, R.P.F., Chair/Plan Author, (DFMC) Susan Jarvis, R.P.F., Project Manager, FMP Consultant (Forest Concepts) Karen Carpenter, Operations Forester/Planner, (DFMC) Thom Landry, Steering Committee Co-Chair, (MNR) David Salter, R.P.F., Forest Planning Coordinator, Co-Chair, (MNR) Don Armit, R.P.F., Area Forester, (MNR) Jill Van Walleghem, Area Biologist, (MNR) Clayton Wetelainen, Aboriginal People of Wabigoon Evan Favelle, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Jim Kavanaugh, Eagle Lake First Nation Paul Heayn, Local Citizens Advisory Committee The planning team members, the Ministry of Natural Resources District Manager and the LCAC are available during the planning process to meet and discuss your interests and concerns. A formal issue resolution process, as described in the Forest Management Planning Manual (2009), is available on written request. A summary of all comments collected throughout the planning process will be made available for public review during the planning process and for the duration of the approved ten-year plan. Still Can’t Make It? In addition to this invitation to participate in the information centre and subsequent 60-day review period, there is one other formal opportunity for you to be involved, through the Inspection of the Ministry of Natural Resources approved Forest Management Plan on December 15, 2011.
Canadian Rangers who taught first aid to regular troops admitted they were nervous but they passed the test in style, according to the officer commanding Canadian Rangers in northern Ontario. “It’s been hard and stressful for them,” said Lt. Shane Causton, “but they did it. We believe it is the first time Canadian Rangers in Canada have taught first aid to regular troops and become qualified Canadian Forces instructors.” “I was nervous,” said Master Cpl. Redfern Wesley, of Kashechewan. “I’ve taught soldiers winter survival skills lots of time. That’s easy. That’s what I know at home. I hunt all the time. But this is different.” The four Rangers instructed both staff and students at Canadian Forces Base Borden and reservists with the Grey and Simcoe Foresters, part of the Arctic Response Company Group. “I was really nervous when they said I’d be teaching regular military people,” said Master Cpl. Kim Cheena, of Moose Factory. “The first night I only slept two hours, because I couldn’t stop thinking about what I was going to have to do. I feel more relaxed now. I think I’ll be comfortable coming back to teach regular members of the Canadian Forces. The more experience I have the easier it’s going to be.”
Cheena is one of five Canadian Rangers in Ontario who have completed first aid instructor courses as part of a Canadian Forces strategy to increase first aid skills in the remote and isolated First Nations of northern Ontario. A teacher at Northern College in Moose Factory, Cheena said she will use her new instructional skills to teach first aid at the college, to Canadian Rangers, Junior Canadian Rangers, and members of her community. When Causton told students the course they were about to take was going to be given by Canadian Rangers, he said, “their eyes all opened up.” “I’d heard of the Canadian Rangers but it’s the first time I’ve seen one,” said air force Master Cpl. Joseph Dube, who took the course as a three-year requalification. “It was no different than having anyone else instruct, really. It’s a good course.” Instructing regular troops, Causton said, taught the Rangers “how to prepare their lesson plans, their training aids, and how to give direction to a class of mature students. They are going to go back to their communities with increased confidence after this and they will be able to pass on their skills there.” Sgt. Peter Moon is the public affairs ranger for 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at CFB Borden. See www.canadianrangers. ca.
If you would like to be added to a mailing list to receive notification of public consultation opportunities, please contact Don Armit at 807-223-7526. The general planning information and maps described in this notice will also be available for review and comment, for a 60-day period July 19, 2010 to September 16, 2010 after the information centre at the Dryden Forest Management Company office and at the Ministry of Natural Resources office during normal office hours. As well, an appointment with the ministry’s Dryden District Manager or with a planning team member during non-business hours may be made by calling 807-223-7526. For further information, please contact: Don Armit, R.P.F. MNR, Dryden District Box 730 Dryden, ON P8N 2Z4 Tel.: 807-223-7526
Jack Harrison, R.P.F. Dryden Forest Management Ltd. 28A Earl Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 1X5 Tel.: 807-223-7216
Paul Heayn LCAC 41 Clearwater Crescent Dryden, ON P8N 3H8 Tel.: 807-223-6824
The Ministry of Natural Resources is collecting your personal information and comments under the authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Any personal information you provide (address, name, telephone, etc.) will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, however, your comments will become part of the public consultation process and may be shared with the general public. Your personal information may be used by the Ministry of Natural Resources to send you further information related to this forest management planning exercise. If you have questions about the use of your personal information, please contact Thom Landry at 807-934-2242. Renseignements en français : Sylvie Gilbart, tél. : (807) 934-2262.
Local partners present:
Celebrating the Canoe “Honouring the Original Technicians” When:
Opens Mon. June 21- National Aboriginal Day Ends Sat. June 26 - National Canoe Day 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Where:
At the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre, Red Lake, ON
What:
A canoe exhibit showcasing a Birch Bark Canoe and several other types & makes of canoes - Ryan’s Canoe - daily workshops & demonstrations for all ages Sunrise ceremony: Monday Public welcome: Monday @ 8:00 am Closing ceremonies: Saturday @ 9 pm For Information: Nadine 727-3006 nadine.hammond@redlake.ca Kaaren 727-3196 antonbeach@hotmail.com
Visit Wawatay News online at www.wawataynews.ca ~ for the latest photo galleries, video & photo blogs
“To canoe is to be moved” D.E. Bell
Admission by Donation
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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Sgt. Peter Moon/Canadian Rangers
Canadian Rangers meet PM at airshow Peter Moon Special to Wawatay News
Five Canadian Rangers who were part of the Canadian Forces ground exhibit at the Dryden Centennial Air Show May 22 and 23 received an unexpected bonus when they met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The prime minister was about to get into his limousine to leave the Dryden airport to visit the city, which was celebrating its centennial, when he saw the Canadian Rangers and told his bodyguards to let them through his security cordon. He walked back to shake hands with each Ranger, thanked them for their service with the Canadian Forces, and invited them to pose for a group photograph with him. “I was not expecting that at all,” said Ranger Vivian Bird of Constance Lake. “I was really surprised. I thought he was just going to walk right on through.” Cpt. Robert Munroe, adjutant of 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, which commands the Rangers in northern Ontario, said it was a big highlight of the weekend for the Rangers to meet the prime minister. “It was incredible that he actually took the time to greet them,” Munroe said. Another highlight of the weekend for the Rangers was meeting members of the Snow-
Five Canadian Rangers at the Dryden Centennial Air Show May 22 met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. From left, Master Cpl. Stanley Stephens, Rangers Savannah Neotapin and Vivian Bird, Sgt. Albert Sutherland, all from Constance Lake, and Sgt. Robert Bottle from Mishkeegogamang.
birds, the Canadian Forces air demonstration team, who were the two-day air show’s feature attraction. The Snowbirds gave the Rangers a private briefing on how the team trains and prepares for air shows across Canada and the United States. Major Chris Hope, the Snowbird’s lead pilot, gave each Ranger a personal look at the inside of the cockpit of one of the team’s Tutor jet aircraft. The air show featured both civilian and military aircraft. “The air show was awesome,” Bird said. “And getting to meet the Snowbirds and being able to look into the cockpit and find out how they fly was a big surprise.” The Ranger exhibit consisted of a tipi, wall tent, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle and other Ranger equipment. It was the centrepiece of a Canadian Forces display that included other elements of the army and the navy. The Rangers were Sgt. Albert Sutherland, Master Cpl. Stanley Stephens, and Rangers Vivian Bird and Savannah Neotapin, all of Constance Lake, and Sgt. Robert Bottle of Mishkeegogamang.
JUNE is
I\Zi\Xk`fe Xe[ GXibj Dfek_ `e FekXi`f To celebrate, the City of Thunder Bay is conducting special promotions all month long. For details call 625-2351 or visit www.thunderbay.ca/recmonth
June is a great time to play and be active!
Sgt. Peter Moon is the public affairs ranger for 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at Canadian Forces Base Borden. See www.canadianrangers.ca.
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUMMER FUN AND EVENTS SPECIAL DIRECTORY June 24, 2010 Issue Ad booking deadline: Wednesday, June 16,2010 4:30 PM CST
Whatever your summer event is, Wawatay wants to make it an unforgettable one! Promoting events have never been easier, with three packages to choose from:
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Get the word out by promoting summer events including: • POW WOWS • FEASTS • MUSIC FESTIVALS
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• GOLF TOURNAMENTS • SPECIAL OCCASIONS • GOSPEL JAMBOREES • RETREATS
Contact your advertising consultant today to advertise your summer events! Wawatay News Sales contact information: Saturn Magashazi saturnm@wawatay.on.ca Thunder Bay Bureau Ph: 807-344-3022 Fx: 807-344-3182 Toll Free: 1-888-575-2349
Meghan Kendall meghank@wawatay.on.ca Sioux Lookout Bureau Ph: 807-737-2951 Fx: 807-737-2263 Toll Free: 1-800-243-9059
Steve Elliot stevee@wawatay.on.ca Timmins Bureau Ph: 705-360-4556 Fx: 705-360-1601 Toll Free: 1-877-929-2829
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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This year’s Blueberry Festival T-shirts have arrived! Pick up your T-shirt at the Travel Information Centre, or place your custom order by July 4! Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News
Blueberry Festival Áags are available while supplies last! Don’t forget to register your Blueberry Festival Event by June 25!
Reserve your advertising space in the 2010 Schedule of Events Flyer before June 25! For more information, contact Lynnette or Leia at 737-3227, email: festival@blueberrybert.com, or stop by the Travel Information Centre.
Feeling
Doreen Ferris signs up for various workshops at the Matawa First Nations second annual Matawa Youth Summit. Over 200 youth from the Matawa communities attended.
Summit explores opportunities Chris Kornacki Wawatay News
Matawa First Nations held their second annual Youth Summit in Thunder Bay June 8-10 to share youth employment opportunities in northern Ontario. About 200 students and youth from the Matawa communities registered. “The youth is a priority for Matawa,” Murray Waboose, manager for education advisory services with Matawa, said. “We want to create opportunities for the youth to explore different occupational fields and to have fun and build their leadership skills, especially the youth who live in the remote communi-
ties.” Events at the summit included an IBM computer workshop, a seminar focused on career opportunities in northern Ontario, a resume building workshop and a workshop on the role of young leaders in effective government. Also, many companies had information booths setup throughout the three days where interested youth could ask questions about potential job opportunities. “We want to invest in our youth’s character and development if we want to build strong healthy leaders in the future,” Waboose said. Waboose said the theme of the summit was long-term plan-
ning for the future by reinforcing the importance of education when thinking about a career and by inspiring hope in the youth. “We want the youth to think about where they are going to be in 10 years from now, where the jobs will be, what they want their home communities to be like in 10 years,” he said. Ryan Gagnon, an Aroland First Nation band member said he was planning the trip to Thunder Bay to attend the Youth Summit for nearly two months. A group of five youth made the trip from Aroland. see next page
Pseudo release
The Blues
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The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Victoria Inn and Wasaya have partnered to bring you a special “Bluesfest” Package. Which includes: • 3 nights hotel (July 9-11) • 2 Weekend Passes to Blues Festival for $476.00 + tax (dbl. occupancy)
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Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News
555 West Arthur St, Thunder Bay, Ontario Due to the limited availability of rooms for Bluesfest be advised to book early
Aboriginal singer/songwriter Shy-Anne Hovorka performed at the Paramount Theatre in Thunder Bay May 29. Hovorka’s performance was the official release of her new album, Pseudo, and also the showing of her first music video for the song, Can’t Change the World. Visit www.wawataynews.ca to watch a video of Hovorka discussing her new album and music video.
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
11
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Pick up
at these locations
Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News
Murray Waboose, manager for education advisory services with Matawa First Nations, gives a speech June 8 to kick off the second annual Matawa Youth Summit. The Youth Summit was held at the Best Western Nor’Wester hotel in Thunder Bay June 8-10.
Chance to meet peers from other communities from previous page “I just wanted to help bring some youth here for the event to get them out of the reservation for a week to come have fun and to learn about what we can do for jobs in the future,” Gagnon said. Matawa CEO David Paul Achneepineskum said the summit is also a good chance for a lot of
the youth to meet other people from the Matawa communities. “We also invite students living in Thunder Bay that are Matawa members to come out to meet their peers from up north. It’s a good way to network and build the community.” he said. Achneedpineskum said the summit is a good chance for the youth to learn all about a
career that they might want to pursue in the future, from what kind of education they will need and what kind of skills they will need to develop. “We want to provide every opportunity we can for the development of our people and the future of our communities,” Achneedpineskum said.
Wawatay’s World of Music presents: I got Dem Monday Blues A collection of classic and not so classic blues to help you face the day. Cool Country Tuesday A mix of old, new and southern fried country to git yer toes a tappin! Hump Day Rock Wednesday A little rock and roll to soothe your soul in the middle of the week. Mix Picks Thursday Chill and lay back or swing your hips to hip hop, funk, jazz and worldbeat.
Aroland First Nation Band Office Atikokan Atikokan Native Friendship Centre Attawapiskat Northern Store Balmertown Diane’s Gas Bar 41 Dickenson Balmertown Keewaytinook Okimakanak 127 Mine Road Batchewana First Nation Band Office Bearskin Lake Co-op Store Bearskin Lake Northern Store Beaverhouse First Nation Band Office Big Grassy First Nation Band Office Big Island First Nation Band Office Big Trout Lake Education Authority Big Trout Lake Sam’s Store Big Trout Lake Tasona Store Brunswick House First Nation Band Office Calstock A & J General Store Calstock Band Office Cat Lake Band Office Cat Lake Northern Store Chapleau Cree First Nation Band Office Chapleau Value Mart Cochrane Ininew Friendship Centre Collins Namaygoosisagon Band office Collins Post Office Couchiching First Nation Band Office Couchiching First Nation Gas Bar Deer Lake Northern Store Dinorwic Naumans General Store Dryden A & W Dryden Beaver Lake Camp Dryden Greyhound Bus Depot Dryden McDonalds’ Restaurant Dryden Northwest Metis 34A King St. Dryden Robin’s Donuts Dryden Tim Hortons Ear Falls The Pit Stop Emo J & D Junction Flying Post First Nation Band Office Fort Albany Band Office Fort Albany Northern Store Fort Frances Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre 1460 Idylwild Drive Fort Frances Sunset Country Metis Fort Frances United Native Friendship Centre Fort Hope Band Office Fort Hope Corny’s Variety Store Fort Hope John C. Yesno Education Centre Fort Severn Northern Store Geraldton Thunder Bird Friendship Centre Ginoogaming First Nation Band Office Grassy Narrows J.B. Store Gull Bay Band Office Hornepayne First Nation Band Office Hornepayne G & L Variety Store Hudson Grant’s Store Iskatewizaagegan 39 Independent First Nation Band Office Kapuskasing Indian Friendship Centre 41 Murdock St.
Kasabonika Chief Simeon McKay Education Centre Kasabonika First Nation Band Office Kashechewan Francine J. Wesley Secondary School Kashechewan First Nation Band Office Kashechewan Northern Store Keewaywin First Nation Band Office Keewaywin Northern Store Kenora Bimose Tribal Council 598 Lakeview Dr. Kenora Chefield Gourmet, Kenora Shoppers 534 Park St. - ON SALE Kenora Chiefs Advisory Kenora Migisi Treatment Centre Kenora Ne-Chee Friendship Centre Kenora Sunset Strip Husky - ON SALE Kingfisher Lake Omahamo Hotel Complex Kingfisher Lake Omahamo Store Kocheching First Nation Band Office Lac La Croix First Nation Band Office Lac Seul, Kejick Bay Lakeside Cash & Carry Lake Nipigon Ojibway First Nation Band Office Lansdowne House Co-op Store Lansdowne House Northern Store Long Lake #58 General Store Mattagammi Confectionary Michipicoten First Nation Band Office Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation Band Office Missanabie Cree First Nation Band Office Mobert Band Office Moose Factory Echo Lodge Restaurant Moose Factory GG’s Corner & Gift Store Moose Factory Northern Stores Moose Factory Weeneebayko General Hospital Moosonee Air Creebec Moosonee Airport Moosonee Native Friendship Centre Moosonee Northern Store Moosonee Ontario Northland Railway Moosonee Polar Bear Lodge Moosonee Tasha’s Variety Moosonee Tempo Variety Moosonee Two Bay Enterprises Muskrat Dam Lisa Beardy Muskrat Dam Muskrat Dam Community Store Musselwhite Mine Naicatchewenin First Nation Band Office Naotikamegwanning First Nation Band Office Nestor Falls C & C Motel Nestor Falls Onegaming Gas & Convenience Nicikousemenecaning First Nation Band Office North Spirit Lake Band Office North Spirit Lake Cameron Store Northwest Angle #33 Band Office Northwest Angle #37 Band Office Ochiichagwe’Babigo’ Ining First Nation Band Office Ogoki Trappers Store Ojibways of Pic River Nation Band Office Osnaburgh Band Office Osnaburgh Laureen’s Grocery & Gas
Pawitik Pawitik Store Pays Plat First Nation Band Office Peawanuck General Store Pickle Lake Frontier Foods Pickle Lake Winston Motor Hotel Pikangikum Band Office Band Office Pikangikum Education Authority Pikangikum Northern Store Poplar Hill Northern Store Poplar Hill Poplar Hill Band Office Rainy River First Nation Band Office Red Lake Couchenour Airport Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre Red Lake Video Plus Red Rock First Nation Band Office Rocky Bay First Nation Lar’s Place Sachigo Lake Brian Barkman Sachigo Lake Sachigo Co-op Store Sandy Lake A-Dow-Gamick Sandy Lake David B. Fiddler, Band Office Sandy Lake Northern Store Sandy Lake Education Authority Sandy Lake Special Education Class Saugeen First Nation Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre 122 East St. Savant Lake Ennis Grocery Store Seine River First Nation Band Office Shoal Lake #40 First Nation Band Office Sioux Narrows Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawang Slate Falls Band Office Stanjikoming First Nation Band Office Stratton Kay-nah-chi-wah-nung Historica Summer Beaver Nibinamik Community Store Taykwa Tagamou Nation, New Post First Nation Band Office Timmins Air Creebec Timmins Timmins Indian Friendship Centre 316 Spruce St. S. Timmins Wawatay N.C.S 135 Pine St. S. Wabaskang First Nation Band Office Wabigoon First Nation Community Store Wabigoon Green Achers of Wabigoon 10695 Hwy 17 Wahgoshing First Nation Wapekeka Wapekeka Community Store Washaganish Band Office Wauzhusk Onigum First Nation Band Office Wawakapewin Band Office Weagamow Lake Northern Store Weagamow Lake Onatamakay Community Store Webequie Northern Store Whitedog Kent Store Whitesand First Nation Band Office Wunnimun Lake General Store Wunnimun Lake Ken-Na-Wach Radio Wunnimun Lake Northern Store
401 N. Cumberland St. Wawatay News Sub Office 216 South Algoma St. Wequedong Lodge Lodge 1. 228 S. Archibald St. Lodge 2. 189 N. Court St. Lodge 3. 750 MacDonnell St. Fort William First Nation: Bannon’s Gas Bar / R.R #4 City Rd. Fort William First Nation / Band Office K & A Variety THP Variety and Gas Bar/606 City Rd. Hulls Family Bookstore 127 Brodie Street South Quality Market 146 Cenntennial Square
Quality Market 1020 Dawson Rd. Mark Sault 409 George St. Metis Nation of Ontario 226 S. May St. John Howard Society Of Thunder Bay & District/132 N. Archibald St. The UPS Store/1020 Dawaon Rd. Redwood Park /2609 Redwood Ave. Confederation College: 510 Victoria Ave. East 778 Grand Point Rd. 1500 S James St. 111 Frederica St.
Mascotto Marine Meno-ya-win Health Centre, Activity Centre Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre Northern Store Pelican Falls First Nation High School Rexall Drug Stores Queen Elizabeth D.H.S. Darren Lentz Queen Elizabeth D.H.S. Native Studies Robin’s Donuts Shibogama Tribal Council 81 King St. Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre, Nursing Flr. Sioux Lookout Public Library Sioux Lotto Sioux Pharmacy
Sioux Travel Slate Falls Airways Sunset Inn Sunset Suites Travel Information Centre Wasaya Airways Wellington Inn William A. Bill George Extended Care Unit 75 - 5th Ave N Wilson’s Business Solutions Windigo Tribal Council Sacred Heart School Sioux Mountain Public School
Thunder Bay Outlets An Eagles Cry Ministry 100 Simpson St. Central News 626 Waterloo St. - ON SALE Dennis F. Cromarty High School 315 N. Edward St. Ka-Na-Chi-Hih Treatment Centre 1700 Dease Street Lakehead University Aboriginal Awareness Centre / 955 Oliver Road, Room SC0019 Native People of Thunder Bay Development Corp. / 230 Van Norman St. Negahneewin College of Indigenous Studies C 106. 1450 Nakina Drive Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre
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Sioux Lookout Airport Interpreter’s Desk Al’s Sports Excellence Best Western Chicken Chef D.J’s Gas Bar Drayton Cash & Carry Fifth Avenue Club First Step Women’s Shelter Forest Inn Fred & Dee’s IFNA 98 King St. Johnny’s Food Market L.A. Meats Linda DeRose Lamplighter Motel
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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Danny Cutfeet to study in B.C. the best way to deliver medicine to them.” Residents in the University of British Columbia Aboriginal program are based in Victoria and follow the same core curriculum as the other Victoria residents with some modifications in academic learning and electives. The focus is on Aboriginal patients with a one-month family medicine rotation in Alert Bay, B.C. Opportunities for interaction with Elders, Aboriginal physicians and community visits are also incorporated into academic sessions.
“One thing about my (residency) program is I do get to work with First Nations communities.” – Danny Cutfeet
Wawatay News file photo
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Danny Cutfeet is a recent graduate of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
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Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug’s Danny Cutfeet is looking forward to completing his MD (Doctor of Medicine) residency on Vancouver Island. “I’m going to Victoria for the next two years – I got into the Aboriginal Family Medicine Program,” said Cutfeet, who recently completed four years of study at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Thunder Bay. “You don’t have to be Aboriginal to get in to the program. As learning physicians, we are working with Aboriginal people and communities and learning
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“I’m in family medicine but I really loved ICU (Intensive Care Unit), internal medicine, emerge (emergency) kind of things,” Cutfeet said. “In the future, I’d really love to see myself working within the hospitals and clinics of the north.” Cutfeet is excited about the opportunity to travel overseas to New Zealand or Tibet during his second year of residency to study medicine with other Aboriginal peoples. “There is a lot to be done in terms of medicine with First Nations people,” Cutfeet said. “I would say it hasn’t even really begun to be tackled yet. So in terms of creating some sort of management strategy, some sort of strategy in general for medicine in health care for First Nations people, it is a good idea to get a handle on what is being done, what is successful and what isn’t working. My hope is
not to have to make the same mistakes that others have made and to learn from the rights and wrongs that really do exist.” Cutfeet has been surprised by the number of family members he came across during his four years of study at NOSM. “It has caused moments of embarrassment on my behalf and the patient themselves,” Cutfeet said. “I remember being called about a patient in Thunder Bay Regional (Health Sciences Centre) and they were giving me all the patient details. I knew exactly who they were telling me because it was my relative and I had just been visiting them. They are my relative – I can’t be involved in their care.” Although Cutfeet cannot be involved in the care of his relatives, he finds that being from the north has been an advantage during medical school. “It’s just nice being around here in the north,” Cutfeet said, explaining that he completed his NOSM clerkships in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay. “It has been really nice to run into family members, to run into individuals and patients that I have and to create bonds and friendships over the last couple of years and really feel in some way that I am making a difference and that what I am doing is the right thing and I made the right decision.” Cutfeet can’t wait to begin working with First Nations people during his residency in B.C., which begins early this summer. “This will be a great thing,” Cutfeet said. “One thing about my (residency) program is I do get to work with First Nations communities out there in Alert Bay and a few other communities and I get to take my family along with me. I can’t wait to take my kids and show them these First Nations people out there and their traditions and cultures.”
Class action lawsuit can proceed against federal government Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News
Robert Commanda and Marcia Brown can now proceed with a class action lawsuit against the Attorney General of Canada for the apprehension of Aboriginal children by child welfare authorities. Justice. J. Perell of the Superior Court of Justice ruled May 26 that the claimants, Commanda and Brown, can have their action certified as a class action, but with amendments. They have 20 days from the ruling to reword their statement of claim taking into account the judge’s amendments. “I am glad that we met the criteria to move forward with this suit. It’s been a long time coming since I ventured into this arena (court system),” Commanda said in response to the ruling. The lawsuit was launched on behalf of 16,000 former wards of children aid societies.
Like Commanda and Brown, thousands of children were apprehended from First Nations homes and communities, particularly from 1965 to 1984. The children were placed into foster homes or adopted out to non-Aboriginal parents. Aboriginal communities now refer to this, as the ‘Sixties Scoop’. As a result Aboriginal culture, society, language, customs, traditions and spirituality of children were lost. The pair alleges the federal government had breached its fiduciary obligation and duty of care to protect Aboriginal rights when it handed over the responsibility of child welfare administration to provincial authorities. Commanda has been proceeding with this lawsuit for a long time and is busy working with his legal team, Jeffrey Wilson and Morris Cooper. “Nothing will come easy from here on in but we are at the next stage,” Commanda said.
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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First Nation grads find employment at Young-Davidson mine
Xavier Kataquapit/Special to Wawatay News
Five Matachewan First Nation graduates of the underground miner training program will be working at the Young-Davidson mine near Matachewan, Ont. In front are graduates, from left, Jason Batisse, Rene Boucher, Melissa Gilbert, Patrick Denomme and Daniel Denomme. Back row, from left: Willie Cowie, Matachewan First Nation and Tom Wadey, project manager of mining for Northgate Minerals Corporation.
Xavier Kataquapit Special to Wawatay News
Five First Nation graduates of the Underground Miner Training program are on their way to mining careers after being hired
to work at the Young-Davidson mine run by Northgate Minerals Corporation near Matachewan, Ont. Matachewan First Nation and Northgate hosted a ceremony for the graduates in Matache-
wan May 27. This is the first group of graduates under the Matachewan Aboriginal Access to Mine Jobs Training Strategy (MAATS). It is also the first time the mine has hired a female underground
miner. “This is one of my dreams come true actually, as I have wanted to work in a mine since I was about 12 years old. People didn’t think girls did things like this,” said Melissa Gilbert,
New Aboriginal culinary school Chris Kornacki Wawatay News
Liaison College will be opening a new culinary school at the Eagle’s Earth Cree and Ojibway Historical Centre owned by Constance Lake First Nation. The school will train Aboriginal cooks and medics to work in remote northern camps. Plenty of job opportunities are available for First Nations peoples in remote camps, since most exploration companies must commit to hiring local Aboriginal people as part of their land use agreements, said a Liaison College press release. “We have employers who are eagerly waiting for local
Aboriginal peoples to staff those camps,” said Paul Leatham operator of PT & Associates Hospitality Services, which is one of the partners in the new school. Liaison College is one of the largest trainers of chefs in Ontario with over 10, 000 graduates since opening in 1996. In addition to culinary training, the college will also provide emergency and standard first aid training because cooks typically fill the role of medics in remote camps. The school expects to train 72 students per year. The prerequisite for training at the Liaison College program is Grade 12 or GED.
18, from Matechewan. “I am so proud to be the first underground female miner to be working at Northgate.” The five graduates included Gilbert, Jason Batisse, Rene Boucher, Daniel Denomme and Patrick Denomme, all Matachewan First Nation members. “I am so proud of all of graduates today and I thank the management at Northgate Minerals, our chief and council, Human Resources Skills Development Canada, our trainer and Wabun Tribal Council for making this day possible. Everyone put out a big effort and in particular Melissa Gilbert who was determined from the start to succeed in this program,” said Anne Batisse, Executive Director of MAATS. The success of the graduates was based on a program that featured hands on training by trainer Willie Cowie of Matachewan First Nation, Northgate Minerals management and Dumas contracting personnel. “This was a very positive experience for these young graduates and everyone involved. This mine will have a long life and we are hoping that these graduates will excel and move up the ladder and who knows maybe one of them will have my job some day,” said Tom Wadey, project manager of mining for Northgate Minerals Corporation. Jason Batise, chairman of MAATS and representative of
Wabun Tribal Council has been following the development of partnerships between Matachewan and Northgate from the very beginning of the mine development. “In my 20 years in being involved in all kinds of training programs, this is the first time ever that I see our trainees graduating and going right into employment. This is just the tip of the iceberg and I look forward to watching many more of our young people being trained and finding employment at the local mine in the future,” Batise said. The graduates participated in the mining career program in preparation for employment at the Young-Davidson Mine. The new mining development will provide jobs for 600 people during the two-year construction period and long-term employment for 275 individuals over the 15-year life of the mine. Northgate is aiming to start gold production at the YoungDavidson mine in 2012. During mine development, the company worked closely with various surrounding communities and in July 2009 signed an impact benefits agreement with Matachewan. The Underground Miner Training program was part of MAATS four million dollar initiative that was announced February 13, 2009 by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada as a three year partnership strategy.
James and Sandra Cutfeet, parents, Derek, brother and Kelly Crane and Robyn Stewart, sisters, Dorcas Cutfeet and Melba Morehouse, grandparents, wife Jody and sons, Nodin and Noah, Tony and Pat Belluz, in-laws, are proud to announce the graduation of Dr. James Daniel Cutfeet from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Dr. Cutfeet previously received degrees in Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alberta College of Art and Design and Bachelors of Arts from Lakehead University. Dr. Cutfeet and family are moving to Victoria BC to begin his two year Aboriginal Family Medicine residency program. A special thank you to all family and friends for their support and to NNEC for their continued sponsorship. Recognition is extended to all teachers who made James Daniel’s success possible.
Dr. James Daniel Cutfeet, M.D.
Congratulations Danny we are extremely proud of your accomplishment and we love you very much! Love, Dad, Mom, brother and sisters, grandparents, wife and sons, and in-laws.
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14
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
‘Hey teach!’
SEVEN Youth Radio has arrived to WRN! Airing on the Fourth Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. CST / 7 p.m. EST, the show will feature youth music as well as interviews and perspectives on everything from family and community service to snowboarding off a blind and perhaps even updates on how we secretly follow celebrity gossip. At SEVEN Youth Radio we will do it all! Cut out the attached schedule and stick it on your fridge. That way you’ll never miss a show!
June 24, 2010 July 22, 2010 Aug 26, 2010 Sept 23, 2010 Oct 28, 2010 Nov 25, 2010 Dec 23, 2010 Online Streaming/Updated WRN Schedule www.wawataynews.ca
106.7 Timmins 88.9
FM
FM
Sioux Lookout
James Benson/Special to Wawatay News
Nessie Benson from North Caribou Lake First Nation was one of 33 graduates of the Native Language Instructor Program at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Convocation ceremonies were held May 28-29. Benson is a Grade 4/5 teacher in her community and wanted to gain more education on how to teach the Native language.
Listen to Bell ExpressVu Channel 962!
Wawatay Radio Network Program Guide – Weekdays Monday
Time CST
Tuesday
6:00 a.m.
Wednesday
Thursday
Booshoo Corner w/ Bill & Kenina
7:00 a.m.
The Cree Morning Show with Jules Spence The OjiCree Morning Show with Bill Morris and Kenina Kakekayash
8:30 a.m.
People’s Power Hour with Jules and George
9:00 a.m.
North Wind Talkers – Cree Morning Show with George Nakogee
9:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
The OjiCree Morning Show with Bill Morris and Kenina Kakekayash
10:30 a.m.
Waachiye and Dedication Show
11:00 a.m.
Cree News at Noon with Jules Spence
11:30 a.m.
OjiCree Noon Show
OjiCree News at Noon with Harry Mawakeesic
12:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
Time EST 7:00 a.m.
Music Mix
7:30 a.m.
Friday
Wawatay’s World of Music presents:
Wawatay’s World of Music presents:
Wawatay’s World of Music presents:
Wawatay’s World of Music presents:
Wawatay’s World of Music presents:
I got Dem Monday Blues
Cool Country Tuesday
Hump Day Rock Wednesday
Mix Picks Thursday
Closer to Home Friday
2:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Music Mix
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
Music Mix
3:00 p.m.
Fire Within Us
3:30 p.m.
Booshoo 2 You
Fire Within Us
Booshoo 2 You
4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
North Wind Talkers – Timmins with George Nakogee
4:30 p.m.
OjiCree Dedication Show
5:00 p.m.
Evening News – Sioux Lookout with Harry Mawakeesic
5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Us Women w/ Kenina K.
6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Fire Within Us
7:30 p.m.
Aboriginal Top 30 Countdown
Fire Within Us Part 2
5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Your Spirit is Your Voice
7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Music Mix
8:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m.
Music Mix
9:00 p.m.
Gospel Singing
9:30 p.m.
Music Mix
10:00 p.m.
Music Mix
Music Mix
10:00 p.m. 10:30 p.m. 11:00 p.m.
10:30 p.m.
11:30 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
Music Mix
11:30 p.m.
106.7 Timmins 88.9
FM
FM
Sioux Lookout
Online Streaming/Updated WRN Schedule www.wawataynews.ca
Listen to Bell ExpressVu Channel 962!
12:30 p.m.
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
15
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Challenges discussed during NAN’s Education Awareness Week Rick Garrick Wawatay News
Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose described the story of solitary graduate from one First Nation community during Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s third annual Education Awareness Week in Thunder Bay May 1819. “He was the only student in that community who was graduating from Grade 8,” Waboose said, explaining the student would have to leave his community to continue his education in Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay or another community. “That is what I am talking about when I talk about the challenges. Those are some of the things that we are overcoming in our First Nation communities.” Waboose stressed that education services provided to First Nation communities are different from those provided to other communities across Ontario. “First Nation education is different from what you would see here in Thunder Bay,” Waboose said. “We have to work with the federal government. We have a treaty relationship.” First Nation leaders signed the treaties to share the lands and resources in exchange for
certain treaty rights, including education, Waboose said. “I think we have done our part as First Nations people,” he said. “It is our treaty partners, meaning the federal government, that hasn’t done their part in terms of honouring that provision in the treaty with respect to education.” Waboose said some communities don’t have schools and that the level of education funding has not kept pace with the growing population. “We face a myriad of challenges, in terms of the structure to the funding level of our programs,” Waboose said. “As well, we have challenges such as a young and ever growing population that requires education services.” When education programs are not adequately funded, Waboose said, it creates challenges where not everybody is able to access education services and some education services are not available. “In the post-secondary area, we have a lot of students that are wanting to go, that are able to go, that are qualified to go, but with the challenges in the post secondary area regarding funding, not everybody is able to go,” Waboose said. “In some of the communities we have as
many as 20 students that can’t go because the level of funding is capped at a certain level.” Indian and Northern Affairs Canada senior communications advisor Margot Geduld said in an e-mail reply that INAC invests about $1.7 billion annually in education, including $1.3 billion for elementary and secondary education and more than $300 million for post-secondary education. “Additionally, through targeted programs under the Reforming First Nations Education Initiative, we are also investing $268 million over five years and $75 million in subsequent years, to help set the foundation for long-term improvements in education,” Geguld said. Waboose said this year’s event is focused not only on the challenges NAN communities are facing in education, but also on the successes the communities have achieved. “Just two weeks ago I was up in one of communities called North Spirit Lake where we broke ground for a new school that started construction,” Waboose said. “In the next year and a half, that small community will have a brand new school. It is very positive.”
The two-day event featured panel discussion on policy changes, education information systems, education advocacy, and federal and provincial funding and program initiatives. Also featured was keynote speakers Goyce Kakegamic, a former NAN deputy grand chief who has taught in Deer Lake, and Curtis Drake, a Lakehead University student. “The future health and well being of our communities, our people and our culture is dependent on how effective we will be in our education programs,” Kakegamic said. “I think we are all committed to that cause; the unfortunate reality however is that we are still a very long way away from an educational system that is effective, that is reflective to our culture and traditions, that is adequately preparing our children to take their rightful place in the Canadian society.” NAN Education Awareness Week was established in 2008 by a NAN Chiefs-in-Assembly resolution to promote best practices in First Nations education while at the same time creating awareness of education issues such as the chronic underfunding of First Nation education programs and services across NAN.
Hard work pays off
The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of Lakehead University’s Aboriginal graduates on the successful completion of your degree programs. We are very proud of your hard work, dedication, and academic achievements, and wish you every success in your future endeavours.
Office of Aboriginal Initiatives Summited photo
Confederation College held is 2010 graduation ceremony for the Sioux Lookout campus June 7 at St. Andrew’s United Church. From left, Carrie Quoquat, Bryan Carpenter and Confederation College President Patricia Lang. Quoquat and Carpenter both graduated from Native child and family services program. “College was hard work, but with the support of my family and my children I got through it,” Quoquat said. She was also thankful to friends, her professor, Diana Kaethler, and her faith in God for getting her through school. The 2010 Sioux Lookout campus graduates are: Shannon Ray, Bryan Carpenter, Carrie Quoquat, Lydia Serson, Candice Carter-Cecchetto, Kelly Demore, Alyssa Findlay, Ralph Gosnell, Mary-Kate Lee, Kathleen Masontti, Kayla Beck, Tracy Hoey and Sabrina Patterson.
Lakehead University 955 Oliver Road Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1 Phone: (807) 766-7219 Website: aboriginalinitiatives.lakeheadu.ca
16
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Once in a lifetime chance for an aspiring Northern Ontario First Nation writer! If you love writing and are hoping to be published one day, please read on for your chance to participate in a 6 day writing workshop with acclaimed Cree author/playwright/composer Tomson Highway.
Tomson Highway is the son of legendary caribou hunter and world championship dogsled racer, Joe Highway. Born in a tent pitched in a snow bank -- in December! – just south of the Manitoba/Nunavut border (near Saskatchewan), he now, for a living, writes novels, plays, and music. Of the many works he has written to date, his best known are the plays, “THE REZ SISTERS,” “DRY LIPS OUGHTA MOVE TO KAPUSKASING,” “ROSE,” “ERNESTINE SHUSWAP GETS HER TROUT,” and the best-selling novel, “KISS OF THE FUR QUEEN.” For many years, he ran Canada’s premiere Native theatre company, Native Earth Performing Arts (out of Toronto), out of which has emerged an entire generation of professional Native theatre artists (actors, playwrights, etc.). He has, as well, three children’s books to his credit, all written bilingually in Cree (his mother tongue) and English. He divides his year equally between a cottage in northern Ontario (near Sudbury) and an apartment in the south of France, at both of which locales he is currently at work on his second novel.
The Opportunity:
One person will be selected to work with Tomson and 5 other writers to develop a play within 6 days. Accommodations, travel and expenses will be paid. Participants are responsible for any time required off work or school to participate. Any work time lost will not be compensated by Wawatay.
Postponed to October 2010 Still accepting applications until August 2010
List Of Published Works THE REZ SISTERS (drama)* Fifth House, Saskatoon, 1988 DRY LIPS OUGHTA MOVE TO KAPUSKASING (drama)* Fifth House, Saskatoon, 1989 KISS OF THE FUR QUEEN (novel)* Doubleday Canada, Toronto, 1998 CARIBOU SONG (children’s book) HarperCollins Canada, Toronto, 2001 DRAGON FLY KITES (children’s book) HarperCollins Canada, Toronto, 2002 COMPARING MYTHOLOGIES (non-ction) (An essay comparing, in brief, Greek, Christian, and North American Aboriginal mythologies, University of Ottawa Press, Ottawa, 2002) FOX ON THE ICE (children’s book) HarperCollins Canada, Toronto, 2003 ROSE (musical drama) Talonbooks, Vancouver, 2003 ARIA (drama) (as part of an anthology of Native-Canadian plays entitled STAGING COYOTE’S DREAM) Playwrights Canada Press, Toronto, 2003 ERNESTINE SHUSWAP GETS HER TROUT (drama) Talonbooks, Vancouver, 2005 NOTE: those works marked with an asterisk (*) are those that have been published in several foreign editions, e.g. U.S.A., Japan, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.
The objective of this workshop is to encourage the artistic development of northern Ontario First Nation writers in a supportive, professional artistic and cultural environment. The outcome of this workshop will be a completed written play. To be eligible you must be band member from a northern Ontario First Nation community including NAN, Treaty 3 and 5 members, and Fort William First Nation. You must be 18 years or older. Applicants must demonstrate a dedication to writing by including a minimum of two pages and maximum of ten pages of written works. Applicants must complete the application form and complete a 500 words or less essay stating why they should be selected for this opportunity. To apply and for more information, check out the Wawatay website at www.wawataynews.ca and click on the Tomson Highway Writers Workshop button ad on the right hand side or call Grant Chisel at 1-800-243- 9059 or (807) 737-2951 ext.256
www.wawataynews.ca
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
17
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ JOB ADVERTISEMENT EXTERNAL POSTING
Summer Students Wanted
Brent Wesley/Wawtay News
Tikinagan Child and Family Services is conducting a 25 year review to determine if the organization has achieved its original vision mandated by chiefs and elders in 1984.
The Sioux Lookout Public Library requires a
Summer Page
to work approximately 30 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Tikinagan launches review Tanya Kakekaspan Wawatay News
The chiefs that govern Tikinagan Child and Family Services in Sioux Lookout have commissioned a 25 year review of the agency to determine if the organization has achieved its original vision set in 1984 by chiefs and elders. The 25 Year Review was launched during the Tikinagan Elders Gathering held in Muskrat Dam First Nation April 27 and 28. The review will focus on getting feedback from chiefs and councilors, community leaders and members. “It is the people who will say what Tikinagan should do and not the other way around,” said Chief Connie Gray-Mckay of Mishkeegogamang. When Tikinagan was established in 1984, the vision was to take back control over First Nation children, who were constantly in the care of outside child welfare agencies. Gray-McKay said the review will look at many aspects of Tikinagan, including services, organization, policies and standards. “Now that Tikinagan is 25 years old, the review will be another step in the evolution of Tikinagan. It will help us move toward the point where the agency can actually do what our ancestors and grandparents tried to do, when we were raised in the bush according to the traditional teachings and child-rearing practices,” GrayMcKay said. “The biggest hurdle
will be how do we get back jurisdiction over our own children, how do we get control over our own child welfare system.” Much has changed over the years and Tikinagan has grown into a large agency with Aboriginal staff, Aboriginal foster homes and local offices based in remote communities it services. There are over 500 children in Tikinagan care. Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy attended the Elders gathering in April. He said the children are in care because of past colonial policies that affected families. Beardy said First Nations need mechanisms to support the recovery of families to rebuild from the impact of colonialism. “True success would be to have full jurisdiction over our own children, to have the family supports that are needed to recover and rebuild, and to see a dramatic decline in the numbers of children in care,” Beardy said. The review will also study the potential for greater decentralization of services and management at the community level and examine the development of First Nations laws, standards and policies to decrease Tikinagan’s dependence on external provincial standards. In the end, the Review will establish a new vision and action plan for the next 25 years. An initial report will be presented to the Chiefs at the Tikinagan Annual Assembly in August 2010, and the final report will be presented at the August 2011 Annual Assembly.
Musicians join the call from page 1 “We are holding the National Event to listen to survivors and all those affected by residential schools,” said Justice Murray Sinclair, chair of the TRC. “However, we want to reach out to the larger community as well, to provide opportunities for healing and greater awareness. By sharing these experiences will we truly understand them, and in the process, help future generations move forward with respect.” They will have the option to have their statement video or audio recorded. “We encourage survivors, and those whose lives have been impacted by the schools to come forward during the gathering, and to feel safe opening up about their IRS experiences with the Commission,” Sinclair said. “Once these truths are known, they will form a part of
our country’s historical record.” Traditional healing and meditation practices and opportunities for the community to provide gestures of reconciliation will be offered during the National Event. Church representatives will also be available to provide an understanding of residential school impacts. Musicians such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Susan Aglukark and Blue Rodeo will add their voices to a call for healing and an understanding of the impacts of residential schools during the National Event. A world premiere by playwright Ian Ross will be held at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People and an exhibit will be hosted at the Winnipeg Art Gallery will during the National Event. Information about the Winnipeg National Event program is available online at www.trc.ca or by phone at 1-888-TRC-5554.
Period of employment will be from Monday, July 5/10 to Friday, August 20/10 Rate of pay is $10.25/hr Closing date: Tuesday, June 15, 2010
To be eligible to apply you: - Must have reached the age of 15 and not yet reached the age of 25 upon commencement of employment or be 29 for persons with a disability if disabled within the meaning of s. 10 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H. 19, as amended from time to time. - Must be a resident of Ontario and living in Ontario at the start date - Must be eligible to work in Canada
Please apply in writing to: Wendy MacDonald, CEO/Chief Librarian Sioux Lookout Public Library Box 1028 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B3 (Description of duties are available at the library.) Funding for this postion has been generously provided under the 2010 Summer Experience Program – Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Sioux Lookout Public Library gratefully acknowledges their support. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with FOIP, any information gathered will be used for the purpose of job selection only. The Sioux Lookout Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.
The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is offering ten (10) students the opportunity to gain valuable employment experience with our local detachments. The successful applicants must be returning to school in September 2010 and reside in the community where a detachment is located. This position is only available on a one-time basis, so if you have previously been employed as a summer student with NAPS you are not eligible for participation a second time. QUALIFICATIONS: • Must be 14 – 17 years of age • Must pass a background and criminal record check • A willingness to ask questions and learn new skills • Ability to work on tasks alone • Should be able to create or lead projects that will benefit the community (clean-up day, music day, sports day) Interested applicants may submit a resume to the address below. Please clearly state how old you are, where you live and what your future education plans are. Closing date for applications is Monday, June 14, 2010. The duration of the position is eight to twelve weeks, at a rate of $10.70 per hour. Please indicate which community you are applying for in your cover letter. Resumes may be sent to:
NAPS Headquarters
309 Court Street South Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2Y1 (807) 623-2161 ext. 222 Fax (807) 623-2252 Attn: Jeanet Pierce Manager of Human Resources jpierce@naps.ca www.naps.ca
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Learning Center Supervisor Needed Washtennigun Christian School, located in a remote flyin only community in northwestern Ontario is looking for an Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Learning Center Supervisor for the elementary grades. Must be a born again believer, able to work well in a cross cultural setting, relate well to children, and have experience with the ACE curriculum. Salary to be negotiated. Interested parties please email your resume to sandrameekis@knet.ca
NURSING DIRECTOR FULL TIME POSITION JOB SUMMARY:
Shibogama First Nations Council is a progressive First Nations Council consisting of three First Nations communities (Kingfisher Lake, Wapekeka and Wunnumin Lake) which have transferred to a community-based health care system. The incumbent to this position must be committed to a community development philosophy, embrace the primary health care model and demonstrate the ability to be a team player.
QUALIFICATIONS: • Baccalaureate in Nursing from an accredited university • Scope of practice trained • Hold a certification from the College of Nurses, a member of the RNAO • Minimum of two years of management experience in a First Nations northern clinical setting • Minimum of two years experience in managing a human resource system in a health care facility • Availability to travel • Ability to communicate in Oji-Cree an asset Under the general direction of the Shibogama Health Authority Health Director and the community-based Health Councils, the Nursing Director will be required to have: • Knowledge of health transfer • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written • Conflict resolution skills • Sensitivity to cross cultural issues and demonstrated ability to incorporate this ideology in practice • Ability to monitor the community-based mandatory nursing program and other nursing-based initiatives • Computer literacy Shibogama Health Authority wishes to thank all those individuals who have taken time to apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. START DATE: July 5, 2010 SALARY: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. CLOSING DATE: June 18, 2010 LOCATION: Sioux Lookout, Ontario Please submit three references, one of which should be the current supervisor, and your resume to: PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Shibogama Health Authority PO Box 449, 81 King Street Sioux Lookout, Ontario P8T 1A5, Fax: (807) 737-4099 OR solm@shibogama.on.ca
18
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Studies improve with full tummies Rick Garrick Wawatay News
A healthy breakfast is now the everyday norm for students at Baibombeh Anishinabe School in Naotkamegwanning (Whitefish Bay) First Nation. “It is part of their daily schedule at school so they look forward to seeing what is for breakfast,” said Marilyn Motlong, breakfast program coordinator at Baibombeh Anishinabe School. “Some of the older classes, we get them involved in actually preparing the breakfast as well on occasion, especially our hot breakfast.” The breakfasts are provided through the Breakfast Clubs of Canada First Nations program, with Motlong aiming to provide students with a variety of breakfasts every day following the Canada Food Guide. “We try to provide three out of the four food groups in each meal,” Motlong said. For example, one meal consisted of meatloaf and cold pasta salad with cheese and veggies. “So it is not a traditional breakfast, it’s more of a lunch type of breakfast,” Motlong said. “But it’s great, it fills the kids
Submitted photo
Elders Mary, centre, and Isobel Cowley, right, teach a group of Baibombeh Anishinabe School students in Naotkamegwanning First Nation how to make bannock during a Breakfast Clubs of Canada First Nations program session at the school. up and they’re ready to roll for the day.” The Breakfast Clubs of Canada First Nations program was first started in Naotkamegwanning last fall and is scheduled to run for another two years. The program is currently providing breakfasts to about 4,500 students in about 16 other First
PRECISION AUTO BODY
Nation and Aboriginal communities across Canada, including Iskatewizaagegan (Shoal Lake) #39 and Shoal Lake #40. Breakfast Clubs of Canada is aiming to set up the breakfast program in more schools in the coming years with a goal of reaching 12,000 students by the end of 2013.
Ed Snowball R.R. #1, Box 35 Devlin, Ontario P0W 1C0
737-0666
SAWYER ROAD HWY #516 SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON BOX 1266 P8T 1B8
NAN Eastern Office
710 Victoria Avenue East Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5P7 Phone (807) 623-8228 Fax (807) 623-7730 Toll Free 1-800-465-9952
145 Wilson Avenue Timmins, ON P4N 2T2 Phone (705) 360-5502 Fax (705) 360-1863 Toll Free 1-866-737-0737
w w w. n a n . o n . c a
‘Miskwaazigan’
• Business Cards • Brochures •
Administrative Office
100 Back Street Unit 200 Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1L2
and vegetables served in the program at the outset but have become more familiar over the year. “Some of the little ones will say ‘I love this yellow stuff,’” Motlong said, describing their reaction to eating pineapple for the first time. As the children become more familiar with cer-
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INSURANCE CLAIMS - FREE ESTIMATES JUST CALL, WE COME TO YOU!
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“The kids come to school and they know they are going to have something to eat,” Motlong said. “They will comment on ‘What’s for breakfast? Right on. It’s strawberries for breakfast.’” Motlong said the younger students were not familiar with many of the different fruits
tain food, they eventually start asking for it again. Since the program began, Motlong said the students have been able to concentrate better on their math and literacy classes in the morning. “They are settled because they’ve got food in their tummies so they can concentrate and definitely improve their school work,” Motlong said, adding that parents and leaders in the community are “extremely supportive” of the program because they have seen such good results. “Breakfast Clubs of Canada has been phenomenal … with providing so much of what we need in the kitchen to run this program. By the end of this month they will have contributed $40,000.” Motlong explained that the $40,000 includes donations of yogurt, bread and coupons for juice by large food companies. “It’s opened so many doors for us here at the school,” Motlong said. “So the parents in the community are grateful and the Elders are just pleased with the program. We know that it is a program that is not going to quit or just stop suddenly. And the kids know that too so there is a huge issue of ‘Wow, this is real and it’s not going to go away.’”
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
19
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Mourning the loss of a young leader Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News
Shannen Koostachin, a promising young leader of Attawapiskat, departed to the spirit world May 31 when she was killed in a car accident outside of New Liskeard where she was attending high school. Koostachin, 15, became internationally known for her relentless fight to get a new school built for future generations of children in Attawapiskat. A YouTube video recorded in November 2008 highlights the young woman making a stance against government ministers. In the video, Koostachin shares her experience when a group of Attawapiskat citizens took their lobbying efforts to Parliament Hill. During that visit, Koostachin had a chance to sit in Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl’s office. “Chuck Strahl told me he didn’t have the money to build a school,” she said in the video. “I looked at the rich room he sat in with all his staff. I told him I wished I had a classroom that was as nice as his office. I would be there everyday.” After she made her remarks, the minister had to leave to attend another meeting. “I looked at him straight in the eyes and said, ‘We are not going to quit. We are not going to give up,’” she said. Her closing remarks in that video state: “That is the reason why we are here today, to build this fight for a new school. We want to send a message to Minister Strahl and everybody in the government. We want our younger brothers and sisters to go to school thinking that school is a time for hopes and dreams of the future – every kid
deserves this.” Koostachin’s lobbying efforts resulted in her being nominated for an International Children’s Peace Prize in August 2008. Just over a year later after the publicity campaign, Minister Strahl announced in December 2009 the community would be receiving the funding to build a new school, a fight that took 30 years to win. Koostachin’s parents made the difficult decision to send Shannen and her sister Serena to Timiskaming District Secondary School (TDSS) in New Liskeard, Ont., to get a proper education. The high school hosted its fourth annual powwow June 4. Christine Bolger, a special education teacher at the high school and head of the powwow committee, said Koostachin was supposed to be the lead female dancer. “She put a lot of work and effort into helping prepare for it. This was going to be her special day,” Bolger said. “The powwow committee students decided to continue with the powwow to honour Shannen and to give time for healing for the students, for friends and family.” Prior to the grand entry, with Shannen’s family in attendance, an Elder said a prayer for Shannen and the Ironstone Drum sang an honour song. Much of the school body attended the memorial ceremony. The female lead dancer spot was left empty during grand entry to honour Shannen. “For the rest of the powwow, whenever there was a time that Shannen was supposed to dance, all of the students who were dancers at TDSS would take her spot one at a time and
Debbie Mishibinijima/Wawatay News
Timiskaming District Secondary School students, from left, Melany Brault, Misty Paul and Naomi Hurtubise, danced to honour their late friend, Shannen Koostachin, at the fourth annual powwow June 4 in New Liskeard. Koostachin, from Attawapiskat, died in a car accident May 31. honoured her that way,” Bolger said. Three of the dancers that honoured Shannen were her friends, Naomi Hurtubise, Melaney Brault and Misty Paul. Hurtubise, a fancy shawl dancer, remembered her friend fondly. “Shannen was an inspiration to me. She was always happy. She was so smart. She was so beautiful,” Hurtubise said. “It was not fair for her to pass away. She was like a sister. I don’t know what I am going to do without her being here. It’s really hard without her here.” Brault was also another dear friend of Koostachin.
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“She was an angel. She was put here for a reason. She was so special to everybody. She was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen,” Brault said. “I love her so much. I wish she was here, and she is in a way – she is dancing and watching us right now. She was here every single day and she is always going to be watching over us, even if we might not have her.” Another friend who helped to lead the dances in Koostachin’s honour was Paul. “She was a beautiful person inside and out. She did lots for her community in her short time, and she was only 15. For her to do that, it’s like inspi-
rational for us to know that somebody from that small place could accomplish so much,” Paul said. “It just shows us what we can do.” A special at the powwow included a blanket dance to raise funds for the Shannen Koostachin Memorial Bursary. Lori Stanger is the Aboriginal youth liaison for District School Board North East – South Region. “Over $800 dollars was raised between donations from the blanket dance and the teachers themselves. It will be given to an Aboriginal graduating student of TDSS,” Stanger said. “I am hoping this will be an
annual award. We do not want the children or students here at TDSS to ever forget Shannen whose courageous spirit and determination helped to bring a school to Attawapiskat and I cannot wait to see it (the school).” Stanger added: “It was a crying shame that she had to leave her community to get that education.” The Shannen Koostachin Memorial Fund is also available through Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus and the First Nation Child and Family Service in Ottawa. Koostachin was laid to rest in her community of Attawapiskat.
20
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
ᑲᑭᐱᐃᔑ ᓇᓇᑭᐡᑭᑲᑌᐠ ᒋᑭᑫᐣᑕᒧᐦᐃᑎᓇᓄᐊᐧᐠ from A1 “ᒥᔑᐣ ᑲᑭ ᔕᐳᐢᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑲᑲᐧᑕᑭᐦᐃᑯᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑫᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᔕᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐃᐧᓂᐯᐠ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐃᔑ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ,” ᐃᑭᑐ ᑕᐧᑦ ᒪᐠᒪᐦᐅᐣ, ᑲᓂᑲᓂᐢᑲᐣᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ. “ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐱᑯ ᓂᑲᑫᐧ ᑐᑕᒥᐣ ᒋᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᔭᐣᐠ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ.” ᑭᐦᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᓂᐯᐠ ᐊᔭᐠ ᑲᐱᒥᓂ ᑲᑫᐧ ᒪᒥᓂᐦᑕᒪᐃᐧᐣᑕᐧ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐠ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐅᐣᒋ ᐸᑭᑎᓇᑲᓂᐃᐧᐨ ᔓᓂᔭ ᐃᒪ ᑫᐅᐣᒋ ᐱᒥᔭᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑫᐃᔑ ᑲᐯᔑᐊᐧᐨ ᑫᐸᐱᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐠ. “ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃ ᓂᑐᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒪᒥᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ, ᑲᔦ ᒪᒋᑕᐃᐧᓇᐣ, ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᐱᒥᔭᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ, ᑲᔦ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᒥᓇ ᐅᑌᓇᐣᐠ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᓇᐣ, ᑲᔦ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᑕᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᑲᑫᐧ ᐁᐧᐣᒋᑕᒪᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑫᐅᐣᒋ ᐱᒥᔭᓂᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐃᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐧᓂᐯᐠ, ᒪᐠᒪᐦᐅᐣ ᐃᑭᑐ. ᒪᐠᒪᐦᐅᐣ ᐅᑐᐣᒋ ᔕᔑᐣᑭᒪᐣ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᐅᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᑫᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᐦᑕ ᐊᐧᓭᔭ, ᐱᕑᐃᒥᑎᕑ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧ ᐊᐸᒋᑕᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᑭᕑᐁᐦᐊᐤᐣᐟ ᐸᐢ ᑲᐱᒥᐱᓱᐨ ᒋᐱᒥᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐃᔕᓂᐨ ᐁᐧᐣᑲᐨ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐠ ᐃᒪ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᑎᐃᐧᓂᐠ. “ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᓂᑕᒥᓄᐧᐁᐧᐣᑕᒥᐣ ᒋᑭ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᑯᑐᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐠ ᐅᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᑫᐠ ᐃᐃᐧᒋᑕᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐧᓂᐯᐠ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐃᔑ ᑭᒋ̇ ᐃᔑᒋᑲᓂᐊᐧᐠ,” ᒪᐠᒪᐦᐅᐣ ᐃᑭᑐ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑲᔦ ᑭᐦᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐱᒥᓂ ᑲᑫᐧ ᒪᒥᓂᐦᑕᒪᐃᐧᐣᑕᐧ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐠ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐠ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓇᓇᐣᑕᐊᐧᐸᒪᐊᐧᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐣ ᒋᐃᐧᒋᑕᐧᓂᐨ ᒥᓇ ᐸᑭᑎᓂᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐅᐁᐧ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᔑᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ. “ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᑎᐸᑭᑌᓯᓄᐣ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑕᓯᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭ ᒋᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᐧᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᐸᐣ ᐅᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐣ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐱᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᒪ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᓂᐠ.” ᑭᐦᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐱᒥᓂ ᑲᑫᐧ ᒪᒥᓂᐦᑕᒪᐃᐧᐣᑕᐧ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐠ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐠ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᑲᓂ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᔑᒋᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑲᐯᔑᐊᐧᐨ, ᒥᓇ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐅᑎᐯᐣᒋᑫᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ, ᑲᔭᐢ ᑲᑭᐱᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐠ ᑲᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᒪᐦᑭᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ ᑲᑭ ᑲᑲᐧᑕᑭᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ. “ᐊᒥᐦᐃ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᓂᑫᔭᐠ ᐁᐃᐧ ᐊᐣᑐᑕᐊᐧᔭᐠ ᒥᓇ ᑲᑭᓇ ᑲᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᒪᑭᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᑲᑭ ᐱᐃᐢᑯᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ,” ᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᑎᐸᑯᓂᐁᐧ ᒥᕑᐁ ᓯᐣᑭᓫᐁᕑ,
ᑲᓂᑲᓂᐢᑲᐣᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ. “ᔕᑯᐨ, ᓂᐃᐧ ᑲᑫᐧ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᓇᐣ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᑲᒥᔕᑭᐣ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᔦ, ᒋᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᒥᑲᒧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐊᐣᑎ ᑫᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓱᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᑭᒋ ᐅᐣᒋ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐅᐁᐧ ᐃᓯᓭᐃᐧᐣ. ᐅᐁᐧ ᑕᐢ ᐅᐣᒋ ᓄᐣᑕᐊᐧᔭᐣᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑲᑭ ᐃᓯᓭᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣᐠ ᐊᒥᐦᐃᒪ ᑫᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᓯᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᐅᑎᓯᓭᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ, ᐃᒪ ᑕᐢ ᑲᔦ ᒋᐊᓂᓯᓭᐠ, ᒋᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᔭᐠ ᐁᐧᑎ ᓂᑲᐣ ᑫᐊᓂ ᐱᒥᑎᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐧᔭᐠ ᒋᒪᒐᐊᐧᐨ ᓂᑲᐣ.” ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᑕᐢ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐃᐧᐸᑭᑎᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑎᓯᓭᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᑲᓂ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᑕᒧᓂᐨ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᔭᑦ ᒋᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑫᐨ ᐅᑎᓯᓭᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐊᓂᒧᑕᐠ. ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᑭᔭᑦ ᒋᐱᐣᑌᐃᐧᔑᒪᑲᓂᐃᐧᐨ ᓇᐣᑕ ᒋᒐᑲᑌᔑᒪᑲᓂᐃᐧᐨ. ᒪᐢᑭᑭᐃᐧ ᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐅᑲᐸᑭᑎᓇᓇᐊᐧ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭ ᓇᐣᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᐠ. “ᓂᑐᐣᒋ ᔑᐣᑭᐢᑲᐊᐧᒥᐣ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᐅᑎᐢᑯᓂᐠ, ᑲᔦ ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᒪᒋᓭᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᑲᑭ ᐱᐃᐢᑯᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᒪ ᑲᑭ ᐱᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᓂᐠ, ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᐁᑲ ᒋᑯᑕᒋᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᑎᐸᒋᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭ ᐱᐃᔑ ᓇᑭᐢᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᑲᓂᐢᑲᒧᓂᐨ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ,” ᓯᐣᑭᓫᐁᕑ ᐃᑭᑐ. “ᐊᐦᐱ ᑕᐢ ᑭᑭᑫᐣᑕᑲᐧᑭᐣ ᐅᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑌᐯᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ, ᐊᒥᐦᐃᒪ ᑲᐃᓯᓭᐠ ᑲᐯᐦᐃ ᒋᑭᑫᐣᑕᑲᐧᓂᑭᐣ ᐅᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ.” ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᓇᓇᐣᑐᐠ ᐃᔑᒉᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓱᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᒥᑭᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑫᐊᐸᒋᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐅᐣᒋ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᑭ ᐃᔑ ᒪᒪᐤ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐅᒪ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ. ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑯᐃᐧ ᐊᓂᑭᓇᑲᓇᐠ ᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᓯᑎᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑲᐃᔑ ᒪᒋᓭᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭ ᐱᑲᑲᐧᑕᑭᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᑲᑭ ᐱᐃᐢᑯᓄᐃᐧᐊᐧᐨ. ᐊᓂᑲᒧ ᐸᐱ ᓭᐣᐟ ᒪᕑᐃ, ᓱᓴᐣ ᐊᐠᓫᐅᑲᕑᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐱᕑᐅ ᕑᐅᑎᔪ ᑕᓂᑲᒧᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᐃᐧ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᑕᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᓯᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᑭᐱᐃᔑ ᒪᒋᓭᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᐢᑲᐨ ᑲᑭᐃᐢᑯᓄᐃᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᒪ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᓂᐠ. ᐅᓂᑲᒧ ᐃᔭᐣ ᕑᐊᐢ ᑕᓂᑲᒧ ᐃᒪ ᒪᓇᑐᐸ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ ᑕᔭᒪᑲᐣ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐧᓂᐯᐠ ᒪᓯᓂᐱᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᑲᐃᔑ ᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑲᐧᑭᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ. ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᐃᐧᑭᑫᐣᑕᒪᐣ ᐃᐧᓂᐯᐠ ᑭᒋ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᐠ ᐃᓇᐱᐣ www.trc.ca ᓇᐣᑕ ᑲᔦ ᐃᐧᐱᑭᑐᔭᐣ 1-888-TRC-5554.
Teen dies of exposure James Thom Wawatay News
Police investigating the sudden death of a Wunnumin Lake teen have revealed the youth’s cause of death. A post-mortem was conducted on Jared Angees,
15, May 19 in Toronto, which revealed he died of the effects of propane gas, according to the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service. Police began investigating Angees’ death May 17. No charges will be laid as a result of the investigation.
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Wasaya In-Flight Magazine t is fu n’ Hun ‘T hi s Goose
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• 85% of passengers polled read Sagatay on their flight • 82% of passengers polled noticed and read the advertising in Sagatay • Over 330 departures every week to 25 destinations across Northwestern Ontario • Magazines are also placed in all destination’s airports, band offices and local businesses • Published 6 times per year, Sagatay reaches up to 20,000 Wasaya passengers with every issue
Booking Deadline July 8th, 2010
Distribution Date August 9th, 2010
The distribution date for the next magazine is scheduled for August 9th, 2010. To meet this deadline, our ad booking and material deadline is July 8th, 2010. Sagatay subscriptions are now available, if you would like a copy of this magazine, please contact us and we will send one to you for your enjoyment. If you have any questions, or would like to book an ad, please feel free to contact us. To advertise in Sagatay contact: Advertising Department Toll: 1-888-575-2349 Fax: 1-807-344-3182 Email: saturnm@wawatay.on.ca 2nd Floor Royal Bank Building Suite 202 Victoriaville Centre, 620 Victoria Ave. East Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1A93
SECTION B
June 10, 2010 Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974
www.wawataynews.ca
In search of a good teacher Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News
Within the city of Timmins, there is a lack of Aboriginal language classes for students attending elementary or secondary schools. Steve Pladzyk, superintendent of schools for District School Board Ontario North East, said the issue is not with the number of students who want to learn the language, it’s trying to find instructors to teach the language. “We don’t have enough teachers willing to come forward, at least here in Timmins,” Pladzyk said. With a population of around 44,000 in Timmins, some say the Aboriginal population is about a quarter of the total population. Many people from First Nation communities come to the city seeking jobs, housing, healthcare or education. Jamie Corston is an Aboriginal youth liaison officer serving the schools. Corston said the majority of people from the area are from Cree speaking communities. She said the school board implemented an Aboriginal selfidentification process to determine how many Aboriginal students there are. That identification process helps the board to determine which schools have a high Aboriginal population. At Timmins High and Vocational School at least 10 per cent of the school population, or about 150 students, are Aboriginal. “I think it would benefit them (the high school students) to continue on with language and culture,” Corston said. “It would be a great place to have a Cree class where they can feel at
home when they hear the language being spoken.” Elementary schools in the city have an even higher concentration of Aboriginal students. According to Pladzyk, Schumacher Public School and Pinecrest Public School have an Aboriginal enrollment around 30 per cent. “The Aboriginal student population is increasing year to year and we recognize that,” Pladzyk said. “As such, we are doing different programming options around Aboriginal culture and Aboriginal awareness for those students as they increase in numbers.” Schumacher Public School, because of the high percentage of young Aboriginal students, is the only school within the city fortunate enough to have a Cree language teacher. Gloria Stevens-Champagne of Fort Albany teaches grades 1 to 6 in a Cree language immersion environment. Stevens-Champagne likes teaching the children. By placing the students in a circle, she teaches stories that touch upon real life experiences. Because of the growing Aboriginal population in Timmins, she believes more can be done. “There are so many (Aboriginal) people living in Timmins that they can have their own school,” Stevens-Champagne said. She said many young Aboriginal students are now being raised in Timmins and they continue to take French language instead of learning their Indigenous language. “We need young Native language teachers,” she said. Each year the school board has posted for an Aboriginal language teacher, but there has been a lack of applicants for the
position. “By rights, we would like someone that is qualified to teach Aboriginal language, whether it is Cree, Oji-Cree, even Ojibway,” Pladzyk said. Native language teaching qualifications are usually provided by programs such as the Native Language Instructor Program at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., Pladyzk said. But since the loss of language is a huge concern, the school board is flexible when hiring someone to teach Native language classes. “We are also looking for people, individuals that don’t have any teaching experience but who can speak the language and are willing to work with kids,” Pladzyk said. An enrollment of eight to 10 students within a school is the minimum requirement to put together a language class, Pladzyk said. School administrators remain hopeful that the right person will come along to teach the language. “The school board is willing to take positive risks when it comes to Aboriginal education for students. It’s a challenge to get those resumes in. They need Aboriginal teachers,” Corston said. In the meantime, the school board continues its relentless search to find prospective Native language teachers. “We are starting to attempt to contact other school boards in the north and universities, specifically Lakehead, so we can start projecting for September to see what we will be able to offer,” Pladzyk said. “We would be happy with just one (language teacher) right now.”
Debbie Mishibinijima/Wawatay News
Gloria Stevens-Champagne, Cree language teacher at Schumacher Public School in Timmins, is one of only a very few language teachers in the city. School officials say despite the growing Aboriginal population in the city, it’s often difficult to find Aboriginal language teachers for local schools.
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On behalf of Shibogama First Nations Council staff & communities we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate
National Aboriginal Day Ju
National Aboriginal Day
ne 21, 2010
Five Nations Energy Inc. Board and Staff
Northern Nishnawbe Northern Nishnawbe Education Education Council (NNEC) Council (NNEC) wishes to extend wishes to extend greetings to all greetings to all First Nation First Nation communities communities in celebration of in celebration of National Aboriginal Day.
Happy Aboriginal Day www.nnec.on.ca
Kasabonika Lake First Nation Kingfisher Lake First Nation Wapekeka First Nation Wawakapewin First Nation Wunnumin Lake First Nation Shibogama First Nations Council PO Box 449, 81 King Street Sioux Lookout, Ontario, P8T 1A5 Phone: (807) 737-2662 Fax: (807) 737-1583
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Wawatay News
e t a r b e l e C
JUNE 10, 2010
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Proud to celebrate being Aboriginal Debbie Mishibinijima
National Aboriginal Day June 21, 2010
COLUMN
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout
wishes to extend greetings in celebration of National Aboriginal Day. National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to gain an understanding and appreciation of the culture of the earliest inhabitants of this country. We wish to recognize our First Nations residents, on this special day, as an integral part of our community that has contributed significantly to the cultural richness that we all enjoy. www.siouxlookout.ca
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boriginal peoples of Canada – comprised of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people – will be celebrating National Aboriginal Day June 21 to commemorate their cultural uniqueness and the contributions made within Canadian society. Thank goodness the days of the European colonial mindset of Duncan Campbell Scott, superintendent of Indian Affairs from 1913-1932, has become less socially acceptable. Scott said: “I want to get rid of the Indian problem ... our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic and there is no Indian question and no Indian department.” In spite of the centuries of hardships endured with the passing of policies to eradicate “Indians”, Aboriginal people still thrive throughout Turtle Island (North America). As a woman of maturity, I have seen a noticeable improvement within the last 40 years of Aboriginal cultural pride brought on by young leaders. I have learned many cultural teachings from the leaders that came into my life during the rising popularity of the American Indian Movement in the early 70s. The American Indian Movement, a social activist organization, was formed in the late 60s with the objective of promoting self-worth and self-dignity of
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Wawatay Reporter, Debbie Mishibinijima, as a child. She is proud to be a Nishnawbe Kwe and celebrates Aboriginal Day every day. She first began to dance at powwows while attending the Abinoojiiyag Native Children’s Program in Toronto. Indian people. The organization fought for the improvement of resources, education, housing and healthcare to alleviate poverty. The National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) also formed around the time of Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s infamous 1969 White Paper. The chiefs of the time came together in unity to ensure that the “Indians of Canada” were not absorbed into the body politic. It was an exciting time to be a child growing up in Toronto when the American Indian Movement made its way there. Young leaders from many communities converged upon the city, bringing their own unique knowledge of culture and traditions. I am thankful I was able to gain exposure to our culture and traditions at a young age. The ambitious young leaders
formed an after school program called the Abinoojiiyag Native Children’s Program. Danny Commanda, a former counsellor, estimated that about 500 children attended the program through the years it existed. I recall making my first buckskin traditional outfit at Abinoojiiyag when I was 10 years old to wear at the Ottawa powwow. Thirty years later, I continue to follow the path of the drum by dancing and singing at powwows. I still carry the teachings of how to make women’s powwow regalia and how to do beadwork. I honestly think I would not be the proud Nishnawbe Kwe I am today if I had not attended the Native children’s program with many positive young people enforcing how great it is to be Nishnawbe. It was in 1982 that the National Indian Brotherhood first suggested implementing a
National Aboriginal Solidarity Day on June 21. The date June 21 was selected because of the historical importance of tribal gatherings during the summer solstice. Disappointingly, the recommendation to create a special day to honour Canada’s first peoples remained dormant until 1995 when the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended that there be a designation of a National First Peoples Day. At long last, on June 13, 1996, Former governor general Roméo LeBlanc made the declaration that June 21 would be known as National Aboriginal Day. In 1996, when the proclamation was declared, Aboriginal Day events were celebrated from coast to coast. But really, is one day of the year to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal people enough? Our young children and youth ought to be taught their history, their culture, their language, and their traditions at home and within the education system. I have hope that the youth of today will stand united, will embrace their language and culture, and will help their fellow young men and women. Powwows continue to be a place where I can enjoy the beauty of watching young people engage in dancing, singing and drumming. I see the young ones being called to the path of the drum. After all, the beating of the drum represents the heart beat of Mother Earth. As a proud Nishnawbe Kwe, I find that everyday is Aboriginal Day.
Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Fundraiser held for film fest Chris Kornacki Wawatay News
Songs For Film, a fundraiser for the upcoming Biindigaate Aboriginal film festival took place May 28 at the Finnish Labour Temple in Thunder Bay. Guest musicians included Rob Spade, Kyle Tyance, Nick Sherman, Ron Kanutski, Robin Ranger and Elliot DoxtaterWynn. “We just started figuring out how we are going to raise the funds to put on the best festival that we can,” Michelle Derosier, organizer for the fundraiser said. “So we thought we should have a music concert … and the musicians in the community agreed to help and support the
festival this year and come out and put on a concert.” Some musicians that performed came from Sioux Lookout and Pic Mobert, as well as local Thunder Bay performers. This is the second year Biindigaate will take place in Thunder Bay and will showcase 2530 Aboriginal films September 10, 11 and 12 at the Paramount Theatre. This year’s films are coming from all over Canada and the U.S. as well as many local films by northwestern Ontario filmmakers, Derosier said. “We want to see northwestern Ontario have a successful film festival so we can share our stories with each other. We’re hoping that it’ll grow to be an
international Indigenous film festival,” Derosier said. For more information on Biindigaate and upcoming fundraisers visit www.biindigaate.ca.
Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News
Kyle Tyance performs his music at the Songs For Film fundraiser for the upcoming Biindigaate film festival to be held Sept. 10-12 at the Paramount Theatre in Thunder Bay. The fundraiser was held May 28 at the Finnish Labour Temple.
‘You must be one on of them urban Indians’ Brent Wesley COLUMN
I
guess you can call me an Urban Indian. I grew up in the city of Thunder Bay, so it makes sense. But back when I was young, that distinction never seemed to be made, especially in our little part of northern Ontario where travel was frequent between reserves, towns and one of the only cities in the area. I grew up with cousins who were straight off the rez, their influence strong. But usually, I was mixing with my non-Native classmates. Even then I was still distant from this group, never quite fitting in. If a Native kid ever joined my class, we’d always get along straight off the bat. More often than not, however, they never seemed to last long at the school. I can only assume they headed back to the rez with their family. Anyway, my point is simple. Despite growing up in the city, I often interacted with other Native folk, whether from the rez or others growing up in the city. But something nagged at me. Something never seemed right. I didn’t know what it was when I was a kid, but it left me feeling empty. It seems to have ties to a simple question. It’s a question other Native people ask each other all the time when meeting for the first time: “Where are you from?” When I was younger, when the judgmental ways of the
world had little impact on me, I often responded by saying I was born in Toronto or I was from Thunder Bay. However, the cynicism of the world took its toll. As I grew into adolescence I struggled with identity. I questioned who I really was, where I really came from, what place do I have in the world. Tough questions for a young person to deal with. Where are you from? The question never stopped. Constance Lake? No, that’s what the status card says, but I never lived there. Heck, I haven’t even been there. Thunder Bay? Well, that doesn’t make you much of an Indian does it? You must be one of those urban Indians? It seemed to me that because I wasn’t from a reserve, it meant I wasn’t as Indian as the person next to me who was from a reserve. And I struggled with that. It perpetuated my struggle with identity, the son of a Cree mother and French father. But in time, I learned a few things. I learned of my families past, the reasons why I wasn’t from a reserve, why I didn’t know my culture, why I often felt displaced. The urban Aboriginal population was relatively small in Thunder Bay when I was growing up. So ties were strong to the families living nearby in small towns or reserves. In my case, our family had roots to the small town of Nakina where my grandparents settled. From what I’m told, my grandparents chose not to live on reserve. Constance Lake was where they were supposed to move, but for whatever reason they refused the move and settled in places like Klotz Lake,
Longlac and finally Nakina. Originally, my grandparents hailed from the James Bay coast. With other families, they often traveled distantly inland down the Albany River and into Pagwa River where a small seasonal settlement was established called Mammamattawa. Further down river from this settlement was a Hudson Bay Trading Post in the small community of Pagwa, located alongside a now defunct rail line. It seems to me, the Cree people of this area moved freely along the river, traveling for the hunt, trading with the fur traders. But at some point, probably between the 1930s and 1950s, the settlement of permanent reserves in northern Ontario was forced on to the Aboriginal inhabitants of the area. The move to reserves effectively put an end to the nomadic way of life for the people in the area. However – and I don’t know the details as to why – my grandparents didn’t make the move to Constance Lake. So as it is, my family has no ties to a reserve. Sure the government said we belonged to Constance Lake, but we never lived there. It almost seems like my grandparents were still nomadic in a way, moving from place to place. But in my lifetime, they always lived in Nakina. My aunt and uncles, however, seemed to pick up where my grandparents left off. As soon as they were old enough they moved around a lot, looking for jobs, love, life. Who knows? My mother, she eventually moved to Toronto where she met my father and where my brothers and I were
all born. When they split, she moved us closer to her home but a few hours away to the city of Thunder Bay, where she still resides. And as you now know, where I grew up. I’ve come to terms with my identity as I moved into adulthood. But for a period, perhaps to still fit in, I said I was from Constance Lake when asked by other Native people where I was from. It was easier to say a reserve and leave it at that. If I ever said Thunder Bay, the question that most often followed is: “Yeah, but which First Nation?” Well, Constance Lake but I never lived there. Reactions varied. It was my younger brother who finally enlightened me, allowing me to embrace my identity, the son of a Cree mother and French father. He’s the one who pointed out that he’s not less of an Indian because he’s never lived on reserve. And he’s right. We’re diverse people and I believe we often forget that. And let’s also remember that not too long ago, our people once roamed freely on the land. The reserve system simply did not exist. So today, I say I grew up in Thunder Bay. If people want more details, I’ll gladly share, if not, I leave it at that. This whole Urban Indian label though, well, it never jived with me. It still doesn’t. I’m from northern Ontario, surrounded by bush. But urban? Well, maybe so, if someone needs to find a label so I fit nicely into his or her worldview. In the end, though, it doesn’t matter to me. I know who I am, where I come from and where I’m going.
Submitted photo
My brothers, Aaron and Corey, and I with my grandparents, Samuel and Emelda Wesley, in one of our first homes in Toronto, Ont., in the early 1980s.
e t a r b e l e C
National Aboriginal Day June 21, 2010
The community of Pickle Lake wishes to extend greetings in celebration of National Aboriginal Day. National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to gain an understanding and appreciation of the culture of the earliest inhabitants of this country. We wish to recognize our First Nations residents, on this special day, as an integral part of our community; a part of our community that has contributed significantly to the cultural richness that we all enjoy.
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
NATIVE ARTS & CRAFTS SUPPLIERS NEEDED Wachiye, Tanisi, Boozhoo, Ahneen, Sago, Hello… My name is Christopher Hunter; I am originally from Peawanuck, Ontario, a Weenusk First Nation band member that has moved to Toronto, Ontario. Today, I have an open business proposition for you, so read very carefully... When I rst moved to Toronto, Ontario back in August 25, 2007; I studied the demographics in the greater Toronto area and it turns out that this huge city and the surrounding areas has a population about 3-5 million people that shows a market for hand-made indigenous products on a very large cosmopolitan scale. I noticed that Canada’s largest city does have a fondness for ladies mukluk boots, deer-hide moccasins, deer-hide purses, deer-hide handbags, deer-hide mittens, deer-hide ladies beaded gloves, down-feather blankets, Russian trapper style headwear, beaded hand-made native jewellery, traditional snowshoes, traditional parkas, native arts and crafts, and the list goes on. Christopher Hunter
With that being said; I have envisioned an aboriginal business venture that will show case the beauty of our indigenous culture to Canada’s largest city. Therefore, I have a business proposition for you if you are Business Proposition skilled in manufacturing of Russian style trapper hats, ladies mukluks, deer-hide moccasins, deer-hide purses, down-feathered blankets, snowshoes, deer-hide mittens, deer-hide rie cases, deer-hide knife sheaths, traditional parkas, arts & crafts, and more. My business proposition is that I will your sell hand-made indigenous products on your behalf through consignment agreement basis to greater Toronto area customers through the ea market channels. If you have native hand-made products and you want them sold to the huge demographics of the greater Toronto area, then you are in luck. Please contact me as soon as possible at: Contact Information
Christopher Hunter 5 Sandrift Square Scarborough, ON M1E 4N5
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ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
High school students celebrate being Aboriginal Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News
Aboriginal high school students at Timmins High and Vocational School in Timmins are proud to share their Aboriginal cultural pride with the entire student body of the school. The school celebrated Miloshin Week (Good Week) June 1-4 to highlight Aboriginal culture for the students. Jaime Corston, Aboriginal youth liaison officer at the school said it was a way to celebrate National Aboriginal History Month for June. For Miloshin Week, the Aboriginal Students Advisory Council at the high school organized the events. “Yesterday we had some drummers come in and share with the whole school some of the traditional drumming,” Corston said. “The students really enjoyed it. That is the first time they ever had something like that in the common area where all the students come through and check what is going on.” Later that day, the students went into the music room to talk about the spiritual part of drumming. The drummers shared with the students how traditional life has been such a positive thing in their lives.
The second day of Miloshin Week had students raising a teepee at the entrance to the school. Gary Martin, traditional coordinator at Misiway Milopemahtesewin Community Health Centre came to watch the students at work. He said that a few students had previously received teachings of the teepee. Last year, Martin said he took 4 or 5 of the students to New Liskeard to erect a teepee. “They were shown how to properly set them up, the number of poles, and where the door should be facing,” Martin said. Jeff Jacobs operates the Sumac Creek Tipi Company, based out of Cutler, Ont. Jacobs explained the teachings of the structure of the teepee. For example, each pole has a different meaning. “The three main poles that form the tripod talk about unity,” Jacobs said. “Seven of the poles represent the seven grandfather teachings of respect, humility, truth, love, wisdom, bravery and honesty.” The two smoke flap poles teach about a man and woman working together. The Mishomis pole, or grandfather pole, that holds up the cover teaches about respect. “That shows how the head
of the families is supposed to be strong and support the families,” Jacobs said. The cover teaches about humility, such as how a woman should cover her legs at ceremonies. There is a rope that binds all the poles together at the top, Jacobs said. “You lash that and stake it to the ground. That teaches us about being grounded and having a solid footing connected to Mother Earth,” he said. According to Martin, the school board purchased three teepees for the region, one for Cochrane, one for Timmins and one for New Liskeard. “It is, basically, for traditional teachings outside to share some of the culture,” Martin said. Once the teepee was completed, traditional healer Jake Augonie gave the students a teaching within the teepee. Day three activities included bannock and hot chocolate served by the Aboriginal Students Advisory Council. The last day of Miloshin Week was capped off with a feast of traditional food served in the Aboriginal student lodge. It was a time for the youth to learn about their history and to celebrate the pride of their culture during National Aboriginal History Month.
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Debbie Mishibinijima/Wawatay News
Aboriginal students at Timmins High and Vocational School in Timmins celebrated Miloshin Week from June 1 to 4. They worked together to raise a teepee at the main entrance to the school. Once the teepee was completed, they had traditional teachings inside with Jake Augonie.
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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Howard Hampton MPP Kenora - Rainy River Celebrating National Aboriginal Day. Constituency Office 32B Princess Street DRYDEN, ON. P8N 1C6 Phone 807-223-6456 Toll Free 1-800-465-8501 Submitted photo
Kaaren Olsen Dannenmann, Angel Angeconeb, Storm Angeconeb and Thunder Whitequills paddle the birch bark canoe to be displayed during the Celebrating the Canoe: Honouring the Original Technicians exhibit at the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre June 21-26.
Exhibit coming to Red Lake Rick Garrick Wawatay News
The original canoe builders will be honoured June 2126 during the Celebrating the Canoe: Honouring the Original Technicians exhibit at the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre. “The main thing is to acknowledge and honour the original technicians,” said Kaaren Olsen Dannenmann, director of the KIISHIK Community Association, one of the organizations that initiated the exhibit. “A lot of times if it is not acknowledged, then that technology is being appropriated.” A birch bark canoe built in Trout Lake, a small community located about 50 kilometres northeast of Red Lake, is the highlight of the exhibit, which also features several other types of canoes. “We built this canoe in Trout Lake three years ago,” Dannenmann said. “It was our community gathering, a coming home gathering, and that is what we did for one week – we built the canoe. We all participated in it.” Birch bark canoe builder Darren Lentz helped lead the canoe project, but the Trout Lake community members completed the work. “It was more than the physical work,” Dannenmann said. “It was like when our hands started doing the work, it was as if memories came to us through our hands, memories from the distant past of these skills, the ancient, ancient skills that are somewhere in our bones. The skills are still within us – the knowledge is still there.” Dannenmann feels the knowledge comes from the land. “We are being taught by the land and these are the gifts from the land,” Dannenmann said, explaining that ceremo-
nies were held throughout the gathering. “We had a ceremony before we started and we had ceremonies every day. We had sharing circles and we put tobacco down every time we took from the land. We finished with a feast and it was just beautiful. It was multi-faceted and we learned mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.” Artisans from Trout Lake will be holding scheduled events on making repairs to the canoe throughout the six-day exhibit. The artisans will also answer questions and share their knowledge about the birch back canoe. Visitors will be exposed to the history of the canoe and how environmentally friendly it is in construction, use and maintenance. “This is really and truly an environmentally friendly gift from the birch tree, the cedar tree, the black spruce tree,” Dannenmann said. “This is quite a fantastic gift and the technology of this that our ancestors came up with is pretty amazing.” Although canoes are now made from a wide variety of materials, including Kevlar, aluminum, plastic and canvas-covered cedar strips, Dannenmann emphasized the design of the canoe has not changed. “They are still emulating the design of the original canoes,” Dannenmann said, explaining that she has paddled in the birch bark canoe that will be on exhibit. “We use it. It’s beautiful – it floats so well. It is very stable.” Initiated by Ontario Parks, the exhibit is also in partnership with the Heritage Centre, KIISHIK Community Association and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
NISKA LAW OFFICE Ramona Sutherland B.A. (Hons.) LL.B. Niska law ofce is a Cree owned and operated law ofce created specically for those people who are experiencing legal issues. Niska Law Ofce is committed to ensuring services are offered in an environment that is non-discriminating and with an awareness of cultural differences. Owned and operated by Ramona Sutherland, a Cree from Northern Ontario. Niska Law provides legal representation for criminal and/or family matters in Cree and English languages. This law ofce services Timmins, Cochrane, Chapleau and the Mushkegowuk region.
Niska Law ofce is located at the
101 Mall unit 109 lower level. For more information or to book an appointment with Ramona Sutherland, the Lawyer, please call 705-268-3010 or email admin@niskalaw.ca
Have an excellent aboriginal day Meegwetch!
GOOD LEARNING ANYWHERE
2010 National Aboriginal Day Monday, June 7-28 National Aboriginal Day is on June 21, 2010. To celebrate and share our pride in Aboriginal cultlure, we are holding a 3 week course, starting June 7. Each week will include assignments, activities and resources focused on aboriginal culture and will be inlcuded in a collaborative book that will be published for our learners. **This course is being offered in moodle, there are no live classes, so participants can access anytime, anywhere.
Call 866-550-0697 toll free or register at www.siouxhudsonliteracy.com
Sioux Hudson Literacy Council Phone: 866-550-0697 Website: www.siouxhudsonliteracy.com Email: info@siouxhudsonliteracy.com Submitted photo
Jacintha King works on the gunnel lashing during construction of the birch bark canoe to be on display at the Celebrating the Canoe: Honouring the Original Technicians exhibit. During a Trout Lake community gathering in 2007, community members worked on the canoe.
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
JUNE 21, 2010 NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY CELEBRATE WITH PRIDE
ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ
Thunder Bay Art Gallery offers look into past Rick Garrick Wawatay News
Beendigen provides a safe & confidential place for you to meet with one of our trained counsellors.
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To make an appointment call (807) 344-9579 and start making a difference in your life today! Childcare and city transportation can be arranged with one of our counsellors.
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Sharon Godwin, Thunder Bay Art Gallery director, looks over the Treaty No. 5 & 1910 adhesion documents June 3 prior to placing them on display at the gallery. The documents will be on display to the public from June 4-13.
For more information on any of our other services please call (807) 344-9579 or visit our website at www.beendigen.com
The original Treaty No. 5 and 1910 adhesion documents are now on display at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. “This is a momentous occasion for us to be able to view one of the historic documents that is the basis to how we do business today,” Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy said. “This treaty is a sacred agreement that created the current relationship we have with the government of Canada.” Treaty No. 5 was signed in 1875, and the 1910 adhesion was signed in 1910 to include the NAN communities of Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, Keewaywin, Koocheching, North Spirit Lake, Poplar Hill and Pikangikum. The documents will be on display June 4-13 on loan from Library and Archives Canada, with the 1910 adhesion document to be transported to Sandy Lake June 9 for the 100year commemoration events in Sandy Lake and Deer Lake. “As a leader in the presentation of Aboriginal art since 1981, the Gallery is honoured to present these original treaty documents to the people of Thunder Bay and northwestern Ontario,” said Sharon Godwin, director of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. “We invite people to take this opportunity to view these important pieces of history and think about the significance of the treaty in our present day life.”
SEVEN Youth Media Network pays tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of our Aboriginal Peoples as well as to the many contemporary accomplishments being made both here at home as well as on the world stage. Our proud partners:
Contact Joyce Hunter, Director, SEVEN Phone: Toll Free: Fax: Email: Mail:
1-807-344-3022 1-888-575-2349 1-807-344-3182 seven@wawatay.on.ca 2nd Floor, Royal Bank Building, Suite 202 Victoriaville Centre, 620 Victoria Ave. East Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1A9
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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Sequin
Proud to be 100% First Nations owned and wishing you a Happy Aboriginal Day!
Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News
Above: Artist and craft maker Margaret Wabegijig sells her work at Sequin, the Aboriginal fine arts and crafts spring gift show and sale at Victoriaville Centre in Thunder Bay May 27-29. Sequin is put on twice a year by the Aboriginal Artworks Group of Northern Ontario. Below: Examples of Wabegijig’s work for sale at the arts and crafts show.
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National Aboriginal Day Monday, June 21, 2010 Celebrating the contributions and cultures of the Inuit, Métis and First Nation peoples in Canada. Join in the celebrations! RSAR
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Celebrate National Aboriginal Day ᑲᐧᐃᒥᐧᓇᐧᐊᑌᑕᒥᐣ ᒥᓯᐧᐁᑲᒥᐠ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐧᐊᐠ ᐅᑭᔑᑲᒥᐧᐊ
Preserving Aboriginal cultures and languages
Telling Aboriginal stories since 1974 ᐁᐱᒥᑲᓇᐧᐁᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐧᐃ ᐱᒪᑎᓯᐧᐃᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐃᔑᑭᐧᔐᐧᐃᓇᐣ
ᐁᐧᐃᑕᒪᑎᓇᓄᐧᐊᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐧᐃ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ ᐊᑯᓇᐠ 1974
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Wawatay News
JUNE 10, 2010
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Celebrating National Aboriginal Day Working with Communities Officially opened on July 26, 2008, the Victor Mine represents the culmination of two decades of exploration, development and construction in a remote region of Northern Ontario. Our partners on the James Bay coast played an integral role in that success. De Beers is proud to share in the celebrations for National Aboriginal Day on June 21.
T: 705 268 0988 F: 705 268 0179 www.debeerscanada.com